FAQs
Living on campus can come with a lot of questions but don't worry we have you covered.
Download the HRL Community Standards Handbook for more detailed information.
Registering for Housing
- How do I begin the process to live in the resident halls? Begin with the Online Registration page and follow the instructions. Be sure to browse the Housing Options page too.
- Can you explain the process for roommate groups?
Room selection:
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- Filter by:
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- Room style
- Building
- Select all
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- On the right side of the screen will be all the rooms, suites, deluxe suites and apartments available.
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- Select an option. It will tell you how many spaces are available. For example: A four-bedroom suite have three spaces available, it will say “3 spaces available.”
- Select the space you want.
- If you are the leader of a group, you will be able to assign each of your roommates in the rest of the spaces. Note that you need to select a suite or apartment with enough spaces available for the size of your group.
- After assigning your self and your roommates, click continue.
- Confirm your room selection.
- You will be able to see the room you selected and the names and contact information of each of your roommates.
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Before Moving In
Billing/Charges/Deposits/Refunds
- Where do I find the room rates for the 2023-2024 academic year?Room rates for the 2023-2024 academic year are expected to stay the same as the 2022-2023 ones. The OSU Board of Regents approves room rates annually during the upcoming summer. View the 2022-2023 rates.
- Does Housing and Residential Life offer a payment plan option?
- What if I need to end my lease early? Is there a fee or surcharge? To learn more, review Termination of Lease and Conditions of Contract (pdf) for detailed information. The following is a short answer:
- Any fees incurred are applied to your bursar account when you check out of university housing prior to the end of the contract at the end of the academic year.
- You will pay Termination of Lease fees when you move to move off-campus or to a sorority/fraternity house before the end of your contract.
- The fee is equal to two months of rent for your room. For example, if your rent is $515 a month, the fee will be $1,030.
- You don’t pay a Termination of Lease fee if you are withdrawing from the university, graduating, or leaving to studying abroad. You will need proof of acceptance into the exchange program and the other university.
- What if I don’t want to live on campus as an incoming freshman? As an incoming freshmen and transfer students (with less than 28 post-high-school credit hours), you are required to live on campus—unless you qualify for the Housing Exception. Otherwise, if you are living off-campus as a freshman, you will incur a non-compliance fee of $2,325 per semester, which is equal to our most affordable housing option.
- How do I petition a charge I disagree with?
Campus Breaks
- Do I have to go home during breaks? You are welcome to stay in your space during all breaks. However, you must submit < insert name/URL of form > if you plan to remain on campus.
ESAs/Service Animals/Pets
- 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, review the document Emotional Support Animal Agreement for University Housing at Oklahoma State University (pdf).
- 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. To learn more, review the document Service Animal Agreement for University Housing at Oklahoma State University (pdf).
- 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 OSU Housing and Residential Life Pet Policy (pdf).
- 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. For information about our pet policy.
- What happens if I have an unauthorized animal on campus? You will incur a $500 charge, you must remove the animal.
Halls, Rooms and Community Space
- Do all of the residential halls have elevators?No, be sure to check hall details at Room Finder. https://reslife.okstate.edu/housing-options/halls/index.html
- 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.
- Can I tell what floor I am on based on my room number (for example 0367)?Most rooms have a 4-digit code. Room 0325 is on the third floor, while 1017 is on the tenth floor.
- Is there any way we can get more detailed measurements? (The dimensions of desks,
dressers, etc.)We have rough measurements for each hall at Hall Finder for Undergraduates and Singles. https://reslife.okstate.edu/housing-options/halls/index.html
- Can I bring my personal furniture for my room?Yes, but research the dimensions of your room first. Here are Furniture and Appliances with information about what is already in the rooms. https://reslife.okstate.edu/amenities/furniture-appliances.html
- 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.
- What appliances can I use in my room? The following appliances are banned in traditional halls and suites: open-fire or open-coil cooking appliances (including electric griddles, toasters ovens), air fryers, crock pots, instapots, traditional coee pots (not including Keurig types) and George Foreman Grills. Visit the Housing and Residential Life Handbook for detailed information. https://reslife.okstate.edu/site-files/documents/hrl-handbook-final-2020.pdf
- How do I rent a mini-fridge or microwave? Visit the online service, University and Student Services, (USS) https://uandss.com/ during the summer before move-in. Select Oklahoma State University and rent your mini-fridge and/or microwave.
- Can I borrow dishes and utensils from my hall's dining service? It's best you to bring your own dishes and utensils.
- Who is responsible for cleaning and stocking community bathrooms?Community bathrooms restock toilet paper daily and are on a daily cleaning schedule. Residents in suites and apartments are responsible for their own bathroom supplies and cleaning.
- 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. Bennett may provide either bed size. Review the Hall Finder for Undergraduates and Singles webpage for more information.
- How much space is standard under the beds?ResLife 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.
- Are specific bed risers required?Any bed riser under 7 inches is acceptable.
- Can I get my bed lofted?No. Homemade or prefabricated lofts are prohibited. We recommend using bed risers.
- Are shower curtains and rods provided for rooms with private bathrooms?Yes, a shower curtain rod is included in each bathroom. However, you will need to provide the shower curtain.
- Can I install window curtains in my room? If you want to install curtains, use a tension rod only.
- Can I install window curtains in my rooms?If you want to install curtains, use a tension rod only.
- Can I use nails or tacks to hang things?Use Command Strips to hang items on the wall. If you remove them and the paint/sheetrock peels, you will be charged damages.
- Are the washing machines high-efficiency?
All our front-load washers are high-efficiency (hE) machines. However, a lot of the laundry rooms and apartments still have top-load washer and most of those, especially the older washer models, are not high-efficiency machines. If a top-load washer has the words "high-efficiency" or the hE symbol on the control panel, it's pretty safe to assume it meets the high-efficiency criteria.
If you are concerned about what type of detergent to use, remember this:
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A detergent designed for high-efficiency washers can be used in ALL washers. Those detergents will have the high-efficiency symbol somewhere on the container.
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A detergent that is not formulated for high-efficiency will not have the high-efficiency symbol on the container and should not be used in high-efficiency washers; they tend to generate excessive suds which are difficult to rinse out. If you absolutely have to use a non-hE detergent in a high-efficiency washer, most washer manufacturers recommend that you use only about half of the recommended amount of non-hE detergent. This could and probably will affect the detergent’s performance.
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Student Accessibility Services
- 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.
Moving In
- What if my assigned move-in time doesn't work for me?
- 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.
- 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.
- What if I didn't get the room I wanted?ResLife offers a transfer process each September if you want to change your housing accommodations. Make requests via Roompact.com. Transfers are based on room availability. Transfer fees may apply.
- What do I need to bring with me on campus?Packing can be overwhelming. Here’s a link to the Single Student Housing “Move-in Checklist.” It provides a quick reference of what to bring, what to leave and what you’ll find in your room.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- What if I show up before my check-in time slot?Early arrival charge is $150.
- What is the check-in process?Check-in locations will be posted on the ResLife website before your move-in day. You must check in before you are allowed to move into your room. Once the check-in process is completed, you may park in the designated unloading at your residence hall and move your belongings to your room. Then, immediately remove your vehicle to allow others access to the unloading area.
- Is there a limit on how many cars I can bring to campus?Not during the first week of move-in.
- 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.
- Do you have any advice for Move-in Day?
If this is your first time to move on campus, review our <https://reslife.okstate.edu/dates-deadlines/tips-for-move-in.html > “Tips for Move-in” page 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.
Getting Settled
- 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.
Roommates & Room Assignments
- 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.
- 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.
- The housing portal isn't showing the other two people in my room. How do I find out who they are?
- How do I request a room transfer? The Room Transfer Request Form (Roompact.com) opens at the beginning of September and closes at the end of March. We conduct transfers every two weeks. The last transfers are processed a month before the end of the semester.
- 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.
Keys
- What is the charge if I lose my keys? If you lose your room key, you will be charged $100 for replacing the lock and key. It’s a $35 charge for a mail key.
- I locked myself out of my room. What do I do? You can check out a spare key from your front desk, but if you have it for longer than an hour, you will be charged $15. If you keep the spare key for more than 24 hours, you will be charged $100 for a full-lock change. If you checkout a spare key a third time, the fee increases to $25.
- Are the rooms re-keyed between residents?Only if the keys were lost.
Service Desks/Mailing/Addresses
- What is my mailing address?
First Name Last Name
Oklahoma State University
Building Name Room Number
Stillwater, OK, 74077
Questions concerning packages, letter mail, or why your package hasn’t arrived can be found at University Mailing Services. https://fm.okstate.edu/ums/index.html
- 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. For more information, visit Mail Services.
- How do I know which desk services my hall?
[Insert list of desk locations? / Phone numbers]
Griffith Desk (405-744-1534) – Morsani-Smith, Booker, Stinchcomb, Sitlington, Zink, Allen, Davis, Bost, Young, McPherson, Payne-Ellis, Carreker East and West
West University Commons- North, South and West University Commons
Wentz Desk (405-744-5017) – Wentz, Parker, Patchin-Jones
Stout Desk (405-744-3400) – Stout
Village A Desk (405-744-3038) – Iba, Village A, B, C, D, E, and F
KPF Desk (405-744-4662) – Kamm, Peterson, and Friend
Bennett Desk (405-744-5602) – Bennett
Maintenance/IT
- How do I get help if my WiFi/internet isn’t working?
- My TV/Game System isn’t connecting to the in-hall WiFi. What do I do?
Call 405-744-1384. ResLife IT will help you.
- Who do I call if something in my room is broken or not working properly?
Scholarships
- How do I apply for the Housing and Residential Life Scholarships and Incentives Program? Learn more about our 20+ Leader-Scholarship awards. The application usually opens in the spring semester for those living on campus.
Selected Staff Positions in Housing
- Who are the ResLife Ambassadors?The 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Moving Out
- How do I check out of my room?
- Submit the Lease Break Form on Roompact.
- Contact Dining Services to cancel your meal plan.
- Review the Single Student Housing Move-Out Checklist (pdf).
- Review the Family and Graduate Student Housing Move-Out Checklist (pdf).
- 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.