FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Housing Application and Room Selection
Are first-year students required to live on campus?
How do I apply for on campus housing?
Do I need to pay the $250 pre-payment to apply for housing?
Is there a deadline by which to submit my application?
What are the benefits of living on campus?
Which residence halls house only freshmen?
Are any residence halls reserved for upper-class students?
Do you have on-campus apartments?
Are the halls coed by building or floor?
Do girls or boys live right next to each other?
Do I have to keep a certain GPA to live on campus?
What if I change my preferences (hall choices, preferred roommate, etc) after complete the preference selection process?
Can I request a single room?
Are all of the residence halls open during University break periods (Thanksgiving, Winter break, Spring break) for freshmen?
Which halls are open during University break periods for upper-class students?
What are the costs to live on-campus? Can I see inside a residence hall before I decide which one I want?
Where can I review the Housing Agreement?
Are first-year students required to live on campus?
No. Currently, freshmen are not required to live on campus. While the benefits of first-year students living on campus are positive and research shows that these students are more likely to stay in college and graduate, the amount of available housing at ODU does not yet fully accommodate all first-year students.
How do I apply for on campus housing?
All first-year students receive a housing publication mailed with the student's Admissions packet when accepted to the University. Any student who is admitted to Old Dominion University may apply for on-campus housing through the online application process. Students may access the Housing and Residence Life website: http://studentaffairs.odu.edu/housing/
Instructions on how to complete the online application are found at the following website: http://studentaffairs.odu.edu/housing/forms_pubs/forms/apply_new.pdf
The 2009 - 2010 Housing and Dining Application and Agreement are online and payment of the application fee may be made online as well. All instructions related to the application process are contained in the document mentioned above.
Do I need to pay the $250 pre-payment to apply for housing?
All students must submit a $250 pre-payment ($50 is nonrefundable) with their application. The remaining $200 of the pre-payment will be applied to the spring semester room housing costs. If you decide not to attend the University and notify our office by May 1 (for Fall semester and November 1 for students moving into housing for spring only), you will be refunded the advanced room payment fee. Later notification of non-enrollment or not moving in results in a forfeiture of the advance room payment fee and may result in additional costs relating to contract cancellation. Information on appeals, cancellations, withdrawals, and refunds is available in the Student Housing Agreement. Students enrolled at ODU will be responsible for the full cost of room rent for the agreement period. Please read your entire Agreement carefully before signing and submitting your housing application.
Is there a deadline by which to submit my application?
Freshman must submit their application by May 1 to be considered in the first round of room assignments. Assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis which is determined by the date that the paid application is received; therefore we encourage you to complete the application as soon as possible in order to enhance your chances of getting your preferred hall choice and/or roommate.
What are the benefits of living on campus?
Students who live on campus are statistically more successful than students who do not and are more likely to graduate. Also, because students who live on campus are in closer proximity on a regular basis to the programs available to them and are better able to get involved, form relationships, and network with others in the University.
Which residence halls house only freshmen?
Whitehurst Hall, Rogers Main and East, Gresham Main and East, and the Scotland House have only freshmen. The Inn has a mixture of freshmen and transfer students, and the Virginia House has honors college freshmen and upperclassmen.
Are any residence halls reserved for upper-class students?
Yes. Ireland House, part of Virginia House, Powhatan Apartments, University Village Apartments, and Nusbaum apartments are all specifically set aside for upperclassmen.
Do you have on-campus apartments?
Yes, Powhatan apartments, University Village apartments, and Nusbaum apartments are all upperclassmen apartments available for students.
Are the halls coed by building or floor?
The halls are coed by floor.
Do girls or boys live right next to each other?
They may, however they will not share a suite with each other. This means that they will not share a bedroom or a bathroom or common area with a member of the opposite sex.
Do I have to keep a certain GPA to live on campus?
No, you only have to keep a certain GPA to live in the Virginia House. They require a 3.0 for upperclassmen and admittance to the Honors College for freshmen.
What if I change my preferences (hall choices, preferred roommate, etc) after you complete the preference selection process?
We are unable to make changes to the preferences after we close the process because it will impede the assignment process. If you are assigned a room/roommate that you are unpleased with, you must wait until the second week into the semester when we start accepting room change requests. Room changes are granted on a space availability basis.
Can I request a single room?
Single rooms can be requested by upperclassmen requesting to live in Virginia House, Ireland House, University Village apartments, and Nusbaum apartments. All freshmen are required to live in double rooms.
Are all of the residence halls open during University break periods (Thanksgiving, Winter break, Spring break) for freshmen?
The University Village, Powhatan Village, Whitehurst, and Nusbaum will be open during University break periods. All other residence halls will close during those breaks. Students will not be required to move all of their belongings out of the residence halls during this period; however they will not be allowed to live there.
Which halls are open during University break periods for upper-class students?
The University Village, Powhatan Village, Whitehurst Hall, and Nusbaum Apartments are all open during University break periods.
What are the costs to live on-campus?
The room rates for living on campus are located at here
Can I see inside a residence hall before I decide which one I want?
All of our residence hall information is listed on our website at www.odu.edu/housing and we have floor plans on that site. We do not conduct residence hall tours during the school year to ensure the safety of the residents, however during previews the students are allowed to take a tour of one of the freshmen residence halls.
Where can I review the Housing Agreement?
The Housing Agreement is available at here.
About Room Assignments
How are room assignments made?
When will I be notified about my room assignment?
I know who I want to be my roommate. How do I ensure that I will be placed with him/her?
What if I need to cancel my assignment after it has been made?
What if I want to return to on campus housing for the next year, how do I apply?
What if I want to move out of my residence hall and into another building?
What if I decide I would just rather live-off campus?
How are room assignments made?
Room assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis. We use a computerized system that attempts to meet as many of your requests as possible based on the availability according to your date of application.
When will I be notified about my room assignment?
Room assignments are made in early July for Fall Semester and in December for Spring Semester.
I know who I want to be my roommate. How do I ensure that I will be placed with him/her?
The best way to ensure that you get placed with your requested roommate is to apply early and at the same time. You must also BOTH request each other on the preference database using name and UIN.
What if I need to cancel my assignment after it has been made?
If you need to cancel your assignment you must fill out a contract cancellation form and an appeal form. These can be downloaded off the website
What if I want to return to on campus housing for the next year, how do I apply?
Housing applications will be available in early spring. The lottery process will begin shortly after spring break and you will be notified through flyers and email of the application dates.
What if I want to move out of my residence hall and into another building?
We will begin accepting room change requests two weeks after the start of each semester and honor them on a space availability basis.
What if I decide I would just rather live-off campus?
There is a deadline of May 1 to cancel your housing in order to receive your $150 prepayment back and not be charged for the next year's rates. If you choose to cancel after this date, you must submit a contract cancellation for and an appeal form. If you choose to cancel your housing after you have moved in, please contact the Housing Office.
In Your Room
When do I move in?
Where do I go to "check in" when I move in?
Do I make my check out to University Housing?
Is there a list of items not allowed in the residence hall?
Are loft beds allowed?
Can we have a pet?
Can we have a microwave, toaster oven, coffee pot, or hot plate in our rooms?
How are the rooms furnished?
How long are the beds? What kind of sheets will I need?
How are the rooms cleaned?
How do I get a meal plan?
What are the "rules" regarding visitors?
What about air-conditioning?
Are all halls smoke-free?
Are all halls alcohol-free?
Is there Internet access in every room? Is it wireless?
Can I get cable?
Do I have to get a phone line?
Will my cell phone work in the residence halls?
What do I do if something is wrong in the room?
Does the University insure my belongings while I am on-campus?
When do I move in?
Nusbaum Apartments, Powhatan Village, and University Village buildings 3 and 4 will be allowed to movie in starting August 1. Dominion House and University Village buildings 1&2, 5-10 will be allowed to move in August 15, and everyone else will be allowed to move in starting August 27.
Where do I go to "check in" when I move in?
You need to go to the front desk of your residence hall to check in. Gresham East residents must go to Gresham Main front desk, and Rogers East residents must go to the Rogers Main front desk.
Do I make my check out to University Housing?
No. All check payments may be made at the Cashier's Office in Rollins Hall and must be payable to Old Dominion University.
Can we have a pet?
The only pets allowed in student housing are fish.
Can we have a microwave, toaster oven, coffee pot, or hot plate in our rooms?
Those items are only allowed in the apartments.
Is there a list of items not allowed in the residence hall?
Yes, it is posted on our website at here.
How are the rooms furnished?
The freshmen dorms are all furnished with a bed (including mattress and cover), dresser, desk, chair, and a small bookcase per person. Upperclassmen housing does not provide a small bookcase.
How long are the beds? What kind of sheets will I need?
All of the beds with the exception of those in the University Village are twin XL or 39" x 80" x 12". The University Village has full size beds and she sheets would need to be full, or 54" x 75" x 15"
How are the rooms cleaned?
The rooms are cleaned before and after the students live in the residence by full time housekeeping staff. They are not cleaned during the school year as the students are responsible for their own personal space while they are living in the residences.
How do I get a meal plan?
You may request a particular meal plan when you fill out your preference form. If you wish to change your meal plan you must do so on the card center website at http://www.odu.edu/af/cardcenter/
What are the "rules" regarding visitors?
All guests are limited to a total of three consecutive nights per stay. A resident is allowed to sign in a maximum of three visitors per evening and must accompany their guests at all times within the building. No resident is allowed to sign in a guest after 2:00 am without a pre-approved guest registration form on file at the front desk.
What about air-conditioning?
All residence areas are air conditioned and heated.
Are all halls smoke-free?
Yes. Smoking is not prohibited within a 20 foot space from any building.
Are all halls alcohol-free?
All of the freshmen residence halls are dry dorms; which means that students are not allowed to bring alcohol into those places at all, no matter their age.
Is there Internet access in every room? Is it wireless?
There is Internet access in every room, however there is not wireless access there. You will need to bring an Ethernet cable with you to campus.
Can I get cable?
There is a cable hookup in every room; however you may need a splitter if you wish to facilitate more than one TV on the cable connection. Monarch Vision is Old Dominion University's campus video network. This service includes entertainment, news, sports, foreign language, and educational programming.
Do I have to get a phone line?
Local telephone service is provided in all resident rooms and apartments. The cost of this service is covered in your rent payment. Students must provide their own telephone and calling card for long distance access and service.
Will my cell phone work in the residence halls?
Most cell phone providers do work inside all of the residence areas.
What do I do if something is wrong in the room?
If you have a maintenance issue, you may contact FIXIT at 757-683-4948 or email fixit@odu.edu to put in a maintenance request. If you encounter other problems, feel free to contact your RA.
Does the University insure my belongings while I am on-campus?
No, the university does not insure your belongings. You may check with your parent's homeowner's insurance company to see if you are covered while away at college. You may also purchase renter's insurance.
Roommates
If I am unhappy when I get my assigned room or roommate, can I get it changed before school opens? How?
My roommate has a friend who has been living here for weeks, is that okay?
What if I can't get along with my roommate?
What if after two days, I discover that I can't live with my roommate(s)?
If I am unhappy when I get my assigned room or roommate, can I get it changed before school opens? How?
Yes, we will be accepting room changes starting July 14, 2008. The form for room changes will be posted on the housing website and available in the housing office. Room changes are granted on a space availability basis.
My roommate has a friend who has been living here for weeks, is that okay?
No. The policy with regards to visitors does not allow for one person to stay more than three consecutive nights. Please see the Residence Hall Handbook for further clarification.
What if after two days, I discover that I can't live with my roommate(s)?
If you are assigned a room/roommate that you are unpleased with, you must wait until the second week into the semester when we start accepting room change requests. Room changes are granted on a space availability basis.
What if I can't get along with my roommate?
Roommate cooperation is of the utmost importance to us. For this reason, roommates will be required to complete a Roommate Agreement with their Resident Assistant at the beginning of the year. This agreement will outline acceptable behavior between roommates and covers issues like borrowing, study time, having guests, etc. RA's can help residents get on the right track to negotiating lifestyle topics. If there are any conflicts between roommates, bring these conflicts to the attention of the Resident Assistant. If the situation warrants it, the Resident Hall Director can authorize a room change and based upon available space, residents may be relocated to other rooms.
Living in a Residential Community
Where can I go for help?
Where can I get a copy of the residence hall rules?
How do I find out about clubs and organizations on campus?
What if I do not have a car? How can I get around?
How do I get a parking permit?
Where should I go if I am sick?
How can I stay informed about what is going on?
Are all of the residence halls open during University break periods (Thanksgiving, Winter break, Spring break) for freshmen?
I know who I want to be my roommate. How do I ensure that I will be placed with him/her?
What if I want to return to on campus housing for the next year, how do I apply?
Where can I go for help?
Your first and greatest resource is your Resident Assistant. They will be able to direct you to the department or person who can help you or answer your question if they do not know the answer.
Where can I get a copy of the residence hall rules?
The residence hall handbook is under development.
How do I find out about clubs and organizations on campus?
We have over 200 clubs and organizations on campus. If you would like to get information about what clubs and organizations we have, you may go to the Office of Student Activities and Leadership at 2122 Webb Center or go onto their website at http://studentaffairs.odu.edu/osal/
What if I do not have a car? How can I get around?
Our Carey Shuttle bus service runs around the campus during the day. On weekends you may use the bus route to get to MacArthur Mall as well. The schedule and bus stops are located at http://www.odu.edu/af/parking/
How do I get a parking permit?
You need to take your university ID and DMV vehicle registration to parking service on 43rd Street. They will issue you a pass. The rates are located at http://www.odu.edu/af/parking/
Where should I go if I am sick?
Student Health Services is located at 1007 Webb Center and is open 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, with extended hours until 7:00 pm on Wednesdays. They have a list of after-hours and urgent care facilities on their website at http://studentaffairs.odu.edu/healthservices/services/afterhours.shtml
How can I stay informed about what is going on?
A great source of information is the student announcement email that is sent to you daily. Also, there will be flyers and calendars posted on your hall by your RA.
Safety
Who is responsible for campus safety?
What about fire safety?
Who is responsible for campus safety?
The ODU police patrol the campus and are responsible for protecting students and staff from any threats. However, each student is responsible for ensuring their own safety and the safety of others by using safe practices when entering and leaving a residence hall and with their guests.
What about fire safety?
Fire safety is very important at Old Dominion University. Every residential building is equipped with a smoke detection system that is linked to the University Police department. Also, each residence hall will hold an unannounced fire drill to allow residents to practice evacuation procedures for their building.
