Fairfield University Dorms: Your Comprehensive Guide to Residential Life

Embarking on your college journey at Fairfield University? Understanding your living environment is key to a successful and enjoyable experience. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Fairfield University's dorms, covering everything from residential policies to what to bring (and what to leave behind!).

Residence Hall Policies and Procedures

The University's Student Handbook contains the policies and procedures governing students' responsibilities and roles in the Residence Halls. The Residential Guidelines section contains policies specific to residential life.

Changing Residency Status

For full-time undergraduate students who wish to change their status from resident to commuter, it’s important to follow the correct procedures.

Guest Registration

All guests must be registered with the University by a University student. It is important to print the confirmation letter and have your guest carry it and a proper photo identification while visiting campus.

Housing Application

Students must complete a housing application in their The Housing Director account which can be accessed via my.fairfield.edu.

Damage Responsibility

If there is any damage to a living space, the resident should contact their Area Coordinator to complete an Individual Responsibility Form. All types of damage caused to any student residence or its furnishings are the responsibility of the students assigned to that residence, and repair costs will be billed accordingly. Resident students are expected to help reduce common area damages by reporting those responsible for the damage to the Office of Residence Life or the Department of Public Safety. The University will collect and expect payment from students for damage done to University property within 30 days of repair or at the end of the year on the students’ bill. Students are not permitted to attempt to fix the damage themselves or contract with any vendor for repairs.

Student Conduct

Students are expected to monitor all activity in their residence.

Alterations and Decorations

Students may not paint any student residence or make permanent alterations to furnishings. In addition, window treatments may not be removed, and students may not construct lofts, counters/bars, or other types of furnishings. Any markings left on walls, ceilings, or doors as a result of postings, strip lighting, etc. may be recorded as damage and referred to the dean of students’ office as a student conduct violation.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

To minimize risk in communal living and prevent damage, certain items are prohibited or have restricted use policies. Prohibited items found in university residences will be confiscated and may not be returned.

Bicycles and Sports Equipment

Limited storage is available for bicycles in residence halls within designated bike rooms. For reasons of safety, bicycles and sports equipment may not be kept in the corridors, stairwells, doorways, lounges, common rooms or bathrooms. Bicycles and equipment, including but not limited to bags, shoes and other gear, found in these areas will be removed and discarded. Bicycles and equipment kept within student units cannot block areas of egress. No ball playing, golf, throwing of objects, or other rough play is permitted in the student residences. Use of transportation devices/vehicles including, but not limited to, bicycles, scooters, hoverboards, roller skates, skateboards, any type of motorized vehicle etc. are prohibited in student residences.

Read also: Fairfield Career Guide

Decorations

Natural Christmas trees and/or other trees and/or shrubbery are not permitted in any student residence (including townhouses, houses, and apartments). No decorations or other room furnishings may be attached to or suspended from light fixtures, the ceiling, or fire safety equipment. Decorations also cannot block windows or doors. No more than 20% of any wall can be covered by decorations including but not limited to: tapestries, posters, decals and other wall coverings. Students may be assessed repair costs at the end of semester or year if decorations leave visible damage to walls, ceilings, or university furnishings.

Electrical Appliances

Students must exercise care when operating any electrical appliance in University Housing. All appliances and extension cords must be U.L. approved. Approved appliances include, but are not limited to: pod style coffee makers without a warming plate, small popcorn poppers, small televisions, small stereos, curling irons, hair dryers, and computers. These approved appliances should be equipped with an automatic shut off feature. Unapproved appliances or devices include, but are not limited to: toaster ovens, microwave ovens and refrigerators (other than University-issued micro-fridge units), electric frying pans, 'George Foreman' type grills, and fog machines. 'George Foreman' type countertop grills, coffee pots and microwaves are allowed in apartments and townhouses as long as students properly dispose of grease and items remain in the kitchen area, and as permitted by any lessors of University Housing.

Lighting

Light strands are permitted, but cannot be in doorways, on the ceiling or blocking windows, wrapped around piping or touching fire equipment and/or devices and must have mini-lights, designated for indoor use. LED strips and other lights with the sticky backing are prohibited. Students may be assessed repair costs at the end of semester or year if their lights left visible damage to walls, ceilings, or university furnishings.

Musical Instruments

The playing of musical instruments in student residences that is obtrusive to other residents is prohibited unless part of an approved band during the approved weekend hours in the townhouse and/or apartment areas.

Open Flames

Candles, incense, TIKI torches, fireworks, gasoline, butane or other flammable liquids, barbecue grills (including but not limited to propane, coal, wood and electric), and other devices that produce an open flame are prohibited in all University Housing.

Pets

Pets are not permitted in student residences with the exception of fish in a container of no more than 10 gallons. As such, evidence of pets, and/or pets themselves, other than fish in containers of no more than 10 gallons will be confiscated and may not be returned.

Projection of Objects

Students are prohibited from projecting or dropping any object at or from buildings, individuals, cars, etc.

Refrigerators

The University typically provides a combination microwave/refrigerator unit for Student Residences. No other refrigerators or microwaves are permitted without permission from the Office of Residence Life. Townhouses and apartments are equipped with refrigerators, but students may bring a UL approved microwave.

Vending Machines

Vending machines may be located in the common areas of student residences and other University buildings. Students cannot have personal vending machines in University Housing. Vandalism of vending machines will result in the removal of this service if the responsible person(s) is not identified. Money lost in these machines should be reported to the vending company whose name is listed on the machine. Products available in the machines are replenished according to the vending company's schedule.

Windows/Doors

Students may not hang their own curtains or window treatments, and windows should not be blocked or obstructed in any way as these create potential fire hazards. Signs that advertise alcohol or tobacco products, or signs that might otherwise be considered offensive, as determined within the sole discretion of the University, cannot be placed on windows or doors at any time. Students are permitted to post removable signs or decals no larger than 8 ½ by 11 inches consistent with these rules in their windows as long as the item does not affect fire-safety requirements. Empty or full cans or bottles may not be visible through the windows. Students shall not use windows as entry/exits unless in an emergency. Individuals and/or items shall not hang outside the window or be on window ledges.

Room Assignments and Consolidation

Students should register their cell phone number via my.Fairfield.edu. Most student residences are equipped with connections to the campus network. Additionally, the University may assign students to vacant spaces without prior notification. The University may reassign students in order to consolidate vacant spaces at any time during the semester. Students with open spaces should be prepared to ensure their open space is move-in ready for a new resident. Students are strongly encouraged to communicate with their resident assistant, graduate resident coordinator or area coordinator with regard to open spaces in their room, apartment, house, or townhouse. Students should be open and welcoming to students looking to change their housing assignments and cannot deny a roommate on the basis of a desire to remain the sole occupant. The only reasons to decline a roommate request would be because of a previous documented conflict with the potential roommate or a conflict of life-style preference (i.e., sleeping habits, neatness, and smoking).

Socializing and Gatherings

Students may entertain or socialize with others in their individual rooms within the residence halls provided that the number of people in the room is limited to no more than 12 people and there is no unreasonable noise or other disruption to the community. Students wishing to host bands, DJs, or play music in common spaces near their residence, indoors or outdoors, must seek prior written approval and planning from the Office of Residence Life, at least one week prior to the event. Students may entertain or socialize with others, as permitted by lessors of University Housing as applicable, provided that the number of people does not exceed 25 (note, these numbers are subject to change per code/legal requirements). In accordance with the housing agreement, townhouse basements may not be used as living spaces or a space to socialize/gather. Basement access is strictly prohibited. Basements are not available to students for storage purposes. The University has eliminated access to townhouse and off-campus basements and any attempt to utilize basement areas for any purpose is in violation of the residence guidelines and subject to a residency review and/or student conduct action. Tampering with basement doors locks will result in student conduct action.

Alcohol Policy

The use or consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons 21 and over must be confined to individual residences and cannot negatively impact nearby units or residents. Consuming alcoholic beverages in any area outside of the unit is prohibited and open containers of alcohol in common/public/outdoor areas are prohibited. When violations of this policy occur, the residents of the unit will be referred for student conduct action, and may be reassigned to different housing on campus.

Furnishings and Storage

Student residence rooms are furnished with a bed, desk, chair, chest of drawers, and computer network connection for each student, as well as an individual or shared closet/wardrobe for each student. Student residences contain curtains and fire detection/alarm systems. All supplied furnishings must remain in the rooms or units throughout the academic year unless removed by the University. Storage is not available for personal belongings or other furnishings. All furniture is expected to be returned to its original placement (bedroom furniture in bedrooms, living room furniture in living rooms etc.) at the end of the year. Moving fees may be assessed. Lounges are equipped with furniture for the use of all students. Pool, ping pong, and foosball tables are not allowed in University Housing.

Keys and Lockouts

Keys and key cards are for individual use only and are not to be given or shared with other students or guests. If a student loses his or her room or unit key, the student should notify residence life so that the lock on the door will be changed and the student billed for the replacement cost. No student may duplicate a room or unit key. If a student is locked out of his or her room during normal business hours, they may temporarily sign out a duplicate key or key card at the Office of Residence Life, located in the Barone Campus Center, Office 96. Resident assistants are typically available during "on-duty" hours 8pm to 8am to let students into their room if they are locked out. Residents should report lost keys to a staff member immediately so that a lock change may be completed.

Laundry Facilities

Washers and dryers are typically available for use by resident students in almost all halls and the apartment complexes, as well as townhouse blocks 2 and 13. The machines are activated by using the StagCard, which has a predetermined number of cycles per semester (sufficient for two wash and dry cycles every week). If a student exhausts his or her laundry allotment for the semester, StagBucks can be used to pay for additional cycles.

Maintenance Requests

If a student residence light fixture (not personal lamps) requires a replacement bulb, students should notify their RA or the Office of Residence Life who will request the appropriate repair or replacement. For all non-emergency requests for maintenance (e.g., light bulbs, broken or missing items), students should fill out the online Work Order form found on my.Fairfield.edu. This form will be sent to Facilities Management. For computer connection concerns, contact Information Technology Services at ext. 4069; for cable connection concerns, contact the Media Center at ext.

Emergency Procedures

Emergency requests during normal business hours should be directed to the Office of Residence Life at ext. 4215. Emergencies after hours, during the night, or on weekends should be directed to the Department of Public Safety at ext.

Room Condition and Inspections

Only students assigned to a particular room or unit may live there. Students may be reassigned or consolidated when vacancies exist. The University may increase or reduce the total occupancy of student residences at any time, within its sole discretion. Resident students will receive a completed Room Inspection Form (RIF) from the resident assistant or other residence life staff during the first week of the academic year. Students will be asked to verify the condition of the room reported on the form, sign, and return it. This form is the official record of the condition of the room or unit when the resident took occupancy of it. When the student vacates the room or unit, it will be inspected by a University staff member and compared to the original inspection form. Residence Life or maintenance staff may inspect student residences at any time within its sole discretion (in addition to the beginning or end of the year) to check health and/or safety conditions. When conducting Health and Safety inspections, the Office of Residence Life will hold residents accountable for policy violations.

Personal Property

Personal property maintained in University Housing is the sole responsibility of each student to whom the property belongs. The University is not responsible for damage to any personal property in residential common spaces or rooms. Students are encouraged to consider renters insurance as the University does not assume responsibility for damage or loss to students’ belongings, regardless of cause.

Essential Items to Bring

Knowing what to bring is just as important as knowing what NOT to bring. First-year students are encouraged to only bring what they will need until the next opportunity they have to travel home. Bring items that will make your room feel like home and coordinate with roommates to figure out what items will be shared and who will be bringing them. Alumni & Family Weekend and scheduled holidays provide additional opportunities to bring back personal items onto campus.

Storage Ottoman: A triple-purpose item that acts as a step stool, hidden storage, and extra seating.
Extension Cords/Power Strips: Essential for expanding limited outlet availability.
AC Unit/Window Fan: For surviving the early-semester humidity (AC units may require health center permission).
Bedside Shelf: Provides convenient access to nighttime essentials.
Laundry Basket With Wheels: Simplifies the task of transporting laundry.
Reusable Water Bottle: Promotes hydration and reduces waste.
Shower Caddy: Keeps shower essentials organized in communal bathrooms.
Mattress Topper: Enhances comfort on standard dorm mattresses.

Housing Options and Amenities

Ready for an unforgettable college experience? Dive into the vibrant residential life at Fairfield University, where a world of amazing housing options awaits you.

The Townhouse Complexes are located on the north and south end of campus.
Yes, all first-year students live together. All residence halls are co-ed, either by wing, floor, or suite.
All rooms include a twin XL bed with mattress, desk, desk chair, wardrobe/closet, 3-drawer dresser, and access to campus wi-fi for each resident assigned to that room.
Each resident hall room also comes equipped with a micro-fridge and window coverings (i.e.
Each residence hall is equipped with a laundry facility except for Kostka and Claver Halls which share one facility in Kostka Hall. Each resident student is given an allotment of wash/dry cycles per semester (e.g., two wash/dry cycles per week) and utilize their StagCard to activate the machines.

Important Reminders

First-year students receive their room assignment and roommate(s) information at the end of July. There may be a need for the Office of Residence Life to change a particular room assignment and students will be notified individually if this occurs.
Communication and consideration are the key elements in a successful roommate relationship, and it may take a couple of weeks to develop a rapport. Resident Assistants are trained to facilitate and are a good resource to help facilitate discussions.
Yes, all students living in one of the residence halls must purchase and participate in a meal plan. For students who live in the Townhouses, Barnyard Manor, or Village Apartments the meal plan is optional. The main dining hall, the Tully Dining Commons, is located on the fourth floor of the Barone Campus Center.
Absolutely! Fairfield is a place where students stay on campus during the weekends.
Fairfield does not provide or have available storage space for student belongings during holidays, semester breaks, or over the summer. During the academic year, students must store all their belongings in their room, townhouse, or apartment, and all furniture provided by the University must remain in the room, townhouse (except for the basement), or apartment unless removed by maintenance staff.
Yes. On move-in day, there will be a limited number of extra frames available to allow students to bunk or loft their beds. Priority will be given to first-year students living in triple and quad rooms. Some frames require the assistance of maintenance staff.
The University does not assume responsibility for loss of property or damage to personal belongings. Students are encouraged to submit their own Work Orders by completing the online form. If you have any questions regarding this service, please contact the Office of Residence Life at (203) 254-4000 ext.
All outside doors are locked 24 hours a day. Students have access to the residence halls with their StagCard. After hours, they can access only their own residence hall.
We are a Tobacco Free Campus, 100% indoor and outdoor campus-wide tobacco-free environment.
"Quiet hours" have been established to help create an environment that is conducive to sleeping and studying. on weekends.

Summer Housing and Internships

To be eligible for internship housing, students must be either an undergraduate or graduate student at a university who has secured an internship or job for the summer months. Housing is offered on a weekly basis starting Sunday, May 24, 2026 and ending Saturday, August 8, 2026. This includes all utilities, air-conditioning, Internet access, unlimited laundry, and use of the University Recreation Complex. A non-refundable $50-$100 summer housing application fee for all student housing requests is due with your application. The campus is within one mile of I-95 and the Fairfield Metro-North station, making it an easy commute to many locations like Norwalk, Stamford, and New Haven. A limited number of townhouses will be made available for visiting guests or families this summer. The townhouses are two-story units consisting of two bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, dining area, a minimum of 1.5 bathrooms, and plenty of closet/storage space. During the summer, many of Fairfield University's residence halls, suites, and apartment complexes are available for overnight camps and conferences.

Staying Informed

Stags, welcome back to Fairfield University! This year, you will be joining Fairfield’s largest first-year class in the University’s history. Are you wondering what your new residence hall looks like on the inside? Maybe you're looking for inspo on how best to decorate your room? The First-Year Move-In & Fall Welcome Guide will be live on the Fairfield University Guides App by the end of the summer. including iPhone and Android devices for free. The First-Year Move-In & Fall Welcome Guide will allow you to access the event schedule, ticket info, and university resources.

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