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I am a new student to Dominican, how can I apply for housing?
Housing applications for new students are available online and through the Admissions Office. Students are required to send a $200.00 deposit with their housing application. Applications with deposits are processed by date of arrival in the Office of Residence Life; therefore, students are encouraged to apply early.

Is there an application deadline?
No. Students may apply for housing at any time during the semester. However, applications are processed by the date received in the Office of Residence Life. If you are placed on a waiting list, we will notify you when a room becomes available.  If a room is not available for you at the opening of the residence halls, you may request to be removed from the wait list and may have your housing deposit returned.

When will I find out my room assignment?
All resident students will receive a mailing in July providing basic information about living on campus at Dominican. Included in this mailing will be your room assignment and the name and phone number of your roommate (if applicable). Additionally, check-in information for both new and returning students will be included in the mailing.
                                                              
Can freshmen live in Centennial Hall?
Yes! Housing placement for new students is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Approximately 40 spaces in Centennial are held for freshmen. 148 spaces are reserved in Coughlin hall for freshmen.
 
What if I want a single room?
Dominican University is committed to placing all first year students (freshmen) in double rooms. After their first year, students choose their own rooms and are able to select a single room, if available, at that time. 
 
How long are the beds? Do I need "extra long" sheets?
Most of the mattresses in Aquinas, Centennial, Coughlin and Power are standard size.  The exact dimensions are 38" x 75".
What can I bring?
Listed below are items you may want to bring for your room at Dominican. It is a good idea to talk to your roommate to determine who is going to bring the larger items so you do not have duplicates.
Bedding: sheets, blankets, comforter, pillow, alarm clock, toiletries, towel/robe, shower bucket/shoes, school supplies/backpack, food/snacks, mirror, trash can, small tool kit, first aid kit, sewing kit, laundry detergent, laundry basket, hangers, iron/ironing board, cups/plates/utensils, crates/plastic storage boxes, cleaning supplies, power strips, fan, TV/VCR/DVD, flashlight, radio.
Also remember to bring important documents such as Social Security card, emergency contact information, and insurance information.
 
What is NOT allowed in the residence halls?
Toaster/hot plate, Electric skillet/broiler, Coffee makers, Halogen lamp, Air conditioners, Candles/incense, Pets, space heaters.  

Are lofts allowed?
Yes. Freestanding lofts are allowed. However, the furniture already in the room may not be removed. If students want to build a loft, it is recommended that they incorporate the bed pieces into the loft or store them in their room.

May I bring my own furniture?
Yes. Students may bring in tasteful furniture in good condition; however, all University furniture must remain in the room.

Is there an elevator?
There are elevators located in each of the residence halls.

Is there carpeting in the room?
All residence hall rooms have tiled flooring, except for most rooms in Aquinas Hall and a few single rooms in Coughlin Hall.

What if there is something not working or broken in my room?
Any maintenance requests can be submitted online at http://domweb.dom.edu/repairs/ 
Submit requests such as a light bulb not working, a clogged drain or heating problems. Repairs/damages may be charged to the student(s) living in the room depending on the nature of the repair.

How often are the rooms cleaned?
Students are responsible for cleaning their own rooms. Maintenance staff is responsible for cleaning the common areas (hallways, lounges, etc.), public restrooms, and the bathrooms in the living areas. Centennial Hall bathrooms are cleaned weekly.

May students leave their belongings in the room during breaks?
Students may leave belongings in their rooms for all breaks except for the summer. Students are encouraged to take home all valuables during break periods, as the University is not responsible for lost or stolen property.

Where can students go to do their laundry?
Laundry rooms are located on the first floor of Coughlin Hall, the lower level of the Priory campus, Centennial 2, 3, and 4, and on the fourth floor of Power Hall. Students must provide their own detergent. Most machines require students to purchase a laundry card. Laundry cards can be purchased in the laundry room for $5.00 (it must be purchased with a five dollar bill). Laundry costs $1.25 to wash and $1.25 to dry.

What does a student do if they are having roommate problems?
Students are encouraged to utilize the Resident Assistants and Residence Life Staff within the residence halls to resolve conflicts between roommates. Conflicts that cannot be resolved should be brought to the attention of the Residence Hall Directors for further assistance.

What if a student wants to change his/her meal plan?
Contact Chartwell's catering at chartwells@dom.edu to change your meal plan.  
 
Are the halls locked?
Students must use their Student ID cards to enter the residence halls. All other doors are for emergency use only. Guests are required to call their host for entry into the halls. During the school year, guests must be checked in at the Coughlin Commons Resource Desk. The host must escort guests at all times.
 
Is there staff that live in the residence halls?
Yes. Residence Life staff live in the residence halls. Each floor has one or two Resident Assistants to help with any concerns students may encounter. 
May I have guests in my room?
Residents are required to sign in all guests at the front desk in the Coughlin Commons. The front desk is staffed 24-hours a day by Dominican students. Residents may have guests at any time of the day.
 
May I have alcohol in my room?
Only students over the age of 21 may have alcohol in their rooms. Underage residents should not be present when alcohol is being consumed.

Should students get insurance for belongings brought to campus?
Students are encouraged to check their parents' homeowners insurance. Many homeowners insurance plans will cover students' belongings while away at college. Dominican University is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items, therefore, having insurance is recommended.

Is there a campus escort service?
Yes. Security offers an escort service on an as-requested basis.
What if I have other questions?
Residence Life staff is available at 708-524-6217 or via email at reslife@dom.edu

What is a Resident Assistant?
Resident Assistants (RAs) are students carefully selected for their ability to advise and aid residents in everyday situations. The Resident Assistant lives with and builds relationships with students living in the residence halls. The RA serves as a role model and builder of community, assisting students and supporting academic achievement. The RAs play a key role in creating an environment for students that is conducive to academic, personal, and social growth. The RAs are responsible for developing programs for students, maintaining safety and order in the residence halls, and creating a living-learning environment in the residential community.

What is a Residence Life Coordinator?
Residence Life Coordinators (RLCs) are graduate students with residence life experience who live and work in the residence halls. Their primary position is to support and enhance the student experience in the residence halls. RLCs work with the information desk, student programming, student conduct, work-study students, and other areas which make a positive impact on the daily lives of students.

What is a Residence Hall Director?
The Residence Hall Directors (RHDs) are full-time professionals with Master’s degrees in education. They have been specifically trained and educated to work with the college student population. They live in the residence halls to ensure a healthy and happy living arrangement for all students. They supervise the RAs and handle all the day-to-day operations of running the residence halls. They have extensive training in crisis management, diversity education, and counseling issues.