“It’s a nice place,” Falwell said. “The dining room is still in good condition and there is a nice lobby area for students to study and socialize.”

Falwell said there is no time restraint on how long UL can use the building for dorms and it is available as long as needed.

“We empathize with them,” he said. “We’ve been in the same situation as them and have found ways to improvise. It’s what Christians believe, to help others. It would be a shame to turn students away and we’re more than happy to help.”

Falwell said Garren has done a lot to build a good relationship with LU and said the two have become good friends. He added his father, the Rev. Jerry Falwell Sr., attended Lynchburg College for two years.

Smith said it’s been a great collaboration between the two universities and he is thankful to Falwell for helping give students a place to live temporarily. Smith said although students will be apart from the main campus on Lakeside Drive, he wants them to feel like they are part of the community.

“When they come back we want them to feel excited about moving into a brand-new building,” he said.

UL will help students move into the residence hall when it is complete, he said.