Commuting to Campus

Whether you live on or off campus, you’re part of the Redhawk family. Known for our close-knit community and small, supportive environment, La Roche serves as a home-away-from-home for all students, no matter where you choose to live while earning your degree.

Clubs and Sports

You don’t have to live on campus to easily explore new interests or get to know your classmates. Home to more than 30 student clubs and organizations, La Roche invites commuter students to take part in the unique campus traditions and experiences that happen outside of the classroom. 

Make your college experience memorable and meaningful by joining—or even leading—one or more of our exciting clubs or organizations.

Commuter students are able to use the Kerr Fitness and Sports Center at no additional cost. Students can attend sporting events for free and have use of the indoor track, the weightroom, and gym when not used by athletic teams.

As a commuter student, you also have a Student Government Association representative who can address your concerns.

Parking at La Roche

LRU offers free parking to all commuter students throughout the year. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so you may want to get to campus early on busy days. Commuters may park in three designated lots:

• The main commuter lot.
• Behind the Kerr Fitness & Sports Center.
• Behind Providence Heights.

Everyone must register their motor vehicle(s) with the Office of Public Safety.

Study Areas

Why drive all the way home in between classes when you can relax or study on campus? The most popular spots to meet up with friends, finish homework or study include:

• Wright Library: The library is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to midnight. Hours vary during finals, holidays, semester breaks and summer sessions.
• Zappala Campus Center Square: This common area houses the Dining Hall and Redhawk Café, and is a popular location for campus-wide events.
• Study areas outside of the La Roche Bookstore: Located in the Huber Academic Center, this quiet hallway is the perfect spot to get caught up on schoolwork, prepare for an exam or take a break.
• Bold Union Room (BUR): Stop by Bold Hall, one of our four residence halls, to use the microwave, stove, refrigerator, TV and pool table before or after classes.

Wi-Fi for Commuters

Commuters can access the University’s secure Wi-Fi network using their username and password for MyLaRoche, the official web portal for La Roche.

Public Safety Announcements

Get campus alerts in a timely fashion by signing up for Omnilert Emergency Notification System. The University uses this mass notification system to send instant alerts via text or email for emergencies, weather delays and campus closures to students, faculty and staff.

Meal Plans

Commuter students have the option to purchase a campus meal plan, though it is not mandatory. Options include purchasing the Talon plan, a $525.00 a semester plan that works similar to a debit plan. Students can use the plan both in the dining hall for all-you-care-to-eat options, or in the Redhawk cafe for a quick meal or snack. This plan can be added to a student's account and paid through a payment plan or other financial aid. To sign up for this account, contact the residence life office: reslife2@laroche.edu

Commuter students can also add smaller amounts to a fund by paying cash or credit card in the student accounts office. Although the funds must be pre-paid before accessing the dining services, there is an additional bonus of 10% added to a student's dining account. For example, if a student puts $300.00 on their dining account, they will receive $330.00 to use in both the dining hall or the Redhawk Cafe. Students wishing to use this option should email: studentaccounts@laroche.edu or stop in the student accounts office located in the Campus Center.

Dining Services does not accept cash in the dining hall or in the Redhawk Cafe, so students must have a credit card, a debit card, or funds on their dining account.

The Dining Hall is an all-you-care-to eat, buffet-style, dine in venue that serves a variety of foods. Students are charged for a meal each time they enter. The Redhawk Cafe is a to-go venue that serves made to order burgers, pizzas, and salads. Students can place their orders on a kiosk, or they can choose from a selection of prepacked items. They can also place orders for pick up using the Touch of SAGE Mobile App. The app also allows students to view the menu in advance.

La Roche also offers Go Green Reusable To-Go Containers for take out. Commuter students can pick up a special carabiner clip for $5.00 at the entrance to the dining hall. The carabiner clip is used as a 'ticket' to exchange for a to-go box so students may select their items to go if they need to head to class or want to eat outside. To avoid having to carry a dirty box after the meal is finished, the box is returned in exchange for the carabiner clip to hold on to until a student wants to use it again.

Hours of Operation:

• Cantellops Dining Hall
  • Monday - Friday
    • Breakfast ~ 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
    • Continental Breakfast ~ 9 - 11 a.m.
    • Lunch ~ 11am - 2 p.m.
    • Light Fare ~ 2 - 4 p.m.
    • Dinner ~ 4 - 6:30 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday
    • Brunch 11:30 a.m. - 1:15.p.m.
    • Dinner: 4 - 6 p.m.
• Redhawk Cafe
  • Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
  • Friday 8.a.m. - 3 p.m.
    Hours sometimes vary based on campus events and scheduling needs.

Meal Prices

• Cantellops Dining Hall
  • Breakfast: $9
  • Lunch: $10
  • Dinner: $11
• Redhawk Cafe: Prices will vary depending on choices.

Around Campus

La Roche is at the center of activity in our hometown of McCandless Township. Whether you want to get lunch, run errands or shop in between classes, you can head over to McCandless Crossing. This popular neighborhood and business district is within walking distance and features major retailers, restaurants, a movie theater and more.