Welcome to ResLife's FAQs

University living can come with a lot of questions but don't worry we have you covered. For detailed answers, follow the links provided or visit the Services and Policies tab.

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I. Registering for Housing

• 1. How do I begin the process to live in the resident halls? 
  Begin with the OSU Housing Portal page and follow the   step-by-step instructions. Be sure to browse the Housing Options tab.

 

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II. Before Move-In

A. Billing/Charges/Deposits/Refunds

• 1. Where do I find the room rates?
  The OSU Board of Regents sets and approves Housing Rates .
• 2. Does Housing and Residential Life offer a payment plan option?
  You must contact the Office of the Bursar and ask about the Payment Plan Option. 
• 3. What if I don’t want to live in university housing as a freshman? 
  Learn more at Freshmen Residency Requirement.  

 

B. Campus Breaks

• 1. Do I have to go home during breaks and holidays? 
  You are welcome to stay in your space during all semester breaks and holidays.

 

C. ESAs/Service Animals/Pets

• 1. How do I get approved for an emotional support animal (ESA)? 
  The registration process begins with the Office of Student Accessibility Services (SAS), which collaborate with individuals, faculty, and staff to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to all OSU programs and activities. To learn more about the approval process, visit Service Dogs, Emotional Support Animals, Pets.
• 2. How do I get approval for a service animal? 
  Students with service animals are not required to register their animals with the Office of Student Accessibility Services. However, you will need to email documentation to reslife@okstate.edu.  
• 3. Can I have a pet in my room? 
  Housing and Residential Life have made Kamm Hall and Prosser Neighborhood Pet-Friendly Communities. To have a pet in these halls, follow the approval process detailed in the document. To learn more about the approval process, visit Service Dogs, Emotional Support Animals, Pets.
• 4. Are reptiles allowed in the halls?
  Residential Life allows fish, small crustaceans, mollusks, water turtles, and small amphibians, all living underwater and in aquariums no larger than 10 gallons per Residential Life unit. To learn more about the approval process, visit Service Dogs, Emotional Support Animals, Pets.
• 5. What happens if I have an unauthorized animal on campus? 
  You will incur a charge, you must remove the animal. To learn more, visit Service Dogs, Emotional Support Animals, Pets.

 

D. Halls, Rooms and Community Space

• 1. Do all of the residential halls have elevators?
  Check hall details at Hall Finder.  
• 2. Is there a floor plan where I can find where my room is located in the residence hall?
  When you arrive on campus you will be provided with a map of your hall.
• 3. Can I tell what floor I am on based on my room number (for example 0367)?
  Most rooms have a four-digit code. Room 0325 is on the third floor, while 1017 is on the tenth floor. 
• 4. Is there any way we can get more detailed measurements? (The dimensions of desks, dressers, etc.)
  Because there is so many different types of furniture in the halls, we can't provide more information.
• 5. Is there a service where I can purchase things from my room?
  You can begin at OSU's page on dormroom.com. They have bedding, gift and care packages and more.
• 6. Can I bring my personal furniture for my room?
  Learn more what you can and can't do at Personalizing My Space.
• 7. Can I remove university furniture already in the space? 
  No. University-owned furniture is designated for use in the space to which it is assigned. Furniture may not be removed from the room/suite/apt or left outside of the unit on balconies or porches. Such actions are prohibited and may result in a fine. Closet doors must remain attached to the closet. 
• 8. Is there any services to help us install a bed or a bookshelf?
  We are not able to offer installation assistance.
• 9. What appliances can I use in my room? 
  Visit the Policies page for Approved and Prohibited Personal Items.
• 10. How do I rent a mini-fridge or microwave? 
  Visit the online service, University and Student Services, (USS) during the summer before move-in. Select Oklahoma State University and rent your mini-fridge and/or microwave. 
• 11. Can I borrow dishes and utensils from my hall's dining service? 
  It's best you to bring your own dishes and utensils. Visit Common Areas to learn more about kitchens.
• 12. Who is responsible for cleaning and stocking community bathrooms?
  Community bathrooms are cleaned and restocked with toilet paper. Residents in suites and apartments are responsible for their own bathroom supplies and cleaning. Visit Common Areas to learn more.
• 13. What size is my bed? 
  Bed sizes are based on the room and style of housing you have chosen. For our apartments and suite styles you will generally find full-size beds; in our traditional style housing you will find twin xl size beds.  Review the Hall Finder for more information. 
• 14. How much space is standard under the beds?
  Bed frames allow anywhere from 10 to 15 inches of under-bed space. Bed frames vary by room. Many students use bed risers to increase the storage space under the bed. 
• 15. Are specific bed risers required?
  Any bed riser under seven inches is acceptable. 
• 16. Can I get my bed lofted?
  No. Homemade or prefabricated lofts are prohibited. We recommend using bed risers. 
• 17. Are shower curtains and rods provided for rooms with private bathrooms?
  A shower curtain rod is included in each bathroom. However, you will need to provide the shower curtain. 
• 18. Can I install window curtains in my room? 
  If you want to install curtains, use a tension rod only.
• 19. Can I use nails or tacks to hang things?
  Visit Personalizing Your Room and Hall for what you can or can't do.
• 20. How much does it cost to use the laundry facilities?
  Common area laundries are free of charge. Learn more about Laundry Best Practices. 

 

E. Student Accessibility Services

• 1. How do I get accommodation for a medical need?
  Contact the Office of Student Accessibility Services (SAS). SAS will let Housing and Residential Life know what is needed for you. We will take care of the placement. 

 

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III. Move-In (Undergraduate)

• Family and Graduate Student Housing (FGSH) Move-In Overview
  Visit FGSH Move-In Overview
• 1. What if my assigned move-in time doesn't work for me?
  Email reslife@okstate.edu. We will work together to find a time for you. 
• 2. What if I need more time than my allotted time to move into my room?
  Once you are checked in, you can take as much time as you need to get settled.
• 3. Do I need my OSU ID before I move into my room?
  Yes. You should have received your OSU Identification (ID) card during New Student Orientation, if not, go to ID Services Office (421 Classroom Building) and get one. ResLife needs your OSU ID card for check in and to issue your room and mail keys. If your residence hall has swipe access, your OSU ID card serve as your building swipe key. 
• 4. What if I didn't get the room I wanted?
  ResLife offers a Change My Room Request. Room transfers are based on room availability. Transfer fees may apply. 
• 5. What do I need to bring with me on campus?
  Packing can be overwhelming. Here’s a link to the Plan Your Move with a  list of what to bring, what to leave and what you’ll find in your room. 
• 6. Are moving carts/trolleys/dollies available to help me move my belongings into my room?
  You may borrow a moving cart from the resident hall’s front desk. Due to the limited number moving equipment, we encourage you to bring your own cart, two-wheeler, dolly, etc., on move-in day.
• 7. Will there be people to help me move my belongings into my room?
  We do our best to have volunteers available on move-in day, but assistance is limited. 
• 8. How busy/congested is move-in day? Is it hard to move my belongings into my room?
  ResLife schedules multiple move-in days with staggered move-in time slots throughout the day. This helps ease congestion and shortens the elevator lines.  
• 9. What if I show up before my check-in time slot?
  Learn more about Improper Early Check-In
• 10. What is the check-in process?
  Learn more about Check-In Process.
• 11. Is there a limit on how many cars I can bring to campus?
  Not during the first week of move-in. 
• 12. Where do I get my room keys if I am rushing?
  Your move-in time has been assigned with the understanding that you are participating in recruitment. You will get your key when you check in to your residence hall.  
• 13. Do you have any advice for Move-in Day?

  If this is your first time to move on campus, review our Pro Tips for Move In for helpful information. If you are new to Oklahoma, the weather is sunny, hot and humid in August. Dress comfortably and stay hydrated.  

   

  We are so glad you choose to make Housing and Residential Life your home this academic year. 

 

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IV. Getting Settled

 

A. Roommates and Room Assignments

• 1. Can you explain what Roompact is?
  Roompact.com is where residents will do their room inspections/ damage forms when moving in and out. Residents can access various forms such as room change requests, contract breaks, mail forwarding addresses, and emergency contact changes. Roompact is used to communicate with residents. 
• 2. What if I don't get along with my roommate?
  All residents are part of a process called roommate agreements. Your community mentor (CM) will meet with you to set up a time to complete your agreement. If there is a problem, CM staff will assist in a mediation process. If that fails, we offer the ability for a resident to move. 
• 3. Who do I contact if my roommate backs out?
  Contact Housing and Residential Life   405-744-5592 or reslife@okstate.edu, and we can help you find a new roommate. 
• 4. The housing portal isn't showing the other two people in my room. How do I find out who they are?
  Contact the housing office at 405-744-5592 or reslife@okstate.edu to find roommate information. 
• 5. How do I request a room transfer? 
  Request to Change Rooms opens at the beginning of September. We conduct transfers every two weeks. The last transfers are processed a month before the end of the semester. 
• 6. Do you work with students requesting specific housing to accommodate comfort regarding their gender identity?
  Absolutely! If you are concerned that your living current accommodation does not meet your needs for privacy and safety, Contact us at 405-744-5592 or reslife@okstate.edu. We are happy to work with you to make sure you feel comfortable and safe. 

 

B. Keys

• 1. What is the charge if I lose my keys? 
  If you lose your room/mail keys, you will be charged  the replacement of lock and keys.
• 2. I locked myself out of my room. What do I do? 
  Learn more at Locked-Out Policy.
• 3. Are the rooms re-keyed between residents?
  Only if the keys were lost. 

 

C. Service Desks/Mailing/Addresses

• 1. What is my mailing address?

  Go to ResLife's Mail and Packages page for your hall's specific mailing address.

   Questions concerning packages, letter mail, or why your package hasn’t arrived can be found at University Mailing Services.

• 2. How do I send/receive my mail and packages? 
  All mail goes through University Mailing Services. They deliver to the front desk that correlates with your building. You will get an email when you have a package waiting.  
• 3. How do I know which desk services my hall? 

  Learn more about Desk Services, including Desk Hours and Locations.

 

D. Maintenance/IT

• 1. How do I get help if my WiFi/internet isn’t working? 
  Apogee support is available 24/7/365 via phone, email, or web chat.  Support information is available on our Wi-Fi page.
• 2. Who do I call if something in my room is broken or not working properly? 
  Call 405-744-8510. HRL Facilities Office will help you. 

 

E. Selected Staff Positions in Housing

• 1. Who are the ResLife Ambassadors?
  The ResLife Ambassadors are our friendly student staff who answer phones and greet you when you visit the Iba office. The ambassadors are essential to our day-to-day operations and can offer insight into campus life. 
• 2. Who are the Community Mentors (CM)? 
  Community Mentors (traditionally called residential assistants (RA) live in your halls and can help you with any issues you might have. Stop by their rooms to ask for advice or just to talk. Their rooms are labeled. You can also contact the CM on-call. 
• 3. Who are the RCEs and the ARCEs? 
  RCEs are the residential community educators, while the ARCEs are assistant residential community educators. RCEs supervise hall staff and operations, and available to assist you. ARCE’s are graduate students who assist our professional staff.  

 

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V. Move-Out (Undergraduate)

• Family and Graduate Student Housing (FGSH) Move-Out Overview
  Visit FGSH Move-Out Overview
• 1. How do I check out of my room? 
  • Submit the Lease Break Form on Roompact.  
  • Contact Dining Services to cancel your meal plan. 
  • Visit Move-Out Overview for undergraduates
  • Visit FGSH Move-Out Process for Family and Graduate Students Housing
• 2. When will I stop being charged for my room? 
  After you have 1) Met with your community mentor for your scheduled room checkout, 2) Returned room key(s) and mail key, and 3) Signed appropriate paperwork. 
• 3. Can I send my room key back by mail if I have already moved off campus?
  No, we are not able to accept keys by mail. You can return it to your hall staff or to the main Housing Office in Iba Hall.
• 4. When do I have to pay for repairs to my space when I move out?
  You are only charged if the repair is determined to be vandalism or neglect. Your bursar account will be charged when you move out.
• 5. Who gets charged if I live in an apartment with roommates?
  If living with roommates and damages occur in the common living area, then the charges are split between residents.
• 6. How much will I be charged for damages?
  The costs vary on the type and size of the repair.
• 7. How do I petition a charge I disagree with? 
  Visit Petition for Adjustment of Charges (form) and submit the form.