What are the Residence Halls rules?

The main things to remember are that UWest is a dry campus—meaning that no alcohol is allowed on campus. Also, smoking is only allowed outside in designated areas. Please see the download for the residence hall rules on the website for the remaining rules and details.

Remember that residence hall life is communal, meaning that we cannot do whatever we want as if we were the only ones living on campus. We have to remember that our actions effect others.

How and when are room assignments made?

Room assignments are made beginning a few weeks prior to the start of the fall and summer semester. Wherever possible, we try to use the information you provide on your application to make the best possible match. This means it is very important for you to report to us accurate information. If you smoke, tell us. If you sleep late, that’s fine, too.

What about the meal plan?

The cafeteria is open Monday through Friday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. However, the cafeteria closes on the weekend and for certain holidays. When the cafeteria is closed, students are responsible for their own meals.

Both meat and vegetarian options are available at each meal.

Where do I wash my clothes?

There are laundry facilities on the first floor of Hall A and in a small room off the back of Hall B. It’s $.75 to wash and $.75 to dry a load of laundry. Students need to buy their own laundry detergent.

If I designate a roommate preference, will that request be honored?

Wherever possible, roommate preferences will be honored. However, as some of the students on-campus are non-native speakers of English, we may reserve the right to place you with someone whose native language is different from your own. We hope this will encourage you to use more English.

In addition, for roommate requests to be honored, all of the roommates must request one another in writing.

Are room changes possible if I have complaints about life in the residence halls?

This depends on what the problem is. If you are not getting along with your roommate(s), the first step is to schedule a mediation meeting. In the world beyond college, you can’t expect to just pick up and leave when you don’t get along with your co-workers or other people you have to interact with. It is important to develop the skills to resolve conflict. Therefore, we don’t let people simply move to another room. If a mediation does not resolve the problem and a space is available in another room, you may be allowed to move into that space.

If you are having problems with the facilities in your room, please fill out a work-order at the Residential Life office and General Services will do their best to repair the problem in a timely manner.

When can I move in?

It is not possible to move-in more than five days prior to the start of the semester. Although we want to accommodate your travel schedule, we also need time to ensure the rooms are clean and ready for your arrival. New students may arrive five days prior to the start of the semester without incurring any additional cost. However, returning students who arrive before the start of their agreement (usually the Sunday prior to the start of classes) will have additional charges applied to their account.

What if I cannot go home during breaks?

No problem. The residence hall is open year round. The basic agreement includes the fall and spring semesters. However, a summer agreement is also available and a supplemental agreement is available for the winter vacation period. Furthermore, the residence hall does not close for Thanksgiving or spring break. Please note that on some holidays, the cafeteria is closed. Students are responsible for their meals whenever the cafeteria is closed.

Can a student break his/her agreement to move off campus?

No. The agreement is a legally binding document. You are required to pay the full amount you agreement for. If you withdraw from the university, however, prior to the end of your agreement, you will not be penalized.

Can students bring a refrigerator?

You are welcome to bring a small refrigerator, or to purchase one once you arrive.

Can students bring carpeting for their rooms?

You are welcome to bring area rugs or carpet for your room, but you must remove everything you bring when you check out, unless you pass it on to another student.

Are vacuums provided in the Residence Hall?

Vacuums are available in the laundry room of Hall A for you to use. Please be sure to return them when you are finished.

May students bring a computer?

We encourage all students to bring a computer with them to campus. Internet access is available in the rooms, but you will need the help of the IT department to set up access.

Is it possible for students to work part–time in the residence halls?

Part-time Resident Assistant positions are available for students who have been at the university at least one semester. All Resident Assistants are required to live on-campus and can work up to 20 hours per week. RA’s also participate in the on-call rotation for emergencies one night per week and two or three weekends per semester. Summer RA’s will also need to be flexible with their schedules so that they can help check-in and check-out summer immersion groups.

Hiring for RA’s for the summer and fall terms begins in March every year. RA’s who wish to continue from one term to the next do not need to reapply.

How can students decorate their rooms?

You are welcome to decorate your rooms, but please avoid putting up things with nails or adhesives that will damage the walls or cabinets in any way. Also, please discuss things with your roommates before decorating to avoid any conflict.

What appliances are allowed in the room?

You may have a hot water heater, coffee maker, and refrigerator. The new rules (starting summer of ‘08) bar toaster ovens, hot plates and microwaves. Cooking in your room is both a fire hazard and may create odors unacceptable to other residents. All cooking must be done in the student kitchen below the cafeteria.

Are pets allowed?

You are welcome to have fish, but no pets that can survive outside of water are allowed. Allergies and fear of small animals may create concerns for other residents.

During semester and holiday breaks, may students leave their belongings in their rooms?

If you are not contracted to live in the residence hall for any period, you should be prepared to remove your belongings from the residence hall. However, if your roommate is staying for the winter break and if there are no plans to use your space for that period, you may leave your belongings.

Who is responsible for a student’s property?

Remember that the university does not accept any liability or responsibility for your personal belongings. When you check-out of your room, you are required to take all of your belongings with you (except in the case cited above). Anything you leave behind will either be thrown away or become the property of the university.

Can I have overnight guests in my residence hall room?

Overnight guests are absolutely not allowed. Guests are not covered by the university’s insurance policy and overnight guests may make the room uncomfortable for your roommates. If you violate this policy, you are entirely liable for your guests behavior and any injuries or illness they may cause or contract during their stay.

What fire safety precautions are in place in the residence halls?

The residence hall has a fire alarm system. If you hear the alarm, you must vacate the building immediately and meet the staff and other residents by the gazebo on the lawn. Also, smoking, burning incense, and open flame items such as candles are strictly prohibited at all times.

What security measures are in place in the residence halls?

Each resident can use their ID to access the residence hall. Outside doors and room doors should remain locked at all times. In addition, the triple and quad rooms have lockable cabinets where you can store more important personal items. If you are in another type of room, you might want to bring a lockable box of some kind.

In addition, security cameras have been placed in the public areas of the residence hall.