Current Students FAQs - University of Idaho

Blankets
Bed spread
Pillow cases
Sheets *Wallace and Tower beds are twin size *McConnell and LLC beds are extra-long twin (twin sheets often fit the extra-long twin matresses)
Mattress pad
Bath towels
Washcloths

Question: What kind of appliances should I bring?
Answer:

Alarm clock
Telephone (cordless telephones must be 5.8 GHz or 900 Megahertz)
Answering machine
Microwave
Computer
Television
Blow dryer
Curling iron
Radio/tape/CD player
Stereo headset
Surge protector
Ethernet adapter
RJ 45 cable.
*Electronic devices operating at the 2.4GHz range interfere with wireless internet access and cannot be used within the halls.

Question: What other things should I bring?
Answer:

Posters/pictures
Basic first-aid kit
6' x 8' carpet or throw rugs
Cards/dice/board games
Flashlight and batteries
Silverware
Mug/bowl/plate
Can/bottle opener
Water bottle
Water filter
Fan
Cleaning supplies and rags
Camera and film
House plants
Sports equipment
Bike and lock
Umbrella
Key ring
Storage containers
Social Security card
Medical insurance card
* Sorry, no pets except for fish are allowed in the halls.

Question: Are there restrictions on what I can bring to the residence halls?
Answer: Yes. For safety reasons there are items that are not allowed in the residence halls. For a complete list, check the Residence Hall Handbook.

Halogen lamps and cooking equipment are not allowed in the residence halls with the exception of microwave ovens (limited to 800 watts) when used according to the manufacturer's instructions. Coffee pots must utilize a timed or thermostatically controlled automatic shut off switch.

Appliances that are prohibited include, but are not limited to, the following:

· Waffle iron
· Electric grill (George Foreman grill)
· Slow cooker (crock pot)
· Toaster
· Toaster oven or convection oven
· Coffee maker without automatic shut off
· Espresso machine without automatic shut off
· Electric kettle without automatic shut off
· Candle warmer
· Deep fryer
· Rice cooker

Question: Where can I buy specialized items for my room?
Answer: There are a number of stores in Moscow where you can find items for your residence hall including Bed, Bath and Beyond, TriState, and Wal-Mart. If you are looking for items specifically designed for a residence hall room, Dormbuys.com has items specifically for residence hall students. However, keep in mind that some of the items sold on this site, including certain appliances, are not allowed in the residence halls. Check the Residence Hall Handbook for information about items that are not allowed in the residence halls.

Decorating your room:

Question: Can I paint the walls?
Answer:Students living within the residence halls at the University of Idaho are not allowed to paint their room without permission by University Housing. There is an application that must be filled out and a fee of $150.00 is required before permission is granted. This application is available at the University Housing office on the second floor of the Wallace Residence Center. If a student painst their room, they cannot paint it back to the original color – the University Housing paint department staff will perform this work. Living Learning Community students are not allowed to paint their rooms or their suites.

Question: What can I do to personalize my residence hall room?
Answer:We have a lot of tips and tricks on how to make your residence hall room shine. Here are some posters with pictures and ideas for dressing up your room! Poster1, Poster 2, Poster 3.

You could use wall pops to decorate your walls without damaging them! Just
peel and stick; they are removable and repositionable.
You can also buy wallpops at the University of Idaho Bookstore, or the Underground, a satellite of the Bookstore located in the basement of the Wallace Residence Center.
For more storage space, try bed lifters from TriState or Bed, Bath and Beyond.
Try some s pace bags from Bed, Bath and Beyond.
Extra shelving from Wal-Mart, Bed, Bath and Beyond, or ShopKo is available .
Try 3M decorating clips to hang Decorative lights!
For a really comfortable bed, try a down alternative mattress pad from Wal-Mart.
To dress up your space, add a colorful area rug to your floor, decorative pillows to your bed or a fun shower curtain to your bathroom.

Check-in Questions :

Question: When can I check in?
Answer: For fall check in first year students are allowed to check in early to take advantage of orientation programs. The fall 2009 semester check in begins Thursday, August 20, 2009, and lasts from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for first year students and new transfer students. This is a great way to get a jump-start on your time here at the university and prepare for new student orientation on Friday. New first-year students must be checked in by 10 a.m. on Friday, August 21, 2009.

Returning students can check in beginning Friday, August 21, 2009. Check in is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, and on August 22 and 23 from 1 to 5 p.m.

Check in dates and information is located on our Important Dates page.

Question: What size are the beds?
Answer: McConnell Hall and the Living Learning Communities have extra-long twin mattresses (although many students find regular twin sheets still fit these beds). Beds in Wallace and Theophilus Tower are standard twin size. There is a waiting list available for students in Wallace who require an extra-long twin, but the supply is limited and is distributed by greatest need.

Question: What about my Internet connection:
Answer: Wallace Residence Center, the Theophilus Tower and McConnell Hall all have wireless Internet access in the rooms and common areas.

Devices like cordless phones that operate at 2.4 GHz will interfere with the wireless network and are not allowed in the residence halls, but 5.8GHz phones are fine.
There is a 100 megabit Ethernet connections in each room.

Students are also allowed to have switches or hubs for connecting multiple devices to the Internet in the residence halls and University Housing apartments.

Network Devices used for ResNet Edge Network Extension may be:

- Switches (recommended)

- Hubs (permitted)

The ResNet team may add additional restrictions to these network device requirements.

Here are some examples of switches that may be used:

linksys
http://tinyurl.com/2bv7x9

Belkin
http://www.belkin.com/search/?q=ethernet%20switch&sid=1

Network devices used for ResNet Edge Network Extension must NOT be a:

- Router

- Wireless Access Point

- Firewall (host-based software firewall are ok)

Routers and firewalls are not allowed because the individual MAC address of each computer connected to the ResNet Network must be seen on the ITS-operated network infrastructure. Routers and firewalls change the MAC address of the originating computer. Wireless Access Points are not allowed because users are not allowed to extend the UI Network beyond their room. Wireless signals "leak" outside buildings.

Question: What are the dimensions of a room in Wallace?
Answer: This PDF has the dimensions of a typical room in the Wallace Residence Center.

Question: What are the dimensions of a room in the Theophilus Tower?
Answer: This PDF has the dimensions of a typical room in the Theophilus Tower.

Question: What are the dimensions of a room in the Living Learning Communities?
Answer: This PDF has the dimensions of a typical four-bedroom suite in the Living Learning Communities. You may also want to look at the virtual building/floor plans of the Living Learning Communities. Click on the building you are interested in, then the floor, and then the room.

Question: Where is my hall located?
Answer: To find which building your hall is located in, check out our Residence Hall Map.

Question: When are room assignments made?
Answer: Room assignments begin in March and continue through the summer. You should be receiving your room assignment sometime around April 1. Assignments are made in the order the deposit is received. No deposit means no reservation can be made.

Question: When do I find out who my roommate is?
Answer: Your hall and room assignment letter also lists your roommate's name and telephone number. We start mailing the letters as early as March. Your roommate can be assigned throughout the summer. For continuous updates, check your assignment on the web.

Question: How do I request a specific roommate?
Answer: To request a roommate, you AND your roommate need to specify each other as a requested roommate, and send your reservation cards in at the same time. Reservations for a specific roommate cannot be held for extended periods of time, so make sure you send the cards in at the same time for the assignment to be made.

Question: How can I get a single room?
Answer: To apply for a single room, please mark that preference on your room reservation card and return it to the University Housing Office. You will be placed on a waiting list. Even if a single room is not available for you by the time school begins, you will remain on the waiting list. If a single room becomes available during the semester, you will be notified and asked if you would like to move to the single room. Most single rooms are awarded based on seniority and position on the waiting list.

Question: Am I allowed to change rooms later?
Answer: After ten days into the semester, room re-assignments can be made for location changes and roommate requests.

Question: Can I change my meal plan?
Answer: You can change your meal plan within the first two weeks of each semester. For more information please see the Campus Dining page, or contact Campus Dining at 208-885-6070 or by e-mail at campusdining@uidaho.edu

Question: What is a Vandal Card?
Answer: Your Vandal Card is your lifeline to campus. This card is your student ID, access to the hall or building where you live, meal ticket, library card, access to the Student Recreation Center and your ticket into sporting events. It also can be used as a debit card, and can be used at the bookstore, vending and laundry machines.

Your flex dollars on your meal plan are placed on your Vandal Card, and you can use them to purchase food at all Campus Dining locations on campus, but your flex dollars (part of your meal plan) cannot be used on the vending machines, at the bookstore, the copy machines at the library or for laundry. You can add "Vandal Bucks" to your Vandal card for these types of purchases, and often you get a discount when you use your "Vandal Bucks."

For example, at the Bookstore you get a 5% discount on used textbooks when you use your Vandal Card, and you get a 20% discount on your laundry at University Housing when you use your Vandal Card, so instead of 50 cents for a wash and 75 cents for a dry, it is 40 cents to wash and 60 cents to dry. Plus, you don't have to carry around lots of coins!

At all Campus Dining locations if you are out of flex dollars, and use "Vandal Bucks" you get a 5% discount (you also get that discount when using your flex dollars, which are part of your meal plan). At the library when you use your Vandal Card on the copy machine you are charged 9 cents instead of 10 cents.

To add "Flex Dollars" to your Vandal Card, go to vandalweb and log in, then select the Student Account Information option. Under the Student Account Menu, select the Vandal Card Online Deposit and Account Reports option. This will let you deposit money, see how much money is on your Vandal Card, check recent activity on your card, and de-activate a lost or stolen Vandal Card.

Question: How do I get a Vandal Card?
Answer: The Vandal Card office is located on the first floor of the Student Union Building, which is on the corner of Sixth Street and Deakon Street. The Vandal Card Office is open from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday during the academic year and from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday during the summer. You will need a government issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, military ID) and your student identification number to get your Vandal Card.

Question: Can my parents deposit money on my Vandal Card?
Answer: Yes, your parents can deposit money to your Vandal Card using an electronic check, or a credit card. Parents can click here to deposit money to a student's Vandal Card online. The student's ID number is requested on this online form.

Question: What about laundry?
Answer: There are washers and dryers availalbe in every residence hall. The cost of using the washing machine is 75 cents per cycle if you use coins and 60 cents per cycle if you use your Vandal Card, and the cost of using the dryer is 50 cents per cycle if you use coins and 40 cents per cycle if you use your Vandal Card.

To use your Vandal Card to do laundry, place your clothes in the washer or dryer you wish to use, and look for the number on the machine. Next, go to the card swipe machine on the wall in the laundry room and swipe your Vandal Card, and then enter the number of the machine you wish to use.

Laundry room locations:

The Theophilus Tower laundry machines are located in a large laundry room in the basement. In the Wallace Residence Center, if you live in Gooding or Willey wings, you have a large laundry room in the basement of your wing. If you live in the Ballard or Stevenson wings, you have laundry rooms on the second floor and the fourth floor of your wing. In McConnell Hall the laundry room is in the basement. In the Living Learning Communities, the laundry room is located on the main floor of each building. In Targhee Hall, the laundry room is located in the basement.

Question: Can I bring my bike and where can it be stored?
Answer: Bringing a bike to campus is a great idea! You may store your bike in the designated bike storage rooms found in the basement of most residence halls. You must bring your own lock. You may also use outside bike racks located around the buildings. We recommend you register your bike with the Moscow Police Department.

Question: Can I bring appliances with me to the residence halls?
Answer: Refrigerators and microwaves are allowed, as are small appliances such as coffee pots, as long as they have automatic shut off features. If a small appliance does not shut off automatically, it is not allowed in the residence halls. Candle warmers are not allowed in the residence halls. For other appliances such as refrigerators, specifications are located in the Student Handbook. Also see the what to bring list for more ideas.

Question: Is carpeting provided in student rooms?
Answer: Carpeting is not provided in rooms with the exception of McConnell Hall and the Living Learning Communities. You may bring your own throw rugs or carpeting. Carpet size 9X13 will fit in all rooms, but may have to be folded or cut around furnishings.

Question: What should I do if I need to arrive before the residence halls open?
Answer: Students arriving early should contact one of the Moscow area hotels. Some businesses provide a discounted rate for students; just ask about a student rate.

Question: Can I send my belongings in advance of my arrival?
Answer: You can send your belongings 1-2 weeks early, and we will store them in a locked area until you can pick them up. Send items addressed to yourself to your campus address:

First Name, middle initial, Last Name
MSC #
1080 West Sixth Street
Moscow, Idaho 83843

To find your MSC number, log in to your vandalweb account, and select student housing information. Select housing information center, and select the correct semester. A screen will appear with your MSC number.

When you arrive, you will need to go to the mail desk where you will normally pick up your mail. If you live in Wallace or the Theophilus Tower, you will go the Wallace basement. If you live in the Living Learning Communities or McConnell you should go to the LLC 24-hour desk. You will need your ID.

Students living in University Housing apartments who wish to send packages in advance should mail them to:

First Name, middle initial, Last Name
1080 West 6th Street
MSC 005
Moscow, Idaho 83843

Question: Is there a campus bus service?
Answer: Wheatland Express provides free bus transportation for students with their Vandal Card. The bus travels throughout campus and various locations in Moscow and Pullman, Washington, including the Washington State University campus. Service is provided Monday-Friday.

Question: Do I have to be admitted to the University of Idaho to reserve a residence hall room?

Answer: Students do need to be admitted to sign up for housing. Students who are admitted and do not currently live in the residence halls can sign up for residence hall rooms online.

Students can also sign up for a room by sending a room reservation from. To request a form call 208-885-6571.

Current students can also renew their current room or reserve a new room for next year.

Question: Does the University of Idaho require that first-year students live on campus?

Answer: No. First-year students are not required to live on campus at the University of Idaho, although 90 percent of first year students choose to live on campus either in a residence hall or fraternity/ sorority.

We recommend living on campus in a residence hall or fraternity/sorority your first year because you will be able to meet friends that you will have for the next four to five years of college. Students who live on campus in traditional living groups for their first two years are also statistically more likely to graduate, to graduate earlier, and tend to have better grades.

By living on campus, you are part of a community that actively works to make you aware of the services and opportunities that are available to you. You also become a member of a student learning community, just by the virtue of living on campus in a residence hall, sorority or fraternity. Research on student living communities has shown that the greatest impact to student learning stems from a student's total level of campus engagement, and being part of a student learning community provides you with those opportunities for engagement.

Driving Directions :

From Spokane

Hwy 195 South to Pullman
Turn left at signs to Pullman, and then right on Davis Way (Hwy 270)
Follow Davis Way until it intersects with N Grand Ave in downtown Pullman
Turn right on N Grand Ave and get into the left lane
Turn left at the second stop light, following signs to Moscow
At Moscow the highway changes from 270 to Hwy 8
Move to far right lane and turn right on Perimeter Drive
Turn left on 6th St. and proceed to the first stop sign at Stadium Drive.
Wallace Residence Center will be on your left after the stop sign, followed by McConnell Hall, Theophilus Tower, and the Living Learning Communities.

From Boise

Take Hwy 55 North from Boise to New Meadows
Turn right onto Hwy 95 and go North, toward Moscow
At Moscow left onto Sixth Street
Stay on Sixth Street. After the stop sign at Line Street the Living Learning Communities will be on your right, followed by the Theophilus Tower, then McConnell Hall, and the Wallace Residence Center.

From Pocatello

Take Interstate 86 East to Interstate 15
Take Interstate 15 North to Interstate 90
Take Interstate 90 West to Coeur d'Alene
At Coeur d'Alene take Exit #12
Turn left on Hwy 95
Take Hwy 95 South for 84 miles to Moscow
In Moscow follow Hwy 95 through town
Turn right on 6th St
After the stop sign at Line Street the Living Learning Communities will be on your right, followed by the Theophilus Tower, then McConnell Hall, and the Wallace Residence Center.

From Coeur d' Alene

Take Hwy 95 South for 84 miles to Moscow
In Moscow follow Hwy 95 through town
Turn right on 6th St
After the stop sign at Line Street the Living Learning Communities will be on your right, followed by the Theophilus Tower, then McConnell Hall, and the Wallace Residence Center.

From Walla Walla

Take US Hwy 12 East to Dusty
At Dusty, turn right onto Hwy 26 and continue to Colfax
At Colfax, turn right onto Main St (Hwy 195)
Continue on Hwy 195 to Pullman
Turn left at signs to Pullman, and then right on Davis Way (Hwy 270)
Follow Davis Way until it intersects with N Grand Ave in downtown Pullman
Turn right on N Grand Ave and get into the left lane
Turn left at the second stop light, following signs to Moscow
At Moscow the highway changes from 270 to Hwy 8
Move to far right lane and turn right on Perimeter Drive
Turn left on 6th St and proceed to the first stop sign
Wallace Residence Center will be on your left after the stop sign, followed by McConnell Hall, Theophilus Tower, and the Living Learning Communities.

From Portland

Take Interstate 84 to Interstate 82 (exit #179)
Take Interstate 82 North to Kennewick
Take Hwy 395 North through Kennewick
Cross bridge to Pasco
Go through Pasco on Interstate 182
Turn left onto Hwy 395 at the intersection of I 182, Hwy 12, and Hwy 395
Take 395 to Connell
Turn right on Hwy 260 at Connell and go to Washtucna
At Washtucna, turn right on Hwy 26 and go to Colfax
At Colfax, turn right onto Main St (Hwy 195)
Continue on Hwy 195 to Pullman
Turn left at signs to Pullman, and then right on Davis Way (Hwy 270)
Follow Davis Way until it intersects with N grand Ave in downtown Pullman
Turn right on N Grand Ave and get into the left lane
Turn left at the second stop light, following signs to Moscow
At Moscow the highway changes from 270 to Hwy 8
Move to far right lane and turn right on Perimeter Drive
Turn left on 6th St and proceed to the first stop sign
Wallace Residence Center will be on your left after the stop sign, followed by McConnell Hall, Theophilus Tower, and the Living Learning Communities.

From Seattle/Tacoma

Travel east on Interstate 90 over Snoqualmie Pass to Vantage
Cross the bridge over the Columbia River and take exit #137 to Hwy 26
Take Hwy 26 to Colfax
At Colfax, turn right onto Main St (Hwy 195)
Continue on Hwy 195 to Pullman
Turn left at signs to Pullman, and then right on Davis Way (Hwy 270)
Follow Davis Way until it intersects with N Grand Ave in downtown Pullman
Turn right on N Grand Ave and get into the left lane
Turn left at the second stop light, following signs to Moscow
At Moscow the highway changes from 270 to Hwy 8
Move to far right lane and turn right on Perimeter Drive
Turn left on 6th St and proceed to the first stop sign
Wallace Residence Center will be on your left after the stop sign, followed by McConnell Hall, Theophilus Tower, and the Living Learning Communities.

Finance questions :

Question: Will financial aid cover my deposit?
Answer: Financial aid will not cover the cost of your deposit. It needs to be paid at the time you submit your reservation.

Question: Where do I submit my payment?
Answer: Please bring your room and board payment to the University Cashier on the first floor of the Student Union Building, located on the corner of Deakin Street and Sixth Street.

Question: Can I arrange for payments to be charged each month automatically?
Answer: To arrange for monthly payments, you should contact Tuition Management Systems. Otherwise, you are expected to make your payment in full by the first day of classes or sooner.

Room Assignments:

Question: Can I get a single room?
Answer: Singles are awarded based on the space available in the residence halls. University Housing guarantees a space to any student who wants to live on campus, and that is always our top priority.

For fall 2007-2008 any student who requested a single received a single, but that has not always been the case. After all students are assigned a space if there is additional room, singles are awarded. It is always best to let us know early that you are interested in a single, so we can help you find one if that is a possibility. For more information e-mail e-mail us .

Question: How are singles awarded?
Answer: If there are not enough single rooms for everyone who requests one, then singles are awarded according to deposit number. The earlier we have your deposit the lower your deposit number. When a single room becomes open, the first person on the list is offered the room. That person has three choices; accept the single, wait for a different single, or be taken off the list.

Question: Where am I on the single room waiting list?
Answer: Two waiting lists are kept: one for male students and one for female students. The list is in order of deposit number. To inquire about your position on the list e-mail us.

Question: How do I get on the single room waiting list?
Answer: Just ask. Give us your name and student number, and we will add you to the list according to deposit number, not according to the date the request is made. Call 208-885-6571, e-mail us , or drop by the housing office on the second floor of the Wallace Residence Center and leave your name and phone number.

Question: If my roommate moves out in the first couple of weeks of the semester can I keep the room as a single?
Answer: Not immediately. We do not know how many students will be moving in, so there is no guarantee that you will not be assigned a new roommate. If you are not assigned a roommate, and you are on the single waiting list, we can look again after the first 10 days of the semester.

If you do not wish to pay for a single room, or have not yet been awarded a single room, make sure to keep your belongings on your half of the room so there is room for someone else to move in.

Question: What is the availability for spring semester?
Answer: We will always have space for anyone who would like to live on campus and fills out a room reservation card. Unfortunately, we do not know where that space is right now so we can not say if it will be your first or second choice. Until students tell us they are leaving, we do not know where spaces are. There are also a number of students who are looking to sell their agreements and if you stop by the office, we can show you where they advertise. We can not connect individuals together, we can only refer them to the board.

Question: When will I know my assignment for spring semester?
Answer: Assignments for spring semester begin during Thanksgiving weekend. An assignment can be viewed through VandalWeb once an assignment is made.

Here is how to check your room assignment and other information online:
Go to VandalWeb
Login with your Student ID or V number and PIN.
Click on Student Housing Information
Click on Housing Information Center

Question: I want to move in with my friend/we want to switch rooms
Answer: If a space is available we can make the switch at almost anytime. There are no room changes during dead week or finals week so that students can concentrate on school and getting home for break. Room changes are not allowed until after the tenth day of next semester because of the logistics of the first two weeks of check in.

Room change:

Question: How do I change my room?
Answer: Students currently living in the residence halls can change their room by going to the University Housing office on the second floor of the Wallace Residence Center. If you are having difficulties with your roommate you may also want to talk with your resident assistant to try to work on mediation strategies.

Room changes are not allowed during dead week and finals week, or the first two weeks of each semester.

Question: If I change my room, how do I find out who my new roommate is?
Answer: You can view your new roommate information at the housing information page after logging into VandalWeb. You can view your roommate information, room assignment and other student housing information on-line on Vandalweb.

Deposits:

Question: After moving out of the residence halls when will I receive my deposit refund?
Answer: Student deposits will be released after all the damage charges are assessed. Once we release the deposit to the student account and there is no balance, the Cashier’s Office will print and mail a check. The default address is the same address that bills are sent to. It may take up to 30 days from the end of the agreement (May 13), but a student can speed up the process by signing up for direct deposit with the business office. That can be done at http://www.students.uidaho.edu/studentaccounts.

Question: What happens when you refund my deposit?
Answer: Deposits are not released until all damage charges have been entered. Then it is released to your student account, and if there are any outstanding charges on your account, the deposit will be used to pay those outstanding balances. If you received a letter about payment, it is probably not limited to only housing charges.

Question: What happens to my deposit if I am staying for next year?
Answer: Your deposit rolls over to the next year if you have signed an agreement for the next year. You do not need to make another deposit when you renew your room.

Damages and room condition forms:

Question: Why am I being charged for two sets of damages?
Answer: We differentiate bedroom damage from common area damage. The common area is shared and is split among all the suite mates. Individual damages can be determined after you check out with your resident assistant and fill out the room condition form. Shared damages have to wait until all the room condition forms come in. It takes at least two weeks to complete this process.

Question: What if I don't have a copy of my room condition form that I filled out when I checked out of my room with my residence assistant?
Answer: If you do not have a copy of your room condition form, (which you should have received when you checked out) we can mail a copy to you. E-mail a request for a copy of your room condition form.

Question: How did you come up with the amount I am paying for damages to my room?
Answer: The amounts for damages include parts, labor, and processing. Your residence assistant should have shown you what that amount is. A scratch may be more than 2” (we differentiate between ‘little’ and ‘big’ scratches) it may also be in furniture, drywall or hardwood, each requiring different materials and labor.

Question: Why do two similar damages on my room condition form have different costs?
Answer: There is a limited amount of space on the room condition form to enter the description of damage charges. A mark on the room condition form may denote a scratch on a wall or piece of furniture which may be the most expensive damage to fix, but due to the limited amount of space it may not necessarily the only damage item on that wall or piece of furniture that needs to be fixed.

Breaking a housing agreement:

Question: If I am moving out of the residence halls because I am no longer a student at the University of Idaho, do I lose my deposit, and do I have to pay the penalty for breaking my contract and moving out early?
Answer: If you are no longer a student you are not eligible to live in the residence halls and are due back a certain percentage refund of the money you paid to live in the residence halls (depending on the date of leaving).

If you are no longer a student because you have graduated, then your deposit will be refunded as well. If you are no longer a student for any other reason, you will lose your deposit. For more information look at sections 9,10, and 11 of the residence hall agreement.

Question: If I decide I want to move out of the residence halls before the end of the term I signed up for in my agreement, what happens?
Answer: This is breaking the agreement. Like a lease or any other legal agreement, there are penalties for not honoring the terms of that agreement. The penalty for breaking an agreement is $10 per day for each day left in the agreement. Since there are 124 days in spring semester, signing a full academic year agreement and leaving at spring semester carries a penalty of $1,240. You also forfeit your deposit when you break your agreement.

You can find the answers to your question in the agreement; particularly sections, 9, 10, and 11. You can find a copy of the agreement on our website.

Question: Is there any way to avoid the penalty for breaking an agreement?
Answer: Yes. A student who can find a replacement for their agreement (not their room) may avoid the penalty per section 9 of your housing agreement. You will have to find another student who does not currently have an agreement with University Housing and ask them to assume your agreement. The student can be male or female, and can sign an agreement for any University Housing community, so they do not have to take your room to be able to take over your agreement.

Question: How do I find someone to take over my agreement?
Answer: Posting a message on the bulletin board outside of the University Housing office, and/or posting on the Vandal Trading Post website have worked for other students. If you would like some hints on how to find a new student, please stop by the housing office on the second floor of the Wallace Residence Center and we can give you more information.

Room renewal:

Question: What is room renewal?
Answer: Room renewal happens in the spring when students sign up for the room they would like to live in for the next academic year. Room renewal for 2008 will happen in three stages:

Stage 1: Renew your current room Feb. 19- 24
Stage 2: Sign up for a different room in your current wing (Wallace) or building (Living Learning Communities, McConnell, Targhee) Feb. 25 -March 2
Stage 3: Sign up for any residence hall room March 3 - 10

You can tour different residence halls to see where you would like to live next year Wednesday February 20, from 5-7 p.m. Go to a booth near the LLC24-hour desk to take a tour.

Question: Can I get a single room for next semester?
Answer: Students can request a single room during renewal, but it will not be guaranteed as a single until later. Single rooms will be awarded contingent to the availability of space.

Question: What if I have class during my appointed renewal time?
Answer: Since room renewal is online this year, there are no appointed renewal times. This is different from previous years. The online process should make signing up for a room next year more convienent and will avoid schedule conflicts.

Question: What if two people want the same room?
Answer: First priority to a room is given to students currently living in the room (stage 1). Second priority is given to students living in the same building or wing (stage 2). Third priority is given to students in the system wanting to change buildings or wings (stage 3). Priority after that goes to the room reservation cards we have for incoming students. (Whitman and First-year experience halls are exceptions;please come by the office for more information).

Question: How will I know what rooms are available?
Answer: When you log into VandalWeb to renew your room, you will be able to choose a building you are interested in, and then a floor, then you will see a floor plan showing which rooms are available and those that are occupied.

Question: What if my roommate and I both request to keep our current room, but want it as a single, not a double?
Answer: Usually two roommates who reserve the same room as a single have a second room in mind for one or the other. Should both students want only that room, the deposit number will used to determine priority.

Question: What if I do not know where I want to live yet?
Answer: The time to start looking is around November or December. Introduce yourself to the residence assistant or hall president of the other floors. If you think you want be off-campus but are not sure you can still renew a room with us, but remember: If you choose to cancel your reservation, cancellations must be received in writing before JULY 1 for a refund of half of your deposit.

Spring check out 2008 :

Question: When is check out?
Answer: RESIDENCE HALLS CLOSE AT NOON ON SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2008. You will need to sign up for a check-out time a minimum of 24 hours in advance with your Resident Assistant.

Schedules will be posted on RA’s doors.
LLC students will sign up at the 24-hour desk.

Your room must be clean and all belongings must be removed. Your RA will review your Room Condition Form (RCF) with you and assess any charges.

Cleaning check lists:

Here are some cleaning check lists:

Question: What about my Living Learning Community kitchen locker?
Answer: Don't forget to empty and clean out your Living Learning Community lockers.

Question: What do I do with my bike over the summer?
Answer: Remember to take your bike with you for the summer. Bicycles left in or around the residence halls will be disposed of.

Question: What about mail?
Answer: Don't forget to forward your mail!

Before leaving the residence halls, it is important that you leave a forwarding address using our on-line system. If you do not leave a forwarding address, all mail sent to your MSC box will be returned to sender. When using the on-line system, do not use the # sign, abbreviations, or punctuation marks. Follow these instructions:

Go to http://vandalweb.uidaho.edu/
Log in, go to "Personal Information/Address Menu"
Go to "Update Address(es) and Phone(s)"
Scroll down to "Type of Address to Insert"
Do -NOT- click on
Select "Short Lived Summer Address"
Click on SUBMIT even if you aren't coming back for next semester!
Fill in the blanks with your summer address, and click on SUBMIT.
Return your mail key to the appropriate desk where you pickup your mail. Failure to return your mail key will result in a $55.00 non-refundable charge to your student account.

Your mail will be forwarded to the address, which you listed as "Short Lived Summer Address." Info desks at Wallace and the Living Learning Communities do NOT need a printed copy of this.

Question: What about room and desk keys?
Answer: Room and desk keys must be returned to the Living Learning Community information desk as part of the check-out process. Failure to return a room key = $55.00

Question: What about mail keys?
Answer: Mail keys must be returned to the appropriate desk where you receive mail. Wallace, Theophilus Tower and McConnell residents return mail key to the Wallace information desk. Only Living Learning Community students return their mail keys to the LLC 24-hour desk. Failure to return a key is $35.

Question: What if I need to stay after the check-out date?
Answer: Students needing to request an extension may due so no later than May 5, 2008. Students must come to the housing office on the second floor of Wallace to submit their request. An additional cost will be charged to those receiving approval to stay. Graduating seniors need to request an extension, but will not be charged for Saturday.

Question: What is express check out?
Answer: This process is available to students who may have a very early morning flight or otherwise are unable to meet with their resident assistant to check out of their room. Express check out is available on a limited and pre-approved basis. Please e-mail us with your request and it will be routed to the appropriate person for review.

Question: How do I store or remove items from the trunk room?
Answer: If you have signed a contract for the fall semester you may store items in the trunk room. To store or remove items from the trunk room, find the resident assistant on duty between 8-10 p.m. any evening.

Question: Will there be extra trash dumpsters?
Answer: Large blue dumpsters will be available next to your living community. Please do not rummage through dumpsters or stand in them. There is often broken glass or other items in the dumpsters that you could cut yourself on. Rummaging through the dumpsters is dangerous and also illegal.

Question: How can I prevent end-of-year theft?
Answer: As you finish finals, pack and prepare to move out, please be aware that incidents of theft in residence halls across the nation are traditionally higher at this time.

Doors are propped open, people are moving things out and doors are left unlocked and even wide open. There are many people on your hall during the last weeks of school. Please don’t let your guard down.

There are several steps you can take to keep this from happening in your hall:

Keep your door locked if you are not in your room.
Do not prop wing doors or outside doors. It may be a hassle to use your Vandal Card for access, but it sure beats having someone help themselves to your things. These doors are locked for your protection against theft as well as your safety.
Do not hold the door for anyone you do not know. If they say they are helping a student move, then they should be with that student at all times, to gain proper access. This goes for you too. Keep anyone helping you move with you at all times. Take several loads to the car at once; together.
Do not leave your Vandal Card in plain sight if you are not in the room.
For those of you in Living Learning Communities, the same goes for your suite. You have nice furniture in those rooms; do not help someone furnish an off-campus apartment at your expense. You are ultimately responsible if any of the furnishings or appliances in your room are missing when you leave.
Do not hold open the entrance doors to Living Learning Community if you do not know the person.

Have friends off campus or in another on-campus housing community? Please pass along this advice.

Question: How do I reuse and recycle items I don't intend to take with me?
Answer: Tents for items students who want to recycle will be stationed between the Wallace Residence Center and McConnell Hall, and between the Tower and Living Learning Community. Bins for clothes, non-used cleaning products, non-perishable food and smaller objects,will be placed at the East and West entrances of the Wallace Residence Center, the McConnell first floor lounge, Theophilus Tower first floor lobby, and the 24-hour desk at the Living Learning Communities during the week of check-out. The Univeristy of Idaho Sustainability Center places the bins and tents at those locations, and works with local groups to find uses for the items. The groups include Sojourners Alliance, a shelter for women, men and children, and the International Friendship Association, a group that helps international students and families.

Question: Will there be special parking areas for move-out?
Answer: Summer parking rules are in effect after 5 p.m. on Friday May 10th: Gold lots, Green lots, Meters, Fire lanes, Disability, Delivery and Service spaces Walk Ways and any reserved spaces or special signed spaces will be enforced. There will be special one-hour move out zones available on Green House Road and Paradise Creek Street. Please watch for parking signs.

Important Information:

Safety Issues :

Dangerous 5-light multi-colored floor lamps: State University New York (SUNY) at Fredonia has issued a warning to students about 5-light multi-colored floor lamps, after the lamps melted in two seperate instances.

University Housing is advising that all lamps of this nature be removed from student rooms and other areas on our campus. If you have any first hand knowledge of a problem you have experienced with this lamp, please call Department of Environmental Heath and Safety at 885-6524.

End-of-year theft :There is often greater theft at the end of the year as students move out of the residence halls. This can be avoided by observing the same precautions used throughout the year to maintain safety and security in your residence hall. To avoid incidents of theft at the end of the school year please be vigilant about following safety and security precautions, this includes not propping open doors to the residence halls, keeping your room doors locked, and not letting people you do not know into your buildings.

Please be aware of your surroundings and tell a resident assistant about anyone you see in your building that is not a resident of your community, or is not accompanied by a resident of your community.

Please follow these steps to prevent theft and ensure your safety:

Keep your door locked if you are not in your room.

Do not prop wing doors or outside doors open.

Do not hold the door for anyone you don’t know. If they say they are helping a student move, then they should be with that student at all times, to gain proper access.
Do not leave your Vandal Card lying around.

If you have concerns or need to report theft, contact your resident assistant or call 208-882-COPS.