Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Residence Hall Housing

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All Gender Housing

Amenities

Break Housing

Expectations & Regulations

First Year Housing

Housing Requirements

Lease Agreement & Insurance

Meal Plan Information

Opening-August

Maintenance and Damage

Safety & Security

 

All Gender Housing

Who can live in all-gender housing?

What are the restroom/shower facilities like in all-gender housing?

Do I have to disclose my reason for wanting/needing all-gender housing?

What if my parents don’t want me to live in all-gender housing?

Will parents be notified if their student chooses all-gender housing?

If my roommate leaves, how will a new roommate get assigned to me in all-gender housing?

What if someone who is assigned to live in all-gender housing decides they no longer want to live there?

 


Are bathrooms co-ed?
What about telephone service in my room?
What are the dimensions of the room?
Whom do I contact about network (STAR) services?

 


Break Housing

Are the residence halls/apartments open over Thanksgiving Break?

Are the residence halls/apartments open over Semester Break?

Are the residence halls/apartments open over Spring Break?

 


Expectations & Regulations

What is the role of Facilities Services in Residence Hall Housing?
What is the role of Residence Life in Residence Hall Housing?

What is the role of Housing Services in Residence Hall Housing?

What are the requirements for living in Residence Hall Housing?

Am I allowed to have pets in my room/apartment?

Can I store unwanted University furniture off-campus if I bring it back?

May I have a refrigerator in my room?

What do I do if I am locked out?

What do I do if I have lost my keys?

What do I do if I want to change rooms?

What do I do if something is wrong with my room?

What items are not permitted due to fire safety regulations?

 


 

First Year Housing

How are the first-year student buildings arranged?

How are first-year student room assignments processed?

How are first-year student roommates matched?

What if I'd like to change the room assignment I received? Can it be changed?

What should I do if I already submitted my residence application and wish to add a specific roommate choice or change the information I originally indicated?.

What should I do if I need special housing consideration due to a medical condition?

When will I receive my student assignment and roommate information?


Housing Requirements

Are students guaranteed housing on campus?

Will I have the same room assignment for four years?


Lease Agreement & Insurance

How are room charges and meal plan rates, set?

Is the personal property of residence hall residents covered by the University insurance?

Who can enter my building?

What right of entry to the leased premises does Lehigh (landlord) have?


Meal Plan Information

Are all on-campus students required to be on a meal plan?

Can I change my meal plan?

Can I add Dining Dollars?


Opening-August

Can I move in early?

Can I see my room before moving in?

What furniture will be in my room when I arrive and what do I need to bring for the room?

What should I do if I want to forward some personal belongings to campus?

What size sheets should I bring?
 


Maintenance and Damage

Are air conditioners permitted in Residence Halls?                                                                                                                            

How is student damage processed?

What contracted services does the University provide in the residence halls?

What inspections does the University perform throughout the academic year?

Who develops long-term facilities maintenance and capital renewal plans?

Who is responsible for custodial services in the buildings?

Who is responsible for maintenance and repairs in the buildings?


Safety & Security

Are there penalties for tampering with fire safety equipment?

Whose responsibility is it to keep the residence halls secure?


All Gender Housing

Who can live in all-gender housing?

All gender housing is an option for all undergraduate students who are eligible for university housing.

Anyone of any gender can live in all-gender housing. However, any on-campus housing, including all-gender housing, is not intended for romantic couples.

What are the restroom/shower facilities like in all-gender housing?

All-gender housing for first-year students, currently housed in Palmer, includes two multi-stall gender-inclusive restroom and shower facilities.

All-gender housing in suite- and apartment-style locations, including Brodhead, Sayre Park, and Farrington Square, includes private restrooms.

Do I have to disclose my reason for wanting/needing all-gender housing?

No. Sign-ups for all-gender housing do not include or require a rationale.

What if my parents don’t want me to live in all-gender housing?

Housing at Lehigh is completed by the student so it is your decision as to where you will live.

Will parents be notified if their student chooses all-gender housing?

Parents are not notified of where their student chooses housing.

If my roommate leaves, how will a new roommate get assigned to me in all-gender housing?

If a vacancy occurs during the year, the current resident is encouraged to find a new roommate to fill the vacancy. If that is not possible, we will work with the current students on the waiting list to identify the best solution, ideally placing someone into the space who has requested all gender housing. The University does reserve the right to assign the room as a single-gender space in a situation where housing is needed for people on the waiting list and no other single-gender space is available.

What if someone who is assigned to live in all-gender housing decides they no longer want to live there?

They follow the room change process, just as any student living in our buildings would.

 


Amenities

Are bathrooms co-ed?
All Gender bathrooms exist in the common areas of most residence halls. Additionally apartments and suites participating in all gender housing as well as one floor within the first year housing areas have all gender bathrooms.

What about telephone service in my room?
A landline jack is provided in each room, although each is inactive. If you have a medical need for activation of the jack to use your own telephone you must contact Library and Technology Services to request activation of the line.

What are the dimensions of the room?
Floor plans and 3D images are available under each individual building listing on our housing website. You will need to sign in using your Lehigh username and password.

Whom do I contact about network (STAR) services?
The Lehigh Office of Library and Technology Services is located in Linderman Library and can be contacted via phone or e-mail for network questions and/or problems:
Network (STAR) services 610-758-2666  (Student Technology and Repair Services)
General help 610-758-4357

 


Break Housing

Are the residence halls/apartments open over Thanksgiving Break?

 

The residence halls are open over Thanksgiving Break. Students who will be remaining on campus over Thanksgiving break must register with Housing Services. There are limited dining options during breaks. Students interested in staying during breaks should consult the Lehigh Dining Services website for further dining information.

Are the residence halls/apartments open over Semester Break?

The availability of break housing over the Semester Break will be limited during the upcoming academic year to only students who are required to remain on campus for NCAA sanctioned practices and events and/or international students. All other residents are expected to make alternative housing arrangements during these break periods.

 

Are the residence halls/apartments open over Spring Break?

The availability of break housing over the Spring Break will be limited during the upcoming academic year to only students who are required to remain on campus for NCAA sanctioned practices and events and/or international students. All other residents are expected to make alternative housing arrangements during these break periods.


Expectations & Regulations

What is the role of Facilities Services in Residence Hall Housing?
The Office of Facilities Services reports to the Vice President for Finance and Administration and is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of our residence halls to ensure a safe and healthy living environment for our residents.

What is the role of Residence Life in Residence Hall Housing?

Residence Life works to create a living environment in which our students will be engaged, challenged, and encouraged to realize their full academic and person potential. They provide programing to foster students the opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive and inclusive community.

What is the role of Housing Services in Residence Hall Housing?

The Office of Housing Services is part of the Office of Student Auxiliary Services that reports to the Vice President for Finance and Administration, and has the responsibility of acting as landlords for the University. All housing agreements with residents, originate in the Office of Housing Services.Housing Services works closely with the Office of Residence Life to ensure that these University assets are well maintained. Housing Services also provides billing services for all residence hall student charges related to room and meal plan charges.

What are the requirements for living in Residence Hall Housing?

Residents must be a registered full time Lehigh University student. As a residential campus, Lehigh University requires all first and second-year students to live in university housing each semester of the academic year that they are enrolled.  Married students, students residing with their parents or legal guardian within a 30-mile radius, students living with their dependents, and students 22 years or older may request to be exempted from this policy. 

Am I allowed to have pets in my room/apartment?
No pets are allowed except non-predatory fish in properly maintained aquariums of 10 gallons or less (aquariums must have noise-free compressors for the filters) are allowed in the residence halls.

Can I store unwanted University furniture off-campus if I bring it back?
It is expected that all University provided furniture remains in a student's room throughout the academic year. Some furniture can be disassembled and stored within the room if not wanted (e.g., bed).

May I have a refrigerator in my room?
Personal refrigerators may be brought, but are not to exceed 4.6 cubic feet. MicroFridge units are available for rental from Campus Specialties.

What do I do if I am locked out?
If locked out, students are encouraged to find a roommate to let them in the room. If they unable to find a roommate, alternate options are available. Between 7:00 AM and 4:45 PM on weekdays, students may go to the IDEAL Office. Upon presenting identification, a temporary key will be issued. Between the hours of 4:45 - 8:00 PM students should call the University Police at 610-758-4200 for assistance. Between 8:00 PM and 7:00 AM and all weekend long, students should call the Gryphon on-duty phone for the building where they reside. Phone numbers are posted on the staff office door. There are fines associated with lockouts.

What do I do if I have lost my keys?
Individuals who have lost their keys should go to the IDEAL Office.

What do I do if I want to change rooms?
Students who would like to change rooms should contact their Gryphon or any Gryphon in their building. The Gryphon will be able to assist the student with the room change procedure.

What do I do if something is wrong with my room?
Problems related to your room or common areas within the building can be directed a Gryphon within the building. Gryphons can direct and assist students with repairs and corrections.

What items are not permitted due to fire safety regulations?
Halogen lamps, candles of any kind (including decorative), incense, automatic drip coffee makers, percolators, all cooking appliances such as hot plates, electric kettles, hot pots, microwave ovens, rice cookers, air fryers, toasters, toaster ovens, electric fry pans, grills/griddles, portable heating units of any kind, electric blankets, and sun lamps. See GPO for a more complete list.


First Year Housing

Are the first-year student buildings single gender?
Lehigh houses all genders in each first year building. How they are housed within the buildings varies. We have three types of housing styles in regards to gender: single gender floorcoed on floorall gender. Students are able to preference gender type on their housing application.

How are first-year student room assignments processed?

To accommodate all students, halls are pre-designated by gender based on enrollment. Lehigh assigns rooms based on desired gender and thematic preferences. 

A random process will be utilized to determine your housing assignment along with others who have made similar selections.

How are first-year student roommates matched?

If you are matched with a roommate using the information you provide through My College Roomie, you will be placed together whenever possible. Please be sure that you gender and theme preferences match those of your roommate.

What if I'd like to change the room assignment I received? Can it be changed?
Past experience has shown that as the student becomes part of the camaraderie of the building, he/she usually no longer wishes to change. No room changes will be done prior to arrival. Students are asked to give their assignment a 10-day trial period. If the student is unhappy after that time, everything possible will be done to try to relocate him/her. Room change requests should be directed to your Gryphon for assistance with the room change procedure.

What should I do if I already submitted my residence application and wish to add a specific roommate choice or change the information I originally indicated?
You can re-enter the housing contract and update your housing information. You can continue to search and add or change roommates through My College Roommate until the deadline. Assignments are processed in June; therefore, the application must be complete by the deadline in order for it to be considered.

What should I do if I need special housing consideration due to a medical condition?
More information about medical or disability related considerations for housing can be found here.

When will I receive my student assignment and roommate information?
Room assignments and arrival information will be emailed through your Lehigh email in mid-July.


Housing Requirements

Are students guaranteed housing on campus?

First-year and Second-year students are required to live on campus and therefore guaranteed housing. All upperclassmen (juniors and seniors) wishing to reside in residence hall housing will participate in a lottery for residential spaces.

Will I have the same room assignment for four years?
No, each year students participate in a housing selection process to select a housing space for the next academic year.


Lease Agreement & Insurance

How are room charges and meal plan rates, set?
Room charges - The room charge for all residence hall students is set by the University. All residence halls as well as the fraternity/sorority houses are included in a common residential financial system. The University projects the costs for such items as; building maintenance, custodial services, and utilities, insurance related to Lehigh's role as landlord, trash removal, exterminator services, etc.                                                       

Meal Plan rates – The meal plan rates for the residence hall areas are set and billed by the university in conjunction with the Dining Services.

Is the personal property of residence hall residents covered by the University insurance?
Personal property of the residents living in residence halls is not covered by the University insurance. Residents should cover their personal property through student personal property insurance purchased by the resident at his/her option, or their parent's homeowner's insurance.

Who can enter my building?
Students living in the building, maintenance, custodial staff, Residence Life and Housing Services professional staff are the only individuals with access to a specific building. Custodial staff has access to common areas. If requested by the student, maintenance staff has the ability to access individual rooms to make repairs.

What right of entry to the leased premises does Lehigh (landlord) have?
In addition to all the rights of entry, lessor may enter the leased premises at any time in case of emergency and otherwise at reasonable times for any of the following reasons:

  • to inspect the condition of the building;
  • to inspect for fire and health hazards;
  • to make repairs, installments, additions, or alterations to the rooms or to the building, to paint same, or to perform housekeeping functions;
  • to remove both university and personal property, equipment, placards, signs, fixtures, alterations, or additions to the leased premises that are in violation of the lease;
  • to verify room occupancy, and to search by authorized University officials when there is cause to believe that a violation of University regulations is being, or has been, committed.

Meal Plan Information

Are all on-campus students required to be on a meal plan?
All first-year students are required to be on one of four meal plans. The Unlimited,  225 Block, 200 Block plan, or the 175 Block plan per semester. Upper class students residing in Trembley Park, Sayre Park and Farrington Square apartments are not required to be on a meal plan. All other on-campus upper class students are required to be on at least a 125 block meal plan. More information on Meal Plans can be found on the Dining Services page.

Can I change my meal plan?
Meal plans may be changed within the requirements of the living area up to the 10th day of class of each semester. Changes can be made through Housing and Dining Self Service. Changes outside of the required meal plan or after the 10th day of class for reasons such as medical condition must petition and receive approval from The Executive Director of Student Auxiliary Services. If such changes are approved, cost adjustments will be processed on a pro-rated basis.

Can I add Dining Dollars?

Dining dollars can be added throughout the semester as long as a meal plan was purchased.


Opening-August

Can I move in early?
The Office of Housing Services recognizes that specific individuals may need to be permitted to occupy their residence hall rooms earlier than the scheduled check-in. Early arrival information will be available in mid-July. Early Arrival requests must be must be submitted by the first Friday in August. Housing Services will review your request and notify you by e-mail if your request has been approved. If so, you will be informed of the date, time, and check-in location that have been scheduled for your arrival.

Can I see my room before moving in?
Throughout the summer months, residence halls at Lehigh University are utilized for conference programs. Since the rooms are in use, they are not available for viewing. For more information, details and floor plans about our residence halls, go to our Residence Halls page. 

What furniture will be in my room when I arrive and what do I need to bring for the room?
Each room has all of the basic furniture for each student. A bed frame, mattress, desk, desk chair, closet or wardrobe, and dresser are provided. There is a ceiling light and mini blinds. For more information, details and floor plans about our residence halls, go to our Residence Halls page.

What should I do if I want to forward some personal belongings to campus?
Personal belongings should be shipped after the student arrives on campus and should be addressed directly to the University box number where you will receive all mail being sent to you. This box number will be available for you to view through the portal in August. For more information regarding sending items to your student mailbox see Student Mailing Tips on the Mail Center website.

What size sheets should I bring?
All mattresses are 36" wide and 80" long and take extra-long twin sheets except for McClintic-Marshall (M&M) and a limited number of rooms in Dravo, which provides mattresses that are 36" wide and 75" long. Extra-long sheets will fit these smaller mattresses as well.


Maintenance and Damage

Are air conditioners permitted in Residence Halls?
All air conditioners are owned and installed by Lehigh University hired staff and will remain in windows year round. Maintenance concerns regarding the air conditioning units are to be reported as a work order to Facilities Services. Air conditioner filters will be checked and changed as necessary over breaks.

Air conditioners are not to be removed or tampered with by the resident(s) under any circumstance. Unauthorized air conditioner units will be removed and the resident responsible will be fined.                                                                                                                              

How is student damage processed?
Student damage is repaired by maintenance personnel via a work order. The total charge reflects the material cost and labor cost of the particular student damage repair. Work orders are reviewed by University personnel and those that fall out of the realm of normal “wear and tear” are sent to building staff as student damage. Responsibilities for costs of damages are assigned on a bi-semester basis. An itemized list is prepared and distributed to the Residence Life staff members. Twice a semester (at the middle and end of each) a summary of possible student damage is prepared and distributed to building staff or House Managers who provide the summary to the residents. If an individual (or group of people) is responsible for a damage the charge is applied to their Bursar account.

What contracted services does the University provide in the residence halls?
Contracted services provided by the University include the following

  • Trash and recycling pick-up five times per week
  • Extermination Services
  • Snow removal
  • Cleaning/custodial services
  • Grounds maintenance  

What inspections does the University perform throughout the academic year?
The following inspections are performed by the University or contracted professionals in all residence halls:

  • Monthly-Emergency lighting
  • Monthly-Fire extinguisher
  • Monthly-Fire system – includes smoke and heat detectors, pull stations, horns and sprinklers
  • Three times each semester-Cleaning inspections (common areas only)
  • Once each semester-Room inspections.  

Who develops long-term facilities maintenance and capital renewal plans?
The Offices of Housing Services and Facilities Services meet yearly to discuss the long-term facilities needs of each residence hall building. Input is solicited from maintenance staff and other University personnel, as well as from alumni and undergraduates. The VFA report (an independent engineering analysis) also used as a guide identified many facilities needs in each house.

Who is responsible for custodial services in the buildings?
In the residence halls, a professional cleaning contractor will supply full cleaning services in the common areas of the residence halls five days per week and general clean up and trash removal on weekends. This cleaning includes all hallways, stairwells, bathrooms, lounges, and common area kitchens. NOTE: The cleaning in kitchens does not include pots, pans, dishes, and dining tables etc., which, along with other cleaning not handled by the contractor, are the responsibility of the building residents.

Who is responsible for maintenance and repairs in the buildings?
As owner and landlord of the residence hall buildings, Lehigh is responsible for all day-to-day maintenance and repairs in University owned residence halls. Facilities Services oversees a staff of maintenance technicians who perform maintenance services in the buildings. The individual crafts include electric, carpentry, plumbing, locksmith, preventive maintenance and HVAC. On some occasions, outside contractors are also used. Residents, usually through the Gryphon staff, are responsible for reporting repairs or maintenance that they are aware of in a timely fashion, but should not perform any maintenance repairs on their own. Students are responsible for maintaining a clean and safe living environment.  


Safety & Security

Are there penalties for tampering with fire safety equipment?
There are severe financial and disciplinary penalties for tampering or disabling fire safety equipment. Repeated offenses may result in individuals being removed from housing.

Whose responsibility is it to keep the residence halls secure?
The security of the residence halls is a collective responsibility shared by the residents and University personnel. Residents are encouraged to keep all exterior doors, bedroom doors and security windows locked so that only residents of that community and their guests can have access. University personnel, including the University Police/Security Guards and University administrative offices all work together to keep the residence halls safe and secure.