Resident Expectations & Responsibilities

Your Guide to Living on Campus

Living on campus is about more than just a place to stay, it is about being part of a shared community. Residence Life expectations are designed to support your growth, encourage respect for others and help create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

As a resident, you play an active role in maintaining your community. Being mindful of your actions, communicating with others and taking responsibility for your space all contribute to a positive living experience.

The Office of Residence Life may update expectations throughout the year. 

Being Part of the Community

Living in a residential community means sharing space with others and contributing to an environment where everyone can succeed.
As a resident, you are expected to:

  • Be respectful and considerate of others at all times
  • Follow community expectations and University policies
  • Take responsibility for your actions and your space
  • Report concerns that may impact safety or the community

If you see or know of a situation that could negatively impact others, contact a Residence Life staff member or University Police.

Support & Resources

Your Community Assistant (CA) is your primary point of contact. On the Bloomfield campus, this role is referred to as a Resident Assistant (RA). These student leaders are trained to support you throughout your residential experience.

CAs/RAs can help with:

  • Conflict resolution
  • Adjusting to campus life
  • Connecting you to resources
  • Building community

Community Directors and Residence Life staff are also available to support you. 

Meet the full Res Life Staff!

Housing Agreement & Contract Release

Your housing agreement is a signed and binding contract for the academic year. Students seeking to cancel housing must meet specific criteria and submit a formal request. 

Learn More about How To Cancel Housing
 

Important

All residents are expected to follow the Code of Conduct. Below are key provisions that specifically apply to living in the residence halls:

  • Alcohol and Drugs: Alcohol and drug use must follow University policy and applicable laws
  • Access Cards and Keys: You must carry your University ID at all times and may not share it with others
  • Fire Safety: All fire safety equipment must remain functional and not be tampered with.
  • Noise Levels: You are expected to follow quiet hours and be mindful of noise at all times
  • Guests and Visitors: You are responsible for your guests and must follow all guest procedures
  • Pets: Only approved animals are permitted in residence halls
  • Posting and Solicitation: Materials and outreach must follow Residence Life guidelines
  • Restricted Areas: Entry into unauthorized areas is prohibited
Read Detailed Residence Hall Regulations

Living in the Residence Halls

Daily Living

Residents are responsible for their guests and must follow all procedures.

  • Guests (non-residents) must be signed in before 11:59 p.m. at the building desk
  • Guests must be at least 16 years old and show valid ID
  • You must accompany your guest at all times
  • Guests cannot be left unattended in your room
  • You may host up to 2 guests at a time
  • Overnight stays are limited to 3 nights within a 7-day period
  • Roommate or apartment-mate approval is required for overnight guests

Residence Life may restrict guest access at any time. You and your guest may face conduct action for policy violations.

  • Sunday–Thursday: 10 p.m. – 10 a.m.
  • Friday–Saturday: 12 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Courtesy hours are in effect 24/7

Room changes are not permitted during the first two weeks of the semester. After that, requests must be submitted through the official process. Unauthorized room changes are a violation of policy.

If you are locked out, contact your building’s main desk. Repeated lockouts may result in a conduct follow-up with a Residence Life professional staff member. Do not install additional locks or chains on doors.

Students can receive mail in their residence halls! Some halls even have Amazon Lockers within or nearby.

Proper Mailing Addresses

  • Traditional Residence Halls: Blanton, Bohn, Freeman, Russ, Stone
  • Francis A. Sinatra Hall
  • The Heights
  • The Village at Little Falls

View Detailed Information on Postal Services

Safety & Facilities

Residence halls are equipped with life safety systems. You are expected to follow all fire safety guidelines and evacuation procedures. We take fire safety very seriously and do not allow certain items that could increase the risk of a fire.

Review Fire Safety Information Learn What Not To Bring

Residence Life staff may enter rooms to conduct health, safety and maintenance inspections. These inspections occur regularly and may take place whether or not you are present.

Prohibited items, unsafe conditions or policy violations may result in conduct action.

If services such as heat, water or electricity are disrupted, the University will take steps to restore services or relocate residents if necessary.

The University may send emails or text alerts should an outage or disruption is serious or will take a lot of time to resolve.

Room Condition & Damage

At check-in, you will review your room condition report. You have 48 hours to document any additional concerns.

You are responsible for:

  • Reviewing and signing your report
  • Documenting damages with photos
  • Submitting updates within 48 hours

Failure to document issues may result in charges at move-out.

You may be charged for the following:

  • Room or furniture damage
  • Missing items
  • Excessive cleaning
  • Improper check-out

If responsibility cannot be determined in a shared area, charges may be split among all residents of the room or space.

Community Damage

Damage to shared spaces (lounges, hallways, etc.) may be billed to the community if no individual is identified. Residents are encouraged to report information that may help identify responsible individuals.

Damage Appeals

Damage charges may be appealed within 15 days of billing. Decisions are typically made within 30 days.

Renter's Insurance

The University is not responsible should a floor or fire damage any of your personal belongings. We highly encourage you to get your own renter's insurance policy prior to moving in!

Resident Responsibilities

Use designated trash areas. Do not leave trash outside your room. Improper disposal may result in conduct action or charges.

Not sure where to put your trash?: Ask your CA/RA!

Report lost or found items to your building desk or University Police. The University is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Learn More about University Police Lost and Found

The University is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged personal belongings, which is why renter’s insurance is strongly recommended for students living on campus. A renter’s insurance policy can help protect items such as laptops, phones, TVs, gaming systems and other valuables, while also providing liability coverage if an accident causes injury or property damage.

Before purchasing a policy, check with your family’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance provider to see if you are already covered while living away from home. Be sure to compare deductibles, coverage limits and whether the policy provides cash value or replacement cost coverage.

When exploring policies, consider:

  • What personal property is covered
  • Liability coverage limits
  • Deductibles and annual costs
  • What is and is not considered a covered loss

Students interested in renter’s insurance should contact their insurance provider or explore policies through major insurance carriers. The Office of Residence Life provides this information for educational purposes only and does not endorse any specific insurance company.

Your Building & Room

Rooms include standard furniture such as beds, desks and storage. Additional furniture is not permitted. Do not alter or disassemble University furniture.

Review What To Bring Learn about Each Residence Hall

Lounges & Shared Spaces

Lounge spaces are for resident use and must remain clean and furnished. Overnight sleeping in lounges is not permitted.
 

Laundry facilities are available in all residence halls, 24 hours a day, and are accessible to residents for free.

You are responsible for bringing your own laundry detergent.

Please do not 

Residence halls offer wireless internet and access to streaming TV services across devices.

Need help connecting to the internet? Contact the IT Service Desk.