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?

Each car arriving will be allowed to park adjacent to the residence hall for thirty minutes to unload. Move car away from the 30-minute parking area as directed by campus police. Officers will direct you to long-term parking. There will be move-in helpers at most residence halls to assist.

The check-in procedure for the residence halls is as follows:

• Park your car as directed by campus police
• Get the room key from staff office (in the main lobby of the residence hall). If you will be living on New South Green, click here to see where you will check in. If you will be living in Bromley Hall, click here to see when you will check in.
• Complete and sign the room condition report form
• Move belongings into room
• Move car away from the 30 minute parking area as directed by campus police.
• Return to room to unpack, arrange, decorate, etc.

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 unbunked.

What about lofts?
If you are considering a loft, visit the housing website. For safety reason, homemade lofts are no long permitted. Lofts that meet university standards are available for rental through the Residents Action Council (tRAC). The Convocation Center and most triples do not accommodate lofts.

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?
Ohio University no longer permits students to paint their residence hall rooms. Students may decorate their rooms in accordance with the Guide to Residential Living, but it is important to note that students will be held responsible for any damages caused to their residence hall room.

When is the first meal served?
All meal plans will begin with lunch on Thursday, September 3. Nelson and Boyd Dining Halls will be open all weekend and Jefferson Dining Hall will open beginning Sunday, September 6. Parents are welcome to have a meal with their student. The dining hall price for lunch or dinner is $7.50 and breakfast is $6.85. Parents and students also have the option to dine at West 82 Food Court in Baker University Center by using their flex meal plan points, MasterCard/Visa/American Express, Bobcat Cash or cash.

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 the university is officially back in session and classes have begun.

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