UC students return to campus and get a first look at the newly renovated dorm

CINCINNATI – The University of Cincinnati’s Siddall Hall reopened to students Tuesday for the first time in 18 months – just in time for move-in day.

The dorm, known for its famous ping pong tournaments and occasional late-night ice cream parties, closed in January 2023 for an $85 million renovation project.

Siddall Hall is located on the south side of campus and offers 500 beds and 12 floors of dormitory space.

New amenities include a 465 square meter ground-level fitness area, a newly renovated shared laundry room, a shared kitchenette and a lounge area.

“[It’s] beautiful, brand new. It looks great. Very excited. [my daughter] is in a quad room, so it's nice. The restrooms are wonderful,” said Karissa Hendricks, a University of Cincinnati mom who is moving in with her freshman daughter.

The closure comes amid a housing crisis on campus in 2023, tied to record enrollment numbers. The university has reported record enrollment every year since 2013.

The University of Cincinnati has not yet announced enrollment numbers for the fall 2024 semester.

In January, the university reported a 7% increase in applicants to over 33,000.

The move-in of the first-year students began on Tuesday morning and lasts until Thursday. Check-in begins daily at 9 a.m. and lasts until 4 p.m.

Senior students will move into campus on Friday and will remain there through Sunday. Check-in begins at 9am daily and ends at 4pm.

To make moving in as smooth as possible, the University of Cincinnati has put together the following tips:

• Do not arrive at check-in with a tall vehicle (e.g. U-Hauls, tall trucks, etc.).
• Before checking in, make sure your car has enough gas, you've eaten, and you've taken care of any other urgent needs—you may have to wait a while.
• If you want to speed up your move-in, bring your own car.
• Prepare for bad weather.
• Recycle your cardboard.