Frequently Asked Questions about Living on Campus
- How will I be assigned a roommate?
- How do I get assigned a room?
- When will I know my room assignment?
- How do I change or modify my housing application/contract?
- What are the room rates for the 2008/09 year?
- What are the meal plans for the 2008/09 year?
- When do the residence halls open for Fall 2008?
- When is New student Orientation and what does it consist of?
- How do I go about changing my meal plan?
- Can I change my meal plan during the year?
- Will my room have cable TV?
- Will I need a computer for my room?
- Are telephone services provided?
- What can I bring?
- What size are the mattresses and beds?
- Does SCSU offer a linen program for students living in the residence halls?
- What furniture is provided in the rooms?
- How much space is under the bed?
- Do I need curtains?
- Is my room air conditioned?
- Can I decorate the walls?
- Can I bring my own rug?
- Can I switch rooms in the middle of the semester?
- Do I need insurance to cover my belongings?
- Is there storage space available?
- Can I bring a bike to campus?
- Are cooking facilities available?
- Are there laundry rooms in each residence hall and what does it cost?
- Can I bring a car to campus?
- What forms of transportation are available on and off campus?
- Can I move in early?
- Can I build a loft in my room?
- What size refrigerators are allowed in the halls?
- Are the residence halls safe?
- What is community council?
- When is Family Weekend?
- How do I find out about all the programs and activities I could become involved with?
- Is alcohol allowed on campus?
- Which hall is best to live in?
- Do you offer any theme/special interest housing?
- Are pets allowed on-campus?
How will I be assigned a roommate?
Roommate assignments for incoming students are based upon the date when we receive your signed housing contract and your $250 pre-payment. The sooner both of these items are returned, the better your chances are of being assigned to your specific hall choice. If you have a roommate request, both you and your prospective roommate have to specify each other on your contract that you want to live together. All other roommate assignments will be made based upon building preferences and when information such as contracts and $250 pre-payments are received in our office.
How do I get assigned a room?
An allocation system is used to assign residence hall rooms. A specific percentage of hall space is delegated to both returning and incoming students. For incoming freshmen, these spaces are filled based on the date the residence hall application and $250 pre-payment is received. Students living on-campus during the second semester are allowed to participate in a re-application/room selection process for the next academic year.
When will I know my room assignment?
Room assignments usually go out in the first week of May before new entering students begin to arrive for Orientation. In this letter you will receive your roommate's address and telephone number. We strongly suggest you contact your new roommate prior to arrival in the fall to begin building your new relationship together and to determine who is bringing what into the room, etc.
How do I change or modify my housing application/contract?
Students may change or modify their housing application/contract on-line. Simply go to https://webproc.mnscu.edu/eservices/login.html?campusid=073 and enter your student ID and password to log in. Click on the "Housing and Dining" link in the left tool bar then click the “Go to the Housing and Dining Services site” and make necessary changes or adjustments to both the housing application and/or the meal plan options on this page
What are the current room rates?
All rates listed include local telephone service, cable TV, ResNet (Internet Service), Munch Money and all utilities. Depending upon the meal plan you choose, rates will vary. Please see the Residential Life Office or review our web page for the most current rates. For a double room with the Husky AnyTime meal plan option the cost is $2885 per semester.
What are the meal plans for the 2008/09 year?
For the 2008-09 academic year, there will be three meal plan options to select from. These include the Husky AnyTime Plan, the Husky 14 Weekly Plan and the Husky 160 Semester Plan. For further information about each of these plans, please click here.
When do the residence halls open for Fall 2008?
For first year students new to the University, the residence halls will open on Saturday, August 23rd. Students will be mailed more information in the summer with specific directions and specific times that they can move in. It is very important to arrive during the designated times that your letter instructs. This will help to ensure for a smooth opening/check-in process. Returning students will arrive on Sunday, August 24th beginning at 10:00 a.m.
When is New student Orientation and what does it consist of?
New Student Orientation is our way of acquainting you with YOUR University. It's an opportuntiy to meet the people at SCSU who want to help you make the most of your college experience. New student Orientation will take place on the evening of August 23rd and August 24th. Orientation consists of 1-2 days that all new entering students are expected to participate in. Orientaiton is designed to help get students acclimated and settled into their new community. There will be educational sessions and workshops, lectures, fun programs, games, teambuilding activities and tons of other fun. Classes begin for all SCSU students on Monday, August 25th.
How do I go about changing my meal plan?
Students may change or modify their meal plan selection on-line. Simply go to https://webproc.mnscu.edu/eservices/login.html?campusid=073 and enter your student ID and password to log in. Click on the "Housing and Dining" link in the left tool bar then click the “Go to the Housing and Dining Services site” and make necessary changes or adjustments to your meal plan on this page.
Can I change my meal plan during the year?
Yes, a limited time period is offered in the beginning of each semester to change your meal plan. You must go to the Residential Life Office, located in Carol Hall to make these changes. Students may also change this on-line at the following website. https://webproc.mnscu.edu/eservices/login.html?campusid=073 You will need to enter your student ID and password to log in. Click on the "Housing and Dining" link in the left tool bar then click the “Go to the Housing and Dining Services site” and make necessary changes or adjustments to your meal plan on this page.
Will my room have cable TV?
All residence hall rooms are provided with cable hook-up and computer network access. The cable package we offer is the extended basic digital in each of our residence halls. Please note that we recommend that you bring your own cable cord (20-25 feet) in length.
Will I need a computer for my room?
Having a computer on campus is totally a personal choice. Many students opt to bring their own computer to campus. Students who do not have a computer will find that there are several places on campus in which to use a computer. Four of our residence halls have computer labs located within the building. Wireless technology is available in each of the residence halls.
Are telephone services provided?
Basic local telephone service is provided in each of our rooms. This includes a voicemail service so students do not need to bring an answering machine. Telephones are not provided (you will need to bring your own). In order to make long distance calls, you will need a calling card or credit card.
What can I bring?
Students can bring a wide variety of things to personalize their rooms. We recommend that students work out some of these details with their roommate prior to their fall arrival as there is limited space. This helps avoid duplication and the hassle of having to return belongings back home. Items that are not allowed include any open flame cooking devices, candles with burnt wicks and hot plates.
What size are the mattresses and beds?
Most of the residence halls are equipped with two standard twin size beds. Standard size sheets are recommended. We have a limited supply of extra long mattresses that may be available. Again, these are limited and are offered on a first come, first serve basis. You would need to contact your Residence Hall Director if this is a request you would need. (extra long twin sheets would be needed for these mattresses). **Mitchell Hall, Shoemaker, Stearns and Sherburne Hall already have extra long mattresses in these rooms. For people assigned to these four buildings, we suggest that you purchase extra long size sheets (36" X 80"). These can be found at Bed Bath and Beyond, JC Penney's and a wide variety of other retail or outlet stores. For further information about the new linen program that is being endorsed by the Residence Hall Association (RHA), please click here.
Does SCSU offer a linen program for students living in the residence halls?
Yes. The Residence Hall Association, (RHA) has parterned up with OCM to offer students living on campus an opportunity to purchase linens through a mail order service. For information to this program, please click here
What furniture is provided in the rooms?
Each room is furnished with two standard twin size beds, desks, chairs, dressers, trash can, closet and drawer space, movable or built in desk lamp, and voicemail. The room will also have curtains. In the Stateview apartment community, no furniture is provided in the rooms. Students will have to bring their own.
How much space is under the bed?
All beds have at least one foot of clearance from the bottom of the bed to the floor for added storage space.
Do I need curtains?
All rooms are provided with curtains in their residence hall room.
Is my room air conditioned?
The majority of our halls do not have air conditioning. We encourage students to bring and use fans to their preference. The only two residential communities that offer air conditioning are Lawrence Hall, our newest residence hall, and the Stateview Apartments.
Can I decorate the walls?
We want you to make your room feel comfortable and cozy, yet we do not allow double sided adhesive tape or nails as this damage the walls. Students should not use sticky tape as well. Any damages done to the room will be charged to the occupants when they check out.
Can I bring my own rug?
Yes, many students often bring area rugs or remnants to cover their floors and to personalize their rooms. The rooms all have tiled or wood floors.
Can I switch rooms in the middle of the semester?
We have a two week room freeze in the beginning of each semester. Exceptions can be made in an emergency. If a roommate conflict arises, we encourage students to work out their differences/problems with their roommates. After the two week freeze is up and you are still having difficulties, please see your RA or Residence Hall Director to discuss a room/hall change.
Do I need insurance to cover my belongings?
Yes, all students should check to see if they are covered under their parent's home owners policy or consider purchasing this added coverage to protect their personal belongings. The university is not liable, directly or indirectly, for theft, destruction, loss of money, valuables or other personal property. We encourage students to lock their room door at all times.
Is there storage space available?
There is no additional storage space available in the residence halls for student’s personal belongings. Students should plan and pack accordingly. There is also no storage available in any of the residence halls over the summer months as well.
Can I bring a bike to campus?
Yes, you may bring a bike to campus. Bikes may be stored near the outside of each of our residential communities. Bikes may also be stored in the student’s room with their roommate’s permission. Please bring a padlock and chain to secure the bike if left outside.
Are cooking facilities available?
Each building has at least one kitchen facility in the main lobby or on one or more of the floors in each of our residence halls. This will consist of a stove, sink, and microwave. Some halls will also have a refrigerator.
Are there laundry rooms in each residence hall and what does it cost?
Each of our residence halls have laundry facilities located in their buildings. The machines cost $1.00 to wash and $1.00 to dry. Student may use their SCSU ID card to activate these machines with campus cash or you can simply use quarters. In some buildings there is a washing machine and dryer on each floor and in some residence halls, they are located in a central location for student use.
Can I bring a car to campus?
Yes, students can bring a car to campus but parking is very limited. There are plenty of bus and cab services available so having a car is not a necessity while living on campus. Many amenities are also found within walking distance from the university. For further information/questions about parking, please contact the Public Safety Office.
What forms of transportation are available on and off campus?
The St. Cloud Metro bus is free to all students with their SCSU ID card. They offer a variety of routes in and around the SCSU campus and greater St. Cloud Community. There are also local taxi cab services available. Many amenities are also found within walking distance from the university.
Can I move in early?
No. The only exception to this is student athletes, Husky Helpers and Residence Life Staff. Students may only move in on their designated date and time for check in. Students can always move in anytime after their official check-in date and time and staff will be readily available to assist them.
Can I build a loft in my room?
Yes, but all lofts require inspection and a staff-signed contract. Loft construction and remodeling may only be done if a loft guideline contract is previously read and signed. Permission is then granted by a staff member who will inspect the construction when it is completed. All cutting must take place prior to your arrival or outside the building. Lofts are also avaialble for rent to on-campus students on a semester or academic year basis. More information will be mailed in late summer about this rental program. For additional information, you may view their website at www.bedloft.com.
What size refrigerators are allowed in the halls?
A maximum of a 4.3 cubic foot refrigerator is permitted in student rooms. A rental program for 2.5, and 3.6 cubic foot refrigerators and microwaves/refrigerator/freezer combination units is available. These refrigerators are available to on-campus students on a semester or academic year basis. More information will be mailed in late summer about this rental program. For additional information, you may view their website at www.bedloft.com.
Are the residence halls safe?
Yes, we do everything in our power to make sure that you are in a safe and secure environment. We have 24 hour public safety officers on foot and bike patrol 365 days a year. Each of the front doors to each of the residence halls are locked nightly at 7 p.m. Monday-Friday and continuously locked at 7 p.m. Friday night until Monday morning on the weekends. Students must use their key and show proper ID to gain entry. Any guests after 7 p.m. nightly must be checked into the building by a resident before entering and show proper identification. Everyone is ultimately responsible for their own safety.
What is community council?
One of the primary ways to get involved in your residence hall is through Community Council. Every student is automatically a member of their hall’s community council. It offers each student an opportunity to have a voice in what occurs in the hall, helps set or determine hall policies and helps plan both social and educational programs/activities in your buildings. This is a wonderful opportunity to gain leadership and get involved in campus life.
When is Family Weekend?
Family Weekend is planned for September 27th, 2008 on the SCSU Campus. There will be a wide variety of activities and events to help families see “life on campus!” This is an annual tradition that you will not want to miss. For additional information and to register on-line, please visit the following site. www.stcloudstate.edu/upb/family.asp
How do I find out about all the programs and activities I could become involved with?
There are many ways to find out about all the different programs and events that are happening at SCSU. Watch for posters/signs on your floor and lobby bulletin boards, attend community council and floor meetings, or ask your Resident Advisor. Also watch Promo TV Channel 8 for the weekly Garvey menu and other SCSU sponsored programs and events.
Is alcohol allowed on campus?
No. SCSU residence halls are completely dry and alcohol/drugs of any kind are not permitted, regardless of a student's age.
Which hall is best to live in?
This is completely a personal preference. All of our residential communities are totally unique and offer a wide variety of living options to its residents. Each community changes year to year based upon the students who live there and how involved and active they want their community to be. Some students choose their residence hall based upon location. For example, Shoemaker Hall is on the far South side of the campus and is near Halenbeck Hall and the recreation facilities. Students might choose Sherburne Hall as it is the tallest building on the SCSU campus and is also directly connected to the dining facility. A student living in this building never has to go outside to eat a meal. Again, each hall is unique in personality and amenities in which it offers. Please refer to the Residence Life website for additional information about each of our nine different residence halls. Click this link for additional information. All you need to do is click on the residence hall and it will bring up all the information you need. www.stcloudstate.edu/reslife/reshalls/fastfacts.aspReturn to Top
Do you offer any theme/special interest housing?
Yes, SCSU does offer theme housing in some of our communities. We have an “Honors Community” that is located on the 13th floor of Sherburne Hall and we have an extensive International Program that is housed in Lawrence Hall. For students who need adaptive residence hall facilities, selected rooms are available in Mitchell Hall and Hill/Case residence halls. Students must notify our office if such accommodations are necessary. We also have a First Year Experience Program (FYE) in our residence halls. For more information, go to www.stcloudstate.edu/fye
Are pets allowed on-campus?
No animals are allowed within student rooms, although students may have fish in approved containers/aquariums.
