Frequently Asked Questions

When will I be mailed "check-in" information so I know when to check in?

Check in packets are mailed out around the first of August with important information on "how to check in" and other helpful information to get you off to a good start.

Can I move into my room before the scheduled check-in dates?

Sorry, but it is hard enough trying to get everything ready for everyone as the check-in days are approaching. We do have some athletes and student staff who will be coming in for pre-season practices or training. But we need to have all others restricted to the scheduled check in dates.

When will I find out who my roommates are?

Freshman room assignments are put on this web site around the end of July. The reason we don't show these assignments any earlier is because a lot of students meet potential roommates during orientation sessions and then request to be with that student. By putting the room assignments up later in the summer, there is more of chance that the roommate you see listed will be the one you actually receive.

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If I don't like my roommate(s), can I switch rooms?

We don't allow room changes during the first 10 days of the semester. This is so we can make sure we get everyone into their rooms and get our records straight before making changes. We also find that many students who "think" that they don't like their roommates often change their mind once they have lived with them for a short time and get to know them better. Room changes may be requested after the first 10 day period.

What are some of the things that I am NOT allowed to have?

Pets (except for some fish), halogen lamps, open flames (candles, incense, etc), weapons, firecrackers, and dart boards with metal-tipped darts are all prohibited in university housing.

Are the mattresses in the rooms larger than normal? What size sheets do I need to bring?

Most all of the mattresses in on-campus housing are 36" x 80" which are known as super singles or hospital bed style because of the extra length.

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Is there anything special I should know about using telephones on campus?

Yes. First of all, you need to dial a nine (9) before you can make any off-campus calls. Even to dial 911 from on campus, you must dial 9-911. For long distance calling, students may make use of calling cards that require the use of toll-free numbers. For on-campus calls made on campus, you only need to dial the last four digits of the campus phone numbers.

Can I have my vehicle on campus even if this is my first year?

Yes. Freshman are allowed to have vehicles at SVSU. They just need to register them and receive a parking permit from the Cashier's Office or University Police like all other residents. You'll need to bring your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.

If I bring some of my own furniture, is there a place to store unused university furniture?

No. We don't have enough storage space in any of our facilities to do this. We also do not allow university furnishings to be removed from the buildings.

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Is there any place I can store smaller items that I don't need?

Yes. We do have small storage units available in Living Center North. This is limited storage and is available for a rental fee of $25 per semester.

What if I have money left in my dining plan at the end of the semester?

Each student on a declining meal plan (all first year students must have a meal plan) receives an allotted amount of cash on their I.D. for meals depending on the meal plan they have chosen. If you have money left over at the end of Fall semester, it will get added to your Winter semester account provided you are still under your housing contract. However, you lose any amount that is remaining at the end of the Winter semester when the contract period concludes.

What if I want to request to be released from my housing contract?

You need to submit your request in writing to the Housing Office. If you will not be attending SVSU, then a release will be granted. If you will still be attending classes at SVSU, then you will likely be required to fulfill your legal obligation, although you may request a contract release by submitting your reasons in writing, giving details and providing documentation. Very few releases are granted for students who are still attending SVSU.

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What sort of things should I bring with me when I move to campus?

The following items were suggested by former residents...

  • Blankets/pillow/linen/mattress pad
    (mattresses are 36" X 80")
  • Towels and wash cloths, soap and shampoo
  • Bathing suit and towel
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Laundry detergent
  • Clip-on style study lamp
  • Sports Equipment
  • Extension cord(s)
  • Co-ax cable (for cable TV)
  • Clock radio (with battery back-up)
  • Toiletries
  • Tissue, napkins, paper towels
  • Camera
  • Flashlight
  • Fan (helps drown out noise)
  • Addresses of friends (Email)
  • Desk supplies
  • DVD player
  • Snacks
  • Computer cable (to connect to data port)
  • Pictures from home

 

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