Residence Life Frequently Asked Questions

I am a new student. What is the timeline for my application process?

Deposit by May 1 (must be accepted to the college first)
Building assignment sent in by July 1
Rooms assignments and roommate information is sent by August 1
Roommate information is sent after rooms are assigned and payment is made

I am a returning resident and have lived in housing before. How do I apply to live in housing again?

Deposit by April 9
Attend Fall Housing Selection in the Black and White Lobby East on April 10-12 for building selection
After April 13, fill out the application online, submit a $500 non-refundable deposit, and visit the Office of Residence Life (8th floor, Main) to sign your contract signature page
Students have option to choose own roommates
Roommate information sent in late July

The Office of Residence Life accepts applications at any point during the year. Placement is subject to availability and is not guaranteed.

Can I choose my own roommates?
You can make roommate requests by placing the name of the roommate you are requesting on your housing application. All roommate requests must be mutual in order to be considered. Not all roommate requests can be honored, and roommate requests are not guaranteed to be granted. Roommate requests may also be emailed to Residence Life.

What is my $500 deposit for?
The $500 deposit is to secure your place in housing, and is separate from your tuition deposit. The $500 deposit is applied to your housing fees once you are placed, and is non-refundable.

What is the damage deposit?
The damage deposit is a $250 security deposit, separate from the housing deposit, which is held and then returned to you, minus the cost of any damages incurred, at the end of the semester when you move out. The $250 is non-refundable if you withdraw or move out prior to the end of the semester.

What are Dining Dollars?
All residential students must participate in the Declining Balance Dining Plan (Dining Dollars). All residents are charged a mandatory $1,000 per semester. Students may choose a larger plan, including the $1,800 per semester or $2,500 per semester plan, but the minimum amount is $1,000. At any time, students can choose to add additional Dining Dollars to their declining balance card. The school will transfer and add any remaining balance from the Fall semester to the Spring semester balance. At the end of the Spring semester, students forfeit any remaining balance. Fall semester Dining Dollars may be used during the January session.

What are the withdrawal and refund policies in the contract?
If a resident withdraws on or before the term start date, he or she is eligible for

75% of the housing fees paid, not including the $500 deposit
85% of the remaining balance on his/her meal plan
Forfeits damage deposit

If a resident withdraws during the first week of the term, he or she is eligible for

No refund of the housing fees
85% of the remaining balance on his/her meal plan
Forfeits damage deposit

If a resident withdraws after the first week of the term, he or she is eligible for

No refund of the housing fees
50% of the remaining balance on his/her meal plan
Forfeits damage deposit

What if I find cheaper housing or want to get an apartment?
The housing contract is a binding document committing you to housing for a full academic year. Please consider carefully whether you will be seeking alternate housing options, as you will be financially responsible for a full year of housing costs once you submit your contract.

Are mini-refrigerators and microwaves allowed?
Personal mini-refrigerators and microwaves are not allowed in any of the residence halls, as an in-suite refrigerator and microwave is provided at both the 55th Street and 1760 Residence Halls

Can I bring extra furniture?
Extra furniture such as couches, chairs, and futons are prohibited in all of the residence halls. Plastic storage bins are allowed.

Are pets allowed?
No. All pets, including fish, are strictly prohibited in all of our residence halls. Pets that are found by Residence Life staff will be confiscated.

What is the alcohol policy?
No resident, regardless of age, may possess or consume alcohol in or around any of our three residence halls. Public advertisements of alcoholic products are prohibited. Alcohol containers (opened or unopened) for display are not allowed. Shot glasses, wine glasses, or martini glasses for use or display are not allowed. Public intoxication is prohibited. Anyone violating this policy may be arrested or transported to the hospital at his/her own expense and will face judicial sanctions.

What are themed floors?
For the 2012-13 academic year there will be a substance free themed floor. A themed floor is an optional living community at 55th Street that residents choose to live in based on their interest in a specific topic. They are free, and open to all residents at 55th Street, regardless of major.

How do I apply to live on a themed floor?
Email Residence Life with your name and themed floor request. Due to popular demaind, requests are met on a first come, first serve basis.

What if my roommate and I don't get along?
At the beginning of the semester, all residents will fill out a roommate contract to set some ground rules for the apartment regarding noise, guests, and cleanliness. This usually establishes a common respect for all residents in the room. All residents are encouraged to try to work out their differences with their roommates through open communication and discussion; however, if two residents have irreconcilable differences and one wants to move, he or she should e of Residence Life to fill out a Room Change Request form. The Office of Residence Life must approve all moves. No resident moves will be granted within the first three weeks of the Fall semester.

What to Bring
The following are some suggested items you may need. We recommend you bring only that which you cannot live without, as your room will fill up quickly. Keep in mind you will have roommates and will need to share your space accordingly. Remember, you can always purchase additional items or have them sent to you after moving in. However, no items that interfere with fire safety equipment or violate a law are permitted in the residence halls. Here is a list of suggested items to bring:

Pots/Pans, Dishes, Drinking Glasses, Utensils
Cleaning Supplies
Toiletries/Towels
Telephone (if you choose to have a ground line)
Clothing
Computer
There are computers available for students to use at the College. Students are also encouraged to bring their own computers. The College suggests bringing a computer that is PC or MacIntosh compatible with Office 2007 installed. Microsoft Windows (Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7), or Macintosh (OS 8 or higher) are acceptable. There is wireless and wired network connections in the residence halls for Internet access
Linens
All beds are standard twin size. Bring your own linens, blankets and towels.
Stereo and/or Television
Remember that you will be either sharing a room or living quite close to other members of your community, so these should not be too big or too powerful.

Additional Expenses
The 55th Street and 1760 Residence Halls are within walking distance from the College. The 55th Street Residence Hall is about a 15-20 minute walk and the 1760 Residence Hall is a 25 minute walk. However, both locations are accessible by subway and bus.

There are many ways to get around New York. The subway is fastest, but the bus is more scenic. Both cost $2.25 and can get you virtually anywhere. However, an unlimited Metrocard can be purchased for one month ($104) or one week ($29) which provides the opportunity to travel on bus or subway for one flat fee as many times as the students needs. Further information on the NYC Transit System can be obtained at www.mta.info. Taxis, trains, and walking are also options.

Operations and Services
Cable
All rooms at the 55th Street and 1760 Residence Halls are cable-ready. At 55th Street students must provide their own cable cord.

Student IDs
Students are expected to present their identification cards when entering the college and Residence Halls. Your ID will be issued during the check in process.

Laundry Services
In the 55th Street Hall, the laundry room is located on the 2nd floor. At the 1760 Residence Hall, the laundry room is located on the lower level.