Are you ready to embark on your OU experience? We're getting ready for you. We want your transition to college to be as smooth and as worry free as possible. This information will help with your transition by answering questions about life in the residence halls.

When can I move into my room?

Classes Begin
Monday, September 8

Because of the number of people moving in at the beginning of each quarter and limited parking, we ask that you park in front of a hall only to unload your belongings. During fall quarter, the move-in crew will be here to help those of you who may need some extra assistance in getting situated but may not be available during the entire move in period.

Will my bed be standard twin size?
Beds are equipped with an 80-inch, extra long mattress. Bring either flat or fitted sheets for an 80-inch mattress.

What are the dimensions of my room?
Room dimensions may be obtained by visiting the housing website for additional information.

Will the beds be bunked?
For many of the rooms, the beds can be bunked or debunked; Residential Custodial Services (RCS) and Zone Maintenance will do this for you. Contact your RCS green office during the first two weeks of each quarter (East: Jefferson at 597-9925; South: Pickering at 597-7686; West: Treudley at 597-5914). If no one is available at the RCS Green offices, you may call the main office at 593-4225. Requests are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. At the beginning of the academic year, it may take a few days to complete your request because of the volume of new students arriving.

What about lofts?
If you are considering a loft, visit the housing website. We don't want you to spend money for materials on a loft that can't be used. For safety reason, lofts not meeting the requirements must be dismantled. Because university-issued furnishings cannot be removed from the room, lofts must be designed so existing springs fit into them. The Convocation Center and most triples do not accommodate lofts. In Bromley Hall, the loft must have a solid platform to support the mattress. A loft that provides only slats will not accommodate our existing mattress with proper support.

Will I need curtains?
Most rooms have pull shades and pocket curtain rods at each window. The Convocation Center rooms have mini-blinds instead of the pull shades. If you would like more than a shade, you and your roommate (s) may bring curtains or a valance.

Can I paint and decorate my room?
Yes, if you want to paint your room, you need to go to the Residence Life office on your green after you arrive on campus. There you can choose one of the university-approved water-based pastel color paints. The university will lend painting equipment to individual students.

Decorating and painting should be discussed and agreed upon by all roommate(s). You also need to remember that no nails, tape, or tacks are to be used on the walls. You will be held financially responsible for any damage to your assigned room. All rooms are equipped with a strip of wood molding at the top of interior walls. Pictures and bulletin boards can be hung from the molding with the use of "S" hooks and wire.

When is the first meal served?
All students can begin using their meal plans for breakfast on Monday, September 8, 2008 for fall quarter; breakfast on Monday, January 5, 2009 for winter quarter and breakfast on Monday, March 30, 2009 for spring quarter.

What if I need to ship some items before my arrival?
You may ship items to your campus address. Please time such shipments that they correspond with your arrival. It is unlikely that United Parcel Service will deliver to the residence halls for fall quarter before Monday, September 8, 2008 for winter quarter Monday, January 5, 2009 and for spring quarter Monday, March 30, 2009.

What can I expect during my first week in the residence hall?
When you move in you can expect to meet a lot of new people. You'll be meeting other students like yourself as well as becoming acquainted with various staff members.

The residence hall staff is responsible for creating a positive living environment and helping you adjust to college life. Most important will be your Resident Assistant, or RA. He or she is a student like you. Each RA is assigned to a floor section - a group of rooms - for which he or she is responsible. Your RA is trained to answer your questions and to foster community living.

You will meet the RCS staff, which is responsible keeping public areas, such as the bathrooms and lounges, of your building clean. Bromley residents are responsible for cleaning their own shared bathrooms and should bring cleaning supplies needed for this. You are responsible for the cleanliness of your own room and for your own trash removal. A vacuum cleaner is available during staff office hours.

During the first two days, your floor section will meet with our RA to discuss the community rules. Some of these are university policies, but many are decisions that will be made by your floor section. The emphasis is on creating a safe and healthy living environment. As a member of a new community, you have input and a responsibility to create your community.

What if I am unhappy about my room assignment?
We know everyone isn't always satisfied with his or her initial room assignment. If you are unhappy about your room assignment, you will have an opportunity to change rooms two weeks into the quarter. It's important to note that no changes will be done during the first two weeks of any quarter. After that, if you want to change rooms or are in a living situation that is causing you concern, talk to your RA. He or she will advise you on handling your situation and, it necessary, explain how to go through the room change procedure.

What Should I Bring?
We can't decide exactly what each of you should bring, but we do have suggestions based on years of experience. We encourage you to look for ENERGY STAR compliant electronic products to campus. This will help us to save energy, save money and help protect the environment.

Is there anything I shouldn't bring?
Yes. For your own health and safety, the following items are prohibited in the residence hall:

• Alcohol (if you are under the age of 21)
• Candles
• Crock Pots
• Explosives
• Fishnet or Paper Lanterns
• Firearms or any other weapons
• Hot plate or any open-coil cooking appliance
• Illegal drugs
• Martial art weapons
• Microwave or refrigerator (both are provided)
• Pets (other than fish)
• Posters that will cover more than 25 percent of your walls
• Toaster or toaster oven