UNH Today

Beginning this fall, students at the University of New Hampshire at Manchester will have a UNH housing option downtown.

UNH Downtown Commons will be located at 1000 Elm Street, just a short walk to campus and steps from Manchester’s vibrant restaurants, shops and nightlife. The residence hall will feature double and triple rooms, laundry, cable TV and internet access, on-site dining, shared kitchen space and more.

Mike Decelle, dean of UNH Manchester, said the UNH Downtown Commons was created in response to the growing number of out-of-state and international students enrolling at the Manchester campus.

“For years, our student body largely commuted to campus from their homes or apartments in southern New Hampshire,” Decelle said. “As demand for our programs has grown, so has the number of students coming to UNH Manchester from outside the state and country. We’re excited to offer these students a residential experience that’s close to campus and to the professional and cultural opportunities Manchester has to offer.”

A recent survey of the undergraduate class of 2017 showed that 75 percent of students complete at least one internship during their time at UNH Manchester. Kim DeRego, associate dean of enrollment management, said the new residence hall puts students steps away from an array of internship sites. 

“Internships are key to the UNH Manchester learning experience, and this housing option will give students improved access to the companies and organizations that offer experiential opportunities in downtown Manchester,” DeRego said.

Students living at UNH Downtown Commons will have access to a 10- or 19-meals-per-week plan in the New Hampshire Institute of Art dining hall, also located at 1000 Elm Street.

UNH Downtown Commons will be open to students this fall 2018. For more information or to reserve space, contact UNH Manchester’s admissions office at unhm.admissions@unh.edu or 603-641-4150.