Frequently Asked Questions

Stuff I Can or Cannot Bring:

1. What kind of appliance am I allowed to bring?
   Any appliance that does not contain an open heating element and is approved by the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) is allowed. Microwave ovens are permitted. However, the following items are NOT permitted: toasters, toaster ovens, sandwich makers, cooking burners, and any similar appliances. Some items that are not on this list may still be forbidden. When in doubt, please call our office.
2. Can I bring my computer?
   Yes! Gallaudet University has been superb in keeping pace with computer technology advances. Each room is equipped with an ethernet hookup to allow for networking. You will be required to purchase an Ethernet card if one does not exist in your hardware.(Information will be provided by the Information Technology Services during business registration.) You are encouraged to buy insurance for your computer and to register it with the Department of Public Safety when you arrive.
3. Does my room have a telephone?
   Each room is equipped with a telephone jack for each person. A telephone representative will be present during business registration for you to initiate phone service. You will be responsible for the installation fee and monthly telephone bill.
4. What do you suggest that I bring with me?
   You will need your own small wastebasket, study lamp, mattress pad for your bed (mattress is 80" long), extra long twin sheets, hangers, alarm clock, iron, small ironing board, laundry basket, and other personal items. Be aware of your room size and space limitations. There are no storage rooms in the residence halls.
5. Am I allowed to bring my car?
   Yes. Cars are allowed on campus. All cars must be registered at the Department of Public Safety where you will be issued a parking permit. You must provide proof of insurance. The fee for student parking is $40 per semester.
6. Can I have an overnight guest in my room?
   Guests who are not members of the University community are permitted only upon invitation. It is the responsibility of the host or hostess to ensure that the guest is properly registered and that the guest's presence or behavior does not infringe on the rights of a roommate or other residents.
7. Can I bring my pet?
   No. For reasons of health and safety, no pets are permitted in the residence halls or even on the Gallaudet campus. Service animals may be permitted on campus. If you plan to bring your, contact the Campus Life Office for policy information and registration.

Meal Plans:

1. Are residents required to have meal plans?
   Yes. All on-campus residents are required to participate in a meal plan. You have a choice of three different meal plans (21, 15, or 10 meals per week) (link to Meal Program)
2. What if I'm on a special diet?
   Gallaudet University is very conscious of our students with special dietary needs. The University Dining Services manager is available to anyone who has concerns about dining on campus. If you need special meals, you should speak with the manager to arrange them.
3. May I cook in my room?
   Yes, but only with the appropriate cooking appliances (link to cooking)

Residence Contracts, Eligibility, and Room Deposits:

1. Who is eligible to live on campus?
   To live on campus, a student must be enrolled in at least 12 credits (nine credits for graduate students) throughout the semester.
2. If I decide not to live on campus, can I get my room deposit back?
   The annual $150 room deposit is refundable upon fulfillment of your housing contract. Otherwise, you must show that unusual and unpredictable circumstances have arisen after the beginning of the contract period that necessitate your leaving the dorm and receiving a refund of your room deposit.
3. Can my contract be terminated?
   Yes. If you violate your residence contract or if you are academically dismissed, your contract to live in the residence hall can be terminated.
4. Can I stay on campus during vacations or breaks?
   Yes. You may remain on campus during the Thanksgiving and Spring breaks. However, the meal plans do not cover the Spring Break. During the Winter Break, you must physically vacate the building, but you may leave your belongings in the room. Refer to the academic calendar for the dates of the Winter Break.
5. Can I stay on campus over the summer?
   You may stay on campus over the summer only if you are attending the summer session or are working in the metropolitan area. You should expect to move to a designated summer residence hall.

Alcohol and Other Drug Policies:

1. May I drink alcoholic beverages in the residence hall?
   Gallaudet University is committed to providing a campus environment that is free from illegal or abusive use of drugs and alcohol. All students are subject to state and local laws pertaining to alcohol. Students must be 21 years of age to consume or possess any form of alcoholic beverage. Ballard Residential are halls designated as "dry residence dorms" and, regardless of students' or guests' ages, no alcoholic beverages are permitted. In other residence hall, people of legal drinking age, either resident students or guests, may consume or posses alcohol.
2. What are the consequences of violating the alcohol policy?
   Your first alcohol violation will result you a penalty assessment and a referral to an alcohol or drug workshop. The second violation may result in an additional fine and/or termination of your housing contract.
3. What will happen if my guest possesses, transports, or consumes any type of alcoholic beverages within the residence halls?
   You are responsible for your guest, and both of you will be subject to disciplinary action which may include a fine and/or cancellation of your residence contract as well as the removal of your guest from campus premises.
4. Am I allowed to consume beer in the hallways?
   No opened bottles or cans of alcoholic beverages are allowed in public areas. This includes the halls way of the residence halls.
5. Are there any restrictions on the size of containers of alcoholic beverages in the residence halls?
   Party balls and kegs are not permitted in the residence halls.
6. Can someone be arrested for possessing, using, or distributing drugs on campus?
   YES. State and federal law and the University policy prohibit these activities ANYWHERE on campus.

Roommate Questions:

1. What if I don't like my roommate?
   First, do not be quick to make judgments. Attempt we encourage you to working out the problem by talking with your roommate. If you are unable to work out a solution, contact your residence hall staff for alternatives. A room change can be made only if space is available or a switch can be made. No room changes will be allowed during the first two weeks of the semester.
2. Do I have a choice of roommate(s)?
   For new students, rooms and roommate(s) are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. The Office of Campus Life matches roommates by sex and age similarities. If you have a preferred roommate, you and your roommate of choice must both fill out the application with the name of your roommate preference and mail in the application and deposit together.
   
   After your first year on campus, you will participate in the regular room selection process based on a point system (GPA and credits accumulated).
3. How can I choose a single room?
   Limited single rooms may be available. They are assigned on a priority basis during room selection the previous semester. Remaining single rooms may be assigned to incoming students with physical or medical conditions that warrant a special accommodations. If you need a single room, send a letter to Campus Life along with a document from your physician stating the physical or medical condition that warrants your having a single room.