Students at South Dakota State University settled into their dorms this fall with fewer restrictions.

For the first time, undergraduates at SDSU will enjoy 24-hour visitation rights in some dorms. Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs Doug Wermedal says the program is designed to accommodate students' academic schedules.

"It's had the intended effect of equipping students to be able to study later at night without having to keep one eye on the clock," Wermedal said.

Under the old rules, male and female students weren't allowed on each other's floors past 11 p.m.  But the new rules have eliminated those restrictions for students in Young and Binneweis Halls. Students in those dorms say the results have been all positive.

"Say, you know, I have somebody studying for homework, I don't have to worry about getting them out in time," Young Hall resident Betzi Johnson said.

But the benefits aren't limited to academics. Students also say socializing has become easier.

"It's more open and free,” Binneweis Hall resident Troy Larsen said. “You're less stressed about having friends over from other schools or things like that."

"There isn't a hassle if you want to have friends stay over,” Young Hall resident Elizabeth Huckins said. “You feel comfortable letting them stay in your room."

Wermedal says he hasn't received any complaints yet. School officials say they'll review the program's results at the end of the year and make a decision then about the program's future.