Frequently Asked Questions

What do I bring to college?

What Should I Bring to KU's Halls (pdf)
What Should I Bring to KU's Schol Halls (pdf)

• Residents of residence halls and scholarship halls should bring a telephone, an alarm clock, bed and bath linens, toiletries, a desk lamp, school supplies, an umbrella, laundry and cleaning supplies, current social security and medical insurance cards, 1st aid kit, and any prescription or over-the-counter medications. Apartment residents will need to bring the above, along with cookware, tableware, living room furniture, and additional lamps as needed. Consider a power strip for electrical items such as TVs, computers, and stereos. Consult with your roommate(s) about larger items like futons, carpet, curtains, or microwave ovens! Click below for more detailed lists:

What if I'm not a full time student?

• If you fall below 12 hours (full-time status for undergraduates), you should schedule a meeting with your Complex Director and talk about your plans and contract status. Full-time enrollment is normally required but exceptions can be made for good cause.

When do halls change from heating to cooling and back?

• Kansas weather often changes in just a few minutes. For that reason, we don't keep a strict date for our annual changeover from heating to cooling (and back).
• System changeover is based on long-range weather forecasts. If the forecast shows temperatures below 55 degrees for three days or more, building heating systems are activated.
• Most of our larger buildings are heated and cooled with water loop line systems - room fans blowing across pipes filled with hot water (during cold weather) or filled with cold water (when it's hot). This is economical and works well, although we appreciate your patience for the few weeks each year when we're "in-between" seasons.
• Several of our buildings have window air-conditioning units installed by Student Housing. Residents in the Stouffer Place Apartments provide their own window air-conditioning units. If you have problems with your heating or air conditioning, get a maintenance report form from the front desk manager and report the problem to maintenance.

What are the benefits of living on-campus rather than off-campus?

• When you live on campus you have so many opportunities to meet and make new friends: students form study groups, roommates become friends, residents watch TV together in the lobby. Research has shown that students who live on campus get better grades and graduate in a more timely manner than those who live elsewhere. Another benefit is the convenience: by living on campus you can roll out of bed, jump in the shower, catch the KU bus to class, eat great meals either in your own hall or elsewhere on campus, and never worry about grocery shopping, washing dishes, paying utility bills, or long commutes.

How do I apply for Student Housing?

• To apply for Student Housing, go to Housing Applications & Forms, print off the application you need, then fill out the application completely (indicating any special medical need you have so we can best accommodate you). Mail the application (with enclosed payments) to Department of Student Housing, 422 West 11th Street, Suite DSH, Lawrence, KS 66045-3312. Or fax your application to (785) 864-5048. Feel free to e-mail us any time or call us at (785) 864-4560.

What do I do if I don't like my housing assignment?

• Assignments are made based on student preferences, application date, and availability. Room or hall change requests may be submitted to the Assistant Complex Director or Complex Director after the hall is open in August. Requests are reviewed for processing after the first two weeks of each semester.

Is carpeting provided in the rooms?

• No, carpeting is not provided in the residence hall rooms, but residents can purchase and bring an area rug. (You might check with your roommate first!)

What happens if I lose my room key?

• Lost keys are a serious matter. A lost key not only impacts the safety of the resident who lost the key but also the safety and security of roommates and future residents. We take our residents' security seriously. If a lock change is necessary, a $50 replacement fee is assessed.

How secure are the halls? Can anyone get into my hall?

• Anyone who lives in a residence hall can enter their hall on campus with their KU Card. Anyone who does not live in the residence hall must be escorted into and through the hall by a resident of that hall. The residence halls are locked to anyone who does not have a valid KU Card.

What happens if I don't use all the meals or cash on the KU Cuisine Meal Plan I chose? Do they roll over to the next semester?

• Dining center meals and guest passes not used by the end of the fall semester are forfeited. The balance of KU Cuisine Cash that remains at the end of fall semester will roll over to spring semester as long as you have an active spring semester KU Cuisine Meal Plan. To make the best meal plan choice, visit KU Dining Services.

How do I activate my e-mail account?

• To create a KU Online ID (which provides access to e-mail, Blackboard, Enroll & Pay, the Kyou portal and more), visit: www.aims.ku.edu/services/services.shtml?entry=new

Do Internet and cable connection cost extra in the halls?

• All residents who live in KU Student Housing must register their computer with ResNet for each semester that you want a network connection. Network connections are optional. Each registration will incur a charge of $98.45/semester ($70.70/summer semester). If you have questions, please call the ResNet Help Line at 812-0000.