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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Do I have to live in a residence hall?
2. Important terms you need to know…
3. Is a residence hall the same as a dorm?
4. Are single rooms available?
5. Is it possible to request a particular roommate?
6. If I do not have a roommate preference, what factors will be used to select a roommate for me?
7. What if my roommate and I do not get along?
8. What if I want to change rooms?
9. What does it cost to live in the residence hall for one year?
10. If I do not get my hall, room, and/or roommate preference, what can I do?
11. Is it possible to live in a residence hall and not take the meal plan?
12. How do I pay for my room and board?
13. What if I want to change my meal plan?
14. Where do I eat and when?
15. I know that I need to bring my own bedding, but what size should I bring?
16. What should I bring for my room?
17. What kind of things can I bring?
18. What items are not allowed?
19. What does my room look like?
20. What happens if I get locked out?
21. What are the bathrooms like?
22. Is telephone service available in student rooms?
23. How does the mail work?
24. Do I get cable TV?
25. How about the internet?
26. Are there areas where I can study in my residence hall?
27. Are pets allowed in the residence halls?
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28. What kinds of activities and programs are offered in the halls?
29. Do I have to pay for parking?
30. Will the residence hall be open during vacation breaks?
31. When can I move in?
32. When do I move out?
33. If I need help, are there people in the hall to help me?
34. Is there a nurse/clinic available on campus?
35. What is the Student ID card?
36. What if I have other questions?
1. Do I have to live in a residence hall?
No, but it is highly recommended. Some people like to cook, clean, grocery shop, pay utility bills, pay first and last month's rent, damage deposits, and travel long distances to class, but we think living on campus is much more convenient! You also have the opportunity to meet people from all over the state, country, and the world. Some studies have shown that students living in group situations maintain a higher graduation rate than those in private apartments, as well as a higher GPA.
2. Important terms you need to know…
• Swensen Hall - the women's residence hall
• Werner Hall - the men's residence hall
• Student Union Building - where the Bookstore, Student & Residence Life, Board of Governors, MACC, Student Affairs, cafeteria, snack bar, and Ian's Place are located
• Director of Student Life - Overall supervisor
• Resident Supervisor (RS) - Overall supervisor of your hall
• Resident Assistant (RA) - Student supervisor of your floor/wing
3. Is a residence hall the same as a dorm?
The two names are often used interchangeably, yet Bismarck State College recognizes a significant difference between the two. The term "dorm" originates from the Latin word "dormitus" meaning "to sleep," an important objective of our residence halls. However, our job at Bismarck State College is to provide opportunities for personal and educational growth and the development of students - not just a place to sleep. Important contributions to this objective are made by trained Residence Hall staff, and residence hall activities and programming in each living group. At BSC, you'll be living in a residence hall, not a dorm.
4. Are single rooms available?
Double-as-single spaces (double rooms with only one occupant) are only available during years of surplus space.
5. Is it possible to request a particular roommate?
Yes! This may be done when you complete the application form. Complete instructions on how to request a roommate are included in this form. It is particularly important to follow the instruction on roommate selection to best ensure your roommate preference. BOTH roommates must follow the instructions carefully. Mutual roommate requests are an important part of ensuring you get the roommate of your choice.
6. If I do not have a roommate preference, what factors will be used to select a roommate for me?
Roommates are randomly assigned when no specific roommate preference is given.
7. What if my roommate and I do not get along?
First, it's important for you and your roommate to try to get to know each other as individuals. Time is usually needed for this to happen, and we find that even randomly paired roommates usually get along fine. Residence hall staff can often assist with improving roommate relationships. If all else fails, room transfers can be arranged.
8. What if I want to change rooms?
Stop by to see the Resident Supervisor and he/she will let you know what rooms are available and what your options may be. The Supervisor can approve your transfer if the room is available.
9. What does it cost to live in the residence hall for one year?
Costs will vary according to the hall you select, room type, and the meal plan you choose. Please see the Room and Board Rates for rate details.
10. If I do not get my hall, room, and/or roommate preference, what can I do?
Hall assignments are made in the order of the date we receive the contract. The earlier you contract for housing and pay the $25 application fee, the greater your chances for being assigned. However, even if two students want to live together but their dates of deposit are vastly different, a roommate pairing cannot be guaranteed.
Second, we honor roommate requests whenever possible. If we are not able to match you with your roommate preference or assign you to your first or second preference, then there are opportunities throughout the year to transfer.
11. Is it possible to live in a residence hall and not take the meal plan?
No. All residents must have a room and board contract. If it is necessary, the Dining Services management staff is trained to assist with special diets.
12. How do I pay for my room and board?
Semester room and board rates are due in the fall and the spring. Students who would like to pay in installments must make these arrangements with the Business Office. Any questions regarding payments, including installments, should be directed to the Business Office.
13. What if I want to change my meal plan?
During fall semester, board plans can be changed in September and January according to the dates indicated in your contract.
14. * Where do I eat and when?
Residents may eat in the Student Union Building. Students can choose from two flexible meal plans. The meal times are listed in the handbook issued at registration or at the Bookstore. The residence hall food program is excellent! Students who have class conflicts at any of these eating times may get their sack lunch during the meal prior to the conflict. If you are ill and unable to go eat, your RA or roommate can pick up a sick tray for you.
* Please note that meals will not be served whenever the campus is closed (weekends, holidays, vacations.)
15. I know that I need to bring my own bedding, but what size should I bring?
You will need to bring sheets, pillows, pillowcases, and blankets. All residence hall beds require extra long twin sheets.
16. What should I bring for my room?
We suggest that you bring any special items (and some practical ones, too) which will make your new home feel like a home…but you can't bring everything! Room personalization is strongly encouraged. Rooms are furnished with a bed, dresser, desk, chair, blinds, and wastebasket for each resident. In order to make your new home as comfortable as possible, we suggest you bring your favorite blankets, bedspreads, towels, and pillows. Pictures and posters may be hung on the walls of your room, but you will be charged for any damages that occur.
17. What kind of things can I bring?
Refrigerators (up to 4.5 cubic feet)
Clocks
Telephones
Desk lamps
Rugs or carpet pieces
Computers and accessories
TV
Radio
Fans
Hair dryers
Curling irons
Sewing machines
Heating pads
Towels, blankets, pillows
Plants
18. What items are not allowed?
Rubber or foam backed carpeting
Microwaves
Open flame devices or devices that produce a hot surface
Pets
Alcohol containers (i.e. beer bottles)
Parachutes
Hot pots
Firearms, including archery and paintball equipment
Weights (i.e. barbells)
For use in hall kitchenettes only:
Cooking appliances, i.e. toasters, popcorn poppers, sandwich makers, etc.
19. What does my room look like?
A picture is available for preview on the Residence Hall web page. A tour can be arranged through the Admissions Office or Housing Office.
20. What happens if I get locked out?
The Resident Supervisor or Resident Assistant can let you into your room.
21. What are the bathrooms like?
The community bathroom contains several private stalls, private shower stalls, and sinks that are shared by residents of the same gender. Our suites in Swensen Hall offer more privacy as one bathroom is shared with only two suites instead of an entire floor/wing, with the shower, sink, and toilet all in one room.
22. Is telephone service available in student rooms?
Yes! Every residence hall room on campus is equipped with telephone line service. Students will be required to provide their own phone. Students desiring long distance dialing will have to buy a calling card to do so.
23. How does the mail work?
There is a daily mail pick-up (except on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays). Each student is issued a mailbox during check-in. Students can mail packages and buy stamps at the Bookstore.
24. Do I get cable TV?
Yes. Extended basic cable is provided in all residence hall rooms.
25. How about the internet?
Internet is available to all students in the computer labs on campus. However, there are no computer labs in the residence halls. Free wireless access is available in all buildings on campus. Individual dial-up connections are available with use of the phone line in the room, but are available only to students who purchase it through a local internet provider.
26. Are there areas where I can study in my residence hall?
Each residence hall is arranged with lounge areas where studying is possible. Inquire of the RAs or RS about other areas suitable for studying.
27. Are pets allowed in the residence halls?
No. Pets are not allowed in BSC residence halls.
28. What kinds of activities and programs are offered in the halls?
During the course of the academic year, residents will have the opportunity to participate in various programs and activities. There are social, recreational, cultural, and educational programs covering current events and social issues. Intramural sports, movies, dances, lectures, forums, and many other activities will be arranged throughout the year for residents.
29. Do I have to pay for parking?
Students will be issued parking permits for their vehicles. Student parking is free and available at all residence halls and in designated parking lots on campus.
30. Will the residence hall be open during vacation breaks?
No. All residence halls are closed during breaks (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring break) At least one residence hall will remain open during these times for students who are unable to go home or stay off-campus. There is an extra charge for residents staying during break periods.
31. When can I move in?
The residence halls open from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. the Sunday before school starts for check-in and moving in.
32. When do I move out?
Check-out is required to take place within an hour of commencement or three hours after your last final.
33. If I need help, are there people in the hall to help me?
Yes! A Resident Assistant (RA) is assigned to each floor/wing in every residence hall on campus. These students have been hired through a competitive selection process and trained to assist you in residence hall matters. Resident Supervisors with extensive housing experience and training are caring people who will help you get answers to your questions.
Our staff (RAs, Supervisors, and additional Housing Office staff are ready to assist you with questions about BSC, roommate conflicts, personal problems, as well as social and academic problems. They will also be involved with organizing activities and programs where everyone can be involved. Our staff members are special people who work hard to build a community within the Residence Hall system, and to help our residents succeed at Bismarck State College.
34. Is there a nurse/clinic available on campus?
No. There are no on-campus medical facilities at this time.
35. What is the Student ID card?
The Student ID card will be used as your campus ID, meal plan card, and library card. If you pre-register during the summer, you will receive your card at that time. You must have this card to eat at the dining center. Information will be available at check-in for students who do not have a Student ID card.
36. What if I have other questions?
Questions about housing and meal plans should be directed to the Student Life and Housing office. Questions regarding hall tours, events, check-in, etc. can be asked of the hall Resident Supervisor.
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