St. Thomas More Catholic University Parish is not only a church, but also a provider of housing for University students.

The church is located off Thurstin Avenue and sits across the road from McDonald Hall.

Emma Lou Sawin, director of development at St. Thomas More Catholic University Parish, said there are two main reasons students like to live at the church’s apartments.

The first is the community in which the church is located, Sawin said.

“Everybody is nice, friendly and helpful”, she said.

The second reason is location and parking, she said.

Every student is assigned a parking spot right next to the apartments, Sawin said.

“People say the parking is worth the rent alone,” she said.

With the location of the church being so close to campus, students don’t have to go through the hassles of off-campus parking and its expensive fees, Sawin said.

Many students are unaware about the option to live in the church’s apartments.

“I graduate soon but if I would’ve known about these apartments before, I would’ve taken complete advantage”, said Althea Young, a University senior, said.

University junior Isabella Starks said she thought individual students would have to make the decision if living in a church apartment was for them.

“It might be a little weird to stay in a church as a college student, but if it works for you and is cheaper, why not stay there?” Starks said.

Sawin said that there is no special requirement to live in the apartments except residents must be a University student and are expected to “live a higher standard.”

This higher standard is translated into being a good Christian, Sawin said.

For more information visit www.sttoms.com or email Emma Lou Sawin at [email protected].