July 5, 2013 for transfer students
*First Year Student Housing Applications will not be available until May 1. They may be accessed by selecting Housing@DSU throught he MyDSU portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a specific question and can not find the answer here, please feel free to contact us at reslife@desales.edu.
Q: When will I receive basic housing information?
A: If you've submitted your deposit, you should expect to receive a comprehensive welcome booklet in early April. The booklet includes a section called "Residence Life" that contains all of the preliminary information you will need to know about on campus housing. Students who deposit after the start of April will receive their welcome booklet on a rolling basis.
Q: How is my room assignment determined?
A: First-year students are housed as a class in suite-style double rooms (two double rooms with a shared bathroom) in one of our three first-year residence halls. Your placement will depend upon your date of deposit and whether you have indicated an interest in the Wellness Living-Learning Community or special needs housing (below).
Q: How do I request a special needs housing accommodation?
A: Students needing special housing accommodations (medical, psychological or disability-related need) should follow the guidelines available at www.desales.edu/disability. Once all required information has been submitted by you and your diagnostician, the director of the Academic Resource Center will make a recommendation to Residence Life regarding any necessary housing accommodations. Students requesting special needs housing must also indicate their need on the online Housing Application. All special needs requests must be received by June 7, 2013 for full consideration.
Q: How do I let you know about my housing preferences?
A: All deposited students should receive a welcome booklet with information to access the online Housong Application, which includes a detailed questionnaire about living habits and interests. Students who deposit later will receive this booklet on a rolling basis. The Housing Application will be posted by May 1 and must be completed and submitted by June 7, 2013 in order to be eligible for campus housing.
Q: When will I find out my room assignment and roommate's contact information?
A: You will be able to reserve your room directly online. Once this is confirmed through the Housing@DSU application, your room will be selected. All information regarding your room and future roommate can be accessed through Housing@DSU.
Q: Where are first-year students housed on campus? What amenities are provided?
A: First-year men are housed in double rooms (suites of four) in Conmy Hall, first-year women in double rooms (suites of four) in Tocik Hall. First-year students are also housed in double rooms (suites of four) in Aviat Hall; men and women are separated by wing. Our Wellness Community comprises wings or floors of all three first-year residence halls depending on interest. Click the above links to view building and room photos, amenities, and layouts.
Q: Are the residence halls air conditioned?
A: All DeSales University residence halls have central air conditioning. All student rooms also have individually controlled heating/air conditioning units. These amenities meet the needs of students with asthma and allergies.
Q: What size sheets should I bring for my bed? Can I request an extra-long bed?
A: The mattresses in Aviat and Conmy halls are all extra-long. The mattresses Tocik Hall are standard size. Extra-long beds are available in Tocik by indicating on your Room and Board Application that you are 6'2" or taller. Even if you are living in an area with standard size mattresses, you may want to consider purchasing extra-long bedding in order to live on campus in a different residence hall the following year. Please note that if one student in a double room requests an extra-long mattress, both occupants will receive an extra-long mattress. In order to plan appropriately, please let your roommate know if you have indicated this on your application.
Q: Do I have to clean my own room?
A: Students are expected to assume full responsibility for cleaning and maintaining the condition of their room and furnishings. The University provides housekeeping service to clean and maintain bathrooms and sink areas in student rooms approximately once every 7 to 10 days. Housekeeping staff also assists in maintaining common areas throughout the residence halls. Students may request use of housekeeping vacuum cleaners as needed.
Q: How will I connect my computer to the Internet?
A: All students will be given a DeSales University e-mail address and will be able to access the Internet through the University's computer network. Room connection to the University system can be made for free directly through the University's RESNET network. Wireless access is now available in all residence halls. Learn more about RESNET.
Q: What is the wellness community?
A: First-year students will have the option to live within the Wellness Community starting their first semester (if space permits).
The Wellness Community is a designated housing area within the residence halls that to allow students with a common interest to live together. This community has resident advisors who assist in developing the theme of their community through programs, campus and community involvement, and discourse. Students living in this housing community are committed to the healthy development of their bodies and minds. They sign an agreement indicating that they choose to abstain from tobacco use and refrain from bringing the effects of alcohol use into the community. Students interested in the living areas will be able to indicate this preference on the online Housing Application.
Q: How will you determine my roommate?
A: By using the Housing@DSU application, you will be able to answer specific questions about your living preferences; you will then be able to review a list online of potential roommates that have answered questions similar to yours. If you identify someone you think may be compatible, you can then send a message requesting to talk to them further about living together and if you believe you would be compatible. While it may be difficult to anticipate how your living habits will change from living at home to living on campus, it is important to answer these questions as accurately and honestly as you are able - this will help to ensure that your roommate will have similar living habits. It is essential that you complete these questions yourself.
Q: Can I request a specific roommate?
A: Yes, we do accept roommate requests. You will need search and request them through the online housing application. In order for the match to take place, the student you are requesting MUST also accept you as a roommate on their application. First-year students may only request other first-year students as roommates. Roommates can them assign one another to an open room together.
Q:What happens if I don't get along with my roommate?
A: Most students go through an adjustment period when learning to live with a new roommate or sharing a room for the first time. The keys to this transition are being open-minded to the experience and establishing effective communication from the very beginning. Students encountering roommate concerns are encouraged to approach the roommate directly and let their roommate know how their behavior is impacting the living situation, Most times, honest and direct communication can lead to an easy compromise.
Should the concern persist, students are also encouraged to talk with their resident advisor, who is trained to assist roommates with communication and conflict resolution. We encourage all new students to become familiar with our tips on Living with a Roommate.
Q: What policies are in place for the residence halls?
A: It is essential for new students to understand that the Catholic tradition of DeSales University strongly shapes all of our student policies and specifically dictates that guests of the opposite sex are not permitted overnight. The best place to learn more about the visitation policy and other policies that apply to the residence halls is to review the Student Handbook. All students are held to the policies and guidelines outlined here, as well as in the Housing and Meal Plan Contract. First-year students are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with University policies prior to their arrival in August.
Q: Can I have visitors to my room?
A: Residential students are permitted to have visitors during certain hours. First-year students may have visitors between 10 a.m. and 12 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. In accordance with the Catholic mission of the University and the desire to maintain security and the community nature of the residence halls, overnight visitors of the opposite gender are not permitted. First-year residence halls are fully secured 24 hours a day. Residents of the building can gain access with their ID card at the front entrance only. Security personnel help to ensure that the visitation policy is followed and the building is secure. Persons under the age of 16 are not permitted to spend time in the residence halls except during Family or Sibling Weekend or under the supervision of a parent/guardian. Guests under the age of 18 are not permitted overnight. Visitors must be escorted at all times and residents are fully responsible for the behavior of their visitors. Additional information about the visitation policy is available in the Student Handbook.
Q: Can I loft my bed?
A: Students are not permitted to build or bring in their own lofts or use bed risers. All student rooms in Aviat Hall contain beds which must remain bunked throughout the year. Beds in Aviat are XL twin.. Beds in Comny and Tocik Halls will be bunked upon your arrival. Students in Conmy and Tocik have the option to request their beds to be placed flat on the floor upon their arrival. Most students do choose to maintain bunks in order to best utilize space. All beds in Conmy Hall are XL twin. Tocik Hall's beds are standard twin (although XL twin sheets are still recommended).
Q: Can I have a pet in my room?
A: In order to maintain our facilities and manage air quality for students with allergies, pets (other than fish in a 10-gallon or smaller tank) are not permitted in the residence halls.
Q: Can I bring a bike? Where can I store it?
A: Students are permitted to bring bikes to campus. Conmy and Tocik halls have indoor bike racks in the main lounge on the first floor of each building. Aviat Hall has an outdoor bike rack by the front entrance. Bikes may be kept in private student rooms as well, but may not be kept in the hallways or other common areas. Students are encouraged to keep bikes properly secured.
Q: Are students allowed to smoke in the residence halls?
A: In support of student health and safety, smoking is strictly prohibited in all buildings on campus. Smoking outside of University buildings must be a minimum of 15 feet from any entrances.
Q: What fire safety measures exist in the residence halls?
A: All three first-year residence halls have sprinkler systems. Student rooms and corridors in all first-year areas are equipped with hard-wired smoke detectors and fire alarms. Each corridor is also equipped with a fire extinguisher. All fire safety equipment is inspected on a monthly basis. Fire evacuation routes (maps) are posted on the back of the door in every student room and students are trained on proper evacuation procedures. RA staff reviews all emergency procedures including evacuation and lock down procedures at the start of the year.
Q: What security measures are in place in the residence halls?
A: All campus residence halls are fully secured 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and are accessible only by residents of the facility with their student ID card. University Police conduct routine patrols of the residence halls and assist in maintaining building security. The RA staff also monitors the safety of the building and wellbeing of the residents on their duty shift each night. Students are strongly encouraged to keep private rooms secured at all times, even when inside.
Q: Can I have a car on campus? Where can I park?
A: First-year students are permitted to bring a vehicle to campus. Resident students may park only in the lot adjacent to their assigned residence hall. Parking permits are required and will be available through University Police during move-in weekend. Additional parking information is available through the University Police Department.
Q: What is a resident advisor?
A: Resident advisors (RAs) are upper-class students that live on each wing of the residence halls and are available to assist residents with any concerns. RAs build community in the residence halls, help residents adjust to the college experience, and assist in creating an environment conducive to academic success. While RAs do handle violations of college policy, their focus is to create residence hall environments that are safe and enjoyable for our students. Anytime students have a question and are not sure where to find the answer, the RA is a great place to start. Find out more about the residence life staff.
Q: How do I become an RA?
A: Students who will be at least sophomore status are able to apply for the resident advisor position. Applicants must have at least a 2.4 cumulative GPA at the time of application, as well as a record of good conduct. The application process runs from January through March to select RAs for the following academic year. Once selected, new RAs undergo a comprehensive training process to prepare for the position. Please refer back to our site in November for additional information about becoming an RA.
Q: What can I expect on move-in day?
A: All first-year students will move in on Sunday, August 25, 2013 between 8 a.m. - noon based on the following schedule:
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Third floors of Conmy & Tocik Halls
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Second floors of Conmy & Tocik Halls
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. First floors of Conmy & Tocik Halls
10:00 a.m. - Noon Aviat Hall
Families will approach campus using Preston Lane and will follow a specific traffic pattern with the assistance of University Police. Vehicles will be able to unload in front of their assigned residence hall with the assistance of the student move-in crew. The resident student (and their parent/guardian if under 18 years of age) will need to enter the building to check and in and receive their key. Once the student has checked in and the vehicle has been unloaded, cars will be routed to a designated parking area. Two temporary parking permits for move-in day will be included in the housing assignment mailing and must be displayed throughout the day. From this point, students will have time to unpack belongings, meet their roommate, and arrange their room prior to the start of the orientation program that afternoon. Parents typically depart around dinnertime on the day of move-in.
Q: What if I am unable to arrive on Sunday, August 25?
A: All incoming first-year students will need to arrive during their assigned time on this date in order to participate fully in the orientation program, which is designed to assist you in your transition to campus. Those individuals participating in fall athletics or a pre-orientation service trip will coordinate their arrival directly with their coach or program advisor. Families needing to arrive to the area prior to the morning of Sunday, August 25, should consult the list of area accommodations. Additional information about the orientation program is available by contacting the student activities office.
Q: What should I pack for college?
A: View a suggested list of what to bring to college.
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