ROOM CHANGES AND ROOMMATE REQUEST
How would I request a room change?
The first two weeks of each semester, Residence Life observes a 'room freeze' while we verify occupancy. All students interested in a room change, must submit a room change application via their housing portal. All room changes are based on availability and may not always have the ability to be processed.
How do I request a roommate or suitemate?
During the housing selection process (April for Returning Students and June for Incoming Students), after you complete your housing application, you will be able to request roommates or suitemates via your housing portal. Students mid-year can either email Residence Life or indicate in their room change application.
What type of furniture can I expect in my room? Will extra furniture be removed from my room?
Floor plans for each residence hall will remain the same. Depending on the occupancy of the room, their may be one to two sets of furniture such as dresser, drawers, desk, closet and a twin XL bed. Some offerings may differ based on the hall. Please continue using the Residence Life website for information based on your assignment. The University does not remove any furniture within rooms due to lack of storage. We ask that you leave all the furniture within the room.
As a graduate student, do I need to meet the requirement of 12 credits to reside in housing?
Graduate students are exempt from the 12-credit requirement as graduate classes are structured differently. Graduate students must be registered for 6-9 credits/full-time in their program to live on campus. Undergraduate students are required to carry 12 credits to be considered for housing.
Will there be events and activities in the residence halls?
Residence Life is always working hard on ways to engage residents within the hall in a safe and fun way. The Guide to Living On Campus addresses hall engagement and what they can expect from living on campus. All our events are available for viewing on Presence and can be searched by Hall or date.
Our Residence Hall staff schedule and prepare events for students. Check out your in hall’s newsletter and flyers for the most recent up to date information about events happening in your hall or around campus.
HOUSING DEPOSIT
How do I pay the deposit?
You may pay your deposit online by following the links in Navigator. You may also pay your deposit in-person at the Student Navigation Center or mail a check to the student accounts office. If you send a check, make sure you write your student ID number on it.
If I've paid my housing deposit to live on campus, what happens next?
Once you've paid your deposit, you'll have access to your license agreement and housing application in the housing portal. This must be completed before we can assign you a space on campus.
If I have an outstanding balance, may I still pay the housing deposit?
No. Your previous bills must be paid in full before a housing deposit for next semester will be accepted. Once your bills are rectified, you should be able to submit a housing deposit.
I don’t currently live on campus. May I pay the deposit to live on campus and participate in room selection?
Students who are not currently living on campus are still welcome to pay the housing deposit by the published deadline(s) in order to participate in room selection.
What happens if I miss the deposit deadline?
If you do not pay the deposit by the deadline(s) you may not be able to participate in room selection. Students will still be able to submit a deposit but would not be able to submit a housing application. Student who did not meet the deadlines will not be able to participate in the selection process and will have to wait until the process is completed and the housing application reopens.
What if I was admitted late or am interested in Living on Campus at a later date?
Students interested in living on campus must submit a housing deposit in order to access the housing application. We review applications and make assignments year-round, including during the academic year and summer, as students apply.
Can I cancel my housing contract between semesters? If I cancel my Housing License Agreement do I get my money back?
Visit the housing cancellation page for information on cancellation requirements and refunds. The License Agreement is for the full-academic year.
FACILITIES
How do I see what my room will look like?
We encourage people to take a tour of campus by connecting with Admissions and/or participating in Accepted Student days. We will try our best to accommodate special tour requests. Residence Life is not able to show students a particular room or apartment. Pictures of selected rooms are posted online via our Instagram as well visible in the virtual tour. Students may also schedule a tour with admissions to see what standard rooms look like.
What size are the beds?
All beds in the residence halls are twin extra-long.
Can I build a loft in my room?
No, however, the bed frames provided have the ability to raise and lower the bed if you wish to store belongings underneath your bed.
Do the residence halls have wireless Internet access?
Yes. Each hall has access, if you are experiencing issues connect with the IT Help Desk.
Is there access to kitchens in the residence halls?
Atlantic have in-apartment kitchens. Peabody and Bowditch halls have community kitchens in the ground floor lounge.
What do I do if something is wrong or damaged in my room?
Place a work order with facilities. If that doesn't work, contact your Professional Staff within your Residence Hall.
ROOM AND CAMPUS POLICY
If I am over 21, can I have alcohol in my room?
If you are 21, you may have alcohol in your residential space provided everyone in the space (i.e., room/suite/apartment) is 21 years old or older. Students are permitted to have alcohol in their room/suite/apartment, however, if a student under the age of 21 enters a space where alcohol would normally be permitted, that space then becomes a “dry” space. Visit the Guide to Living on Campus for more details on the alcohol policy on campus.
Are pets allowed on campus?
The only pets allowed on campus are fish in a 10-gallon or less tank. Assistant Animals are allowed if approved through the Center for Accessible Academic Resources (CAAR).
Can I smoke in my residence hall room or apartment?
Salem State University is tobacco-free. There is no smoking, or the use of other related tobacco products, marijuana or e-cigarettes, allowed on university property.
What appliances can I have in my apartment (microwave, toaster, hot plate)?
Microwaves under 600 watts, miniature refrigerators under four cubic feet. We suggest students rent a micro-fridge.
Can we have opposite sex, overnight guests, in our rooms?
Yes. We suggest you discuss with your roommate(s) how you want to approach guests in your particular space. See additional details about host, guest and visitor guidelines in the Guide to Living on Campus.
What items can I not have in my room?
Please see this list of items.
Can I bring a car on campus with me?
First-year students are not allowed to have a car on campus unless they receive special approval. All other students are allowed to have a car on campus if they register and purchase a parking permit from university police.
MISCELLANEOUS
Do I have to live on campus?
No, there is no requirement to live on campus at Salem State University.
Where does my ClipperCard get me into?
Your ClipperCard is your key to your residence hall and/or room. It also includes your meal swipes, Dining Dollars and ClipperCash. It’s important to keep it on you at all times.
What do I do if I lock myself out of my room or apartment?
Find an RA in their room or go to the front desk of the building and they can assist you.
How do I find my mailing address? How do I access my mailbox?
Your mailing address should be formatted as:
Student Name
Residence Hall/Student Room#
Salem State University
Salem, MA 01970
All residential packages come to the package room within Atlantic Hall with scheduled hours posted within the residence halls. Students should receive two emails from Mail Service prior to picking up their packages and must have their Clippercard and tracking number ready when arriving. Paper mail is delivered to the students' room once a week by staff in-hall.
How do disciplinary sanctions affect my housing?
Violations of university and housing policies may impact your ability to live on campus depending on severity. The Student Conduct Code should be reviewed for more information.
Is there transportation available on campus?
Yes, there is a scheduled shuttle service throughout the day that is free for students and after hours there is a student-run shuttle service. Some students also utilize the Blue Bike program and the Salem Skipper as additional transportation.
What opportunities are there to get involved?
Tons! Residence Life is home to many student leaders and organizations. Check out our Get Involved page for information about the various groups.