Personalized Living

Making yourself at home
Consider for a moment your first impression of your residence hall room upon entering it for the very first time. You will probably notice that the room seems pretty typical with box-like dimensions, a window, two standard beds, sterile-looking white walls, several pieces of furniture, etc. Your room looks like every other room down the hallway. The greeting may seem a little impersonal, unlike the feeling one has when returning home.

The addition of you
But then in the following few days the transformation occurs. The previous uniform, ordered and indestructible looking room assumes a more personalized atmosphere. Posters are hung, plants are added, music plays and an identity begins to take shape. The key ingredient is as unique as you, because the key ingredient is YOU!

Packing
New students tend to bring far too much to campus, and you should not try to bring all of your worldly possessions. John Mabee Hall, LaFortune House and Lottie Jane Hall are the only halls with an elevator, so it is better to pack a number of small boxes rather than a few large ones. Spread your heavy items in a number of boxes, and you can pack light items in large plastic bags. When you are packing, keep in mind that you will be sharing your room with someone else (see tips for living with a roommate). Also, be certain to pack your registration information, ID card, class schedule, and any correspondence from the University in an easily accessible place. Not sure what to bring or do you still have some questions?

Furnishings
Room furnishings differ somewhat in various halls, but most rooms include a desk with drawers, chair, desk light, dresser, wardrobe, bed, and university phone. There is also at least one telephone outlet and ethernet port in each room with access to the voice mail system. Before you bring book shelves or extra pieces of furniture, you might check with your future roommate to coordinate plans.

Accessories
Wall hangings, plants, paintings, fans, posters, throw pillows, baskets, full length mirrors, flower arrangements, lamps, bulletin boards, comfortable chairs, and curtains are some of the many items that will make your room a personalized part of you and your roommate.

Beyond your Room

Bike Storage
Bicycle storage is permitted in your room and in designated parking areas around your residence halls. Please limit the storage of your bicycle to the bicycle racks only. Storage lockers are available for rent to residence hall students. A limited number are located in the courtyard of John Mabee Hall. See John Mabee’s RD for more information.

Cleaning Equipment/Supplies
In residence halls, your ID card enables you to borrow a vacuum from the front desk. These machines are purchased by hall governments for use by hall residents only and should be emptied and returned to the desk after each use. Emergency cleaning supplies (such as a mop or bucket) are available through the housekeeping staff or front desk. Generally, residents are responsible for providing their own cleaning supplies and equipment. Toilet tissue is supplied in all residence hall and sorority facilities. In Twin Towers and LaFortune suite bathrooms, residents need to request toilet tissue by calling Maintenance at extension 2513 or by contacting the front desk. Housekeeping will replace the spent tissue during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays. During weekends, evenings, and emergencies, please contact the front desk for tissue.

Front Desk
All residence halls have a front desk located in the main lobby. These desks are generally staffed by student workers who provide various services such as checking out hall equipment, handing out packages, issuing directory information, and providing administrative services. The cooperation of hall residents is requested in helping the desks operate professionally. Let your residence director know if you experience problems or poor service. Desk assistants may ask to see your student ID at any time for security purposes.

Recycle Program
In an effort to support the environment through recycling paper, plastic, glass, and aluminum waste, bins for these purposes are located within each residence hall.

Storage
University Housing does not have storage space available for student belongings. Storage of personal belongings during the summer months is not available. This policy has been developed to allow housekeeping and maintenance personnel access to all areas for thorough cleaning and pest control.