|
What is Residence Life?
Residence Life is an agency of the University that provides residential
housing for approximately 4,000 students in nine
Residence Halls. The nine halls comprise of female,
male, and coeducation living arrangements. The
Central Office Staff, located in the Office of
Residence Life, provides assistance to the Community
Director in all administrative capacities pertaining to student
housing. If you have questions concerning official housing matters,
after consulting the Community Director you may feel free to
seek further assistance from central housing staff. The Office
of Residence Life’s address
is 2401 4th Street NW, Washington, DC 20059
or you may call (202) 806-6131, between the hours
of 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.
When can I officially move into my residence hall?
The official date to move into the residence hall is posted each
academic year on the website and mailed to your
home approximately 2 months prior to check-in.
What is the cost of each room type in the residence halls?
See Residence
Life Room Rates - 2013-2014AY(PDF).
How are freshman placed in a housing assignment?
Incoming freshman housing placements are made at the discretion
of the housing coordinators, and are based primarily on the
order in which students express their intentions to officially
enroll at Howard University. Students cannot be placed in university
housing until the enrollment fee and housing application fee are paid in full.
As a freshman will I reside on the main campus?
Nearly all freshmen are housed in our traditional on campus facilities.
However, some students will be placed in off-campus facilities
that are accessible by the Howard University shuttle bus service.
How big are the rooms in my residence hall?
Room types vary from hall to hall. Please see the link to your
assigned hall to for further room approximate size information.
Are cooking facilities available in the residence halls?
Yes, some halls do have cooking facilities, but not all. See ResHalls@-A-Glance.
How big are the beds in the rooms?
All beds in Howard University residence hall are Extra Long Twin
sized beds.
What size are the windows?
Window sizes vary depending on the Residence Hall. We recommend
bringing an adjustable tension rod to hang any draperies.
How do I get specific information about my residence hall?
See Residence Hall Contacts information
and the
ResHalls@-A-Glance page.
Can I pick which hall I want to live in?
No, but you can select a room type preference.
Where can I do my laundry?
Each residence hall is equipped with laundry facilities. A laundry
card can be purchased in advance or can be purchased
in certain residence hall lobbies. See ResHalls@-A-Glance for
further information.
Can I bring my car as a freshman?
Yes, you can bring a car but it is not recommended because freshman
students can not participate in the parking lottery therefore,
you will have difficulty locating street parking.
If I wanted to room with my friend, what process applies?
You should submit a letter either by fax or by mail to the community
director of your assigned hall. This letter should include your
ID number as well as the ID number of the person you prefer
to room with. Please note, final decisions for roommate placements
is determined by your community director of based on space availability.
Is it possible to speak with your roommate before arriving freshman
year?
Generally this is not possible due to privacy
laws.
Can I bring a microwave?
Microwaves are not allowed in university residence halls. A microfridge
which is an approved appliance with a combination a microwave
and refrigerator can be rented for the academic year. Please
see the maintenance portion of the website for further information
regarding microfridges.
Can I bring a refrigerator for my room?
Yes, the size limit on any refrigerator is 3.6 cubic feet. Any
refrigerator over that size will not be permitted into the residence
hall.
What type identification do I need during the check in process?
You will need to have your Howard ID number as well as a photo
ID.
Will my parents be able to spend the night on the day of check
in?
No, your parents will be asked to leave by 11:00 pm; however,
there are several hotels in the area.
Do the residence halls have internet connection?
Howard University Residence Halls use both Ethernet
and Wireless systems.
Should I bring a personal computer?
It’s okay if you desire to do so. However, each Residence
Hall is equipped with computer labs which are staffed by students.
Computer labs are limited
Who is in charge of residence halls?
Please see the link to the residence hall where you are assigned.
Information regarding the Community
Director is available.
What are the visitation policies/procedures/guidelines?
In order to promote and maintain a positive, supportive, living
and learning environment, the Residence hall staff will enforce
limited visitation hours. Visitation hours for the Residence
Halls are established by the Office of Residence Life and are
intended for academic and healthy socializing. Visitation is
not designed for overnight co-habitation. During certain times
visitation is suspended, (i.e. Thanksgiving, final examinations,
and Spring Break). Normal Residence Hall visitation hours are:
12 noon- 12:00 midnight Sunday through Thursday, 12 noon- 2:00
a.m., Friday and Saturday.
What is the room selection and verification plan RSVP?
The Room Selection and Verification Plan (RSVP) is a system designed
to provide eligible students with an opportunity to request
their preferred space in one of the University Residence Halls.
All undergraduate students seeking accommodation for the upcoming
academic year must participate in RSVP and follow all of the
procedures as outlined in the RSVP package, which can be found
online at the Office of Residence Life website during the fall
semester. A $200 non-refundable housing deposit is required to be eligible
to participate. (The housing deposit fee is subject to change).
What other options do students have if they are unsuccessful
in obtaining housing assignments through the RSVP procedure?
An off-campus housing fair is held during the spring semester
for students who were unsuccessful in obtaining housing assignments
through the RSVP procedure, and there is also a monthly updated
off campus referral listing that is available in the office
of residence life and is also available in the office of residence
life website.
What is the chain of command in Residence Life?
Concerns should be addressed to community directors
and then the Central Office if necessary.
What amenities are available in my residence halls?
Each Residence Hall is equipped with such amenities as high speed
internet access, cable, ResNet computer labs, exercise equipment,
vending machines, laundry facilities, and lounge areas. See
Residence halls at a Glance link.
Can I pay my first months rent and security deposit with scholarship
or financial aid via my student account?
This arrangement must be cleared with Student Accounts and then
the Office of Residence Life.
What do I need to bring, what am I not allowed to bring?
Freshman students will receive information via mail during the
summer on what they need to bring and what is not allowed in
the Residence Hall.
What safety precautions are taken in the halls?
The Campus Police hold seminars and advises the student body
on various travel precautions to take while on
campus and in the city. Statements regarding security are not
intended to cause undue alarm. It is known that criminal activity
in our society is prevalent. Large cities are especially vulnerable.
The suggestions made are only those for which
the student would need to exercise as a member of any community.
Residence Halls are equipped with the necessary safety and security
hardware, all front doors are kept locked and each student is
issued a Howard University Capstone Card which activates the
front door in their respective halls. Room door keys are issued
to each resident. All residents must present a valid Howard
University Capstone Card upon entry to the hall at all times
or when asked by a University official.
Are academic support groups available in the Residence Halls?
Yes! Community Directors, Graduate Assistants and the Resident
Assistants will be able to provide specific information about
resources and provide direction to Professional Campus resources.
In addition Professional academic advisors campus resources
and campus resource professionals who are invited in the Residence
Halls to assist students with their academic interest. Students
are encouraged to visit their Division and Academic Advisors
for more information.
Related Page: Frequent Q+A - Current Students
|