First Year Student Residence Halls

Opening August 2008

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the First Year Student Residence Halls?
The First Year Student Residence Halls are a brand new housing option for students of Marshall University. Each building is a traditional corridor style community designed especially for first year students.

When will the First Year Student Residence Halls open?
Construction of the community will be completed in August, in time for the 2008 fall semester.

What is the First Year Experience program?
A First Year Experience (FYE) program will help you learn to balance your time between the classroom and having an active social life.  You will learn about making good choices regarding your health, mind and spirit.  The FYE program and living in the residence halls at Marshall will create memories that last a lifetime and build a solid foundation for your future.

Why should I live in the First Year Student Residence Halls instead of off-campus?
There are several reasons but a few stand out:

• Research indicates that students who live on campus for two years or more have higher GPAs and are 25% more likely to graduate than those who live off-campus.
• Academic support services are offered to help you succeed in the classroom.
• Organized social events will help you make friends and provide involvement opportunities.
• You can sleep later! You will live only steps away from classes.
• Individual housing contracts mean you’ll never have to worry about your roommate not being able to make a rent payment – you only have to worry about yourself.
• Don’t forget Marshall University has an on-campus residency requirement for all freshmen!

What is included in my bedroom?
Students will share one bedroom and one bathroom with a roommate.
The bedroom furniture includes:

• Twin Extra Long Mattress
• Desk & Desk Chair
• Dresser
• Internet (Ethernet & Wireless)
• Cable TV

What is included in my community?

• Classrooms (one standard room & one theatre style)
• Study lounges on each floor
• Community lounge
• Laundry facilities
• Vending machines (beverage & snack)
• Don’t forget – you are only steps away from the new Recreation Center too!

What policies are in place to foster safety in the First Year Student Residence Halls?
There is card access into the buildings with a 24-hour staff presence at the front desk. The building also has safety cameras at the entrances of the building and in the common areas. A member of professional staff also lives in the community.

How do I apply to live in the First Year Student Residence Halls?
Applications are available online and from the Admissions or the Department of Residence Services.

What are the eligibility requirements to live in the First Year Student Residence Halls?
To qualify for residency, you must be a first year student enrolled in at least 12 credit hours for the entire term of the Housing Contract.  You are also expected to remain in good standing at Marshall University for the entire term of the Housing Contract. 

Can I live with my friends?
You may request a roommate by listing him or her as a preferred roommate on the Housing Application and Roommate Matching Form.  Whenever possible, a mutual roommate request will be honored.  Requests must be by both students and we suggest submitting your applications and deposits together.  We only offer same gender room assignments.

What if I don’t have anyone specific I want to live with?
Don’t worry! We will place you with another student with similar interests, when possible. At the time you sign your Housing Contract, you will complete a Roommate Matching Form regarding your preferences, as well as specific information that will help us match you with a roommate. You will receive your roommate contact information in late June.

What else do the First Year Student Residence Halls offer?
The community is equipped to meet both your academic and social needs. There are classrooms, study rooms, community lounges, laundry facilities and vending machines.  You will also be steps away from the new campus Recreation Center opening in 2009.

Are there telephones in the bedrooms?
There are no phones or phone lines available in the bedrooms. However, there are emergency phones on each floor.

What are the rules?
Students living in the First Year Student Residence Halls are subject to the Marshall University Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities.  Students are also responsible to adhere to any additional rules that are included in the Housing Contract.

Must I have a meal plan when living in the First Year Student Residence Halls?
Yes, students residing in the First Year Student Residence Halls are required to select the unlimited meal plan.   Meal plan rates and specifics can be obtained by visiting the Marshall University Dining Services.  Meal plan costs will be billed by the University to your student account.

How much does it cost to live in the First Year Student Residence Halls?
The 2008-2009 First Year Student Residence Halls rate is $2,425 per semester / per person ($4,850 per year).  The 2008-2009 Housing Contract begins on August 22, 2008 and ends on May 10, 2009.  Housing costs will be billed by Marshall University to your student account.

What if I want to remain in my room over spring break and the summer?
The First Year Student Residence Halls remain open during all University break periods during the academic year. Break Housing Forms and instructions will be available in the Housing Office. 

Summer housing is not offered in the First Year Student Residence Halls, but other housing options are available on campus. Please contact the Housing Office for details.

What paperwork do I need to be one of the first students to live in the First Year Student Residence Halls in the fall of 2008?

Please submit the following paperwork to confirm your residency:

• Application with a $200.00 reservation deposit.  This deposit is credited to your first semester housing charges. The University’s acceptance of a room reservation deposit does not guarantee admission to the University, or guarantee a housing assignment.

Once your housing application is accepted by the University, we will send you the following to complete:

• Housing Contract
• Roommate Matching Form
• Meal Plan Contract

Please return these documents as quickly as possible to ensure the best possible roommate match.

Can I use my financial aid to pay my housing costs?
Because financial aid packages vary, you should check with the Marshall University Financial Aid Office to confirm if your financial aid can be used for the First Year Student Residence Halls.