Residence Life FAQs

How do I apply for on-campus housing?

Housing applications for first-time and transfer students are available on the USF website. The application may be submitted on-line (http://www.stfrancis.edu/admissions/housingform.htm) or printed out (http://www.stfrancis.edu/admissions/freshtransforms/housing.pdf) and completed by hand. A completed application, including a $50.00 housing deposit may be sent to the Admissions Office.

How are roommates assigned? Is it possible to pick my roommate?

Roommates are assigned based on the answers to questions found on the housing application. Those individuals with similar interests and lifestyle habits are placed together to the best of our ability using the information from your application.

Students may request a particular roommate by listing that person’s name on the Housing Application. In order to be placed together, both individuals must list the other as their desired roommate .

Is it possible to be placed in a single room?

The majority of single rooms on campus are found in Tower Hall which houses upperclassmen students. A first-year student with a legitimate need for a single room may speak with the Director of Residence Life about the possibility of such a placement. Please remember that space is limited therefore we are unable to grant every request for a single room.

When are housing assignments made?

Housing assignments for freshmen and transfer students being in June and continue through mid August. Letters indicating placement (for those students who applied by the end of June) will be sent out by the middle of July. All special requests are granted on a first come first serve basses. Requests made after the housing letters go out (mid July) may not be granted. Questions about housing assignments may be directed to the Director of Residence Life.

Is there housing available for graduate and/or married students?

At this time, there is no on-campus housing available for families, graduate or married students.

When can I move in?

Move-in day for freshmen is the first day of orientation in August. This is typically the Thursday before classes begin. Move-in day for transfer students is typically the Sunday before classes begin starting at noon.

When are visitors allowed in the halls?

Visitation is 9am-2am seven days a week.

All visitors to Marian Hall must be signed in at the Marian front desk by the resident they are visiting. Overnight guests must be signed in by midnight and are limited to 3 consecutive nights. A guest is limited to 15 overnight visits per semester.

Visitors to Tower Hall do not need to be signed in, unless they are an overnight guest. Overnight guests in Tower must be signed in with a Resident Assistant by midnight. They, too, are limited to 3 consecutive nights and a total of 15 overnight visits per semester.

How will I receive mail?

Mailboxes for Marian and Tower are found by the front desks of each hall. Roommates share a mailbox that corresponds with their room number. Mail is delivered and put in boxes by late afternoon. Packages that are too big to fit in the mailbox will be left at the Marian front desk for Marian residents and the Student Services office for Tower residents. Students who receive a package will be notified by phone or by a slip that will be placed in your mailbox.

Your mail should be addressed as follows:

Student’s Name Student’s Name

Marian Hall Tower Hall

Box # (room #) Box # (room #)

604 Taylor St. 605 Taylor St.

Joliet, IL 60435 Joliet, IL 60435

Can we build lofts?

Lofts are only allowed in Tower Hall and must be approved by the Director of Residence Life before being built. The following regulations must be met:

Can I bring a window air conditioner for my room?

Students with a medical need and a note from their doctor can request approval to bring a window air conditioner. Requests are made through the Director of Residence Life using the following procedures:

 

I’m 21, am I allowed to drink alcohol in my room?

Only those students 21 and over who reside in Tower Hall may consume alcohol in their rooms, and may do so only under the following regulations: No one under 21 may be in the room when alcohol is being consumed; the amount of alcohol in the room at any given time is limited to (one) 12-pack of beer, OR (one) bottle of wine. Violation of this policy will result in a written report and a meeting with the Vice President of Student Affairs.

Where can I do my laundry and how much will it cost?

In Marian Hall, there are laundry facilities on 2 nd, 3 rd and 4 th floors. In Tower Hall, the laundry room is found on first floor. The cost to wash and dry is $1.75.

What are my meal plan options?

The cost of your meal plan is included in your room and board charge. You do get to choose between three meal options. Each of the three options cost the same but they offer different amounts of actual means verses munch money.

What is Munch Money?

Munch money is money that is applied to your id card. This money can be used at the University snack shop.

May I decorate my room?

Yes! We do encourage students to personalize their space. We do ask you to remember a few things in doing so:

  1. The space is yours only for a limited amount of time (you are essentially renting University space) so be careful. You will be held accountable for any damage.
  2. Other students will see in your room -– please be respectful in your self expression.
  3. This is a Catholic University --- please be respectful in your self expression. The University does reserve the right to ask you to remove decorations that are believed to be in-appropriate.
  4. Since tacks, nails, screws, drilling, and many adhesives cause damage to University walls and floors, we ask that you use only removable, non-damaging adhesives (Such as white sticky tac and 3m command strips with pull tabs for removal). Remember it is your responsibility to completely remove (with out damage) any adhesives that you choose to use. Also each room in Marian Hall has a cork board strip that goes around the room so you can hand things from tacks around the room with out causing damage.

Does the University provide storage areas?

No! The University does not provide storage of any kind. Each student is responsible for housing all of their own belongings in their room.

Can I bring/use my own furniture instead of the University’s?

Tower Hall:

In Tower Hall you are allowed to have approved lofts (see student handbook for specifics), in which case we can have maintenance remove the University provided bed.

Marian Hall:

We do not remove any furniture from the rooms in Marian Hall. You may bring extra furniture if it fits but the University furniture must stay in its assigned room.

What if my roommate and I do not get along?

Conflict is unfortunately a part of life. The skills needed to resolve conflict, to communicate, and appropriately handle confrontation are essential as we journey toward independence. With that said it is important to us for you to have a good and growing experience here at USF. If conflicts arise we suggest the following steps:

  1. Talk honestly with your roommate about the issue (no matter how little it seems to you. It is better to deal with issues when they are small). Work together to set up some kind of a compromise and try to remember that change takes time. Both of you are going to make mistakes but if you keep trying and communicating it is bound to get better.
  2. Talk with your RA and have them set up a meeting with you and your roommate. sometimes all you need is a neutral pair of ears. Your RA can help the two of you set up a roommate contract so that the experience can be beneficial for both of you.
  3. Talk to the Director or Assistant Director of Residence Life about the problem and set up conflict mediation.

After the steps have been exhausted and things are still not resolved we will do everything in our power to find you a better living environment.

What if I don’t go home for the holidays?

The Residence Halls close for the following holiday breaks:

  1. Fall Break
  2. Thanksgiving Break
  3. Christmas Break
  4. Spring Break

All students are expected to leave the Residence Halls (you do not have to take all of your stuff with you) by the posted Hall closing date and time (the date and time are usually posted a few weeks in advance). Any student needing to stay, stay late, or return early (before noon the day before classes resume) must fill out a break housing application (some applications may be denied). For each break there is a deadline for turning in these applications (usually posted a few weeks in advance) if a student misses the application deadline the application will most likely be denied. Break time housing costs $13.50 per night and must be paid before the halls actually close. During University Breaks there are no visitation privileges.