Residence Life Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application process for Student housing?

The first step is to complete a contract. An application is available at the Office of Residence Life, located in the Student Union. Contracts area available in the Office of Residence Life and Auxiliary services.

Is there a deadline for applying for student housing?

There is a priority deadline of July 1st for new students. New contracts received by this date are given a priority in the room assignment process. New assignments will be made shortly after the priority deadline date, and will continue on a first come, first-served basis. It is important that new students begin the application process early enough to have their contracts submitted by the priority deadline of July 1. Returning residents have the opportunity for housing in a priority renewal process during the spring semester. Contracts may be turned in after July 1st. Starting spring ’06, room assignments will be made on the day of SOSU’s Curriculum Contest, if the individual is present and submits the contract and application fee/deposit on this date.

What is the length of the housing contract?

Students may sign up for an Academic Term (Fall & Spring), a Full Year (Fall, Spring & Summer), Spring only, Spring & Summer or Summer only. Students that plan to graduate in December must complete an Academic Term contract and cancel their contract by December 1st. See Terms and Conditions for additional information.

When are room assignments sent?

For all contracts received by July 1st, room assignment letters will be sent out shortly after the priority deadline of July 1st. Students applying after the deadline will receive their assignment after the priority assignments have been made on a time permitting basis. It is not always possible to send room assignments to students that fail to meet the priority deadline.

How are assignments made?

Assignments to a specific building or room configuration are based upon availability. The contract has a place where you can indicate your building or community type in order of preference. In the event that your first preference is not available, we will default to your next preference and so forth. If you do not indicate any preference beyond what we have available, you will be assigned to the next comparable room.

Students also have the option to self-select their roommate. In the contract packet, students can indicate their roommate preference. For this roommate preference to be successful, both students must indicate the same preference, select the same housing options and submit their contracts together before the July 1 priority deadline. Neither room type nor roommate preferences are guaranteed.

Do I have to have a meal plan?

Yes. A meal plan is required for all residential students. Students assigned to Shearer Hall & Suites have a reduced meal plan option (Lifestyles 85). If you believe you require an adaptive or altered meal plan on the basis of disability or health problems, please contact the coordinator for student disability services (580) 745-2394 [TDD# (580) 745-2704].

What happens if I decide to break my housing contract?

The Residence Hall and Food Services Contract Terms & Conditions contains specific information regarding canceling your contract. Please consult this document. As with any contract there are financial penalties for breakage. (Exception is made for pre-approved conditions, when students cancel their spring contract by December 1st.)

Do I have to live on campus?

Southeastern Oklahoma State University is committed to a quality university experience for our student and encourages all students to live on campus for at least one academic term.

What are the advantages of living on campus?

There are many advantages of living on campus. These advantages range from financial, social and academic, to safety and security. Living on campus provides reasonable prices and eliminates the daily expense of commuting to campus. All utilities and services are included in one price and students are not responsible for the unmet financial obligations of their roommates.

The social advantages of living on campus are numerous. Residential students have the opportunity to make new friendships, enjoy access to campus recreational facilities and athletic events and become involved in student organizations. Getting involved in the University is important to student success and satisfaction. Academically there are many benefits to living on campus. Residential students are within walking distance to classes, the library and other academic resources. After class meetings with professors are also facilitated. Many times classmates are neighbors within the residential facilities. This close proximity provides the opportunity to form study groups. Statistics (both notionwide and at SOSU) have demonstrated that students who live on campus tend to stay in school and graduate at a higher rate than students that do not live on campus.

Living on campus provides the safety and security services that may not be found elsewhere. The Department of Public Safety staff is comprised of fully licensed police officers, whose mission is the safety and security of students, faculty, and staff, and guests of the University. Officers patrol the campus 24-hours a day by vehicle, golf cart, and foot control. Public Safety will provide an escort on campus to students at any time. Professional Residence Life staff are available 24 hours/day, 365 days/year.

Are single rooms available?

Shearer Hall & Suites provides private rooms for all residents. Rooms in Choctaw, Chickasaw and North Halls are designed for two students. Usually single rooms are not available in these facilities until after the semester has begun and all students have been assigned. Requests for single rooms are not approved until after the second week of classes. Private rooms are approved primarily on the basis of seniority within the residence hall.

Can I change my roommate preference after I have submitted my contract?

Yes, you can make changes to your roommate preference if: 1) the request is consensual to all parties involved, and 2) you submit the change in writing. Please note that is you are requesting the change AFTER the priority deadline of July 1st, it is very difficult to accommodate the request, and you may have to wait until the room change process begins during the third week of the semester.

What should I bring?

Students are encouraged to make their room their “Home Away From Home”. Decisions regarding large items should be discussed with your roommate in advance to avoid duplication. Below is a list of suggestions to get you started:

• Bed linens (Special size)
• Pillows
• Towels and washcloths
• Laundry supplies
• Toiletries
• Alarm clock
• Television/VCR
• Clothes hangers
• Broom and dustpan
• Plunger (except Shearer)
• Stereo
• Backpack
• Room decorations
• Xtra long shower curtain(s)
• Telephone/Answering machine-Voicemail services are not available
• Surge Protector - Several surge protectors may be the most important thing that you bring. Durant experiences a frequent number of power surges, and the best way to protect your equipment is to use a surge protector.
• Two larger appliances (microwave, refrigerator or micro-fridge) are permitted in each room. Microwaves may not exceed 700 watts. Refrigerators may not exceed 2.2 cubic feet. Micro-fridges are an electrically efficient combination of the two and can be purchased at soso.reshall.org. (Please contact your potential roommate about making appropriate arrangements.) NOTE- Shearer Hall & Suites is equipped with a refrigerator and microwave in the kitchenette.

What should I not bring?

While the University wants you to be comfortable in your room, there are certain items that are prohibited. Primarily, these items are prohibited because of fire safety issues. Below is a list of items that are prohibited. This list is not all-inclusive. Should you have questions about a particular item, please consult the Residence Life Handbook or contact the Department of Residence Life at (580) 745-2948.

• Halogen lamps
• Candles
• Cooking appliances*
• Charcoal grills
• Firearms/weapons/fireworks
• Dart boards
• Electrical potpourri pots
• Waterbeds
• Flammable fluids/chemicals
• Extensions cords or electrical splitters (power strips/surge protectors are accepted)
• Pets (fish in a 10-gallon tank are allowed)

*Some appliances may be approved for use within the kitchenette of Shearer Hall & Suites. Students should consult their Hall Director for a list of approved items.

Does the University provide insurance for student’s property?

No. We urge each student to purchase some form of insurance (renter’s insurance or coverage through family’s homeowner policy). The University is not responsible for theft, damage or loss of personal property from any part of the residence hall. Information on student insurance will be provided with the room assignment information.