Residence Life

Residence Life Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When will I be notified of my housing assignment?

Students who have received their housing contracts and returned them prior to the June 1^st early deadline will receive their roommate information and housing assignments on or around July 15th. Contracts received after June 1st will be assigned and the students will be notified in approximately two to three weeks.

When I sign up for housing, am I automatically assigned a meal plan?

Yes. All resident students are required to participate in the university meal plan. All meal plans include the all-you-can-eat cafeteria service in Hamilton Dining Hall. The plans differ in how many "Panther Points" (points = dollars) a student receives. Panther Points can be spent in Panther Plaza in Erskine Hall on food, snacks, and convenience items or in the Underground in Fitzpatrick Hall on food.

Can I get a room change once I am already assigned?

Room changes are available after a 30-day room freeze at the beginning of both the fall and spring terms. Additionally, no room changes will be made during the final two weeks of the academic term.

When the residence halls are closed, will I be able to stay during break periods?

Students will not have access to the residence halls during times when the buildings are closed. Students need to make appropriate plans to vacate the residence halls by the times specified for each break. Access cards will be shut off when the residence halls are closed. Students will not be granted access to the residence halls prior to the move-in or opening dates and times indicated above. Please plan accordingly. Only a student who is a member of a university-sponsored group who is required to participate over a scheduled class break will be permitted to stay in the residence hall; his/her name is must appear on the approved group list (e.g. sports teams).

If I am having difficulty getting along with my roommate, what should I do?

Adjusting to a new roommate is a process that involves time and effort. Without good communication, a minor argument can escalate to a bigger issue rather easily. We encourage you to try to talk with your roommate about any issues or concerns you may have. If you are unsuccessful, then feel free to contact your RA, Head Resident or Hall Director for assistance.

Why do I need renter's insurance?

The University does not cover personal belongings. For this reason, we strongly encourage you to obtain renter's insurance coverage. This will protect you from paying for damages caused by fire, flood, theft or any other catastrophes that are out of your control. Students can obtain renter's insurance from many different insurance agents or some homeowner's insurance may cover items in the student's room. Check with your family's homeowner's policy to ensure your coverage.

Who cleans and maintains the residence halls?

Housekeeping services, but they are not provided for student rooms. Students are responsible for cleaning and maintaining their own rooms. As a community, residents should be conducive to an all around clean atmosphere. All public areas and community bathrooms are serviced Monday through Friday. Students are responsible for emptying their room trash into the dumpster between the halls. Personal trash is not to be piled in the hallway or bathrooms.

Can I burn candles in my room?

The burning of candles and/or incense as well as any open-flame devices and halogen products are prohibited in all residence halls.

Are there any computer labs to use on campus?

Yes. A lab is located in several of the residence halls as well as the library.

Can I have a pet in my room?

Pets - of any species - are NOT permitted in the residence halls.

Will I be able to do my laundry on campus?

Yes, there are coin-operated laundry facilities in all residence halls.

What is the size of the mattresses in the residence halls?

All mattresses in the residence halls are standard twin size. There is no need to buy long or tall twin sheets.

Are there refrigerators in the rooms?

Refrigerators are not provided in the rooms. Many students choose to buy their own refrigerators. If you choose to buy a refrigerator, please be sure it's no larger than 4.0 cubic feet.

How do I report maintenance concerns for my room?

All maintenance concerns should be directed to your RA.

Is smoking permitted in my room?

No, beginning Fall 2007, ODU became a smoke-free campus. Smoking is prohibited in ALL buildings on the ODU campus.

Is telephone service available in my room?

Yes, all rooms receive free local phone service, but a long distance calling card is required for calls outside ODU's area code 614. Students must also provide their own telephone and answering machine.

Is cable TV and computer access available?

All rooms are cable ready however students are responsible for briningin their own TV. Community cable/satellite TV is available in the Underground of Fitzpatrick Hall. Computer access is available in each student's room at no additional cost to the student. Wireless access is availble in Erskine Hall, the Oval and Spangler Learning Center. Service is provided through the university's network.

What should I do if my roommate is violating a Residence Life policy?

We encourage students to communicate with one another. If the violation makes you as a roommate uncomfortable, either share that with the student who is in violation and ask that the activity not happen again. If that doesn't work, let him/her know that you will inform a Residence Life Staff member if the activity continues, and then follow through. Depending on the severity of the violation, a student may choose to inform a member of the staff immediately to address the issue.