 | Residential Life FAQs
Last updated 2/18/09
How do I apply for campus housing?
First, apply to University through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at www.lsu.edu/admissions. Once you receive your PAWS login and password, apply to Residential Life online at www.lsu.edu/housing under “Incoming Students” link. Click on “Apply Online” and complete and submit the form.
For Edward Gay and Nicholson Apartments, apply online at www.lsu.edu/housing under "Incoming Students" or download and complete the application form (48K, Adobe Acrobat). Applications can also be picked up from the front desk. Return the completed form with a housing reservation fee to Residential Life.
Must I be admitted to the University before I can apply for housing?
No, however, you must submit an admissions application before submitting a housing application. After the Admissions office receives your application, you will receive your PAWS ID and password. If you subsequently provide all of the materials required by the Admissions office to evaluate your application and are then denied admission, you will receive a full refund of your housing reservation fee after you notify our office.
Is it mandatory to live in the residence halls my first year at LSU?
It is not mandatory that freshman live in the residence halls, however, we do encourage it. Students who live on campus tend to make better grades and get a chance to be a part of the LSU community.
In July 2008, the LSU Board of Supervisors postponed the implementation of First Year Residency Requirement. It will be re-evaluated in late 2010.
Why is Advance Rent being implemented?
A. The advance rent program is being implemented as part of Residential Life’s concerted effort to keep apartment and residence hall spaces open and available to those students who are truly serious about staying on campus. This program will be a benefit to those who want to remain on campus by keeping spaces available during the room selection process.
Will my rent or deposit be increased with advanced rent?
A. No. Upon payment of the fall fee bill, the entire $250 will be applied toward regular rent. There is no net increase to the amount of rent paid, and no increase to the amount of deposit held. For those students that reserve a space, pay their fee bill, and move into their on campus housing, this change will not cost any more money. However, those that cancel their assignment will forfeit the $250 advance rent amount.
Is Advance Rent just for students renewing their contracts, or is it for new students as well?
A. The Advance Rent only applies to students renewing their contracts. It does NOT apply to new fall 2009-10 students.
Does Advance Rent apply to contract renewals for residence halls and apartments?
A. Yes. Advance Rent applies to students renewing their contracts for the residence halls as well as for the East and West Campus Apartments.
When will the $250 Advance Rent be due?
A. The $250 Advance Rent will be assessed to the student fee account and normal billing procedures apply.
Do I need to pay the $250 Advance Rent at contract renewal?
A. No. At contract renewal, the $250 Advance Rent will be assessed to the student fee account, and normal billing procedures apply.
What happens if I change my mind about staying on campus after I have renewed my contract?
A. Students that cancel their housing assignment will forfeit the entire $250 advance rent amount.
If I have a scholarship that pays my housing costs, do I still have to pay Advance Rent at contract renewal?
A. Yes. Scholarship money cannot be applied prior to the applicable semester. Once the scholarship money is transferred to the student fee account, the entire $250 Advance Rent will be credited back to the student fee account.
Do I have to submit any money with the application?
Yes, a housing reservation fee of $150 is required at the time of application. If you are applying for a residence hall or East and West Campus Apartments you will need to pay this fee online with a credit card or inline check. Edward Gay or Nicholson apartment’s fee should be dropped off with the application.
What is included in the price? What will I have to pay for separately?
Included in your room rate is the cost of your room for one semester, cable television, and Internet service. If you wish to have local and/or long distance phone service in your room there would be an additional cost. All other utilities are also included.
Can financial aid pay for housing?
All fees are listed under the student’s fee bill, and once all financial aid is applied to the fee bill, any remaining balance is to be paid by the student or parent. See Financial Aid website for more details.
When is it too late to apply for housing?
It is never too late to apply for housing. However, we encourage students to apply early to get a room of their choice. Apply online at www.lsu.edu/housing. We suggest applying eight to twelve months in advance. We begin accepting applications for the next year beginning June 1 of the previous year. Since assignments are made by a priority number based on the date we receive your application, early submission increases your chances of being assigned to your first choice of building or type of room. For example: For fall 2008, full capacity was reached and online application acceptance ceased in early June. Apply early!
What should I do if I apply for housing and then change my mind?
Notify the Department of Residential Life in writing. If we receive your cancellation by July 1 for a fall application, December 1 for spring, or May 1 for summer, you will receive a $100.00 deposit refund. If we receive your cancellation after those dates, the entire housing reservation fee will be forfeited. If you pay or defer your rent through the Advanced Billing System, and we receive your cancellation before the residence halls open, the full rent will be refunded. If we receive your cancellation after the halls open, you will remain responsible for a major portion of the rent.
Can I live in the apartments if I am a freshman or not married?
The East and West Campus Apartments are restricted to single upper-class and graduate students.
First priority for the Edward Gay and Nicholson apartments is given to married students whose spouses live with them and to student parents who have legal custody of minor children living with them. Second priority is given to single graduate students. Undergraduate students age 21 or over may also be accepted if space is available.
Can I get a private room? What will it cost?
If sufficient residence hall space is available, we will honor a request listed in your preferences on your application to rent any double room as a private. Typically we cannot guarantee a private for the fall. Rent for a private room is 1.5 times the rent per person for a double room. All bedrooms in the East and West Campus Apartments are private.
When will I receive my assignment? (Residence Halls Only)
Room assignments are posted on-line in the students’ PAWS account in the weeks following the end of on-line room selection. An email will be sent to the student notifying them of the posting.
To check your assignment online, log in to your PAWS account. Click on “Student Services” on the menu. Select “Student Housing” and click on “View Application Status.”
If choose to live on campus, how long must I stay there?
If you are assigned to a residence hall or East and West Campus Apartments for fall, you will be required to sign an academic-year contract obligating you for both that fall and the following spring semesters. If your assignment is in an Edward Gay or Nicholson apartment or if it is for spring or summer in a residence hall or East Campus Apartment, your contractual obligation is just for that term.
Do I have to be a student or enrolled full-time to live on campus?
For fall or spring semesters, you must be enrolled full-time in a regular academic program at LSU's Baton Rouge campus or Law School. Correspondence study and Continuing Education courses do not qualify. If you are cross-registered with another school, your primary enrollment that semester must be at LSU. For summer, you may be full-time or part-time.
Does anyone ever not get a room?
Residential Life works assiduously to make sure that there is a place for every student who wants to live on campus, even if it requires a temporary assignment until arrangements can be made. In fall 2008, full capacity was reached in early June and applications were no longer accepted. Everyone whose application was accepted was assigned a room on campus. Apply early!
Do you have to be a certain age to live in the residence halls?
All full time students are permitted to live in the residence halls.
Can I move out anytime I want to? Will I be penalized if I do?
You may move from one room to another at any point in the semester as long as we have space available and you have permission from the Assignment’s Office. If you wish to move off campus before the end of your contracted period, penalties will apply.
My friend and I want to be roommates. What should we do?
If you are applying for a residence hall or East and West Campus Apartments, submit your housing applications together, request each other as roommates in the space provided on the applications, and request the same buildings and types of rooms. If you are applying for an Edward Gay or Nicholson apartments, after you are assigned as the "renting student" to a specific apartment, you may choose up to three additional roommates who are duly enrolled graduate or upperclass students 22 years or older of your gender.
Do I get to pick my roommate?
You may request three choices when applying for a residence hall, we do our best to assign you to one of the three, but assignments are made by date priority, therefore we cannot guarantee that you will receive your first choice. Students wanting to room together should put each other as their first choice.
What if I don’t like my roommate after I move in? Can I move?
There are designated dates at the beginning of the semester, usually one week after classes begin, where students have the opportunity to change rooms and/or roommates. Changes are on a space available basis. Additionally, we do allow room changes at any time during the semester as long as we have available space. You must speak with the assignments office to facilitate the change.
Is there a roommate selection service?
Presently, we do not offer a roommate selection survey service, but we are looking into providing this service for fall 2010. In the meantime, prospective roommates can email each other, and may look at each other’s social network account (MySpace or FaceBook).
How do I change my building or roommate preference?
If applying for a residence hall or East and West Campus Apartments, you must notify us in writing either via fax or email to reslife@lsu.edu . Changes are not accepted verbally.
Nicholson and Edward Gay residents must fill out a transfer form. If the transfer is granted, a $50 transfer fee will be applied to the students account. Please note that 3 days are given to transfer, at which time the student pays for both apartments during double occupancy.
Which residence halls are for freshmen?
All of our Residential Colleges are for first year students. Herget, Information Technology, Engineering and Basic Sciences Residential Colleges are first year students only. Currently, the Agriculture Residential College in Blake Hall, the Business Residential College in West Hall, and the Global Studies Residential College in Lejuene Hall allow second year students.
Typically, Louise Garig, Annie Boyd and Highland Halls are popular with upper-class students and often fill before first year students apply, although they are open to first-year students.
The traditional halls Miller, McVoy, Taylor, Beauregard, and Jackson are also available to first year students and all other students as well.
The Honors House (East Laville and Acadian) is open to first-year students and all other years as well.
East Campus Apartments and West Campus Apartments are reserved for upperclassmen.
Which residence halls are for both males and females?
Miller Hall is all female and Louise Garig Hall is all male. All of the remaining residence halls are for both males and females. There are separate floors or wings for males and females with key or card access to those floors. Only males have access to male floors/wings, and only females have access to female floors/wings.
Is it better to live on the East side or West side of the campus?
It all depends on where you have classes and what personal preferences you have in regards to proximity to the Rec Center, the Student Union, LSU lakes, the football stadium, and other campus landmarks. The East side is closer to the Student Union, the Rec Center, the science complex, and many other classroom buildings. The West side is closer to the Quadrangle class area, the Music and Performing Arts buildings, the Journalism Building, Tiger Stadium, the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, and many other athletic facilities.
Is local phone service still provided?
Beginning July 1, 2009, local phone service will no longer be automatically provided in the residence hall rooms, or in East and West Campus Apartments. Students who want local phone service in their rooms will still be able to do so at a cost of $18.50 per month.
How do I sign up to have local phone service in my room or apartment?
Students who want local phone service in their room or apartment will contract directly with the LSU information Technology Services (ITS) Department, similar to what they presently do for long distance or voicemail services. Students will be able to activate phone service at the ITS offices in the Fred Frey Computing Services Center and it will be added to their fee bill. Students can activate local phone service online through their PAWS account by clicking on "Student Services" then selecting "Telecom Request", and it will be added to their billing statement bill. Click Here for more detailed information on how to get your telephone connected in your residence hall room.
Is there wireless Internet connectivity in the student rooms?
Yes! Beginning fall 2009, all residence hall rooms will have wireless Internet connectivity. All student rooms in all residence halls and apartments will have BOTH wired and wireless Internet connectivity. All of the common areas are also wireless, including lobbies, lounges, study rooms, kitchens and laundry areas.
What is the Pentagon?
The Pentagon consists of four three-story buildings and provides LSU students with a unique living experience. Lejuene, Taylor, Jackson and Beauregard make up The Pentagon. The room clusters are accessible via stairwells rather than interior halls, providing a more private styled living environment. The vast courtyard with picnic tables and barbecue grills provides an ideal space for social interaction.
Are there kitchens and laundry facilities in every dorm?
Kitchens and laundry facilities are provided in most of the halls. (Exceptions: Pentagon laundry room is located across from the mini mart.)
Can I have a car on campus?
Yes, but you must register the car, which can be accessed through the link to parking on the LSU home page and pay an annual parking fee of $87, which is usually collected on the fee bill for the Fall term. You will receive a parking tag to hang from your rear view mirror at all hours on weekdays (day or night) when parked on campus. In addition, during hours of zoned parking (7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday), you will be restricted to parking in a limited area of the campus near your residence hall or apartment. Nicholson and Edward Gay residents will have to trade their commuter tag in for one stating their respective place of residency. This tag allows the same privileges as a commuter tag, but also allows the student to park in his/her apartment complex without being ticketed.
Where do I park?
Students living on campus can park in any Zone 3 area, which is in any residence hall lot, both on the east and west sides of campus. Parking is a premium and it is first come, first serve. The LSU campus has plenty of room to park, but not all of it will be close to your destination. Residence hall students usually park in their designated areas and walk from their residence halls to class or dining halls.
What should I bring?
You should supply a mattress pad and bed linens (extra long twin bed size), a pillow, and bath linens. We also recommend an alarm clock, desk lamp, beverage glasses, electric fan, iron, clothes hangers, and/or a laundry bag. Window blinds or shades are provided in each room, but you may bring fire-resistant curtains or drapes.
What about furniture?
Most residence hall rooms have a single bed, a study desk, a chair, a bookshelf, drawer space, and closet space for each person. All of our furniture is free-standing and can be moved around to suit your taste or to accommodate some other item you might provide such as an easy chair or floor lamp. East and West Campus Apartments have similar furniture in each bedroom and a fully furnished living room and kitchen in each apartment. Edward Gay and Nicholson apartments are not furnished except for a full-size refrigerator and stove.
What about refrigerators, microwaves, or carpet?
Rooms in residence halls are not carpeted. You may bring your own carpet, a microwave, and a refrigerator if it is no larger than five cubic feet and 120 watts. Hot plates, George Foreman grills, toasters or other appliances with large heating elements are not permitted in the residence halls.
Where do I get my mail?
Students can sign up for a post office box on the first floor of the Union for either a six month or one year duration period. Packages delivered by UPS and FedEx and items from flower and gift shops are to be delivered directly to the halls. The front desk workers will sign for your delivery and notify you to pick up your delivery at the front desk.
How safe are the halls?
LSU is working extensively to provide maximum safety for all of the halls. All of the residence halls are equipped with card access entry systems that are only accessible to that particular hall’s residents. There are also police patrols, and on-call rounds done 3 times a night by RAs.
Are portable air conditioners allowed?
No. All rooms have air conditioning, and some rooms have ceiling fans.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are prohibited in all of the residence halls, East and West Campus Apartments. Pets are also prohibited in the Edward Gay and Nicholson Apartments. The only exception for all of the above is for fish in 20 gallon aquariums or smaller.
Do I have to have a meal plan?
All incoming freshman living on campus are required to have a meal plan. The various meal plans can be seen on the LSU Dining website.
Is drinking allowed in the halls?
Students under 21 may not consume alcohol in the traditional residence halls. Students 21 and over may consume alcohol in the privacy of their own room as long as all occupants are over 21.None of the residential colleges allow alcohol in the building or in the rooms.
Is smoking allowed in the rooms or in any other areas in the residence halls?
Smoking is not permitted in rooms or any other areas in the residence halls.
Can I have company in my room?
Guests of the same sex are permitted to visit at any time. In communities with 50% or more freshmen, guests of the opposite sex may only visit between the hours of 8 a.m. or 10a.m. till 1a.m. or 2a.m. on nights proceeding classes and 10a.m. - 3a.m. on nights not proceeding class. In communities with less than 50% freshmen, guests of the opposite sex may visit between the hours of 8 a.m. till 1a.m. or 2a.m. on nights proceeding classes and 10a.m. - 3a.m. on nights not proceeding class. In single sex halls guest of the opposite sex must check- in at the front desk and be escorted at all times.
Am I allowed to decorate and paint my room?
You may decorate your room anyway you like as long as the decorations are not permanent. If you wish to paint your room you must first sign a painting contract with Residence Life Coordinator, agreeing to repaint it back to an LSU approved color.
Do I have to move all of my stuff out of my room during winter break?
Students are not required to remove their belongings from their rooms during the winter break unless they will not be returning for the spring semester. Students are, however, required to remove belongings over the summer break.
Is there a curfew?
Residents do not have a curfew, but must adhere to the visitation policy.
What is a Residential College?
Structured to integrate academic learning and community living, Residential Colleges initiate Student- Faculty interaction in the residence hall. In essence, it creates a close- knit academic community similar to the small college experience, while students still benefit from the resources of a research university.
What are the Residential College programs for fall 2009, and what are the qualifications for each one?
Because the requirement of each Residential College is different, please refer to their individual pages for detailed information. www.lsu.edu/residentialcollege
Discipline-Based
· Agriculture RC –Blake Hall
· Business RC – RCC West Hall
· Engineering RC – RCC South Hall
· Basic Sciences – Evangeline Hall
Cross-Discipline (All Majors Eligible)
· Herget RC – Herget Hall
· Information Technology RC – Broussard Hall
· Global Studies RC – Lejuene Hall
What is the curriculum for each Residential College? What is the theme?
The minimum requirement for participation in any Residential College program is six credit hours (or 2 courses) and full-time status at LSU. Each Residential College has a different focus and target audience. For more information about specific curriculums, contact the Residential College office at 225-578-7172 or visit the Residential College webpage at www.lsu.edu/residentialcollege
How do I apply for a Residential College for fall 2009?
· Residential College students must apply for campus housing either online or by submitting a paper application along with a $150.00 deposit. Housing applications can be downloaded from the Department of Residential Life website at www.lsu.edu/housing.
· List the residential college program you choose as your first preference for housing on your application.
· Only one Residential College program can be selected by an applicant.
· Students requesting Business RC must be admitted by College of Business in order to participate in that program.
· Students requesting Engineering RC must be admitted by the College of Engineering in order to participate in that program.
· Students requesting Agriculture RC must be admitted by the College of Agriculture in order to participate in that program.
· Students requesting Basic Sciences RC must be admitted by the College of Basic Sciences in order to participate in that program.
Who do I contact about Residential Colleges?
If you have questions, or would like additional information on LSU’s Residential Colleges, call the Residential Colleges Program office at 225-578-7172 or visit the Residential Colleges webpage at www.lsu.edu/residentialcollege
What is a Freshmen Interest Group (FIG)?
Freshmen Interest Groups (FIGs) provide first-year students a way to make LSU feel smaller in a unique residential environment. Small groups of residents live together and engage in linked courses, develop and implement a student-designed community service project, interact with faculty outside of the classroom, complete a ropes course together, and participate in several other activities in the designated theme of the FIG.
Through the FIG experience we seek to:
· Enhance first-year students’ learning through integrated and intentional curriculum and co-curricular connections.
· Assist entering students in their academic and personal transition to LSU.
· Stimulate and support first-year students’ active participation in both the on-campus residential community and LSU community.
· Engage first-year students in the process of knowledge and skills acquisition through practical application.
· Stimulate and support first-year students’ personal growth and development.
How is a FIG different than a residential college?
Rather than occupying an entire building with 200-300 students as in a residential college, a FIG will occupy one floor or wing of a building with 20-40 students. FIGs are also only first year programs, where some residential colleges accept second-year students. FIGs help form a sense of a smaller community at LSU as a residential college does, but in a more intimate and active environment. Not only will the residents live together, engage in linked courses, and interact with faculty outside of the classroom as residential colleges do, but they will also develop and implement a student-designed community service project, complete a ropes course together, and participate in several other activities in the designated theme of the FIG.
What FIGs are available for fall 2009, and what are the qualifications and curriculum for each one?
Adventure Leadership FIG
You may be interested in this FIG if you…
- Want to begin or continue developing your leadership skills
- Participated in leadership activities in high school
-Enjoy exploring the outdoors or simply enjoy being active
- Plan to pursue a Leadership minor
Housed in Beauregard Hall (in the Pentagon), space is limited to 20 males and 20 females. Students enroll in LSU 1001 and ANTH 1003 (Introduction to Cultural/Sociological Anthropology) in the fall semester and HRE 2723 (Introduction to Leadership Development) in the spring semester.
Career Exploration FIG
You may be interested in this FIG if you…
- Are undecided in your major and/or career interests
- Want to learn more about yourself, your skills and talents, and what career may be a good fit for you
- Would like to connect with professionals who are working in the field you are interested in
Housed in McVoy Hall, students will explore together major and career options available to them. Students take several self-assessments which mesh personality and skills identification with career exploration. While being an undecided major is not required for membership in this FIG, students who are open to exploring major and career options will most benefit from this FIG. Students enroll in LSU 1001 in the fall semester and PSYCH 2000 in the spring semester.
Health Science FIG
You may be interested in this FIG if you…
- Are Pre-Nursing, Allied Health, or a related major
- Are interested in a career in the health fields
- Would like to connect with professionals who are working in the field you are interested in
Housed in Annie Boyd Hall, students explore the health fields in an academically supportive environment. Students enroll in LSU 1001 and introductory Biology and/or Chemistry courses* (BIOL 1201, BIOL 1202, CHEM 1201).
*Course enrollment will depend on ACT score, math placement score, and concurrent enrollment in Chemistry 1200 or a Math course.
Women in Wellness FIG
You may be interested in this FIG if you…
- Are female (this FIG is housed in an all-female building)
- Enjoy living a healthy lifestyle
- Are interested in exploring issues that affect women (leadership, health, careers)
Housed in Miller Hall, students explore together issues affecting women while finding a balance Students enroll in LSU 1001 and HUEC 2010 (Nutrition in Health) in the fall semester and WGS 2500 (Women & Gender Studies) in the spring semester.
How do I apply for a FIG?
Applying is easy! Simply choose your FIG selection on the online housing application. You can apply for housing and a FIG at www.lsu.edu/housing.
Will there be more FIGs added for 2010?
Additional FIGs will be available for the 2010-2011 academic year and beyond, so watch for new information!
Who do I contact about FIGs?
Rebecca Rogge, Academic Programs Coordinator
203 Grace King Hall
225-578-5155
reslifefig@lsu.edu
What are the benefits of living on campus?
· Better grades (Students who live on campus perform better academically. Freshmen in LSU residence halls earn overall higher grades than freshmen off campus).
· More friends (Students who live on campus meet more people. Their friends are close by to study and hang out. These friendships formed during college last a lifetime).
· Easy living (On-campus students enjoy the convenience of being close to classroom buildings, the library, the REC Center, the Union, and tons of campus events).
· Enhanced technology (On-campus students benefit from 10 computer labs with more than 100 computers. In-room data connections with the University’s fiber optics make surfing the net a breeze).
· Smooth transition (Each floor of the residence halls has a Resident Assistant, who is a full-time, upper-class student trained as a resource to help students in adjusting to college life).
· Residential colleges (Students will experience a living environment where residents share two or three core freshmen courses, study groups, and shared interests).
· Leadership and involvement (By living on campus, students are more likely to get involved in various exciting activities and organizations).
· Staying informed (Banners in the lobby, fliers, campus newspapers, resident assistants, and other campus leaders will keep students informed of the latest happenings on campus).
· One-time payment (Students pay their room rate at the beginning of the semester with one payment on the fee bill. No need to worry about the “rent due” date every month or high electric bills).
How do I contact the Department of Residential Life?
By mail:
Department of Residential Life
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
By e-mail:
reslife@lsu.edu
In person:
Room 99, Grace King Hall, LSU campus
(On the northeast corner of Highland Road and South Campus Drive across Highland Road from the rear patio of the LSU Union Building)
By phone:
225/578-8663 - Residence Halls, East & West Campus Apartments Applications and Information
225/334-5198 - Edward Gay and Nicholson Apartments Applications and Information
225/615-2005 - Cox Communications Cable TV Subscriptions and Information
225/578-8663 - Residential Life Administration
By fax:
225/578-5576 - Residence Halls and East Campus Apartments Information
225/334-5197 - Edward Gay and Nicholson Apartments Information
225/578-5576 - Residential Life Administration
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