Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding New Students

Choose from the list of most frequently asked Sign-Up Questions by clicking on the link. If you have sign-up questions that are not answered here contact University Housing at 777-4283 or via e-mail at housing@sc.edu

Are first-year students required to live on campus?
How do I apply for on campus housing?
Is there a fee to apply for housing?
Is the housing application a "contract"?
Is there a deadline by which to submit my application?
What if I change my preferences (hall choices, preferred roommate,etc.) after I send in my application?
How can I be sure to get the roommate I want?
Which halls are freshmen "eligible" to live-in?
Which is the BEST hall?
How "wired" is campus housing?
How are the rooms furnished?
How are the rooms cleaned?
Are there any halls, which stay open during University break periods (Thanksgiving, Winter Break, and Spring Break) for freshmen?
Does Carolina have any "theme" or "special interest" housing options?
How do I get a meal plan?
What are the "rules" regarding visitors?
When will I find out where I’ve been assigned and with whom?
Where do I go to "check in" when I move in?
Can I bring a car?
How can I change rooms or roommates?
What if I decide I would just rather live-off campus?

1. Are students required to live on-campus?
Yes. Freshmen are required to live on campus. Research shows that students who live on campus are more likely to stay in college and graduate. They report more satisfaction with their undergraduate experience, particularly with friendships, faculty relations and college life. They also achieve more in extracurricular activities, particularly in leadership and athletics.

2. How do I apply for on campus housing?
Students are mailed a housing booklet when they are accepted to the University. It describes all of the halls and their various amenities. It also includes details as to how to apply for campus housing via the web at https://vip.sc.edu. For a demo of how to use VIP to apply for housing, go to http://www.housing.sc.edu/ppt/ApplicationDemo.ppt. Since assignments are made based on the date a paid application is received in the housing office, students are encouraged to submit the application as soon as possible. We offer several Living and Learning Communities that freshmen are eligible for, however they may require a supplemental application. A complete list of these communities, as well as additional applications, can be found by visiting the Living and Learning Communities website.

3. Is there a fee to apply for campus housing?
All new students must submit a non-refundable $45 application fee, as well as a $100 advanced room payment fee with their application. Half ($50) of the $100 advanced room payment fee is credited to each semester’s room fees. If you are applying for the Spring Semester only, the full $100 will go towards the room fees. If you decide not to attend the University and notify our office before June 1 (for the Fall semester and November 1 for the Spring semester), you will be refunded the advanced room payment fee. Later notification of non-enrollment or not moving in results in forfeiture of the advanced room payment fee and may result in additional costs relating to contract cancellation. Please read all Stipulations Relating to Cancellations and Refunds carefully before signing and submitting your housing application.

4. Is the housing application a contract?
Yes. By completing and submitting this application/contract, you are “contracting” yourself to live on campus for two consecutive semesters (only one if applying for Spring only). It is a legally binding contract. Again, please read all Stipulations Relating to Cancellations and Refunds and Refunds carefully before submitting your application/contract. Keep in mind that by submitting an online application, you are submitting your electronic signature and accepting the contract.

5. Is there a deadline by which to submit my application?
Freshmen must submit their application before May 1. Assignments are made based on the date that paid applications are received; therefore we encourage you to complete the application as soon as possible in order to enhance your chances of getting your preferred hall choice and/or roommate. All freshmen are guaranteed housing, and all other new students are assigned as space is available.

6. What if I want to change my preferences (hall choices, roommate preferences, etc.) after I send in my application?
After an application has been submitted, changes can be made, without affecting the received date, prior to May 1. You can make these changes by accessing your original application online at https://vip.sc.edu.

7. How can I be sure to get the roommate I want?
Students may request one other incoming freshman as his or her preferred roommate. In order for you both to be assigned together, each student MUST mutually prefer the other and both paid applications MUST be on file at the time we make assignments. Even though we cannot guarantee placement with a preferred roommate, we will make every attempt to honor such requests providing space is available. Please note that new incoming students cannot request suitemates and can only request one roommate.

8. Which halls are freshmen eligible to live in?
All freshmen are housed in “Freshmen Centers.” These are traditional-style halls, as well as some suite-style halls. You can visit our Virtual Tour online to get a complete list of these Freshmen Centers, as well as details about the individual buildings. These centers have staff, programs and services specifically dedicated to assisting first year students. Getting connected to as many people and resources is of primary importance during the first year. Carolina provides substantial student and professional level staff to help students not only get acclimated, but also to help navigate the myriad of new and different issues that may arise over the course of their college careers.

9. Which is the BEST hall?
Since freshmen will take a wide variety of classes their first and second years, choosing your residence hall based on where your major may not work out as well as you think. University Housing offers numerous Living and Learning Communities that will enhance the experience that you will have. Depending upon what your preferences are will help determine the best hall for you. You can visit either our Virtual Tour or the Living and Learning Communities homepage to find out more information about specific buildings and communities.

10. How wired is campus housing?
Each student room has separate cable and data jacks. The data jacks connect students to all campus computing resources, plus the Internet. In addition, there are 24-hour computer labs located in Bates House, Patterson Hall and Columbia Hall. These labs are available for use by any student living on campus. To find a complete list of areas that have wireless capabilities, visit the University Technology Services website at http://uts.sc.edu/wireless/map.shtml.

11. How are the rooms furnished?
While this varies somewhat by building, all are air-conditioned and have cable and data connections in each room. Additionally, each student is provided with a twin bed, dresser, closet, desk and chair. All halls have laundry facilities. Bates House, McBryde, The Roost and Wade Hampton rooms also include a microfridge (combination of a refrigerator and microwave oven). When you receive your assignment, you will also receive a Moving-In Guide with more details. You can also visit our Virtual Tour for specifics on certain buildings. It is always a good idea to contact your roommate ahead of move-in day to discuss what each of you will bring and whether any equipment or decorations will be shared.

12. How are the rooms cleaned?
Students are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of their individual rooms. Students in suite-style halls and apartment-style halls are responsible for cleaning their bathroom. Custodial staffs are responsible for cleaning the community bathrooms on each floor and all other common areas, such as hallways and lounges. Similarly, maintenance staffs are dedicated to maintain, repair and refurbish both individual and common areas.

13. Are there any halls which stay open during University break periods (Thanksgiving, Winter Break and Spring Break) for freshmen?
Yes. Bates House and The Roost remain open for its residents. If you need housing during these periods, please request Bates House or the Roost on your original housing application. All upperclassmen, apartment-style halls also remain open during break periods.

14. Does Carolina have any “theme” or “special interest” housing options?
Yes. There are quite a few available for freshmen. Keep in mind that some of these special communities may require a supplemental application in addition to the original housing application. You can refer to the Residential Learning Communities page on our website for a complete list of these communities, as well as to access applications.

15. How do I get a meal plan?
New student meal plans are requested via the standard housing application. Freshmen are REQUIRED to purchase a minimum of a 10-meal plan, unless you live in Bates House. Bates House residents are REQUIRED to purchase a minimum of a 14-meal plan. You may also add money to the Carolina Card, which is much like a debit card (i.e. it allows you to purchase items at any campus location with a pre-paid account balance). After your freshmen year, meal plans and Carolina Card accounts are optional, but quite convenient. Changes can be made to your meal plan choice through your original housing application on VIP before July or on VIP under “Optional Fees” after July.

16. What are the “rules” regarding visitors?
Each hall has a different guest policy plan and the residents can always choose to make that plan more stringent, if that’s what the community decides. In general, however, Freshmen Centers operate under “Plan B” which means all guests of the opposite gender must be signed in after 10 AM and must be out of the building by 2 AM that night. The guest policy in your room should be discussed with your roommate to reach an agreement about the frequency and duration of guest visiting your room and should be included in your Roommate Contract. To see a list of which buildings operate under which plan, visit our Moving-In Guide.

17. When will I find out where I’ve been assigned and with whom?
Freshmen will receive their building assignment when they come for Summer Orientation in June. Roommate contact information, as well as a specific room number, will be available online on VIP after July 1.

18. Where do I go to check-in when I move in?
On Move-In Day you will go to your assigned building to pick up your room key unless instructed otherwise.

19. Can I bring a car?
Yes. Please know, however, that like most other urban campuses, parking close to the center of campus is difficult. Please contact Parking Services at (803) 777-5160 for specific information on the availability of garage spaces and other parking options.

20. How can I change rooms or roommates?
Students can request room changes on an on-going basis via VIP under the UCHOOSE Roommate Resource option. The student will be contacted by an assignment coordinator once the change can take place. Completing the Roommate Contract in as much detail as possible, however, is a great way to avoid potential conflicts.

21. What if I decide I would just rather live off campus?
Freshmen are required to live on campus for an entire academic year (two semesters). Should you decide to live off campus while under contract for an on campus space there will be a sizeable cancellation fee. You can read all of theStipulations Relating to Cancellations and Refunds on our website.

Columbia, SC 29208 • 803-777-4283 • housing@sc.edu

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