LOUISVILLE, Ky. — University of Louisville students are moving back to campus this week and for some it will mean living in a brand-new residence hall.

UofL officially opened the Belknap Residence Hall Monday. It is one of two new halls being built on campus. The 452-bed dorm is part of an $87 million project replacing old buildings and halls on campus. 

“By cutting this ribbon today, we are beginning an exciting new era for UofL students on Belknap Campus,” said UofL President Neeli Bendapudi in a statement. “Not only are we welcoming back students, many of whom have been learning virtually due to COVID-19, we are presenting our first-year students with a thoroughly modern residence hall designed to help them achieve success.”

The second hall will open in Fall 2022. 

Belknap Residence Hall is at full capacity for the Fall 2021 semester. The hall features single and double-occupancy rooms and a host of other amenities including:

• Classroom space
• Private study rooms
• A game room, kitchen and several laundry facilities

The dorm was designed with input from student advisers and is located in the heart of campus close to classes, libraries, dining areas and the Students Activities Center.

Denny Crum Hall, a third new residence hall is also being built on campus. The 128-bed dorm is also set to open in 2022. It will serve as housing for both student-athletes and non-student athletes.

Belknap Residence Hall is the first new dorm in 31 years. Miller Hall was the last new hall built according to an email from UofL. Miller Hall is going to be demolished for the construction of the second hall opening next year. 

Classes begin at UofL on Aug. 23.