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Student Affairs improves UGA student spaces

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Students sit together in a dining hall as large windows fill the space with natural light and views of surrounding greenery.

The Division of Student Affairs unveils facility improvements during the 2026 fall semester

With the semester well underway, the University of Georgia continues to help students settle into life on campus with new construction and modern updates to facilities across the Division of Student Affairs. From enhanced spaces that foster community and well-being to improvements designed to support student success, these projects reflect the university’s longstanding efforts to create more welcoming, functional spaces to learn, connect and thrive.

The Dining, Learning, and Well-being Center, which offers a variety of medical and wellness services to students and includes the Hillside Dining Commons, is now open on the west side of campus. It is centrally located among freshman residence halls and the Bolton Dining Commons, bolstering first-year community spaces on campus.

Students sit and dine along the counter seating in front of a large window overlooking a green field and trees.
The Dining, Learning, and Well-being Center overlooks Legion Field, which serves as a backyard gathering space for students living nearby and as a central destination for key student events and programming. (Photo by Andrew Davis Tucker/UGA)
A white glass bulldog statue sits on a desk in front of a wall displaying the University of Georgia Building 2266 logo.
Building 2266, located on Lumpkin Street, welcomed its first residents at the start of the fall 2026 semester. (Photo by Dorothy Kozlowski/UGA)
Students use new strength and conditioning equipment inside the Ramsey Student Center, with a red graphic of the state of Georgia and the Power G logo displayed behind them.
Students utilize the recently renovated Strength & Conditioning 3 space on the first floor of the Ramsey Student Center. (Photo by Billy Schuerman/UGA)

Also open following an Aug. 6 dedication with the Dining, Learning, and Well-being Center is Building 2266 on Lumpkin Street. The first-year residence hall features modern fixtures and provides comfortable spaces for students to gather and study. The first residents moved in at the start of the fall semester and have since enjoyed amenities including a community kitchen, lounges and other thoughtfully designed common areas.

“I love seeing these projects come to life because I know the impact they have on our students,” says Michelle Cook, vice president for student affairs. “These are not just investments in buildings; they are investments in the student experience. The spaces where students live, eat, study and connect shape how they experience UGA. Creating places that foster belonging and build support is one of the most important investments we can make in student success.”

In the heart of campus, the Tate Student Center has received many upgrades over the summer, including an expansion of the Student Food Pantry. Located on the first floor of the student center, the food pantry serves students facing food insecurity and is widely available to students without requiring proof of need. Also in Tate, the game room was relocated and updated to include brand-new equipment and furniture. Where the game room was previously located, there is now a FujiSan, a dining option that offers handcrafted sushi rolls, poke bowls and bubble tea.

Over on East Campus, students are already taking advantage of several newly renovated first-floor spaces at the Ramsey Student Center. These include the new Strength & Conditioning 3 space, featuring new exercise equipment and additional workout space; the relocated Outdoor Recreation Center; the relocated and renovated boxing studio; and an upcoming renovated space for physical therapy sessions. 

As the semester progresses, the completed projects will continue serving thousands of Bulldogs across campus. Together, the facility updates reflect ongoing efforts within the Division of Student Affairs to enhance campus spaces to meet students’ changing needs and improve the places where they live, gather and connect.