You can lose your housing assignment if you’re not registered for classes for Spring 2018

Just a reminder that spring registration is coming soon. According to the Housing License Agreement you agreed to when you applied to housing, you MUST be registered as a full-time student (12 or more credits unless graduating, student teaching, or participating in a clinical/internship) to reside in University housing.  Failure to register for Spring by the end of the Fall semester will result in your housing assignment being cancelled AND given away to a new, registered, student.  

The first step to registering is to take care of any holds you may have and to clear any balance on your student account.  You’ll need to meet with your advisor for a PIN and then you can sign up for classes.

If you do not plan to return for the Spring semester, please complete the Release of Housing License Request form.  

Stay tuned to your SHU email and PirateNet for more details on how and when to register for Spring 2018!

Check your email for your Room Assignment Information!

Hi Pirates!   

Please check your SHU Email to view your room assignment information (including your roommate(s) name(s) and your selected meal plan.

For freshmen and transfers, your assignment email included an important parking pass for move in day.  You can also print out a copy here: Move in bulletin and dashboard parking pass if you’ve misplaced the one in your email.

Just to go over some important dates:

Wednesday, August 2nd, 2017 – Bills are due for the Fall semester

Friday, August 4th, 2017 – Early Arrival Requests Due

Sunday, August 20th, 2017 – Approved Early Arrivals may begin moving in

Thursday, August 24th, 2017 – Freshmen and Transfers Move-In Day

Friday, August 25th – Upperclass Student Move-In Day

Monday, August 28th – First Day of Classes!

 

Enjoy the rest of your summer, Pirates!

Freshmen Roommate Selection

We are so excited to have you join us on campus this Fall. If you are planning to live in University housing, you have until 10pm on July 4th to select a roommate (or two, or up to five suitemates), if there’s someone out there with whom you’d like to live. If you haven’t found someone to room with just yet, don’t worry! We can use the answers you’ve provided on your housing application to match you up with someone who will best contribute to your experience on campus.

Check out this website for a guide to picking a good roommate: https://www13.shu.edu/offices/housing-residence-life/freshmen-roommate-selection.cfm

For those of you who are ready to select a roommate, please follow the instructions on this Prezi to guide you through the process: http://tinyurl.com/SHURoommate

 

Pirate Preview Parent Presentation (say that 5 times fast!)

Hi Pirate Parents!

If you came to our Pirate Preview Parent Presentation, I promised I’d post our Powerpoint for your reference.

Or if you missed out on Pirate Preview, feel free to take a look and learn a little more about Housing & Residence Life.

Be sure to follow this blog for important updates throughout your Pirates’ journey at Seton Hall.

Pirate Preview 2017

Clean up, clean up, everyone, everywhere!

communitycleanup-300x300

As we wrap up the fall semester, HRL would like to remind residents to clean up their rooms. If your roommate isn’t coming back to housing next semester, it is important that you clean up your side of the room, as you could be getting a new roommate! Remember, HRL reserves the right to reassign Residents during the semester in order to consolidate vacant spaces and to increase room occupancy.

Help us welcome our new students’ home at the Hall! Please put all of your belongings on your side of the room, clean up the bathroom, and if you feel so inclined, write them a welcome note! If you have any questions, please see your RA or in Hall Staff!!

Preparing for Finals!

To help students better prepare for Finals, Housing and Residence Life is proud to support The Academic Resource Center’s SHU-Tutopia.

On December 14th (Reading Day), from 3 pm to 6 pm in the University Center Main Lounge, tutors will be available for all students to help them prepare for finals.

Starting on Reading Day and lasting until the last day of finals, in the residence halls, HRL staff asks that students maintain 24 hour quiet hours.  This is to create an environment conducive to studying and academic success.  RAs and professional staff will be diligently enforcing this policy.

Resident students are encouraged to utilize the numerous study spaces available in the residence halls to better help you prepare for your final exams, projects and papers.

Housing and Residence Life wishes all students best of luck on finals!

 

Occupancy Verifications: Why is my RA asking me to sign this spreadsheet?

Twice in the fall semester and once in the spring semester, your RA will come around to your room and ask you to sign a large roster acknowledging that you are, indeed, living where our software says you’re supposed to be living.  But why?

These rosters, called “Verifications” are crucial to assuring accurate billing of your student account. They also serve as a back-up roster to see if anyone has taken it upon themselves to switch rooms without permission. (Note: students who are found to have changed rooms without going through the proper HRL process will be held judicially responsible.)  For safety’s sake, it’s so important that we know who’s supposed to be in which bed.  If there were ever an emergency in your room, we’d need to know exactly who we’re looking for.

Sometimes there’s a bonus question on verifications.  This time we’re asking if you plan to return to housing for the Spring 2017 semester.  While your answer to this question isn’t contractual or binding for next semester, it helps us plan for how many vacant beds we can expect to offer to incoming transfers or January admitted students.

Thanks for signing verifications, and thanks to the RAs who get them completed in such a quick turnaround!

Freshmen Roommate Selection

The first 850 incoming freshmen students who deposited for housing will soon be notified of their Preferred Housing Status.  This status gives them access to selecting a roommate online.  For an overview on how the process works, please check out the Presi below:

Seton Hall University Freshmen Roommate Selection

Guide to finding a roommate

We will soon be sending information about selecting a roommate to the first 850 incoming freshmen who submitted their housing deposit.  In the mean time, we encourage you to read the following Guide to Selecting a Roommate:
Welcome to Seton Hall University Housing & Residence Life!  The following information is meant to help you navigate the process of selecting a roommate who will best fit your living habits and expectations.  It provides good rules for being a good roommate and questions to consider when talking to someone about living together.  Please read this over carefully.  Remember, not all best friends make the best roommates, and not all roommates will make the best friends, but with some help from this guide and communication of expectations, your experience living together can be one that is mutually beneficial and smooth sailing!

Overview: Golden Rules to Keep in Mind
Be clear from the beginning.
1. Do you know in advance that you hate it when someone hits the snooze button fifteen times every morning? That you’re a neat freak? That you need ten minutes to yourself before talking to anyone after you wake up? Let your roommate know as soon as you can about your little quirks and preferences. It’s not fair to expect him or her to pick up on them right away, and communicating what you need is one of the best ways to eliminate problems before they become problems
2.     Address things when they’re little.
Is your roommate always forgetting her stuff for the shower, and taking yours? Are your clothes being borrowed faster than you can wash them? Addressing things that bug you while they’re still little can help your roommate be aware of something she may not otherwise know. Addressing little things is much easier than addressing them after they’ve become big.
3.     Respect your roommate’s stuff.
This may seem simple, but it’s probably one of the biggest reasons why roommates experience conflict. Don’t think he’ll mind if you borrow his cleats for a quick soccer game? For all you know, you just stepped over an uncross-able line. Don’t borrow, use, or take anything without getting permission first.
4.     Be careful of who you bring into your room — and how often.
You may love having your study group into your room, but your roommate may not. Be mindful of how often you bring people over. If your roommate studies best in the quiet and you study best in a group, can you alternate who hits the library and who gets the room?
5.     Lock the door and windows.
This may seem like it has nothing to do with roommate relationships, but how would you feel if your roommate’s laptop got stolen during the ten seconds it took you to run down the hall? Or vice-versa? Locking your door and window s is a critical part of keeping safe on campus.
6.     Be friendly, without expecting to be best friends.
Don’t go into your roommate relationship thinking that you are going to be best friends for the time you’re at school. It may happen, but expecting it sets both of you up for trouble. You should be friendly with your roommate but also make sure you have your own social circles.
7.     Be open to new things.
Your roommate may be from someplace you’ve never heard of. They may have a religion or lifestyle that is completely different from your own. Be open to new ideas and experiences, especially as it relates to what your roommate brings into your life. That’s why you went to college in the first place, right?!
8.     Be open to change.
You should expect to learn, grow, and change during your time at school. And the same should happen to your roommate, if all goes well. As the semester progresses, realize things will change for both of you. Be comfortable addressing things that unexpectedly come up, setting new rules, and being flexible to your changing environment.
9.     Address things when they’re big.
You may not have been totally honest with tip #2. Or you may suddenly find yourself with a roommate who goes wild after being shy and quiet the first two months. Either way, if something gets to be a big problem quickly, deal with it as soon as you can.  If you need help, ask your RA, Residence Coordinator, or Residence Hall Director.
10.  If nothing else, follow the Golden Rule.
Treat your roommate like you’d like to be treated. No matter what your relationship is at the end of the year, you can take comfort knowing you acted like an adult and treated your roommate with respect.
Information taken from:  http://collegelife.about.com/od/beforeyouarrive/qt/roommatetips.htm
Good Questions to Ask of Your Potential Roommates
1.                What kind of a relationship do you want in a roommate?

Do everything together
To be friends
To be respectful and peacefully coexist
Residents should recognize whether they are looking for just a roommate or a potential friend in their roommate to better start the relationship. Some students become lifelong friends from being roommates while others just simply live together respectfully. 
 
2.                Which statement best describes you?

 I am a morning person and prefer to live with a morning person.
I am a morning person and can live with a night person.
I am a night person and prefer to live with a night person.
I am a night person but can live with a morning person.
This is to ensure you are living with someone who has similar habits and if they don’t, you’re able to start the conversation of sleeping, studying and social habits.
3.                How would you describe your sleeping habits?Light sleeper
Moderate sleeper
Heavy sleeper
This is to prevent conflict in accordance to study habits, social life. If you accidentally bump into something or drop something in the middle of the night, will that wake your roommate?  Do you snore or do they? It’s important to start this conversation so both roommates are aware of each other’s sleeping patterns.
4.                What time do you prefer to go to bed?

8 pm – 10 pm
10 pm – 12 am
12 am – 2 am
After  2 am
 
Does your potential roommate like to stay up reading all night or are they someone who likes to go to bed right after their favorite TV show?  How does that mesh with your lifestyle habits?
 
5.                What time do you prefer to wake up?

Before 7 am
7 am – 9 am
9am – 11am
I sleep as long as possible
 This can begin conversations on what each morning should look like and accordingly plan bathroom use schedules. 
6.                Do you like to study in your room?

Yes
No
Depends on the noise or time of day
 
Expectations can be set on which times work for both parties to study in the room in accordance to sleeping habits along with brainstorming a back-up location for studying.  
 
7.                Which statement best describes your preference of study environment in your room?

 I prefer a study environment that is very quiet.
I prefer a study environment with some noise (e.g., music, TV, etc.) in the background.
I am able to study regardless of the noise level.
I must have some level of noise in order to study.
 
Some environments work better for others when it comes to studying.  This could be one of the most important questions you ask, as not all people study well in environments with background noise or in a quiet environment.
 
8.                How do you feel about your roommate’s significant other frequently spending time in your room? 

I would usually be comfortable in this situation.
I would usually agree if I didn’t plan to be there.
Only if my roommate asked and I agreed.
I would agree if the significant other was not spending the night.
I would not be comfortable in this situation.
 
While our policies do not allow cohabitation, your roommate may want his or her girlfriend or boyfriend to come over for a movie or study date.  How much is too much? How would you feel being around while they are there?
 
9.                How do you feel about groups of people socializing in your room?This would be fine with me except when I am trying to sleep or study in my room.
This would be fine occasionally.
I would be okay only if I didn’t plan to be there.
I would expect to find privacy in my room most of the time.
 
Guests in the room can impact a roommate’s study/sleeping habits. While we already have existing guest policies, this conversation can also help create an understanding of what’s okay and what’s not.  For example, when your roommate has guests over, can they sit on your bed or only on the chair?  How late can they stay? Do you want them to talk to you or would you prefer to be left alone. 
 
10.           Which statement best describes your standards for the condition of your room? 

I like my room to be clean almost always.
I like my room to be generally neat, but I am willing to put up with a little clutter from time to time.
It does not bother me if my room is cluttered and disorganized.
 
Not everyone is Martha Stewart when it comes to keeping their rooms organized, and that’s okay. Do you mind if your roommate leaves their clothes on the floor or will clutter keep you awake at night? 
 
11.   How would you feel about your roommate borrowing or sharing your personal belongings? 

I would not mind at all.
I would not mind sharing things like TVs, stereos, etc. but would mind sharing personal items like clothing.
I would not mind if I had been asked and had given my permission.
I would not use other people’s things and expect others not to use mine.
 
In younger days we were taught that sharing is caring, but sometimes there’s just some things you don’t want to part with. 
 
12.   In dealing with conflicts: 

 I am able to clearly express my feelings and concerns.
 I will generally express my concerns in a joking fashion so that the other person gets the hint.
 I usually wait until I am really annoyed or angry.
 I am not comfortable asserting myself in conflict.
 
No relationship is absolutely perfect and when you live with someone you may run into issues that need to be addressed.  What’s your and your roommate’s personal style when it comes to addressing things that bother them or managing conflict?
 
13.   Although smoking is prohibited in the Residence Halls, your smoking habits can influence your roommate relationship. Do you smoke?

 Frequently.
Occasionally.
No.
 
Though smoking in the residence hall is forbidden, the smell and smoke can remain on clothing and be brought into the residence hall. Residents should be aware about this prior to living together.
 
14.   Do you object to your roommate smoking?

Yes.
Yes, and I am smoke-sensitive.
No.
 
Similar to the question above, the smell of smoke may negatively affect residents who have breathing related health conditions or residents who have strong feelings about the smell of smoke. To avoid disagreements or potential health concerns, this should be addressed prior to living together.
 
15.   How often do you plan on going home?

Every weekend
Every other weekend
Once a month
Rarely or only during university breaks
Never
 
It’s important to keep communication with your roommate when you will be present in the room and when you won’t be because some people may not like being alone and others may want to plan their guest visitation.
 
 
 
 
The following questions relate to hobbies and interests.  While roommates do not have to be a perfect match in regards to likes and dislikes, it helps to have a common ground to build a relationship on.  Consider discussing these questions as well as others that are important to you.
 
 
Interests
1.    Which music genres are most applicable to you?

Country
Rock
Classical
Folk
Rap
R&B / Hip-Hop
Pop
Oldies
Other
 
2.    How often do you have music or the TV on in your room?

All the time
Most of the time
Sometimes
Rarely
Never
 
3.    What are the top three ways you most enjoy spending extra time:

Arts                              Movies                        Religion

Comm. Service          Music                          Road Trips
Computers                  Outdoors                     Sports
Dancing                       Partying                       Television
Dining                          Photography               Theater
Family                        Reading                       Video Games