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University of Wyoming

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Residence Halls?

The Residence halls are designed to be a "home away from home" for students attending the University of Wyoming.  We strive to provide a safe, comfortable, and secure living environment where students are able to pursue their academic and personal growth. Many students report that they meet their life long friends in the halls and see living in the halls as an opportunity to learn about people with different life experiences than their own. 

What is the difference between a dorm and residence hall?

The Residence Halls provide a living environment allowing for personal and academic growth.  The halls are staffed with caring individuals dedicated to helping each student learn about themselves as they pursue their academic goals. Dorms are a place to sleep and provide little or no support to the students.

Why live in the halls?

Research has consistently shown that students who integrate both academically and socially to campus are the most successful.  Residence hall programs offer both of these opportunities. The University of Wyoming is committed to freshman success and views the programs and services in the residence halls to be supportive of freshman success.

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What is the new student Live-In Requirement?

The New Student Live-in Policy requiring all new students to live in the residence halls their first year at the University of Wyoming.  This includes students who have not lived in a campus community before enrolling at the University of Wyoming.  All first year freshman and transfer students with no campus living experience are required to live in the Residence halls.  There are a few exceptions to this policy as defined by the Board of Trustees for the University of Wyoming.  If you think you may qualify for the Exceptions please look them over then contact the Residence Life & Dining Services office at 1-866-653-0212 or via email at reslife-dining@uwyo.edu.

What is the eligibility to live in the residence halls?

In order to live in the Residence Halls a student must maintain a minimum enrollment of 6 credit hours each semester.  There are Exceptions to this policy so please look them over and contact the Residence Life & Dining Services office at 866-653-0212 or via email at reslife-dining@uwyo.edu  for any questions you may have.

How do I apply?

Admitted students are mailed an application for on-campus living.  Students who are attending orientation, and have not yet received their Residence Life & Dining Services packet, may apply in the Residence Life & Dining Services Office in the Washakie Center. 

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I'm a transfer student; do I have to live with freshman?

Hill Hall is a viable choice for upper class students. Hill Hall is set up as all single rooms and students living in Hill must either be at sophomore status or 20 years of age in order to live in this building.  There is also one floor in Hill that is for students 21 years and older.  If the residence halls will not fit your living need then please look at the UW Apartments. The UW Apartments have a limited number of spaces available for single students and are also geared for students with families and graduate students.

Can I live in the halls just for 1 semester?

Room and meal plan contracts are binding for an entire academic year (August-May). Students who arrive on campus in the spring, will only be held to the spring semester.

May I cancel my contract?

Prior to July 1, 2006, you may cancel in writing for the 2006 - 2007 academic year.  If you cancel prior to July 1st then you will receive a refund of $75.00.  Your deposit will be forfeited if you apply to cancel after July 1st and you may be held to the remainder of your contract.  After July 1, 2006, you may cancel if you are no longer attending the university or have extenuating circumstances. Contact us for more information by coming to the Residence Life & Dining Services office in the lower level of the Washakie Center, by calling 866-653-0212, or emailing reslife-dining@uwyo.edu. 

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Are single rooms available?

Hill Hall provides single room occupancy for students of sophomore status or over 20 years of age. There are other single rooms available throughout the other residence halls but the number is limited and students who are not initially placed in a single room will be placed on a waiting list in the order their completed contract was received at the Residence Life & Dining Services office. You will receive notification in writing once a single room becomes available with the opportunity to accept or decline the offer.

When will I receive my room assignment? And information about my roommate?

The first round of room assignments are mailed in mid-May each year. Roommate information, if one has been assigned at this point, is also shared at this time. We will also have this information at the Resource Fair on the second morning of New Student Orientation.  Additional mailings will be sent throughout the Summer and over Semester break in December and January for new arrivals at that time.  Please note that the most recent room assignment letter will be accurate.  Student plans change throughout the Summer and adjustments are made to compensate for the student requests and changes.

How will I be assigned a roommate?

Students complete a variety of questions on their room and meal plan contract that assist with the roommate assignment process.  Issues such as bed time and cleanliness habits help to match roommates with similar lifestyles.  Additionally, roommates are matched by smoking preference (keeping in mind that ALL residence halls are smoke-free).  Any additional information that students place on their application helps to give our assignment staff clues to the type of roommate that makes the best match.

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What if my roommate and I don't get along?

Most students entering college today have never shared a room.  Living together, often with someone a student has never met before, can provide an opportunity to learn about someone different, experience compromise, and practice conflict resolution skills.   During the first floor meeting, roommates are asked to complete a roommate agreement.  This agreement discusses important issues such as whether they plan to share belongings, how they will use their space, and how they will treat visitors.  The roommate agreement helps students discuss these issues early in their relationship before they become problems.  If roommates still do not get along, the department offers Peer Mediation to help roommates communicate their issues to each other and develop a plan for working together in the future.  Students can speak with their RA for more information about this program.   

We understand that, despite all good efforts to match roommates and help to resolve conflict, students may simply want to move in with somebody else that they have met, or to be reassigned to another room with a different roommate.  We will accommodate these requests on a space available basis.  It is important to try to understand and communicate with your roommate. Residence Life staff are available to help with mediating problems to ensure that things can work out. Please talk with your RA about how to resolve a conflict.  They are happy to help and available for you right on your floor. A room change can be arranged to accommodate you with a roommate who will be more suitable, if all else fails.  Room moves are not the first solution we will consider however

Does it make sense to room with somebody I know?

Residence Life & Dining Services will make every attempt to match all roommate requests received prior to May 1st. Both roommies have to request each other. Placing the other student’s social security number on the application form as well as mailing them in together helps to ensure we have the correct match.

What if I want to room with a friend? What if I meet somebody after I receive my assignment?

We will make every attempt to match all roommate requests received prior to May 1st.  After this date completely open spaces in the various living communities becomes more difficult to find.  We require that both roommates request each other in writing, preferably at the time the contracts are submitted. There is a location on the contract to place your intended roommates name and social security number, please include them so we can make sure we have the right match.

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Where are the computer labs located in the Halls?

The main computer lab is located in the basement of the Washakie Center in the same area as the Student Learning Center.  The computer lab is staffed by IT trained lab assistants and the Student Learning Center has tutors available for anyone needing help.

Each of the Washakie Halls has a small computer lab located on the first floor with two or three computers connected to the student lab system and a printer. The main lobby of Hill Hall is equipped with computer workstations and a printer.

The Intensive Study Community on 9th floor of White Hall has two computers connected to the student lab system.  The Engineering Community on 5th floor of  White Hall  has a special lab maintained by the College of Engineering.

Where are the laundry facilities located?

The laundry facilities are located in the basement of each hall. Laundry is operated by card activation, not coins. Money can be added to the account by depositing money at the Campus Express ID Office or through the machines located in the lobby of each residence hall.  The laundry facilities are maintained by Vending Services.  Should you have questions please contact them at 307-766-4104.

What are the services in the halls?

  • 2 high speed internet connections in each room

  • Free local telephone and expanded basic cable

  • 24 hour service desk

  • Services available

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Will my hall be air-conditioned?

Like most of the buildings across the UW campus, there is no air conditioning provided in any of the residence halls.  August and September may have a few warm days so you may want to bring a fan, but NO portable air conditioners are allowed. 

What can I bring?

The best advice is for students to work with their roommates to coordinate who brings what for any large items, i.e. stereo, TV, or refrigerator. Due to safety requirements, students should not bring appliances with open heating elements, i.e. grills, hot plates, toaster ovens, or skillets; halogen lamps; or large amp appliances. (More information will be sent home to students at the end of June).  If students are in doubt of whether a particular item is allowed, they should contact the Residence Life & Dining Services office with their specific question. 

Which Rooms are carpeted?

All rooms in Downey, McIntyre, and Orr Halls are carpeted.  For information on the other halls please check out the list of carpeted rooms .  If your room is not carpeted and you would like to order an area rug please contact the RHA for information on their fundraising carpet sales each fall.

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Is there a finance charge when choosing monthly payment plan?

No finance charge is attached to this payment.

What is the PLU$$ mean on the board rates?

PLU$$ Money adds value to students’ meal plans by enabling them to eat at a variety of retail establishments on campus.  Value is added to the student’s meal plan (amount is based on the particular meal plan) and can be used across the University including the Elements, the Student Union, Ross Hall, the Fine Arts Cart, Book and Bean, and select vending machines.  Students may also use PLU$$ Money to purchase additional meals in the Washakie dining room if they want to treat friends to a meal or want to eat additional meals above their contract number in a given week. Any unused PLU$$ money can be carried over from the fall semester to the spring semester, however funds remaining at the end of the spring semester will not be refunded. Because PLU$$ Money is part of a meal plan, it can only be used for dining and food vending purposes.

What type of safety is provided?

Residence halls maintain 24-hour service desk coverage in the main lobby of all buildings. All exterior doors are restricted to ID card access only and live-in staff are on call 24 hours a day. Smoke detectors are in each room and the fire alarm system is connected to the campus police central dispatch office. University of Wyoming has a police department located on campus for immediate response.

Even with all of these services in place it is important that each student take responsibility for their own safety.  Never allow someone to enter the building behind you without using their own ID card to access the doors.  Keep your room and bathroom door combinations private.  Finally, be aware of your surroundings when you venture out into the community. 

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What type of meal plan am I required to have?

Residence Hall students must have a minimum of “Any 12-meal plan” per UW policy. Students may also choose to have an “Any 15-meal plan” or an “Unlimited” meal plan.  The numbers associated with the meal plan stands for meals per week.  Thus the 15-meal plan allows the student 15 accesses to the dining room each week. 

The rationale for the meal plan requirement is two-fold.  First, eating regular and healthy meals is a very important part of being a healthy student.  Our dining program is open 10-1/2 hours a day Monday through Thursday and 8 hours a day on the weekend in order to provide convenient times for students to eat.  Additionally, research shows that students who make friends with other students are more likely to stay in school and graduate.  Meal times are a very important time for students to get together with their friends. 

When does Dining Service begin serving meals?

  • Friday, August 25th at lunch, 11 AM for Fall semester and Friday, January 5th at lunch, 11 AM for Spring semester.

  • Bring your campus I.D. to access the dining room.

Do the Halls and Dining Services remain open during the holidays?

  • During Thanksgiving, the halls are open only to individuals with card access to the halls. Dining services are provided, please watch for hours of operation.

  • During Spring Break, the halls are open only to individuals with card access to the halls. Dining services are provided, please watch for hours of operation.

  • During Easter break, the halls are open only to individuals with card access to the halls. Dining services are provided, please watch for hours of operation.

  • During the Semester Break between fall and spring semesters, the halls are closed.  Students wishing to remain on campus will be temporarily moved to a designated hall as space is available.  A daily rate will be charged for this break. No dining services will be provided.

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Are there any payment options?

  • Lump Sum Payment-due within the first week of the first day of each academic semester.

  • Fall Payment PlanFour-month payment plan - all payments are due by the 15th of the month beginning in September and continuing through December.

  • Spring Payment Plan – Beginning in Spring 2007,  a registration confirmation of 1/3 total balance due is required by the close of business the last workday before classes begin.  If payment is not received, the student will be dropped from his/her classes.  However, a space holder feature will be used to simplify the reinstatement process.  The remaining University related charges will be invoiced in two installments with the payment due within 15 days after the billing date.

  • Please note that a statement will not be sent.

What do the room charges cover?

  • Local telephone service

  • Basic-extended cable television

  • All utilities

  • On sight staff including custodial and maintenance services and educational staffing

  • Computer lab access

  • ResNet (in-room, high-speed Internet)

Should I bring my car?

Parking is limited on campus and most students walk or ride a bike to class since the Residence Halls are located less than one block from the center of campus.  There is a campus bus service and Safe Ride, a service provided by the UW student government, offers rides to local businesses.

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Which Hall is the "best" hall to live in?

Each hall has its own personality and a variety of specialty communities, as well as Freshman Interest Groups (FIGS).  It is important to look through all of the options then choose the specialty community that will best fit your needs.  Please note that your choice of communities will be taken into account when your room is assigned and this may or may not be the same as a hall you may have selected.

What is a Resident Assistant (RA)?

  • A student of at least sophomore status employed by Residence Life & Dining Services to assist the academic and personal growth of the residents.

  • Acts as a liaison for Residence Life & Dining Services and to the students to enhance the living environment of each floor.

What is the Residence Halls Association (RHA)?

  • RHA is the student government for the residence halls.  RHA provides feedback on services and policies to the administrative staff of Residence Life and Dining Services.  This organization also provides social and educational programming for students living in the residence halls.  RHA works in collaboration with other campus organizations, offices, and clubs to enhance the educational, social, recreational, and cultural aspects of the life of each resident.

  • Provides leadership training and opportunities in each hall and at the executive council level.

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What is Hall Senate?

  • Each hall has elected students who represent that hall at RHA meetings and comprise the RHA council.

  • The Hall Senate is charged with providing various social and educational programs for their hall and representing the opinions of the residents they serve to the RHA council.

What are "programs" in the halls?

  • Activities sponsored by the RA, hall senate, and RHA.

  • Examples: floor wars, pizza nights, masquerade dances, and various other activities

Can I have a pet?

Only fish are allowed in tanks that are no greater than 20 gallons in size.  Other animals living in or out of tanks or aquariums are not allowed.

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When are quiet hours enforced?

  • Sunday - Thursday, 8:00pm - 8:00am

  • Friday - Saturday, Midnight until 8:00am

  • Courtesy hours are enforced all other times

  • During finals week-24 hours

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