Residence Halls

Frequently Asked Questions

Residence Hall Assignments

Amenities

Services

Staff

Dining

Facilities

Computer Support

General

ROOM ASSIGNMENTS

Do I have to live in a residence hall?
No...but we highly recommend it. Living on campus is convenient, you'll meet life-long friends, have a support network close by and have all your meals prepared for you. UND and national studies have shown that students living in the residence halls maintain a higher a higher GPA than those living off campus.
- You won't need to drive to campus every day. Sleep in and still get to class on time.
- Meals are economical and easy to access.
- Meal plans are flexible and allow you to use dining dollars at retail dining outlets. There are to-go options, so you save time.
- Friends are always close by.
- Study resources are convenient. You are close to the library and study areas.
- Commuting, parking, laundry, grocery shopping and food preparation all take time. Why worry about those things? We can take care of them for you.
When will I receive my fall residence hall room assignment?
The first round of room assignments are sent out (postal mail and email) by the first week in June, if you had your application, application fee, and first installment paid by the date due. After the first round, room assignments are processed throughout the summer.
What are my contract length options?
UND offers three contract length options: Full Academic Year, Fall Semester Only and Spring Semester Only. Click here for the most recent copy of the Residence Hall Room and Board License Contract that outlines the contract options.
Is it possible to request a particular hall or roommate?
Yes! This may be done when you complete the application form. Complete instructions on how to request your hall and roommate are included on the application form. It is particularly important to follow the instructions on roommate selection to best ensure your roommate preference...it's not difficult, but BOTH roommates must follow the instructions carefully. Mutual roommate requests are an important part of ensuring you get the roommate of your choice. You can even send your application in the same envelope.
If I do not have a roommate preference, what factors will be used to select a roommate for me?
Students completing the fall 2010 residence hall application will have the opportunity to indicate a music preference on the application. Similar music preferences will be used to assist in roommate placement, when no specific roommate is indicated. If no music preference is indicated, the roommate will be randomly assigned. Look at our Roommate Information page for additional information on ways to communicate with your roommate. You may view and print the Roommate Agreement here.
Why didn't I get my hall, room, or roommate requested?
First, hall assignments are made in the order of the date that we receive the your application and fee. The earlier you apply for housing and pay the $35 application fee, the greater your chances for being assigned to a hall on your preference list. However, even if two students want to live together but their dates-of-application are vastly different, a roommate pairing cannot be guaranteed. Second, we honor roommate requests whenever possible, but remember, roommate requests must be mutual. If we are not able to match you with your roommate preference or assign you to your hall of first or second preference, then there are opportunities throughout the year to transfer to another residence hall on campus. During the school year, you may make transfers usually 10 days after the halls open. Stop by and see the Residence Hall Director or Residence Life Coordinator of the building where you would like to move and he/she will let you know what rooms are available. That RHD or RLC can approve your transfer if the room is available.
Which hall is the best to live in?
Each student has a unique set of circumstances that make a particular hall more appealing. However, most incoming students love the hall they live in not because of the layout or facilities, but rather the friendships and connections made.
Are single rooms available?
Yes, a limited number of designed single rooms are available. These are usually assigned to returning upper-class students. If you are interested in a designed single room, you must fill out a designed single room form. See your RA for details. Double-as-single spaces (double rooms with only one occupant) are only available during years of surplus space. A double-as-single room costs more than a designed single room.
When can I move in?
For fall semester, the residence halls open 9:00 a.m. the Friday before school starts. In order to participate in all the hall and campus activities that have been planned for you during fall Welcome Weekend, we suggest that you move into the halls on Friday, if at all possible. By moving in on Friday, you will have plenty of time to unpack, get settled and meet the residents of your hall. A schedule of events will be posted in each residence hall at check-in. In spring semester, the residence halls open the Sunday prior to school starting.
What if I need to arrive early?
If you need to arrive prior to the fall or spring semester check-in date, early-arrival housing is available. If you have questions about early-arrival housing, please call (701) 777-4251. Sign-up is available on-line.
Will my residence hall be open during vacation breaks?
All residence halls close during semester and spring breaks. Break housing is the availability of a living location during break periods when the halls are not open. Living in the residence halls during these periods is not included in the Room and Board License Contract; therefore there is an additional fee to stay during these dates and a contract will need to be signed for each time period a student will be staying. Break housing is subject to availability. Students are eligible to contract for semseter break housing provided they have an assignment on file in the Housing Office for the spring semester.

Sign up for Semester and Spring Break housing begins approximately six weeks prior to the break. Break housing late sign-up begins approximately ten days prior to the break. Consult the Residence Hall Calendar Handbook for the exact dates. Sign-up should be completed on-line at http:// www.housing.und.edu or at the designated service center. Brannon Hall will be the designated hall for students staying during the winter break period. Residents of Brannon Hall who choose to stay during break housing will be allowed to stay in their current room, however these residents are still required to pay the nightly fee.
How do I pay for my room and board?
Room and board payments are due at the beginning of the fall and spring semester. You will want to check Campus Connection for all charges. Payments may be made online through E-check or with a credit card. Any questions regarding payments, including installments should be directed to the Student Account Services office in Twamley Hall at (701) 777-3911.

Is it cheaper to live off campus?
Fill out the form below to see how costs stack-up to decide.

On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Cost Comparison Worksheet
Monthly Costs	On- Campus	Off- Campus
Rent (double room)	$246	$______
Electricity/Heat	$0	$______
Gas	$0	$______
Water	$0	$______
Cable TV w/ movie channel	$0	$______
Food (14 meals/week)	$353	$______
Monthly Total	$599	$______
Other Expenses
Internet	$0	$______
Damage/Security Deposit	$0	$______
Applications Fees	$35	$______
Phone Deposit	$0	$______
Other Expenses Total	$35	$______

Here are some other expenses you'll encounter if you move off-campus:

Bed & mattress
Dresser/desk
Kitchen table/chairs
Sheets & towels
Shower curtain
Dishes
Plastic food containers
Vacuum cleaner
Hammer, nails, tools

Toilet paper
Pots & pans
Broom & dustpan
Paper towels
Cleaning supplies
Light bulbs
Cooking utensils
Groceries
Eating Out

AMENITIES

What is furnished in my room?
Rooms are furnished with an extra-long twin bed, mattress (size 36" X 80"), dresser, desk, chair, drapes, and wastebasket and recycling bin for each resident.
What is the size of the bed?
All halls have metal bed frames (ends) except Bek, Squires and Noren Halls, which have wooden bed frames. Each metal bed frame end is 27" high (both head and foot), there is 11" from the floor to the bottom of the mattress, the mattress is 36" wide and 80" long which is considered an extra-long twin. See picture.
Are refrigerators available for rent?
Yes, refrigerators (3.3 cubic feet in size) are available for rent to UND residence hall students. Rental rates are $50 for the academic year or $25 per semester. Refrigerators can be picked up at the Johnstone or Wilkerson complex service center when students move in. Students may also bring their own refrigerator, up to 5 cubic feet in size.
Can I rent a loft for my room?
Yes. The University of North Dakota has a loft rental program available to all residence hall students. Lofts must be reserved through Collegiate Services, Inc. before mid-August each year. More information can be found at www.csilofts.com. Students will be able to pick up their loft when they move in. The price for loft renting is $80/year (2009 price). Rooms in Bek and Squires come with one bed lofted. Noren Hall residents should not rent a loft, since both beds come with a loft.
What can I bring?
- Refrigerators(Up To 5.0 Cubic Feet)
- Alarm Clock
- Fused Outlet Strips, NO extension cords
- Desk Lamp
- Computer
- Cellular Phone
- TV
- Radio, headphones
- Fan
- Towels, Blankets, Pillows, Extra -long twin sheets (36"x80")
- Laundry basket, soap
- Personal items, first-aid kit
- Sewing Kit
- Flashlight
- Umbrella
- Aquariums (Roommate consent required and written Housing Office permission, if over 20 gallons.)
What appliances are allowed for use in kitchenettes only?
You can bring these but cannot use them in your room: coffee pot, popcorn popper, other cooking appliances. Please keep in mind that for your safety and the safety of others, all electrical appliances should be in good condition and UL approved.
What is NOT allowed?
- Rubber or Foam Backed Carpeting (a small bath rug is O.K.)
- Microwaves (a microwave is located on each floor of each hall)
- Extension Cords
- Open Flame Devices
- Candles - not even for decoration
- Pets (Excluding Fish)
- Parachutes and Fishnets
- Toasters
- Hot Pots
- Firearms
  
  SERVICES
When is postal mail delivered?
There is a daily mail pick-up and delivery at each service center (except Sunday and holidays). You and your roommate will share a mailbox. The box opens up with your room key. In order to receive mail during the academic year, you need to have it addressed as follows. The Post Office has requested no punctuation and all capital letters.

STUDENT NAME
Room Number _____ HALL
GRAND FORKS ND 58202

During the summer, all residents live in the Wilkerson complex. Therefore, mail should be addressed as follows:
Wilkerson Hall (Selke), Room Number
Grand Forks, ND 58202
Is cable TV included?
Extended basic cable is provided in all residence hall rooms.
Is telephone service provided?
Phone service is not included. If you desire, a phone line can be activated by calling UND Telecommunications at 701-777-4112. Students may bring a cellular phone and use it as a primary line in the residence halls.
Who is responsible for cleaning suite bathrooms?
A Building Service Technician (BST) will clean your suite bathroom once every week. You must move all belongings out of the suite on your cleaning day.
Is there a fitness center just for residents?
Yes. The All-Around Fitness Center is located in the lower level of Bek Hall and is open only to residence hall students.
Do you offer storage?
No storage of personal belongings is available to residents other than the residents' room.
Do you offer guest housing?
Guest housing is offered during certain times of the year. Guest housing information.
Where do I park my car if I live in the residence halls?
All faculty, staff, students and visitors who choose to park daily on the University of North Dakota Campus are required to have a valid parking permit. Parking on campus is assigned to correspond to the multiple permit types. Residence hall lots correspond with particular halls. See the UND Parking website for details.

STAFF
Who is an RA?
A Resident Assistant (RA) is a undergraduate student and housing employee who is assigned to each floor or wing in every residence hall on campus. These students live on the wing and have been hired through a competitive selection process and trained in communication, conflict resolution, and group facilitation. They are also involved with organizing group activities and programs in which everyone can be involved.
Who is an Assistant Resident Hall Director/Residence Hall Director?
A Residence Hall Director (RHD) or Assistant Resident Hall Director (ARHD) is a graduate student and housing employee who lives in an apartment in each residence hall building. Most RHD and ARHDs are working towards a graduate degree in an area that supports their field of Student Affairs or Educational Leadership. They oversee their building, supervise the RAs on each wing/floor, and advise the hall council. These staff members can assist you with questions about the University, roommate and personal issues, as well as social and academic challenges.
Who is a Residence Life Coordinator?
Residence Life Coordinators (RLCs) are full-time housing staff that live in the apartment in Walsh and Brannon Halls. RHDs and RLCs are responsible for their overalll building and have extensive housing experience and training in student affairs. These staff members take on more responsibility, yet still oversee staff in their building and can assist students with resolving issues. Our staff members are special people who work hard to build community within the residence hall system and to help our residents succeed at UND.

DINING
Is it possible to live in a residence hall and not take the meal plan?
No, all students living in the residence halls must have a meal plan.
What meal plans can I choose from?
Students can choose from an unlimited access meal plan or a meals-per-week plan (19, 14 or 10 meals-per-week), which all include dining dollars for access to retail dining options. Returning students can also choose from two block plans, where meals do not expire at the end of the week (meals are good all semester long). Click here for more information on meal plans.
Where do I eat and when?
UND has open dining, meaning that residents can eat in any dining center, not just the one closest to their residence hall. There are three full-service dining centers: one located in Squires Hall, one in Wilkerson Hall and one in the Memorial Union called Terrace Dining Center. Also an option for dining are two "To Go" Cafes, one in Wilkerson and one in Squires. Extended Lunch in available in Terrace Dining Center and Wilkerson, as well as a "Extended Dinner" carry-out/eat-in service in Wilkerson. Other dining facilities on campus include convenience stores located in Walsh, Wilkerson, and the Memorial Union. You may use your U Card Debit Account (U Cash), cash or meal plan dining dollars for purchases at the locations. If you are ill and unable to go eat, your R.A. or roommate may pick up a sick tray for you. More information about Dining can be found on the Dining Homepage.
What if I want to change my meal plan?
Before August 1, meal plan changes can be made online. After August 1, meal plans can be changed in September and January according to the dates indicated in your contract.
What if I have food allergies or need a special diet?
Dining Services staff members are trained to assist with special types of dietary needs. See special diet information.

FACILITIES
What does my room look like?
360 degree virtual tours are available for most rooms, both for a furnished room and unfurnished. It's up to you to personalize your room.
What are private bath in community clusters?
Our remodeled private baths in community clusters give more privacy with shower/sink/toilet all in one room that may be locked. These individual bathrooms are located in one main area on each floor. In this main area, there are also several private toilets stalls, shower stalls, and sinks that are shared by same gender residents per floor. Click to view photos: Johnstone, Smith.
Where can I go to get a key to my room if I am locked out?
The service center will provide you with a pass key that you may check out for one hour. There are three service centers: Walsh - located in the Walsh Hall basement, Johnstone - located in the Johnstone Hall basement, and Wilkerson (open 24/7, see handbook for summer and break hours) located in Wilkerson Hall main floor.
Are there areas where I can do quiet study in my residence hall?
Yes, all halls have a study area. For location information ask your R.A.

COMPUTER SUPPORT
Who do I ask for computer support?
ResNet is an organization run by student staff under the supervision of the UND Housing Department. ResNet provides assistance with connecting to the campus network along with general computer support. Services are free to residents.
What can ResNet do for me?
- Assist residence hall students with all network connections.
- Virus and spyware removal.
- Network log in support.
- General computer hardware and software questions.
- Ethernet adapter installation and troubleshooting.
- Maintain computer labs in: Wilkerson, Walsh, Hancock, Johnstone/Fulton Halls, and University Place.
- Wireless network connections.
Where is ResNet located?
When you need assistance, check their web site at ResNet or give them a call first. Frequently asked questions and help topics are listed on their site or they may be able to help you over the phone. If you need to visit the ResNet Office, it is located on the first floor of Wilkerson Hall next to the mail room.
Do I get wireless and hard-wired access to the campus network in my residence hall room?
Yes, all halls have wireless access and hard-wired access.

GENERAL
What kind of activities and programs are offered in the residence halls?
During the course of the academic year, students will have the opportunity to participate in programs and activities. There are social, recreational, cultural, and educational programs covering current events and social issues. Intramural sports, movies, dances, lectures, forums, and discussion groups are just a few of the activities provided to residence hall and students.
What is ARH?
As residence hall students, you have an active voice in policy formation and activity planning in the halls through participation in hall government on a variety of levels. All residents are part of the Association of Residence Halls, and may choose to run for office at the floor or wing level, hall level, or serve on campus-wide Policy, Budget, Conduct, Food and Facilities, Integrated Media, Recycling, or Programming Boards. Good grades are important, but they are only part of the complete college experience. Residence hall activities offer opportunities to make friends and develop the social skills employers look for.
What is the U Card?
The U Card is your campus ID, meal plan card, and library card. If you pre-register during the summer, you will receive your U Card at that time. You must have this card to enter the dining centers. Information will be available at check-in for those students who do not have a U Card.
The card will give you access to various foods, goods, and service outlets throughout the campus when you activate the debit card (pre-paid credit card) portion (Debit Account). To activate your Debit Account, simply deposit a minimum of $25.00 at the U Card Office located in the lower level of the Memorial Union.

A U Card Debit Account (U Cash) is a convenient way to have money available for food, services, or doing laundry on campus. Check this website for more information: U Card Website. You or family members may deposit $25, $50, or $100 into the account. Students can use their U Card Account as cash at any of the on-campus Dining Service Centers, including Twamley Snack Bar, Wings Airport Cafe, Med School Snack Bar, Walsh, Wilkerson, Union convenience stores, and the University Bookstore. Check the calendar handbook or the website above for the most recent list.
What if I have other questions... what should I do?
The housing contract is a great resource for any questions you may have. It gives a thorough overview of all Housing policies and procedures. You can email us at housing@mail.und.edu or check out our facebook site.You can also call at (701) 777-4251. We're open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 p.m.

Grand Forks, ND