| Question | Answer |
|---|
| Academic Support in the Residence Hall |
| Is it hard to study in the residence halls? |
There are quiet hours in every residence hall that begin at 9 p.m. and end at 7 a.m. during weekdays. Residents are expected to be courteous and respectful of their neighbors at all times. There are study spaces available in each residence hall as well. You can find where they are located in your hall description. |
| Which halls offer tutoring and when? |
Tutoring takes place on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 7-9 p.m. in the following locations:
South Campus:
Steeb Hall
Smith Hall
Park Hall
Stradley Hall
Siebert Hall
Bradley Hall;
West Campus:
Morrill Tower;
North Campus:
Scott House
Nosker House
Houck House ;
Tutoring is offered in Math, Chemistry and Physics.
|
| ATI Housing (all topics) |
| What are the benefits of living on campus rather than off? |
Living in the residence halls is fun, easy and an all-around great deal. Everything you might need for living on your own is typically provided: great roommates, amazing programs, internet access, cable and the fabulous meal plan. The staff for each building are also present to help you succeed as a student. |
| What should I bring to ATI campus? |
Click here for a suggested list of things to bring to campus with you as well as a list of things that are not permitted in your residence hall room. |
| Computers |
| Are students required to bring computers to OSU? |
Having a personal computer at Ohio State is not required. However, regardless of your major you will need to have access to a computer. There are many computer labs available to you across campus. For example, some faculty members use the Web to present tutorials and resources for classes, and many more consult with students outside class through e-mail. At the very least, computers with word processing software can simplify homework assignments. |
| Are there direct hookups in each dorm room for computers? |
Yes. All the halls are wired with a high-speed direct computer connection to the Internet and OSU's computing network through ResNet. |
| Do the residence halls have computer labs? |
There are several computer labs located in the residence halls (Morrill, Taylor, Baker, Mack, Royer and Jones). Also, University Technology Services has several public computing sites. For a list of locations, visit the Public Computing Sites Home Page. The UTS public computing site in 590 Baker Systems Engineering is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. |
| How do I activate my e-mail account? |
Your OSU account can be activated online at: http://8help.osu.edu/34124.html and then select Activate OSU Internet Username. You will need your social security number. |
| What is needed to connect to ResNet? |
Besides the hardware requirements (see What kind of computer should I bring?), you must have an OSU username and password. Your OSU account can be activated online at the:Units Web site and then select Get OSU Internet Username. You will need your social security number.
You will also need a network cable and NIC (Network Interface Card) to use ResNet. A limited number of cables are available at your hall desk or they can be purchased at the University Bookstore Computer Center located in the Tuttle Parking Garage.
A NIC is a card that is installed in your computer that allows an Ethernet connection. If you own a laptop, you will need a PC Card NIC. Below is a list of recommended NICS. NICS can be purchased from the University Bookstore Computer Center or others such as MicroCenter. A NIC must be NE2000 compatible to work with ResNet. The price of a NIC is generally between $35-$100; laptop NICs are more expensive than desktop NICs.
NetGear FA310TX (Desktop machine)
Intel PCI Pro100+ (Desktop machine)
NetGear FA410TX (Laptop)
Accton EtherPair EN226-1 (Laptop)
|
| What is ResNet? |
ResNet (short for Residential Network) is a direct Ethernet connection in a residence hall room. The connection allows a student to connect to OSU's network and the Internet at much higher speeds than traditional modem connections. Each room has enough connections for every student, and does not require the use of a phone line. For complete ResNet information, go to http://www.resnet.ohio-state.edu/
|
| What is the cost of ResNet? |
There is no extra fee for ResNet. |
| What kind of computer should I bring? |
Choosing a computer is a personal decision based on your needs and your financial situation. If you already know your major area of study, you might want to check with that college or department to see if they have a preference. The computer you bring should be capable of running ResNet if you will be living in a residence hall. ResNet hardware requirements are listed below.
Windows
Pentium-class PC
Windows 95 or 98 (Windows 3.11 is not supported)
8 MB RAM
23 MB free storage space
Network Interface Card and cable
Macintosh
PowerPC or iMac
MacOS 7.5.5 or later
8 MB RAM
23 MB free storage space
Network Interface Card (or built-in 10BaseT Ethernet port) and cable
UNIX (Linux, FreeBSD)
Minimum 486 processor
8MB RAM
RJ-45 10BaseT Network Interface Card and Cable |
| Where do I go for help with general computing questions? |
Call the UTS Support Center at 614-688-HELP. |
| Where do I go for help with ResNet problems? |
First, check to make sure you have the following:
A NIC properly installed
Proper software installed
OSU Internet username and password
A network cable plugged into the proper jack
Double-check the settings on your machines
If you still have problems call the ResNet Support Center at 614-292-5700. |
| Who is able to use ResNet? |
Any OSU student living in a residence hall can connect to the ResNet service. All residence halls are wired with one port per pillow; study rooms and temporary housing areas are also wired. |
| General F.A.Q.s |
| Am I just a number to OSU? |
There’s no doubt that OSU is a big place, but one of our goals is to help each student find their place on campus. A great tool for doing this is to start out by getting involved in something that is important to you (a club or organization, learning community, intramurals, religious organization, etc). Talk to your RA about ways that you can get connected on campus. |
| How can money be added to the BuckID account? |
The Office of Housing Assignments in 350 Morrill Tower and University ID Card Services in 219 Lincoln Tower accept cash, check and credit card deposits. Credit card deposits are also accepted over the phone 614-292-0400 and from the BuckID Web site . Additionally, there are several cash to card deposit stations on campus. |
| How long are the beds? What kind of sheets will I need? |
All the beds in the residence halls are extra long (80 inches long) twin beds. You will need extra long (80") twin bed sheets which are available at retail stores or from the Residence Halls Advisory Council (RHAC). During July, you will receive information at your home address from RHAC offering linen for student rooms. |
| I have always lived in Ohio – Is Columbus any different/better than other Ohio cities? |
Columbus is a great city that has a thriving culture around sports, parks and recreation, the arts, entertainment and museums. You can use the COTA bus system to explore the various cultural events that Columbus has to offer.
Through Explore Columbus students may buy discounted tickets to many different events and exhibitions around the city. The University is sometimes referred to as it's own city, with it's own personality, atmosphere, and even it's own zip code! |
| If I am from out of state, how do I get to the airport/bus depot during breaks? |
The Campus Area Bus Service (CABS) provides convenient transportation on the Columbus Campus. COTA (the Central Ohio Transit Authority) has a special partnership with The Ohio State University to provide unlimited rides on all COTA routes to OSU students at a discounted rate of $9 per quarter (through a mandatory student fee paid with your tuition). Simply present your student BuckID to the bus operator when you board and you ride for free. COTA also provides a shuttle to and from the airport at the beginning and ending of every quarter for students flying into Columbus. |
| Is it hard to meet people with a campus so big? |
Students are given many opportunities to meet new people on campus. Freshmen are anxious to meet each other in their new residence halls and simply leaving your door open for a friendly hello is a good idea. Getting involved in something which interests you is also a great way to meet people with similar interests. |
| Is there housing available on the regional campuses as well as the Columbus campus? |
Yes. We are proud to offer on-campus housing on the ATI, Newark, and Mansfield campuses.
|
| What are the benefits of living on campus rather than off? |
Living in the residence halls is fun, easy and an all-around great deal. Everything you might need for living on your own is typically provided: great roommates, amazing programs, internet access, cable and the fabulous meal plan. The staff for each building are also present to help you succeed as a student. |
| What if I get sick? |
We have a wonderful student health center on campus; full-time students have the option of using this service in the event they don’t feel well. In addition, our campus is situated right next to the OSU Medical Center in case you need more urgent care. Talk to your parents about your health insurance coverage and make sure that you have a copy of your health insurance card when you come to campus. |
| What is a BuckID account? |
It is a discretionary, debit account that enables students to avoid carrying cash around campus. You can simply present your card at various merchants across campus and the amount of your purchase is deducted from the money in your account. For more information on BuckID, visit the BuckID Web site. |
| What should I bring and what is not allowed in the room? |
Click here for a suggested list of things to bring to campus with you as well as a list of things that are not permitted in your residence hall room. We encourage students to look for energy efficient products denoted by the Energy Star logo. |
| Housing Options |
| Are all the halls co-ed? |
Yes. Some buildings have certain floors that are all female or all male. Others separate male and female rooms by wings on the same floor. There are also all-male rooms and all-female rooms on the same floor in other residence halls. |
| Are lofts allowed? |
In most buildings on campus we allow lofts. You can order a bedloft at www.bedloft.com. Buildings that already have loftable beds are Baker West, Baker East, the Worthington/Neil Complex (William H. Hall Complex) and Neilwood Gables. Buildings that do not allow lofts are Stradley, Lincoln and Morrill Towers. If you choose to loft your own bed, please read the loft guidelines in the Residence Hall Handbook by clicking under "Policies, Contracts and Fees." |
| Are residence halls locked? |
At the Ohio State University, campus residence halls are locked 24-hours a day. To gain access, students must use their Buck ID cards to open an outside door by swiping a magnetic card reader. Students living in Lincoln House must swipe their Buck ID to use the elevator after business hours. Students without ID cards may request access by using a foyer telephone to talk with the hall desk staff. Guests should contact their resident host. Hosts should let guests in and escort them to the resident’s room. |
| Are the halls clean? |
Students are responsible for cleaning their own rooms. Housekeeping staff are responsible for cleaning the public areas (hallways, lounges, etc.), public restrooms and bathrooms in clustered rooms. Students with bathroom facilities in their individual rooms or suites are responsible for cleaning their own bathrooms. |
| Are there direct hookups in each dorm room for computers? |
Yes. All the halls are wired with a high-speed direct computer connection to the Internet and OSU's computing network through ResNet. |
| Are there staff members who live in the residence hall? |
Yes, each floor or group of floors has a resident adviser who lives on the floor with the residents. In addition, each hall complex has a full-time professional hall director, assigned to work with students and staff in their respective buildings. |
| Can anyone get into my dorm? |
Anyone who lives in the residence halls can enter any residence hall on campus with their Buck-ID between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. After 9 p.m. a student must be escorted through any residence hall they do not live in by a resident of that hall.
The residence halls are locked to anyone who does not have a Buck-ID. |
| Can anyone live in Stadium Scholarship Housing? |
Anyone can indicate their preference to live in the Stadium Scholarship Dormitory. Priority is given to those students who meet a combination of financial need and high school achievement indicators. All interested students must complete an application expressing their interest. Please stay tuned to the Stadium Scholarship LC page for more details. |
| Can furniture be removed from the room and replaced with my own? |
No. The furniture provided is permanent. The furniture may not be removed even if the number of students in the room changes. |
| Can I bring my bike and where can it be stored? |
Yes. Bikes are permitted on campus. While a few halls have indoor bike storage rooms, most require bikes to be parked outside at the bike racks provided. We encourage students to use two sturdy bike locks in either case. |
| Can I have visitors? |
Absolutely. You should escort your guest at all times, and keep in mind that your guest needs to be respectful of your fellow community members while s/he is visiting. You are also responsible for her/his behavior while s/he is in the residence halls. |
| Can I live with people who come from diverse backgrounds? |
Yes – in fact, one of our goals is to allow you opportunities to learn from those who come from different backgrounds and experiences than what you have experienced. There are a number of resources to allow you to get involved with student groups that focus on the topic of diversity. We offer several opportunities through the Allies for Diversity, I-House, Spanish and MUNDO living-learning programs. Check out the Ohio Union Web site for information about clubs and organizations. |
| Do the residence halls have computer labs? |
There are several computer labs located in the residence halls (Morrill, Taylor, Baker, Mack, Royer and Jones). Also, University Technology Services has several public computing sites. For a list of locations, visit the Public Computing Sites Home Page. The UTS public computing site in 590 Baker Systems Engineering is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. |
| How do I activate my e-mail account? |
Your OSU account can be activated online at: http://8help.osu.edu/34124.html and then select Activate OSU Internet Username. You will need your social security number. |
| How long are the beds? What kind of sheets will I need? |
All the beds in the residence halls are extra long (80 inches long) twin beds. You will need extra long (80") twin bed sheets which are available at retail stores or from the Residence Halls Advisory Council (RHAC). During July, you will receive information at your home address from RHAC offering linen for student rooms. |
| If I move off campus can I move back on later? |
Students are always welcome to return to the residence halls after leaving for a designated period of time. It is important to express your interest in returning to the halls as soon as possible given that space is limited. Please contact Housing Services at 614-292-8266 to request additional information about returning to the halls. |
| Is carpeting provided in student rooms? |
No, carpeting is not provided in the residence hall rooms. Students can purchase an area rug on their own. The Residence Halls Advisory Council sponsors a program through which you can purchase carpeting. Information will be mailed to your home during the summer, or you can contact 614-292-0405 or 614-292-3930 for more information.. The carpet will be available for pickup in convenient locations during the opening of the residence halls. |
| Is there a way to find a cheaper housing arrangement? |
Given the many options available to students living in the residence halls, chances are there is always a cheaper room option that you can select. Rooms without air conditioning and private bathrooms will have a lower contract rate. In addition, triples and quads provide another option can reduce your overall housing cost. Finally, some students may be eligible for scholarship housing (i.e., Stadium Scholarship Dormitory in Scholars East and West and the Alumnae Scholarship Program) where students provide service in the residence halls for a subsidized housing cost. Please feel free to contact the Office of Housing Services to discuss strategies for reducing your cost of housing. |
| Is there anything to do in the dorms? |
Yes! You should talk to your RA about what events are planned in your residence hall. The RA staff and your Hall Council work together to provide lots of opportunities to get to know the rest of the students in your hall, travel within and outside of Columbus and experience all that campus has to offer. If you are interested in getting involved with hall council and planning events, talk to your RA. |
| Is there housing available on the regional campuses as well as the Columbus campus? |
Yes. We are proud to offer on-campus housing on the ATI, Newark, and Mansfield campuses.
|
| Must I be in my residence hall during certain hours? |
There are no set "curfew" hours in the residence halls. Students are expected to assume responsibility for their own schedules. |
| There is a problem with my housing contract. Who do I contact/where do I go to fix it? |
You should contact the Housing Services office at 614-292-8266 or via e-mail immediately. |
| What are the bathrooms like/ How often are they cleaned? |
There are community and private bathrooms. Community bathrooms are cleaned every weekday while private bathrooms are cleaned twice a week (i.e., Morrill & Lincoln) or once a quarter (i.e., north campus residence halls) by housekeeping staff. It is important to respect everyone using your bathroom by treating it as a community space. |
| What are the benefits of living on campus rather than off? |
Living in the residence halls is fun, easy and an all-around great deal. Everything you might need for living on your own is typically provided: great roommates, amazing programs, internet access, cable and the fabulous meal plan. The staff for each building are also present to help you succeed as a student. |
| What do I do if I don't like my housing assignment? |
We regret that we are unable to accept requests for change of assignment once assignments are mailed out. We do make a change request process available to students the third week of fall quarter. To change rooms at this time, a resident should contact their hall director. |
| What happens if I lose my room key? |
Lost keys are a serious concern. A lost key not only impacts the safety of the person who lost the key but the safety of roommates, future residents and conference participants. We take our resident's security very seriously. If a lock change is necessary, a $100 replacement fee is assessed. Because this is such a serious matter, no reasoning is likely to excuse you from the $100 charge - and we have heard some creative attempts! |
| What if I lock myself out of my room? |
You may sign for a "loaner" room key at the hall office for a maximum of 20 minutes. If the key is not returned promptly, you will likely have your lock changed and be assessed a cost. |
| What is a resident advisor? |
The resident advisor (RA) is a student who lives in your community and is responsible for helping to provide a safe, educational community. Your RA works with an RA staff team to facilitate an environment that supports you and your community throughout the year. Interested in becoming an RA? Click the “Jobs” link at the top of this page to learn more. |
| What kinds of pets are permitted? |
Pets are only permitted in the residence halls as guide animals for the physically challenged. Fish, in reasonable numbers, are an exception. |
| What should I bring and what is not allowed in the room? |
Click here for a suggested list of things to bring to campus with you as well as a list of things that are not permitted in your residence hall room. We encourage students to look for energy efficient products denoted by the Energy Star logo. |
| What will my room look like? |
Because we offer a number of different housing options across campus, it’s difficult to say what a “typical” room looks like. However, once you receive your housing assignment you can look at a floor plan of your room and see the various features of your residence hall by going to our front page and choosing the room search option. |
| When will I receive my housing assignment? |
Roommate changes or changes to their housing contract will be accepted in writing until July 15. The majority of final housing assignments for the academic year will be sent to your OSU e-mail account the last week of August. This will include the name(s) and address(es) of roommate(s) as well as arrival information and instructions. |
| Where can students do laundry? |
Each residence hall complex is equipped with washers and dryers. Students can use cash or their BuckID account to wash or dry their clothes. |
| Jobs |
| Are certain jobs only for work-study students? |
Yes. Some jobs are only available to students who have been offered Work Study in their FAFSA award letter. Students can review available jobs at http://sfa.osu.edu/jobs. Those only available as Work Study will be indicated. |
| Can I be an OA in any building? |
Yes, if you are a resident of an OSU residence hall, you may apply to be an Office Assistant in any residence hall on campus. |
| How do I find a job on campus? |
Students can review available jobs at http://sfa.osu.edu/jobs. |
| How many hours are normal to work with an average class schedule? |
This depends on many aspects of your college life. The number and difficulty of your class load and the amount of time you spend doing extracurricular activities all may weigh on your time available for a job. An average workload ranges between 8 and 12 hours a week which can be adjusted according to your schedule. |
| What are all the responsibilities of a resident advisor (RA)? |
The RA works with her/his staff team to ensure that the residence halls are a safe, welcoming educational environment. To learn more about the specific job responsibilities of the RA, click on the “Jobs” link at the top of this page. |
| What are the benefits of having a campus job as opposed to an off campus job? |
The Office of University Housing is one of the largest employers of undergraduate students at The Ohio State University. We have found that students who are employed on campus manage their time [and money] better and are more satisfied with their Ohio State experience. The Student Assistant position in the university residence halls is just one of several on-campus job opportunities. The Student Assistant position will provide you with a unique way to experience the campus; and the benefits you receive far exceed your bi-weekly paycheck. |
| What is a resident advisor? |
The resident advisor (RA) is a student who lives in your community and is responsible for helping to provide a safe, educational community. Your RA works with an RA staff team to facilitate an environment that supports you and your community throughout the year. Interested in becoming an RA? Click the “Jobs” link at the top of this page to learn more. |
| Learning Communities |
| Does it cost me more to participate in a Learning Community? |
No – our Learning Communities are offered at no additional cost to you so that every student can take advantage of participating in these communities. |
| How do I know which LC is right for me? |
We offer LCs that are grouped in the following categories: academic programs, cultural programs, honors and scholars programs, and scholarship programs. It’s probably easiest to decide which of these is of most interest to you and consider what type of environment you would like to live in. For example, do you want to live in an environment where programming is planned around the topic of your academic major, or would you rather have program opportunities that are linked around a different focus (such as diversity, service, scholarship housing)? |
| How do I pick a Learning Community? |
Start by checking out our LC section of the Web site to determine which areas are of interest to you. If you have a roommate, discuss with her/him what they prefer. You will need to indicate your choice on the Housing Contract before you return it. |
| Maintenance & Facilities Request |
| Do I need to be there when maintenance comes to my room? |
No. Completing the Online Service Request (http://www.housing.osu.edu/request/) indicates that you are providing your permission for the maintenance and/or housekeeping staff member to enter your room. |
| For what kind of things do I write a service request? |
The typical things that students will write a service request for may include lighting issues in your room, temperature control, a difficult to close door, damaged room items and plumbing issues. Other situations require a more urgent response (e.g., lost room key), and these should be reported to your residence hall office immediately. |
| How long will it take to fix something? |
You will receive a response within 48 hours. If a part needs to be ordered, the repair may take a bit longer. |
| Mansfield Housing (all topics) |
| What are the benefits of living on campus rather than off? |
Living in the residence halls is fun, easy and an all-around great deal. Everything you might need for living on your own is typically provided: great roommates, amazing programs, internet access, cable and the fabulous meal plan. The staff for each building are also present to help you succeed as a student. |
| What should I bring to Mansfield campus? |
Click here for a suggested list of things to bring to campus with you as well as a list of things that are not permitted in your residence hall room. |
| Newark Housing (all topics) |
| What are the benefits of living on campus rather than off? |
Living in the residence halls is fun, easy and an all-around great deal. Everything you might need for living on your own is typically provided: great roommates, amazing programs, internet access, cable and the fabulous meal plan. The staff for each building are also present to help you succeed as a student. |
| What should I bring to Newark campus? |
Click here for a suggested list of things to bring to campus with you as well as a list of things that are not permitted in your residence hall room. |
| On Campus Dining |
| Am I required to get a meal plan if I live on campus? |
First-year students are required to have a meal plan when living in the residence halls. Upperclass students may make the decision to accept or decline a meal plan. There are several options which may be viewed under On Campus Dining. |
| Are the dining commons close to the dorms? |
Yes. There are a variety of dining options available to you on each area of campus. Some residence halls are even connected through the basement or an underground tunnel to certain dining commons. You may use your meal plan at any dining commons across campus. |
| Are the dining commons open late? |
There are many late-night options for dining. Please see the Dining Services Web site for the most current hours. |
| Can I eat off campus with my BuckID? |
Yes. A number of vendors near campus accept BUCK-ID as a form of payment. Check the BUCK-ID Web site (https://buckid.osu.edu) to see which restaurants accept this as a form of payment. |
| Can I share meal plans with visitors? |
You can use up to 10% of your swipes to purchase swipes for guests. This means that if you have the Deluxe Plus plan, which provides you 250 swipes for the quarter, you have 25 guest meal swipes. Just tell the cashier that you are using a guest meal and we can take care of the rest. |
| Do missed meals and unused BuckID money carry across quarters? |
Unused BuckID money carries over for students to use the next quarter. The quarterly allotment of meal swipes is available all quarter long, but they do not transfer from quarter to quarter. |
| How do I cancel or change my meal plan? |
You can cancel or change your meal plan to a plan that suits you best during the first weeks of each quarter. To make changes, visit Meal Plan Changes, or contact the Housing Assignments Office at 350 Morrill Tower, call 292-8266. |
| If I change my Dining Plan how will my fees be calculated? |
Fees for a dining plan change will be calculated as follows: 1) Old dining plan: meal plan expenditure charge will be based on the percentage of swipes used prior to meals change. 2) New Dining Plan: 100% of new dining plan fee, as you will receive the full number of swipes for your new dining plan. Please call the Housing Assignments Office at 614-292-8266 if you have any questions before making dining plan changes online. |
| Is it possible to eat in any dining commons on campus? |
Yes. Student's ID cards serve as a meal pass. It can be used in any dining commons on campus including Sprouts, our vegetarian option. Students with the traditional dining plan have limited dining location options. |
| What is a meal plan? |
Students purchase a certain number of swipes per quarter. One swipe of their BuckID usually is equivalent to one meal. For more information contact http://www.food.osu.edu/ or call them at 614- 292-8380.
|
| What is the advantage of having a meal plan instead of just making my own food? |
Storage space (for food and cooking utensils) and access to kitchens are not available in all residence halls. The convenience of a meal plan assures you food hot(or cold) and ready when you're hungry. There are a variety of options available through campus dining.
|
| What is the best or most popular meal plan? |
Most male students take the Scarlet Plus plan. Most female students take the Gray Plus plan. Both plans provide students with a set number of quarterly swipes and $100 in their BuckID account. See more at http://www.food.osu.edu/. |
| Policies, Contracts, and Fees |
| If I change my Dining Plan how will my fees be calculated? |
Fees for a dining plan change will be calculated as follows: 1) Old dining plan: meal plan expenditure charge will be based on the percentage of swipes used prior to meals change. 2) New Dining Plan: 100% of new dining plan fee, as you will receive the full number of swipes for your new dining plan. Please call the Housing Assignments Office at 614-292-8266 if you have any questions before making dining plan changes online. |
| There is a problem with my housing contract. Who do I contact/where do I go to fix it? |
You should contact the Housing Services office at 614-292-8266 or via e-mail immediately. |
| What do I do if I don't like my housing assignment? |
We regret that we are unable to accept requests for change of assignment once assignments are mailed out. We do make a change request process available to students the third week of fall quarter. To change rooms at this time, a resident should contact their hall director. |
| What if I don’t agree with what my hall director decided about my judicial sanction? |
Appeal. Refer to Code on Student Conduct for more information about the appeals process. |
| What if I get in trouble? |
The situation will be documented and a senior staff member will request to meet with you about the situation at a later date. |
| What if my roommate doesn’t follow the roommate agreement? |
Meet with your resident advisor to discuss the situation and potentially renegotiate some of the terms that were previously determined. Students can always request to make different decisions about the contents of this agreement (especially as the year progresses and they get to know each other even better). |
| What is the cost of a residence hall room and meal contract? |
Please see the information included under the "Policies, Contracts and Fees" section of our Web site. |
| Will I be charged for something breaking in my room? |
Yes. Although it depends on the situation, students are responsible for the condition of their room at the point of check-out. Aside from normal wear and tear, it is expected that items are returned in the condition they were found at check-in. |
| Roommates |
| Can I pick my own roommate? |
You can indicate a roommate preference while you are completing your Housing Contract. You will need the other student’s OSU dot.number. |
| How do I tell my current roommate I don’t want to live with him/her next year? |
This can be tough, but it’s important that you talk to your roommate early to discuss your concerns. Talk to your RA about tips on having this conversation. |
| Is it better to live with someone I know? |
Some students come to campus planning to live with someone they already know. This is great, but it is just as important that you learn to communicate openly with her/him. It’s one thing to know someone from your class in high school, it’s an entirely different thing to live in the same room with her/him. Talk openly about your pet peeves, living preferences and study/sleep preferences before you decide.
If you decide to room with someone you know, it is just as important that you complete the Roommate Agreement (your RA will help you do this during fall quarter) and learn to communicate openly with your roommate.
|
| Some Questions to go over with your new roommate |
How should we decorate the room?;
Can we borrow each other’s possessions?;
How often are visitors allowed to come and how long can they stay?;What to bring?
|
| What do I do if I have roommate problems? |
We encourage students to contact their resident advisor or hall director who will attempt to mediate and resolve problems. For Parents: if you need to find out how the situation is being addressed or for additional information, you should contact your student's hall director. The hall desk phone number is indicated on the assignment notification. |
| What if my roommate doesn’t follow the roommate agreement? |
Meet with your resident advisor to discuss the situation and potentially renegotiate some of the terms that were previously determined. Students can always request to make different decisions about the contents of this agreement (especially as the year progresses and they get to know each other even better). |
| Safety |
| Are residence halls locked? |
At the Ohio State University, campus residence halls are locked 24-hours a day. To gain access, students must use their Buck ID cards to open an outside door by swiping a magnetic card reader. Students living in Lincoln House must swipe their Buck ID to use the elevator after business hours. Students without ID cards may request access by using a foyer telephone to talk with the hall desk staff. Guests should contact their resident host. Hosts should let guests in and escort them to the resident’s room. |
| Can anyone get into my dorm? |
Anyone who lives in the residence halls can enter any residence hall on campus with their Buck-ID between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. After 9 p.m. a student must be escorted through any residence hall they do not live in by a resident of that hall.
The residence halls are locked to anyone who does not have a Buck-ID. |
| Can I leave my belongings in the room during break periods? |
Yes. While student rooms are typically accessed for maintenance purposes only, we do encourage students to take expensive property home with them. Clothes and other belongings can be left in student rooms. |
| How can help be contacted in an emergency? |
The University has an internal 911 emergency telephone system. By dialing 911 from any campus phone, including pay telephones which do not require a coin for these calls, direct access to the University Police dispatcher is available 24 hours a day. In addition, there are over 100 emergency "blue light" phones located throughout the campus. Seven "blue light" phones are also located in the immediate off-campus University area. |
| How do I get around campus after dark? |
The Student Escort Service transports students safely to their place of residence between the hours of 7:30 pm to 2:50 am from spring quarter until fall quarter, and from 6:30 pm to 2:50 am during winter quarter. Their number is 2-3322, and it is advisable to call an hour in advance. |
| How safe is the Columbus campus of Ohio State? |
Generally speaking, it is safe. However, this is a large campus located in a major metropolitan area, and it is not immune to the crimes that occur everywhere. If you follow the common sense security precautions used at home and listed here, you will greatly reduce the chance that you will become a crime victim:
- Lock your doors and windows, especially when you are away.
- Do not leave your bookbag unattended.
- Mark your valuables, especially computers and bicycles, and leave un-needed and very valuable items at home.
- Keep a separate record of serial numbers on computers, stereos, and similar items of property.
- Do not leave valuables in open view in your parked vehicle; cover or place in the trunk.
- Use a good quality bicycle lock.
- Follow fire safety regulations and practices.
- After dark, stay on well-lit and well-traveled paths. Walk with a friend.
- Be familiar with the locations of "blue light" emergency phones.
- DO NOT lend your ID card or key to anyone.
- Do not let unauthorized persons into your residence hall; don't let persons "tail gate" through an open door.
- Report suspicious activities to hall staff or University Police.
- Remain sober - alcohol is a factor in many crimes. Intoxicated persons are more vulnerable to robbery, assault and date rape.
For information on the Annual Campus Safety Report go to http://studentlife.osu.edu/safety/.
Safety is the responsibility of us all. Suspicious persons or activity, situations or conditions which present a hazard, and concern about health and safety issues should be brought to the attention of your hall staff and, when appropriate, to the attention of University Police or Student Life Risk Assessment.
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| Is it safe to walk on campus at night? |
Although the campus is well lit and generally safe when walking alone, it is not recommended. Following simple safety precautions, such as planning nighttime library visits with a friend just make sense. Some nearby areas off-campus are less safe to walk alone. |
| Is specialized safety training available? |
Yes, University Police and other campus offices offer many programs. Self-defense, crime prevention literature, theft prevention materials and other programs may provide helpful information. Each hall staff will be able to provide any other guidance you may need or for printed materials by contacting University Police at 614-292-2121. |
| Must I always take my room key with me? |
It is a very good idea and we recommend it. Locking the door to a room and taking the key, even if just going down the hall for a few minutes, are good practices to make habits and the best precaution against theft. |
| Should I record valuables before bringing them to campus? |
Descriptive lists, including serial numbers, are important records for insurance purposes. You may register valuables at our online site after arriving on campus. The Registry is available 24 hours a day. Bicycles may also be registered with a passive transponder during the year. There is no cost for these services. |
| What about fire safety? |
We take fire safety very seriously in campus residential units. Fire extinguishers, trained hall staff, smoke detectors, and fire drills are all part of our fire safety program. Students should not, under any circumstance, have lit candles or other open flames in their rooms or overload electrical outlets. Regular safety messages, including fire safety, may be found at the Safety Services Web site for Student Life at http://studentlife.osu.edu/safetyinformation.asp. |
| What type of police or security force does the University have? |
Ohio State has a professional University Police department that provides the same police services to the campus as city police do in various Ohio towns and cities. Trained officers are available all year round 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The non-emergency phone number for University Police is 292-2121. The Web site for more information is http://www.ps.ohio-state.edu. In addition, University Security Services provides random patrols in residence hall areas. |
| Transportation and Parking |
| Can I have a car on campus as a freshman? |
To meet the many competing demands for a limited parking resource, first-year students living in the residence halls during the 2007-08 academic year will not be permitted to bring a vehicle to campus or purchase an OSU parking permit. Please contact Traffic & Parking at tpinfo@osu.edu or call 614-292-9341 (or toll free 1-877-OSU-PARK) with questions, concerns or alternative transportation and parking options. |
| How do I get around campus/the city? |
The Campus Area Bus Service (CABS) provides convenient transportation on the Columbus Campus. COTA (the Central Ohio Transit Authority) has a special partnership with The Ohio State University to provide unlimited rides on all COTA routes to OSU students at a discounted rate of $9 per quarter (through a mandatory student fee paid with your tuition). Simply present your student BuckID to the bus operator when you board and you ride for free. COTA also provides a shuttle to and from the airport at the beginning and ending of every quarter for students flying into Columbus. |
| If I am from out of state, how do I get to the airport/bus depot during breaks? |
The Campus Area Bus Service (CABS) provides convenient transportation on the Columbus Campus. COTA (the Central Ohio Transit Authority) has a special partnership with The Ohio State University to provide unlimited rides on all COTA routes to OSU students at a discounted rate of $9 per quarter (through a mandatory student fee paid with your tuition). Simply present your student BuckID to the bus operator when you board and you ride for free. COTA also provides a shuttle to and from the airport at the beginning and ending of every quarter for students flying into Columbus. |
