Frequently Asked Questions

When do students move in and out?

Check our Important Dates page for details regarding the academic year timeline.

What should students bring?

Read our What to Bring page.

Where do new students live?

New First-Year students live in either Tommy Hall or Mary Hall. 

Non-traditional aged and transfer students live in an appropriate location based on their year in school and availability.

How do new students complete housing paperwork?

New students can start their housing form as early as April, after paying the enrollment deposit. The housing form, accessible in the housing portal, is due by June 1st. We do not begin the roommate matching process until the form deadline.

Are students required to live on campus?

Students are required to live on campus unless granted permission from the Residential Life and Housing Office to live at home (with parents) or off-campus locally. Learn about our residency requirement.

How are roommates assigned?

  • New students complete the First Year Housing Questionnaire when applying for housing, and we match roommates based on similarities in lifestyle preferences. We ask questions about:
    • personal interests
    • sleep schedules
    • study habits
    • personal habits
    • cleanliness
  • New students can request a specific person as a roommate through the dedicated section of the First Year Housing questionnaire. A student must know their requested roommate's last name and campus email address.
  • Returning students can request a roommate via the housing portal during the annual room selection process.
  • Roommate assignments are visible on the housing portal starting in early July. New students also receive an email via their campus account with their room number and roommate information.

What if a student has roommate problems?    

Living with a roommate can be both a challenge and an opportunity for growth and friendship. Students with roommate concerns can seek support from Resident Assistants and Faculty Residents. Our conflict resolution process emphasizes listening, communication, and respect.

When can guests be in residential areas?

Male guests are allowed at any hour. Non-male guests are allowed in SJU residential areas during visiting hours: 9 am-midnight Sunday-Thursday and 9 am-2 am on Fridays and Saturdays. If a student wishes to house an overnight guest, they must first check-in with the Faculty Resident (FR). Female guests are never allowed overnight.

What if a student loses their room key?

A student who loses their room key should contact Life Safety Services to access their room. Students who need a replacement key should contact Residential Life. There is a fee to replacement a lost key.

What can students do if there is damage in their room or residential area?

  • Students should complete a work order form and report damages to their Resident Assistants. 
  • Students should report existing damage upon move-in to avoid unnecessary charges at the end of the year.
  • The cost of charges varies depending on damage severity. We carefully assess all repair and cleaning charges.

What if students need to live on campus before the academic year, during breaks, or after the academic year?

Circumstances sometimes require students to reside on campus before the academic year, over Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring Breaks, or after residence halls close. Students must complete a request form in advance of their early, break, or extended stay. Requests are only for:

  • International/Out of State Students
  • On-Campus Student Employees
  • Student-Athletes
  • Students with Academic-Related Reasons

See more information on Early Arrivals, Break Stays, and Extended Stays.

What amenities does on-campus housing offer?

Each room contains:

  • a bed (1 per student)
  • a desk (1 per student)
  • a bookcase (1 per room)
  • a sink (1 per room)
  • a wardrobe (1 per room)

Additional community amenities vary slightly by residential area.

What are the dimensions of student rooms?

Find room dimensions and floor plans by location via Housing Options.

Is wireless internet connection available on campus?

Yes, every academic and residential building on campus features wireless internet connection.

Do students need to bring a computer and printer to campus?

No, every residential area has a computer lab and printer. Each student has a $25 printing allowance.

What size are student beds?

Student beds are sized as Twin XL (39" x 80") and require Twin XL sheets. Students may choose to purchase sheets from Dormify.

Can a student loft their bed?

Students living in Mary, Tommy, Patrick, Boniface, and Bernard Halls can rent a bed loft for their residence hall room from Bedloft.com. Fridge/Microwave Combo Unit are also available for rent.

What laundry facilities are available to students?

Every residential area has free-to-use washers and dryers. Students must provide their detergent and other laundry supplies.

Can students hang items on the walls?

Students can hang posters and pictures on the walls as long as they do not cause damage. 

  • We recommend 3M Command adhesive products which do not cause damage when properly applied and removed.
  • Do not use adhesive gum products or tapes that leave marks or residue on walls, thus causing damage.
  • Do not use nails or screws to hang decorations.
  • Damages to walls, doors, ceilings, rooms, and furnishings are charged equally to the residents of a room.

Can students have pets?

Pets are not allowed in student residences, except for fish in tanks less than 10 gallons. Students must consult with Student Accessibility Services for consideration of an exception.

Can students bring a bicycle?

Students can bring a bicycle. There are bike racks outside of many residential areas.

Can students leave items in their room over breaks?

Students can leave their belongings in their room over breaks. All rooms must be locked during such times to ensure security.

Can out-of-state/international students store belongings on campus?

Out-of-state/international students can store belongings in on-campus storage for free on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Due to limited space, students cannot store:

  • Computers
  • Printers
  • Televisions
  • Appliances
  • Furniture
  • Other Large Items

Students concerned about storing appliances such as fridges or microwaves can consider rental from Bedloft.com.

What meal plans are available to students?

Student meal plans include combinations of meal passes and dining bucks that provide flexibility in campus dining. Meal plan options vary by student housing assignment because of differences in access to kitchens in residential areas.

For more information, visit SJU Culinary Services.

How can students receive mail on campus?   

  • Students have a PO box and can ship mail to the SJU Mail Center.
  • These mail instructions explain how to find a student's PO box and mailing address. 
  • To avoid shipping delays, address mail to a student's PO box, not their room number.

Can students have a car on campus?

Students can have a car on campus and must purchase a parking permit for each academic year. Students can register for a parking permit through the forms portal. See more Parking Information.

Where can students seek medical services?

Both SJU and CSB campuses have a health center available for student use. For more information, visit CSB/SJU Health Services.

What should students do if they need emergency assistance?

Students should contact Life Safety Services at 320-363-2144 for emergency assistance of any kind, including, but not limited to:

  • Security/safety concerns
  • Medical emergencies
  • Fires

What are the campus policies?

A complete list of student policies, including information on alcohol and drugs, is in the J-book.

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