Frequently Asked Questions 

• Are the residence halls safe? 
• Do I need renter's insurance? 
• Are students required to live on campus? 
• How much does it cost to live on campus?   
• What is furnished in a residence hall room? 
• How are roommates assigned? 
• May I request a specific person as my roommate?  
• When will I find out my room assignment and who my roommate will be? 
• What do I do if I want to change rooms? 
• What happens if my roommate and I don't get along?  
• Once I receive my room assignment, may I see my room? 
• What do I need to bring? 
• May I bring a microwave oven and/or a refrigerator?  
• Will standard-size sheets fit the beds on campus?  
• Do rooms have telephones? 
• Do rooms have cable television?  
• Will I be able to connect to the Internet from my room?  
• If I move off campus before the end of the school year, do I get a refund?  
• What is my mailing address?  
• Is smoking permitted in the residence halls?  
• Is there a curfew?  
• What is the visitation policy?  
• Are there laundry facilities in the residence halls?  
• Do I have to get a meal ticket if I live on campus?  
• What is an RA?  
• Can I build a loft in my room?  
• When do the residence halls open? 
• When do the residence halls close?  
• Are private rooms available?  
• Are students able to stay on campus during breaks?  
• Are pets allowed?  
• May I store things over the summer?  
• Who is eligible to live in Patterson, Reed and Hoover Apartments?  
• What should I do if I have a question that isn't answered here?  

 Are the residence halls safe?   

Generally, living on campus is safer than living off campus.  However, since residence halls serve as private residences for a large number of students, security and safety are important concerns. The UWA campus is patrolled by campus police officers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All of the residence halls have fire alarm systems which are tested on a periodic basis and every residence hall room has a smoke detector.  In addition, Gilbert, Spieth, Selden, Sisk, and Stickney Halls are locked 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to limit access to only those students living in the buildings and their guests. 

 

 Do I need renter's insurance? 

Since the University assumes no liability for personal property damage, loss or theft, we strongly encourage students to have renter's insurance unless they are already covered by their parent's homeowner's insurance policy.  If your insurance company does not provide property insurance, the Housing Office recommends contacting National Student Services about their student property insurance program: www.nssinc.com 

 

 Are students required to live on campus? 

Beginning fall 2012, the University of West Alabama will require all freshmen to live on campus for up to one academic year.  Living on campus provides educational and social benefits not available to students who live off campus.  The residence halls provide students with a supportive living environment, proximity to academic resources, and convenient access to organized student activities.  Students first enrolling in the summer are required to live on campus during the summer, fall, and spring semesters. Students first enrolling in the fall are required to live on campus during the fall and spring semesters. Students first enrolling in the spring are required to live on campus during the spring semester. 

 

 How much does it cost to live on campus? 

When you take into consideration the cost of utilities and commuting expenses, living on campus is very reasonable.  Specific residence hall rates are listed here.

 

 What is furnished in a residence hall room? 

Each resident is provided a desk, chair, bed, closet area and several drawers in a dresser cabinet.  Furnishings in specific residence halls are as follows:

		Gilbert Hall - basic furnishing plus a private bathroom with a shower.
		Patterson Hall - basic furnishings plus a full refrigerator and oven/stove.  Each room at Patterson has a private bathroom with a tub/shower.
		Reed Hall - basic furnishing plus a mini-refrigerator and stovetop.  Each room at Reed has a private bathroom with a tub/shower.
		Stickney Hall - basic furnishings plus a full refrigerator and oven/stove.  Each room at Stickney has a private bathroom with a tub/shower. Some of the rooms in Stickney Hall are furnished for three students.
		Hoover - Phase I - The double bedrooms in each apartment at Hoover-Phase I include the basic furnishings.  In addition, each two-bedroom, two-bath apartment in Phase I of Hoover Apartments has a sofa, a living room chair, an end table, a TV stand, a dining room table and four chairs.   Each kitchen in Phase I is furnished with a refrigerator and an oven/stove.
		Hoover - Phase II - The single bedrooms in each apartment at Hoover-Phase II have the basic furnishings.  In addition, each four-bedroom, two-bath apartment in Phase II of Hoover Apartments has a sofa, a living room chair, an end table, a TV stand,  four barstools and a breakfast bar.  Each kitchen in Phase II is furnished with a refrigerator, oven/stove, microwave, and dishwasher.

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   How are roommates assigned? 

The University of West Alabama encourages educational, social and cultural diversity within the residence halls. Therefore, roommate assignments are made without regard to race, color, national origin, sexual orientation or religion. We do, however, want you to get along with your roommate, so we will try to assign you with a compatible roommate. Since most new students do not request a particular person as their roommate, students are matched with similar students, based on answers they provide on their Housing Application (Question #6 - Roommate Matching). Several of the questions are used to assign students to particular neighborhoods within the residence halls.  Additional questions are designed to match roommates. It's not an exact science, but if you answer the questions honestly, you will probably end up with a great roommate. 

 

 

    May I request a specific person as my roommate? 

Yes.  However, in order for us to assign you with a specific person as your roommate, both you and your preferred roommate must apply for housing by May 1st.  You must also request each other as roommates on your housing application.  If you decide to be roommates after you apply for housing, both of you must contact the Housing Office by June 1st to update your housing applications, requesting the other person as your preferred roommate.  Recognize that in order to assign you with your preferred roommate, both of you must be assigned to the same residence hall. 

 

When will I find out my room assignment and who my roommate will be? 

Room assignments for the fall semester are mailed at the beginning of July.  Room assignment letters include your building and room assignment, your roommate's name and contact information for your roommate.  Room assignment letters are not mailed out for spring or summer semester; however, new residents for the spring and summer are notified of their building assignments about one month before the semester begins.  Students moving on-campus in January or May will find out their room assignment when they arrive on campus to move into their residence hall.
 

 What do I do if I want to change rooms? 

Room assignments are made for the academic year and may not be changed without written approval from the Assistant Director of Housing.  If you are having roommate problems, you are encouraged to talk with your resident assistant (RA). Your RA may be able to help you resolve your roommate conflict.  If that does not help you resolve the problem, you should see your hall director.  If you cannot resolve a roommate problem or you have found another person with whom you would prefer to share a room, let us know. We want you to have a successful college experience and a great deal of that success is based on a positive living situation. If you want to change rooms or residence halls, please complete the room change form found HERE. Some room changes are able to be processed as soon as Room Change begins.  Other room change requests may take a little more time, especially if a vacant space is not already available in your residence hall or in the building where you wish to move. If a room change cannot be processed within a few days, you may request to have your name placed on the Housing Waiting List.   

Room Change Week is August 29th - September 2nd. 

 

  Room changes will also be made during the following dates:

• Fall:  September 2 - September 30th
• Spring:  January 23rd - February 24th
• Summer:  June 4th - 29th  

 

 What happens if my roommate and I don't get along? 

Although most students do get along with their roommates, from time to time, disagreements may occur. Roommate conflicts are a natural part of community living.  We want you to learn to resolve conflicting issues with your roommate since the ability to resolve differences is a useful skill that you will be able to utilize in college and after you graduate.  Most residents are able to work out conflicts on their own. However, sometimes roommates find that an outside mediator is helpful. You should contact your resident assistant (RA) if mediation is needed. Hall directors can also assist residents in resolving roommate conflicts.

Occasionally conflicts arise that cannot be resolved. In these cases of irreconcilable differences, one of the residents will need to change rooms. Most residents decide among themselves who will move when there are irreconcilable roommate conflicts. If this cannot be decided upon mutually by the residents of the room or apartment, the residents should contact the Assistant Director of Housing, Angela Ward. In these situations, Ms. Ward will make the decision about who will move.   

 

 Once I receive my room assignment, may I see my room? 

Since our residence halls are used for camps and conferences during the summer, we are not able to show you your particular room.  Tours of typical residence hall rooms are available during Orientation and by appointment with the Housing Office.

 

 What do I need to bring? 

Deciding what to bring to college is a major task.  You don't want to bring too much stuff or you'll be falling all over everything.  But you should bring things that you feel will make your room your "home away from home".  You may want to consider the following items:

 

 

Keepsakes	Bedding	Bathroom Items	Electronics
Memorabilia	Mattress Pad	Towels (2)	Computer
Family Pictures	Pillow and Pillow Case	Washcloths (2)	Printer
Yearbook	Extra-Long Twin Sheets	Toilet Tissue	USB Drive
	Comforter	Shampoo and Conditioner	Cell Phone
Miscellaneous	Blanket	Soap	Cell Phone Charger
Clothes		Deodorant	Headphones or Earbuds
Alarm Clock	Laundry Supplies	Toothpaste	Television
Non-Halogen Desk Lamp	Liquid Detergent (Powder is Prohibited)	Toothbrush	Coaxial Cable
Hangers	Fabric Softner	Floss	DVD Player
Broom and Dust Pan	Dryer Sheets	Razor	Video Games
Vacuum Cleaner	Drying Rack	Shaving Cream	Game Console
Trash Can	Laundry Bag or Basket	Make-Up	Surge Protector
Garbage Bags	Ironing Board	Band Aids	Extra Batteries
Glass Cleaner	Iron (with auto shut-off)	Nail Clippers	Camera
Bathroom Cleaner		Hygiene Products (Women)	Calculator
Room Spray	Kitchen Items	Hair Dryer	MP3 Player
Throw Rugs	Snack Items
Envelopes	Can Opener	School Supplies
Stamps	Dishes	Pens and Pencils
Posters		Pencil Sharpener
Poster Putty (Non-Residue)	Utensils	Stapler
Calendar	Food Storage Containera	Scissors	Identification/Money
Dry Erase Board	Water Filter Pitcher	Loose-Leaf Binder	Social Security Card or Passport
Facial Tissues	Microwave Oven (800 Watts or Less)	Paper	Drivers License
Flash Light	Mini-Fridge - 4 Cubic Ft. or Smaller	Highlighters	Health Insurance Card
Umbrella	Paper Towels	Index Cards	ATM Card
Bike and Lock	Dish Towel	Spiral Notebooks	Checkbook
First Aid Kit	Dish Soap	Printer Paper	Proof of Car Insurance
Sewing Kit	Sponge	Book Bag	Lock Box

 

 

 

 

 

 May I bring a microwave oven and/or refrigerator? 

Small microwave ovens (800 watts or less) and compact refrigerators (4.0 cubic feet or smaller) are permitted if the item is not already furnished in the room (or apartment).  Refrigerators should be energy efficient and must not use more than 350 kilowatt-hours per year (KWH/year).   Patterson, Reed, Stickney and Hoover residents are not permitted to bring refrigerators since refrigerators are provided.  Since microwaves are provided in Hoover, Phase II, residents of Hoover-Phase II may not bring microwave ovens.

 

 Will standard-size sheets fit the beds on campus? 

Most of the mattresses on campus are extra-long (36" x 80").  If you are bringing fitted sheets, we suggest extra-long sheets.  If your local stores do not carry extra-long linens, we recommend visiting http://www.rhl.org/wal. 

 

 Do rooms have telephones? 

Your room does not have a telephone or telephone service; however, each residence hall room and apartment has a phone jack, with the exception of apartments in Hoover, Phase II.  If you want to activate phone service in your room, you must do so at your own expense.  Most students bring a cell phone instead of getting phone service in their room.  After all, college students are out-and-about more often than they are in their room.

 

 Do rooms have cable television? 

Every residence hall room has free basic cable TV service.  You will need to provide your own cable-ready television and coaxial cable. 

 

 Will I be able to connect to the Internet from my room? 

Yes, if you have a computer and a wireless network card.  Every residence hall and apartment on campus is connected to the University's local area network by way of several wireless access points.  Using the 802.11b standard (Wi-Fi), the wireless network allows you to connect to the Internet at a very high speed.  If your computer does not have Wi-Fi, you can purchase a wireless USB adapter at most electronics stores, such as Radio Shack.  Installation is easy- simply plug the adapter into your USB port and you're ready to go.  In case your computer has an Ethernet port, be aware that the residence halls do not have Ethernet connections.  Unless your computer also has a wireless card, you should purchase a USB adapter so that you can connect to the Internet from your room.

 

 If I move off campus before the end of the school year, do I get a refund? 

If an enrolled student moves off campus before the completion of the contract period (before the end of the spring semester or the summer semester), he/she will be charged for the residence hall room for the entire year UNLESS he/she is released from the housing agreement by the Director of Campus Life and Housing. Residents who want to be released from the housing agreement must fill out a "Housing Agreement Release Form". In most cases, a student will not be released from the housing agreement unless he/she withdraws or graduates from the University.  Even when approved, there are financial penalties, including loss of deposit and a cancellation fee of $150 - $250.   

 

 What is my mailing address? 

Residents are required to rent a campus mailbox at the Student Union Building.  Students are encouraged to rent a mailbox during Summer Orientation so that they know their mailing address before arriving on campus.  Your address will be as follows:

Your Name 

UWA Box (Your Number)
University of West Alabama
Livingston, Alabama
35470-2098 

Mail is not delivered to the residence halls.  Packages should be sent through the U.S. Postal Service to your campus mailbox.  If you must have something sent to you by Federal Express or UPS, you should use the following address: 

Your Name 

1 College Drive
UWA Housing - Hall & Room #
Livingston, AL 35470-209  

 

 Is smoking permitted in the residence halls? 

Smoking is not permitted in the residence halls. The residence halls and apartments on the UWA campus are tobacco and smoke-free.  This means that smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the building nor within fifty feet of the building.  Smokeless tobacco, such as chewing tobacco and smokeless pouches, is also prohibited. 

 

 Is there a curfew? 

UWA does not have a residence hall curfew.  Students may come and go from our halls as they please, but we do have a visitation policy that restricts the time when students may have guests in the building.  Also, exterior doors at Selden, Spieth, Sisk, and Stickney are locked 24 hours a day.  Residents of Spieth and Selden use a card to gain access to the building, while residents of Sisk and Stickney may use their room key to unlock the main entrance.

 

 What is the visitation policy? 

In order to insure a degree of privacy for residents and maintain a secure environment, the residence halls and apartments on campus have a visitation schedule that limits visits by guests.  A guest is defined as anyone (male or female) who is not assigned to the specific room or apartment.

• Visitation is permitted at Spieth, Selden, Sisk, Stickney, and Reed during the following hours: 
  • Sunday – Thursday:  12 Noon until 12 Midnight
  • Friday and Saturday:  12 Noon until 2:00 AM
   
• Visitation is permitted at Patterson Hall and Hoover Apartments,during the following hours: 
•   Sunday – Saturday:  10:30 AM Noon – 2:00 AM 

Please note that guests should be escorted at all times while within a residence hall in order to insure the safety of our residents and other guests.  For a complete description of our visitation policy, please refer to the Residential Life Guide. 

 

 Are there laundry facilities in the residence halls? 

Yes, coin operated laundry machines are located in each residence hall and apartment area except Hoover Apartments.  Students may use their Tiger Bucks on their student ID card to operate the laundry machines at Hoover. 

 

 Do I have to get a meal plan if I live on campus? 

Yes, all residents except for Hoover residents must purchase a meal plan.  More information is available here. 

 

 What is an RA? 

An RA is a Resident Assistant.  These students have been trained to assist residents in their adjustment to college life and to assist students with housing concerns.  RAs provide programs and activities that promote social, educational, physical, and mental development.

 

 Can I build a loft in my room? 

No, lofts are not permitted.  In Patterson Hall and Hoover Apartments, the beds are adjustable.  In Spieth, Selden, Sisk, Stickney, and Reed Halls, a student may use bed risers only after receiving permission in writing from the Director of Campus Life and Housing.  

 

 When do the residence halls open? 

• Fall 2012 
  • Students who have reserved a space in the residence halls may pick up their room key at Gilbert Hall during the following times:
    • Friday, August 17^th, 10 AM – 3 PM
    • Saturday, August 18^th, 10 AM – 3 PM – on this day, there will be volunteers available to assist new freshmen to move into their rooms, so freshmen are highly encouraged to mobe-in on this date
     
  • Students who must attend Orientation on Friday, August 17^th may pick up their room key at Gilbert Hall on Thursday, August 16^th between the hours of 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM.
   
• Spring 2012 
• Halls open on Thursday, January 5, 2012, at 1 PM.
• New residents for the Spring semester and returning residents who have changed rooms may pick up their key at the Housing Office (Brock Hall 121) during the following times:
  • Thursday, January 5^th, 1 PM – 4 PM
  • Friday, January 6th, 10 AM – 3 PM
  • Please note that keys will not be issued on Saturday or Sunday, so residents should plan accordingly. 
    
• Summer 2012 
  • Halls open on Friday, May 25^th 
  • Students may pick up room keys at the Housing Office (Brock Hall 121) on Friday, May 25^th, from 10 AM to 3 PM. 
    • Friday, May 25^th, 10 AM – 3 PM
    • Tuesday, May 29^th, 10 AM – 3 PM.
    • Please note that keys will not be issued on Saturday, Sunday, or Monday, so residents should plan accordingly.
     
  • Students only attending classes for the 2^nd mini-term must pick up their keys at the Housing Office on Thursday, June 28^th or Friday, June 29^th.
   

 When do the residence halls close? 

The residence halls are closed the following dates:

 Students with special travel needs may receive permission to depart up to 24 hours later than the scheduled closing time for the Fall and Spring semester (see above) but they must contact their resident assistant (spring and summer) or hall director (fall) at least one week prior to the last day of finals to request the special appointment.

Students who are participating in Commencement may receive permission for a check-out appointment on Commencement Day, but they must contact their resident assistant (spring and summer) or hall director (fall) at least one week prior to the last day of finals to request the special appointment. 

 

 Are students able to stay on campus during breaks? 

Housing is available during University breaks but at an additional charge. Students may be required to move to a central residence hall during break periods.   Winter Break housing (between fall and spring semesters) costs $400. Housing during Thanksgiving Break, and Spring Break housing each cost $100. May Break housing (between spring and summer semesters) costs $400.  Winter Break and May Break housing is only available for students who have reserved housing for the following semester.  Break housing is not available during the month of August; however, students that have reserved a room for the fall semester may check into their fall rooms early for an additional $15 per night. 

 

 Are private rooms available? 

The rooms at Sisk Hall (closing May 2012) are single rooms.  The apartments in Phase II of Hoover offer single bedrooms.  All of the rooms in the other residence halls are designed for two residents (with the exception of a few three-person rooms at Stickney). After the second week of When space is available, residents may pay an extra 50% of the standard rent and be assigned to a two-person room as a single. Students interested in being assigned to a two-person room as a private room should contact Angela Ward, the Assistant Director of Housing (housing@uwa.edu). 

 

 Are pets allowed? 

 Only non-poisonous fish in an aquarium up to 20 gallons are allowed.   

 

 May I store my belongings over the summer? 

Storage is not available in the residence halls but there are a few storage facilities off campus.  A limited amount of on-campus storage is available to students who live more than 500 miles away from campus.  For more information, contact the Housing Office.

 

 Who is eligible to live in Patterson, Reed and Stickney Hall? 

To be eligible for a Residential Scholars Community, a student must meet at least one of the following criteria:  

1. Be a new freshman attending UWA on a Trustee Scholarship. 
2. Be a member of the Honors Program (in good standing). 
3. Be a freshman with a college cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above. 
4. Be a sophomore or above with a college cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above. 
5. Be requested as the preferred roommate of a qualified resident that needs a roommate (Patterson and Stickney only).  

Some of the Residential Scholar Communities have specific requirements that must also be met, in addition to the above criteria.  Please see information about Reed Hall, Patterson Hall, and Stickney Hall for specific requirements.

 

 What should I do if I have a question that isn't answered here? 

For additional information, contact the Housing Office.