Navigating Student Halls: Your Guide to Summer Stays

Many universities offer summer housing options for students who need to stay on or near campus during the summer months. Whether you're taking summer courses, working at an internship, or simply want to remain in the area, understanding the availability, requirements, and policies surrounding student hall summer stays is crucial. This article provides a comprehensive overview of what you need to know, drawing on examples from various institutions to illustrate key aspects.

Eligibility and Requirements

Securing summer housing in student halls typically involves meeting specific eligibility criteria. Universities often prioritize students who:

Are registered for a minimum number of summer academic credits. For example, the University of Iowa requires students to be registered for at least one summer academic credit to be eligible for summer housing.
Are participating in a university-sponsored activity.
Were enrolled full-time during the prior spring semester and/or the upcoming fall semester.

Some institutions, like LC State Residence Life, prioritize spring dormitory residents before incoming students, while others, like the University of Iowa, may extend summer housing to students who simply wish to remain in the area over the summer, regardless of enrollment in summer courses.

To apply for summer housing, students usually need to fill out an application located in the housing portal. It's essential to review the terms and conditions of the contract, as all students are bound to these during the summer, regardless of the occupancy period.

Contractual Obligations and Additional Terms

Beyond general eligibility, summer housing often comes with specific contractual obligations and additional terms that students must agree to. These may include:

Furniture Restrictions: All furniture must remain in rooms, and beds must remain in their current configuration.
Mandatory Meal Plans: Some universities require students to have a meal plan when they live in the residence halls during the summer.
Adherence to Policies: All standard campus policies, as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct and Residence Life Policies, apply to summer residents.
Chaperone Requirements: Supervision may be needed. One adult per 25 students, minors 13-17 years old is required. These chaperones will act as the liaison between the Conference Housing Staff in the event of discipline, noise or destructive behavior. At least 7 business days prior to the camps' arrival, group should provide a list of names of those adults who will be staying on campus.

Availability and Room Assignments

Summer student housing typically begins the Saturday following the last day of the semester in May. Room assignments are often made towards the end of April.

Some universities offer specific residence halls or apartments as air-conditioned options for students. For instance, Panther Village and Trailside Apartments are open during the summer as air-conditioned options for students.

It's important to note that buildings available for summer housing may vary from year to year, depending on renovation projects and budgetary concerns.

Costs and Payment

Summer charges are commonly calculated on a weekly or nightly basis, with a minimum stay requirement. For example, summer charges are on a weekly basis, with the full amount billed at the beginning of the contracted stay and a one week minimum stay required. Changes in your contract may result in adjustments to your bill.

Some institutions may offer discounted rates for longer stays. LC State Residence Life, for instance, charges a rate of $30/night or a discounted rate of $500/month, if staying for the entire summer, per occupancy of a single occupancy room.

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Rates are subject to change, so it's always best to confirm the current rates with the university housing department.

Amenities and Services

The amenities and services included with summer housing can vary. Some common inclusions are:

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is often available throughout campus.
Fitness Center Access: Access to the fitness center may be included.
Laundry Facilities: Laundry facilities are typically located on site.
Cable TV: Cable may be available if guests bring their own television.

However, some amenities may not be provided. For example, linens may not be provided. Cots or additional beds may not be available.

Specific Hall Configurations and Offerings

Different residence halls and apartments offer various configurations and amenities. Here are some examples:

East Hall: Rooms are configured in suites, consisting of two rooms connected by a bathroom. Each room has two twin beds with mattresses using twin XL bedding, two desks with chairs, built-in closets/dressers, and a mini fridge/freezer/microwave. Bedding and towels are not included, and the rooms are not air conditioned, though a box fan is provided.
North Hall: Units are similar to furnished apartments, with (4) individual bedrooms, (2) full bathrooms, and a full kitchen. Guests must bring their own essentials such as bedding, towels, plates, flatware, pots and pans, etc. The living room space has a couch, chair, coffee table, and TV stand.
West Campus (Suite Style): Offers 4 person/2 bedroom/2 bath, 4 person/2 bedroom/1 bath, and 2 person/1 bedroom/1 bath layouts.
Johnson Obear Apartments: Offers 4 person/4 bedroom/1 bath layouts with Twin Extra-Long Beds.
Boling Apartments: Offers 4 person/4 bedroom/1 bath layouts with Twin Extra-Long Beds and private bedrooms.
Lockmiller Apartments: Offers 2 person/2 bedroom/1 bath and 4 person/ 2 bedroom/1 bath layouts with Full-size beds in private bedrooms and twin extra-long beds in shared bedrooms.
Stagmaier (Suite Style): Offers 2 person/2 bedroom/1 bath layouts with a Community Kitchen on the 1st floor and Twin Extra-long Beds.
Guerry Apartments: Offers 3 person/2 bedroom/1 bath (a bedroom shared with 2 twin regular beds, a bedroom private with full size bed) and 4 person/3 bedroom/2 bath (a bedroom shared with 2 twin regular beds, B & C bedrooms private with full size bed) layouts.
Decosimo Apartments: Offers 4 person/4 bedroom/2 bath, 2 person/1 bedroom/1 bath (studio), and 1 person/1 bedroom/1 bath (studio) layouts with Full-size beds.
Stophel Apartments: Offers 2 person/2 bedroom/1 bath and 4 person/4 bedroom/2 bath layouts with Full-size beds.
Walker Apartments: Offers 4 person/4 bedroom/2 bath layouts with Full-size beds.
UC Foundation Apartments: Offers 4 person/4 bedroom/2 bath layouts with Full-size beds.

Community Rooms

Community Rooms are available in most locations at a rate. Complexes with available community rooms include: West Campus, Johnson Obear, Boling, UC Foundation and Lockmiller Apartments. The Stagmaier community room and kitchen are available for use but cannot be reserved for any specific group. Utilizing the community space as retail space is prohibited. All requests for retail accommodations should be directed to Auxiliary Services.

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Policies and Procedures

Summer residents are required to follow the policies and procedures of the Student Code of Conduct as well as Residence Life policies and procedures.

Key policies to be aware of include:

Pet Policy: Pets are generally not permitted in residence halls. Anyone found to have a pet (other than fish) may be subject to eviction and additional costs for cleaning and fumigation. Visiting pets are also not allowed.
Noise Policy: All Summer Residents will be held accountable for excessive noise or other disturbance.
Key Policy: In the interest of personal safety and property protection, all summer residents agree not to loan Salto fobs to anyone and agree not to prop open any outside doors to the building at any time. Additionally, ground level windows are not to be used as entrances to the building.
Check-Out Policy: All Summer Residents must vacate their assigned room and return their keys to the Office of Residence Life on the date set by Residence Life for end of summer.

Summer Camps/Conferences

All Summer Camps/Conferences will not be permitted to stay past a certain date. Check-in/out will be completed by housing staff who will be available for two hours that day. Staff Available 24 hours a day and each group is assigned a Resident Director to help with logistics and planning. If additional times are needed for early arrivals, late arrivals, early departures or late departures, then an administrative fee will be charged to the camp/conference. When considering your housing numbers, please make sure your numbers include participants, coaches/chaperones (spouse and children of coaches) and staff. Children under the age of 13 are not permitted to stay in on-campus housing. The housing options below are subject to change, based on renovation projects and budgetary concerns. Charges are per night per person. Reservations for groups are based on the total consecutive number of nights, from when the key is picked up and participant is checked in to the day the key is returned and the participant checks out.

Other Considerations

Check-in/Check-out: Check-in is often limited to MondayâFriday, with no weekend arrivals permitted.
Storage: Storing belongings for individuals not in summer housing is not recommended.
Access to Rooms: Custodians, Physical Plant and Public Safety work may necessitate access to summer residences. The office of Residence Life reserves the right to offer such access without prior notification in order to accomplish ongoing maintenance or safety work.
Liability: As the building will be locked, only summer residents will have access to the inside of the building. Therefore, the summer residents will be responsible for any damage that occurs and for missing items in the building during the period of occupancy.
Tax-Exempt Status: A tax-exempt form must be provided to UTC Housing by all groups to avoid being charged Tennessee state tax.

Planning Your Summer Stay

To ensure a smooth summer stay in student halls, follow these steps:

Check Eligibility: Confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements for summer housing at your university.
Apply Early: Submit your application as soon as possible, as spaces may be limited.
Review Contract Terms: Carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of the summer housing contract.
Inquire About Rates: Contact the housing department to confirm the current rates and payment schedule.
Plan for Amenities: Determine what amenities are included and what you need to bring yourself (e.g., linens, kitchen supplies).
Familiarize Yourself with Policies: Understand and adhere to all university and residence life policies.
Plan for Check-in/Check-out: Be aware of the check-in and check-out procedures and any associated deadlines.

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