FAQ

We hope that you will find some of the answers to questions that students and parents ask the most often.  Be advised the answers below are general. Any specific changes to procedures or policies for a given year, due to space availability, etc. will be communicated to students/applicants via their ETSU emails.

FAQ Subjects:

 

If you have a question that was not answered here or you need additional information please do not hesitate to contact us by emailing housing@etsu.edu, sending a message through our Facebook or Instagram, or by calling 423-439-4446during business hours!

Applications, Assignments, and Payment

• How do I apply?

  In order to apply for on-campus housing, you will need to complete a housing application and make a $100.00 deposit. Click here to apply online now. While there is not an application deadline, new applicants are encouraged to apply for housing as soon as they have applied and been admitted to ETSU.
• When will I receive my room assignment?

  Assignments are made according to the date we receive your application and deposit.  Fall assignments begin in March and continue throughout the summer.  You will receive your initial assignment email with your hall assignment. In this email is a link to confirm your agreement(s). After your agreement is confirmed, you will be sent an email that specifies your room assignment, along with your roommate's (if assigned) information.  Roommate assignments could change without notice.
• What if I don't like my room/hall assignment?

  If you are unhappy with your assignment, you may request to be placed on a waiting list for the residence hall of your choice after you have confirmed your agreement. Your agreement will only hold you to a space on campus and will not hold you to your current placement.

  • To be placed on a reassignment list for another hall, you will need to email a request that specifies your name, the current date, your roommate preference, and the hall of your choice to assignments@etsu.edu. Your name will be placed on a reassignment list based upon the date we receive your request.  You will be notified, when or if, a space becomes available. You will be reassigned to your choice as space becomes available.
• Are private rooms available?

  Due to the increased number of applicants for on-campus housing, the University is not granting private rooms, except in cases of an ADA accommodation that has been approved by the Office of Disability Services. There is no guarantee that all individuals with ADA approval will be accommodated.

• How do I change rooms after school starts? 

  Students may request a room change at any time during the semester, but once we have moved students in, we may have difficulty finding available space.  Know that our staff will make every effort to ensure that you have a comfortable living situation that you can be happy with. 
• How much does it cost to stay on campus? 

  All applications for housing must be accompanied by a deposit.  The deposit is $100 for the residence halls and Buccaneer Ridge apartments.  The cost per building can be found here. 
• Is my deposit refundable?

  The deposit is used as a reservation, cancellation and damage deposit. The deposit will be refunded if:

  • The institution is notified a minimum of 14 calendar days prior to the first official day of registration. The date is determined each  semester according to the first official day of registration for new freshmen and new transfer students.
  • The student completes the terms of the contract and moves out at the end of the contract with no billable damages.
  • The student is prevented from entering the university because of medical reasons, confirmed in writing by a licensed physician.
  • Residence hall or family housing space is not available.
  • Full refund will be made in case of death. 
• How are refunds received?

  If a refund is due, it is credited to your student Goldlink account.  If no money is due to the university, a refund will be issued either as a direct bank deposit if you have set up an account or as a check.  If money is due to the University for any reason, your deposit will apply to that balance due. 
• When do I need to pay for my housing, and can I pay my rent monthly?

  Housing rent is due at the start of the academic term with all other university fees.  Monthly payment plans may be arranged on a case by case basis with the Bursars Office.
• How can I pay for my housing?

  Your housing and board fees will appear online on your student Goldlink account.  You may pay online with your other fees or at the cashiers windows in the Bursar's Office.  The Department of Housing and Residence Life does not process payments. 
• Do I need to pay separate for utilities?

  No. Electricity, water, cable, and high speed internet are all included in your residence hall or Buccaneer Ridge fees.  Students should be conscientious and responsible about their utilities use, however, as these costs do affect future rent rates. 
• Does scholarship/grant money I receive go towards my Housing rent costs?

  In most cases, yes. Students should check the details of their specific financial aid to be sure.  Because your deposit is due at the time of application, however, financial aid cannot be used as a deposit.

 

Amenities and Conveniences

• Are there kitchens in the halls for residents to use? 

  All halls except Governors have kitchens for the residence hall occupants to use.  Lucille Clement has kitchens on the 1st, 3rd, and 4th floors, Carter hall on 1st and 3rd, and the remaining buildings offer a kitchen on each floor.  Of course, halls offering full or efficiency apartment options have a kitchen in the individual units. 
• What size are the beds? 

  Residents at Buccaneer Ridge who are living in the 4-person quad rooms will have an Extra Long Twin (36 X 80) sized mattress. All other residents at Buccaneer Ridge will have a Full Size Mattress.

  Residents in Stone Hall will have a Standard Twin (38 X 75) mattress.

  All other campus residence halls have Extra Long Twin (36 X 80) sized mattresses.

• What furniture comes in the room? 

  All rooms are equipped with a dresser, bed, and desk for each occupant.  All have at least a small lavatory sink in the room, if not equipped with a kitchen(ette) or bathroom.  All have built in closets except for Governors, Davis, Luntsford, and West which offer a large wardrobe for each resident.
• Can I bring any other furniture? 

  Yes, but we encourage you to consult with your roommate and examine the space available to avoid overcrowding your room. Furniture that poses a health or safety risk or that impedes egress from the building may not be permitted. 
• Is there storage available for any excess furniture that I don't need? 

  Unfortunately, the University does not have storage available for excess furniture.  All furnishings that are provided at check-in must remain in the room for the year. 
• Are the residence halls air-conditioned? 

  Yes, all of our residence halls and apartments are air-conditioned.  The cooling season in our region is brief for the period of time that students live in the halls a few weeks in August/September and a few weeks in April/May before the heating systems are turned on. Portable air-conditioners of any kind or window units are not permitted.
• Are my personal belongings insured by the University? 

  The University does not carry insurance on students' personal property.  You are encouraged to check with your family's insurance agent to see if you are covered under an existing policy or to secure renters insurance.
• What if I lose my key? 

  If you have misplaced your key or ID card, report it immediately to the hall staff.  A temporary key will be issued and your lock changed as quickly as possible. A rekey of a room typically costs $50.00. 
• What if I lose my ID card?

  If it is during business hours, visit ID Services on the 2nd Floor or the D.P. Culp Student Center to obtain a new ID, then contact Housing or hall staff at the number(s) posted in your hall lobby to have the new card re-encoded for your room. If after hours or on weekends, contact hall staff at the number(s) posted in the lobby area to report it missing. Staff will issue you a temporary card until you are able to obtain a new ID the following business day.
• My ID is not letting me in my building. Who do I call? 

  Contact the Housing office or hall staff at the number(s) posted in the lobby area to let you into your room and/or issue you a temporary card until the situation is resolved.

 

Move-In

• Can I move-in early? 

  Students participating in Quest for Success or Preview, or serving the University in an approved capacity, may be eligible for an early move-in. Check our Move-In page for more information.
• Are there carts available for moving in? 

  There are a limited number of carts available during move-in, available on a first request basis. 
• Can I bring a dolly/handtruck to use? 

  Yes, as long as it can be reasonably and safely used within the halls. 
• My parents will be helping me move-in. Is there guest housing available?

  Unfortunately, no.  There are several local hotels nearby; however, depending on whether or not move-in overlaps other local events, you may need to make hotel arrangement very early. 
• Where do we park for move-in? Are the parking lots close to the halls?

  Parking information will be posted on our designated Move-In page close to the move-in date, as it changes each Fall. 
• What should I bring/What should I pack? 

  General Necessities to Pack:

  • Blankets & bedspreads
  • Twin extra long size sheets & pillow cases
  • Laundry supplies (detergent, clothes  basket, etc.)
  • Personal toiletries
  • Shower curtains for apartments
  • Wastebasket (UL classified fire resistant)
  • Shampoo, hair dryer
  • Flashlight
  • Glasses (water)
  • Lamps (bed & desk) (not halogen)
  • Sewing kit
  • Cleaning supplies (mop, broom, etc.)
  • Towels & facecloths
  • Alarm clock
  • Fan
  • Garbage bags
  • Iron
  • Umbrella

  Other Items To Consider Packing:  

  • Pots & pans
  • Desk supplies (stapler, paper clips, calendar,  scissors, tacks, glue, pens, & pencils)
  • Television
  • Headphones
  • Food seasoning
  • Plants
  • Stationery
  • Curtains/drapes
  • Rugs
  • Tableware
  • Coffee pot
  • Memo board (for door)
  • Portable shelves     
  • Mini-Refrigerator (No  larger than 5 cubic feet)
  • Microwave
  • Multi-plug surge protector (not an extension cord)
• What items are prohibited? 

  The following items should be left at home: 

  • Appliances with an open flame/open coil burner, or requires gas or other flammable liquids
  • Incense or candles
  • Extension cords, electric room deodorizers (including plug-ins and essential oil diffusers), candle warmers, sun laps, halogen lamps, and air conditioners
  • Ammunition and weapons of any kind: guns, explosive devices, bowie knives, daggers, swords, slingshots, leaded canes, switch-blade knives, blackjacks, metallic/brass knuckles, etc.
  • Alcohol, illegal drugs, and drug paraphernalia.
  • Water beds
  • Weight lifting equipment
  • Wireless routers
  • Live Christmas trees, combustion engines, combustibles, explosives, and fire crackers
  • Pets other than fish. Fish must be kept in a container no larger than 10 gallons.
  • Stolen property (street signs, etc.)
  • Materials with adhesives that can cause damages to walls, including LED strip lights
  • Any item considered dangerous or offensive to others

  You may view the full text of rules and regulations of Housing and Residence Life online here. 

 

Roommates

• How are roommates assigned?

  Roommate Requests: When making roommate assignments, every attempt is made to place you and your requested roommate together, if the request is mutual. In these cases, students may list one another on their Housing Application. If a roommate is identified after applying, both students should email assignments@etsu.edu to request one another.  

  Roommate Questionnaire: If you do not have a roommate request, you may fill out the roommate questionnaire to seek a match through your Residence portal. If a match is identified through that system, both students should email assignments@etsu.edu to request one another.

  Random: If you do not fill out the questionnaire, roommate matching will be based upon college level, and smoking preference. ETSU is a tobacco free campus, but students are allowed to smoke in their private vehicles.

• When will I receive my roommate assignment?

  Roommate information is provided in the assignment email that is sent after you sign your agreement.  Roommates may change frequently throughout the summer due to cancellations.  You will not be notified of this change; however, your new roommate will receive your name in their assignment email.
• After I put my application in, I found someone I want to room with. Can I request them as a roommate? 

  Absolutely. Just send an email from your ETSU email to assignments@etsu.edu and make the request. You will need to list your requested roommates name and E#, and they will need to send in a request listing you as their requested roommate as well. We cannot make roommate changes without a request from both students.   We will make every effort to pair you up with your desired roommate. Obviously, the later in the process this request comes in/the roommate applies for housing, the liklihood of being able to honor requests decreases.
• What happens if my roommate does not show up, or moves out?

  Once a semester, typically immediately after the first 14 days of classes, the Department reserves the right to conduct a room consolidation process.  During consolidation students with a vacant space in their room have the option to either move into a vacant space in their building, find a roommate to move in with them, or elect to rent their room as private. Consolidation is only done by building not across campus. After the consolidation process is completed for the term, if you find yourself without a roommate you will not be required to consolidate again; however, you will need to keep the space in your room prepared for a roommates arrival at any time.
• My roommate and I are not getting along. What do I do? 

  The first step to a good roommate relationship is completing a Roommate Success Plan together and being as honest and candid as possible in setting expectations.  If things break down, though, there are qualified and trained staff living in the halls who can help.  Talk to your Resident Advisor about any issues you are experiencing that you need help with.  They may be able to help by offering advice, or by setting up a formal roommate mediation. You may also speak with your Resident Director or Area Coordinator/Apartments Manager.  If these efforts do not work out, you can request to speak with our Assignments Team to discuss options to request a change in room or building.  

 

Maintenance and Cleaning

• How do I submit a request for facilities help?

  Visit our Submit a Work Order page for instructions and the link to our online work request system. Most requests are responded to within 24 hours if requested Monday Thursday.  If you have an emergency, please call 423-439-7900 and your residence hall on-call staff. 
• What happens if I have a facilities emergency?  

  Please call 423-439-7900 in addition to your on-call residence hall staff.  There is emergency facility staff available at all hours. 
• My roommate moved out. Will someone come and clean their half of the room? 

  At Buccaneer Ridge Apartments and Centennial Hall, Housing Custodial will clean the common areas and the vacant bedroom and bath only.  In other areas, custodial will not clean the shared areas.
• What do custodians clean? 

  Custodial staff cleans all public areas of the building, including lobbies, community bathrooms, hallways, stairways.  Staff do not clean private living areas. 
• Do custodians clean in rooms?  

  Custodial staff cleans rooms when they are empty in anticipation of a new student's arrival.  Once a room is occupied, cleaning is the student's responsibility. 

 

Policies, Regulations, and Safety

• What about safety and security? 

  The University and Housing and Residence Life have a mission to educate students in a safe and productive community environment. The University employs full-time Public Safety officers as well as full and part time housing personnel who are on duty 24 hours, seven days a week and provides recorded video surveillance in some locations.  It is the duty and responsibility of every student, staff, and guest to practice safe behaviors.

  • Always keep your room door locked, even when just stepping down the hall.
  • Call ETSU Public Safety at 423-439-4480 to report suspicious persons/behaviors
  • Observe posted visitation hours, properly sign in guests at the desk, inform guests of University/Housing policies, escort guests to/from room 
  • Attend campus safety and crime prevention programs
  • Report lost/stolen IDs and keys to hall staff and/or ETSU Public Safety
  • NEVER lend your room key/access card or student ID.  Keep these items secure at all times.
  • Report vandalism to hall staff and/or Public Safety immediately; vandalism may result in the entire hall/floor being assessed charges for the damages 
  • Never prop open hall doors
  • Exit the building immediately when the fire alarm sounds*
  • Ride the Campus Bucshot or call ETSU Public Safety at 423-439-4480 for a walking escort. 

  
  You may view the ETSU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report here.

• What is the visitation/guest policy? 

  On-campus housing offers several options for visitation including a 24-hour, seven day a week option. All residents will have an opportunity to vote on some of those options at the beginning of the semester, and will be provided guidelines pertaining to visitation.  Roommates must reach an agreement as well on what visitation hours are appropriate for their room within the set hall policies. 
• What is the university policy on alcohol? 

  ETSU is a dry campus no alcoholic beverages are allowed on campus property. 
• What is the smoking policy in University Housing? 

  ETSU is a non-smoking campus.  Smoking is permitted on campus only in students' vehicles. To view ETSU's tobacco policy, click here. 

 

Technology and Communication

• Do the halls have ethernet connections and/or Wi-Fi?

  Wi-Fi is offered in all residential spaces through Apogee ResNet.  Visit here (https://etsu.apogee.us/) for more information.
• Will my tv work with your cable channels?

  ETSU Cable TV has a fully digital system. Use of a digital TV or a converter box is required to take full advantage of the channel lineup. If you have a digital TV, you will need to auto program your TV to ensure you are viewing all available channels. If you have an older analog TV, your TV will only receive the 9 Analog channels listed below unless you purchase a digital-to-analog converter box. Information regarding the auto programming and converter boxes can be found on the Campus Televideo FAQ page.
• Can I bring a wireless router?

  Personal routers can interfere with the campus wireless network, so they are not allowed.

 

Parking

• Can first year students have a vehicle on campus? 

  Yes.
• Do I need a parking permit? How do I get one? 

  Yes. Permits are issued through the office of Parking Services. For new students, a permit can be obtained at or on the day of Orientation. For more information, check out the Parking Services site. 

 

Holidays and Winter Break

• What holidays do the residence halls close?

  All on-campus housing is “closed” during the Winter Break period. However, students do not have to move out during this time period. Information concerning winter break will be emailed out beforehand. Fall, Thanksgiving, and Spring break are periods of time when on-campus housing will not be closed. 
• Is there any housing available during Winter Break? 

  Residents who need to request on-campus housing during Winter Break will do so in-advance of the break in the Residence Portal. This form typically becomes active prior to Thanksgiving Break. There is an additional cost to stay during this period of time. 
• Do I need to move everything out if the halls close for a holiday?

  Unless you are changing rooms between semesters or not returning for the Spring, you may leave your belongings behind during breaks.  There are some regulations on how to prepare your belongings for breaks eg:  defrosting and unplugging refrigerators, etc. but in general you may leave whatever you are comfortable doing without.  Be aware that once the buildings are secured for break, you will not have access until they re-open.  Also be aware that facilities and/or hall staff may be present in your room during breaks to perform routine maintenance or to respond to emergencies.

 

Cancellations

• When is the last day to cancel without penalty? 

  Once the Agreement is signed, you are contractually obligated to live on campus for the duration of the 2024-2025 academic year (both Fall and Spring semesters) unless you submit a Request to Cancel Housing/Dining Agreements form (linked) by June 1, 2024.
• Under what circumstances may I cancel a contract after June 1?

  Cancellations under the following circumstances will receive a refund, including the deposit:

  • The student is prevented from entering the university because of medical reasons, confirmed in writing by a licensed physician.  
  • Residence hall, or apartment housing space is not available.
  • Full refund will be made in case of death. 

  
  Cancellations after the semester has begun will be made in cases of withdrawal from the University, based on the dates determined for 75% or 25% refunds, in the case of marriage recognized by the state of Tennessee, or in the case of an Academic Internship or ETSU Education Abroad.

  All other cancellations will require an appeal. 

• What is an appeal? How do I appeal? Why do I need to appeal? 

  Students will be required to fill out the Request to Cancel Form if they wish to cancel their housing and/or meal plan after June 1. Please see form for additional information, found on our Policies, Agreements, and Forms page.