Find answers to common housing-related questions here!
- Do all freshmen live together? Do you have freshmen halls?
- Can I have visitors in my room?
- What is furnished in the residence hall?
- What do I need to bring when I move in to the residence halls?
- What is Preview?
- What if I meet someone during Preview that I want to room with?
- What about a computer?
- Can I bring a loft?
- Can I paint my room?
- Can I make long distance calls from my room?
- Does the University provide staff in the halls?
- How can I become a Resident Assistant?
- If I join a sorority or a fraternity, can I live in their house?
- What jobs are available for students on campus?
- Can I have a car on campus?
- When will I find out about the residence halls?
- When will I get my room assignment?
- Is there a deadline for returning the application-contract?
- Do I have to send any money with my application-contract?
- Can I change my room assignment once I've selected a room online?
- What if I change my mind? Will I get my money back?
- Do you ever run out of rooms?
- What is the food like?
- What if I don't want to buy a meal plan... do I have to?
- Which residence hall is the best place to live?
- What is the walk from West Campus really like?
- If I turn in my application early, will I have a better chance of getting into Watterson?
- Do you match roommates?
- What do I do if I want to live with a friend from high school?
- What if my roommate and I don't get along... ?
Q: When will I find out about the residence halls?
A: We begin mailing application-contract packets beginning in mid-February to new students admitted for fall that have a high school graduation date later then December 1, 2006. Students who have been admitted by mid-February can expect to receive their packet by early March. After that initial mailing, packets are sent out every week to newly admitted students.
For students admitted for spring semester, we begin mailing application-contracts in early November and then each week as students are admitted.
Q: When will I get my room assignment?
A: At Illinois State University many new students get to select their room through a Web-based on-line program. The room selection program, which will be available beginning in late May or early June and throughout much of the summer, is accessible from any computer with Internet access. By May 11 University Housing Services will mail each student detailed instructions and specific dates for selecting a room. Room selection dates will be based on the date the student's residence hall contract and deposit are received by the University.
In some cases, it will be necessary for University Housing Services to make a student's room assignment. As the residence halls get close to being full, the on-line selection process will be discontinued and University Housing Services staff will make the remaining room assignments. A cutoff point will be established based on the number of contracts received and the date by which we received them. Students whose contracts were received after the cutoff point will be sent instructions as to when to go on-line to give us their preferences for assignment. A University Housing Services staff member will then make the actual room assignment.
Some students may not want to select their room on-line. If you would prefer to have University Housing Services make your room assignment, please call us at (309) 438-8611 and we will do so.
Most spaces available to new students will be multiple-occupancy rooms (doubles and quads). There are a limited number of single occupancy rooms available during the room selection process. Students with active contracts who are interested in but could not locate a single room can also place there names on a list during the room selection process. If space permits, students will also be able to reserve a space for a preferred roommate if their roommate is able to select their room on-line. Space may be limited in some areas of campus such as Watterson Towers because returning residence hall students select their rooms prior to new students. West Campus typically houses the highest percentage of new students.
Although each student's room selection will be confirmed during the on-line selection process, University Housing Services will also mail an official room assignment notice by August 1. The notice will contain the student's hall, room number, room telephone number, floor type, lifestyle, and roommate's name, email and home address. Unfortunately we cannot provide a roommate's home telephone number.
The web-based on-line room selection program is not available for students who submit applications for second semester. University Housing assignment staff will make students' room assignments.
Q: Is there a deadline for returning the application-contract?
A: Although there is no deadline for returning the application-contract, there is a May 1 preferred filing date. For optimum assurance of receiving a room, your housing and dining application-contract must be postmarked by May 1. Application-contracts are accepted on a "first-come, first-served" basis and admission to the University is not a guarantee of housing.
Q: Do I have to send any money with my application-contract?
A: A $300 deposit is required along with the application-contract. Students who expect to receive full financial aid may be eligible for the deferred deposit program. To participate, students may submit their housing application-contract with only the $50 nonrefundable application fee, rather than the full $300 initial payment. The Financial Aid Office will verify eligibility based on financial aid material applicants have submitted. Eligible students will not be required to pay the security deposit, room, or meal plan charges until after financial aid is disbursed in the fall semester. Ineligible students will be billed for the remainder of the deposit.
Q: Can I change my room assignment once I've selected a room online?
A: Yes, once you have selected your room, you may re-enter the new student assignment web site again to make a roommate change or search for open rooms. Once the web site closes in mid-June, you will not be able to request a room change until after the first ten days of fall semester classes.
Q: What if I change my mind? Will I get my money back?
A: If you change your mind, you must officially cancel your residence hall contract in writing. Your cancellation request must be sent to University Housing Services - no other office or department can cancel your contract. If you cancel before May 1 for the fall semester $250 of the initial $300 deposit will be refunded. After May 1, there is a cancellation charge. Refer to the Residence Hall Contract Terms and Conditions for the entire cancellation policy. If you are a new student for the spring semester and you cancel before December 1, $250 of the initial $300 will be refunded. After December 1, there is a cancellation charge. The exact amount depends on the date of cancellation, which is outlined in the Residence Hall Contract Terms and Conditions.
Q: Do you ever run out of rooms?
A: For the past few years we have been unable to accommodate all new students in regular housing and have offered students the option of living in supplemental housing. Supplemental housing is located in the study lounges on residential floors. Each lounge has its own door that locks and is furnished for up to 6 residents. Students are only assigned to supplemental housing after they have been offered and accepted that type of assignment. No one is ever assigned to supplemental housing without their knowledge and a signed addendum to their contract. Although it is not possible to predict exactly how long a student will be in supplemental housing, the majority of students will be assigned to regular rooms before or by spring semester. It is possible that some new students for the spring could remain in supplemental for spring semester.
Q: What is the food like?
A: The food is great! Hundreds of students who live off-campus purchase meal plans to eat in the residence halls - that's how good it is. There are several different types of dining styles to choose from...and you can eat in any of our three dining centers with your ID/debit card. You'll get a full explanation of all the dining and meal plan options in your residence hall packet.
Q: What if I don't want to buy a meal plan...do I have to?
A: A meal plan is required as part of the residence hall contract. If you have special dietary needs, however, you can meet with a dining services manager or our dietician to discuss how we can make the meal plan work for you.
Q: Which residence hall is the best place to live?
A: Each residence hall has it's own unique environment. People who live in Watterson will often tell you Watterson is the best; people who live in Wright will tell you Wright is the best; people who live in Atkin will tell you Atkin is the best; and so on and so on... Whichever hall you end up in will probably be the "best" to you because, in the end, it's the people you meet and the friends you make that determine your residence hall experience - not the building itself.
Q: What is the walk from West Campus really like?
A: In comparison to the other residence halls, West Campus is a little longer walk. However, in reality, it's only about a 5-10 minute walk from the library and Schroeder Hall, and maybe another 5-10 minutes to the opposite side of campus. The underpass allows you to completely avoid Main Street traffic and traffic lights. You should also know that about 1/3 of all new freshmen will be assigned to West Campus. West Campus has a very strong sense of community with a lot of activities and programs that we think you'll like.
Q: If I turn in my application early, will I have a better chance of getting into [name of a specific residence hall]?
A: It's impossible to predict how early you would have to turn in your contract to get into a specific residence hall. Although your chances are enhanced the earlier you turn in your contract, it is still no guarantee. Students currently in the residence halls who qualify choose their rooms for the following year before any new students. Then new students are allowed on the web site to make their assignments in the order we received their contracts.
Q: Do you match roommates?
A: Because most students select their own rooms, we don't match roommates. However, we encourage students to complete a "Personal Profile" which allows potential roommates to learn some basic information about you, such as your preferred sleep/wake habits, study habits, housekeeping habits, etc. This information is not for the purpose of ensuring students will get a roommate whose personal profile matches their own. It is intended for potential roommates to get to know each other a little before moving in together. The information you provide on your Personal Profile will be available for other students to view after you have selected a room. Likewise, you will be able to see other students' profiles if they have completed one. You will also be able to view your roommate's age, major/minor, and class standing. When University Housing makes roommate assignments for students who are not able to use the assignment Web site, we look at each person's preferences (for hall, lifestyle, etc.) and assign students as close to their preferences as possible. We do try to assign new freshmen with new freshmen but it isn't always possible.
Q: What do I do if I want to live with a friend from high school?
A: If you know someone you want to live with - whether it's a friend from high school, a friend who is transferring to Illinois State , or a friend who is already at Illinois State - you may be able to select them as a roommate through the assignment web site provided they have submitted a contract, have been guaranteed a regular residence hall room, and have been assigned a web date. Keep in mind that we cannot guarantee that a completely empty room with two spaces will be available when you make your selection.
Q: What if my roommate and I don't get along...?
A: To be a good roommate, you have to be willing to negotiate and to compromise on some things and understand your roommate rights and responsibilities, even though it's not always easy. In order to avoid conflicts, at the beginning of every year roommates are required to sit down together and fill out a Roommate Bill of Rights (pdf). The Bill of Rights helps roommates talk through some of the most frequent areas of conflict, such as guests/visitors to the room, use of the TV, whether or not to share items (like food), taking messages for each other, etc. If, during the course of the semester, a conflict arises that you and your roommate are unable to resolve, you should talk to your RA or Residence Hall Coordinator. If both you and your roommate have tried to resolve a conflict and have not succeeded, you may decide you don't want to live together. At that point, if there is space available in other rooms or halls, it may be possible for the RHC to reassign you. If not, then you may have to wait until second semester to make a room change.
Q: Do all freshmen live together? Do you have freshmen halls?
A: Not all freshmen live together. Each year a number of new freshmen are assigned to each area of campus.
Q: Can I have visitors in my room?
A: Yes. Guests are allowed 24 hours a day, seven days a week in all residence halls except those with limited or restricted visitation. In Madison House in Watterson Towers, male visitors must be escorted by a female at all times. In all residence halls between midnight and 6:00 a.m., all guests (male and female) must be accompanied by a resident of that particular residence hall.
Q: What is furnished in the residence hall?
A: The University supplies a desk, chair, dresser, closet, study light, draperies, a twin bed, and mattress (36" wide x 80" long x 6" deep). Live jacks and free local service are provided in all residence halls and telephone instruments are also provided in Atkin-Colby, Hamilton-Whitten, and Watterson Towers. If a student in Haynie, Wright, Wilkins, or Hewett is unable to bring their own telephone, a telephone can be requested by contacting the Resident Assistant. Each residence hall floor has a microwave and bathrooms with showers and toilets. On floors with male and female residents, there are separate bathrooms. ATM machines, fitness centers (with Universal and/or Nautilus gyms and free weights), resource centers (quiet study areas with reference books), music/piano practice rooms, and laundry facilities are located in each area of campus. Ironing boards are available on each floor; however, you must bring your own iron. Irons can only be used in the utility rooms, not in student rooms.
Q: What do I need to bring when I move in to the residence halls?
A: You should bring your own extra-long, twin sheets; blankets; bedspread; pillow; and a metal wastebasket. All rooms have cable TV outlets; however, you must provide your own cable which can be brought from home or purchased from the Association of Residence Halls office located in Watterson Towers. You may bring an answering machine, a clock, radio, stereo, TV, typewriter, and computer. Students in Haynie, Wright, Wilkins, and Hewett may want to bring a telephone as rooms in those halls do come equipped with telephones. The University strictly prohibits electrical appliances in the residence halls with the exception of hair appliances, mirrors, and shavers. For your convenience, a microwave oven is provided on each student living floor and every two suites in Watterson. Microwave ovens and halogen lamps are not allowed in student rooms. We also have check lists of What To Bring (pdf) and What Not To Bring (pdf) on our Move In page.
Q: What is Preview?
A: Preview is Illinois State University's summer orientation program. It is a full 2-day program that gives incoming new students and their parents a chance to experience the University before school starts. Preview participants stay overnight in the residence halls. During the course of their 2-day stay, students and parents attend many different programs and students register for fall classes.
Q: What if I meet someone during Preview that I want to room with?
A: If you and your preferred roommate were able to make your assignment using the assignment web site, you may reenter the web site if it is still open and search for another room with your new roommate request. If you were instructed to give your preferences via the web site, you may also reenter to make your request. Once the web site is closed, it is very unlikely that we will be able to make a change. All roommate requests must be mutual and both students must have been guaranteed regular residence hall space - not supplemental.
Q: What about a computer?
A: New students are required to bring a computer to campus. Please refer to www.techzone.ilstu.org/ownership for details on this policy. ResNet provides high speed internet and technical support to each residence hall. There is a charge each semester for the ResNet (direct network access) service; there is no charge if you use a modem. Internet access is free if you use the University's Internet resources.
Q: Can I bring a loft?
A: It depends on where you live. Lofts are allowed in Watterson Towers, Hamilton-Whitten, and Atkin-Colby residence halls, provided they are freestanding (can't be attached to the wall or ceiling or floor). We strongly urge you to wait until you get on campus to build your loft. The space dimensions vary somewhat from one room to another and you don't want a loft that is too large for the space. You cannot bring your own loft if you live in Hewett, Wilkins, Haynie, and Wright, since the existing beds in those halls can be lofted at two different heights. Loft kits that raise the bed high enough to give plenty of room underneath for other furniture can be checked out. Ask the RA about checking out a loft kit. Note: Other types of lofts and beds, as well as the use of cinder blocks will not be needed or allowed in Wilkins, Haynie, or Wright Halls.
Q: Can I paint my room?
A: It depends on when your room was last painted. If you are interested in painting your room, you should talk to your Residence Hall Coordinator. If you are allowed to paint, all roommates must agree and you must use paint and supplies provided by University Housing Services. Paint kits are available after the halls open from residence hall staff.
Q: Can I make long distance calls from my room?
A: All Residence Halls, except for Wilkins, Haynie, and Wright, have a private-line, push button phone. You may make long distance calls from your room by using a prepaid calling card or personal calling card with a toll-free access number. Students may also use personal cellular telephones to place long distance calls. You are not allowed to accept collect calls on your room telephone. Students who accept collect calls will be referred to Community Rights and Responsibilities and will be responsible for all costs associated with accepting the collect calls. Rooms in Wilkins, Haynie, and Wright Halls are equipped with phone jacks. Students can request push-button telephones by contacting their Resident Assistant.
Q. Does the University provide staff in the halls?
A: Yes. There are professional and paraprofessional (resident assistants, or RAs) staff working and living in each residence hall. The staff provides opportunities for each resident to enhance their personal, interpersonal, and educational development. Residents are encouraged to talk to their RA or the professional staff about any concerns or questions they have. Between midnight and 6 a.m. students must show any University-issued room keys and their University ID to Night Operation staff in order to enter the residence hall.
Q: How can I become a Resident Assistant?
A: The RA hiring process is conducted once each semester for the following year or semester. For example, if you live in the residence halls during the fall semester, you can apply to be an RA for spring semester. You must have lived in the residence halls for one semester at the time of appointment. You cannot apply now for an RA position, but you can apply after you have lived in the residence halls for one semester.
Q: If I join a sorority or fraternity, can I live in their house?
A: The Illinois State University On Campus Housing Policy states that new freshmen and sophomores are required to live in the residence halls. However, sophomores may request an exemption to that policy in order to live in their fraternity or sorority house. Contact the Housing office for details about moving into a fraternity or sorority house your sophomore year. Requests to live in a fraternity or sorority are considered if received by July 15. No exemptions are granted after July 15.
Q: What jobs are available for students on campus?
A: There are literally hundreds of jobs available for students just within University Housing Services and Campus Dining Services alone! Please check out the Affordability section for more information on student positions in Housing. During Preview, tables will be set up in the residence halls for students who are looking for Housing and Dining jobs for fall. In fact, it's possible to leave Preview with a job already lined up for fall. You can also wait until you get to campus in August to look for a job.
Q: Can I have a car on campus?
A: The answer to that is an unequivocal "maybe." Student parking is very limited and there are not enough spaces for everyone who would like one. The Office of Parking and Transportation will mail every new residence hall student a packet of information in mid-July. Whatever spaces are still available after current students have purchased spaces will be made available to new students.