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1. Do I have to live in a residence
hall?
No, but it is highly recommended. Some people like to cook,
clean, grocery shop, pay utility bills, pay first and last
month's rent, damage deposits, and travel long distances to
class, but we think living on campus is much more convenient! You
also have the opportunity to meet people from all over the state,
country, and the world. Some studies have shown that students
living in group situations maintain a higher graduation rate than
those in private apartments, as well as a higher GPA.
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2. Important terms you need to
know…
• Swensen Hall - the women's residence
hall
• Werner Hall - the men's residence hall
• Student Union Building - where the bookstore, Housing
Office, Board of Governors office, cafeteria, snack bar, and game
room are located
• Director of Student Life - Overall supervisor
• Resident Supervisor (RS) - Overall supervisor of your
hall
• Resident Assistant (RA) - Student supervisor of your
floor/wing
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3. Is a residence hall the same as a
dorm?
The two names are often used interchangeably, yet Bismarck State
College recognizes a significant difference between the two. The
term "dorm" originates from the Latin word "dormitus" meaning "to
sleep," an important objective of our residence halls. However,
our job at Bismarck State College is to provide opportunities for
personal and educational growth and the development of students -
not just a place to sleep. Important contributions to this
objective are made by trained Residence Hall staff, and residence
hall activities and programming in each living group. At BSC,
you'll be living in a residence hall, not a dorm.
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4. Are single rooms available?
Double-as-single spaces (double rooms with only one occupant)
are only available during years of surplus space.
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5. Is it possible to request a particular
roommate?
Yes! This may be done when you complete the application form.
Complete instructions on how to request a roommate are included
in this form. It is particularly important to follow the
instruction on roommate selection to best ensure your roommate
preference. BOTH roommates must follow the instructions
carefully. Mutual roommate requests are an important part of
ensuring you get the roommate of your choice.
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6. If I do not have a roommate preference,
what factors will be used to select a roommate for me?
Roommates are randomly assigned when no specific roommate
preference is given.
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7. What if my roommate and I do not get
along?
First, it's important for you and your roommate to try to get to
know each other as individuals. Time is usually needed for this
to happen, and we find that even randomly paired roommates
usually get along fine. Residence hall staff can often assist
with improving roommate relationships. If all else fails, room
transfers can be arranged.
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8. What if I want to change
rooms?
Stop by to see the Resident Supervisor and he/she will let you
know what rooms are available and what your options may be. The
Supervisor can approve your transfer if the room is
available.
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9. What does it cost to live in the
residence hall for one year?
Costs will vary according to the hall you select, room type, and
the meal plan you choose. Please see the Room and Board Rates for
rate details.
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10. If I do not get my hall, room, and/or
roommate preference, what can I do?
Hall assignments are made in the order of the date we receive
the contract. The earlier you contract for housing and pay the
$25 application fee and $75 deposit, the greater your chances for
being assigned. However, even if two students want to live
together but their dates of deposit are vastly different, a
roommate pairing cannot be guaranteed.
Second, we honor roommate requests whenever
possible. If we are not able to match you with your roommate
preference or assign you to your first or second preference, then
there are opportunities throughout the year to transfer.
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11. Is it possible to live in a residence
hall and not take the meal plan?
No. All residents must have a room and board contract. If it is
necessary, the Dining Services management staff is trained to
assist with special diets.
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12. How do I pay for my room and
board?
Semester room and board rates are due in the fall and the
spring. Students who would like to pay in installments must make
these arrangements with the Business Office. Any questions
regarding payments, including installments, should be directed to
the Business Office.
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13. What if I want to change my meal
plan?
During fall semester, board plans can be changed in September
and January according to the dates indicated in your
contract.
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14. * Where do I eat and when?
Residents may eat in the Student Union Building. Students can
choose from two flexible meal plans. The meal times are listed in
the handbook issued at registration or at the Bookstore. The
residence hall food program is excellent! Students who have class
conflicts at any of these eating times may get their sack lunch
during the meal prior to the conflict. If you are ill and unable
to go eat, your RA or roommate can pick up a sick tray for
you.
* Please note that meals will not be served
whenever the campus is closed (weekends, holidays,
vacations.)
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15. I know that I need to bring my own
bedding, but what size should I bring?
You will need to bring sheets, pillows, pillowcases, and
blankets. All residence hall beds require extra long twin
sheets.
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16. What should I bring for my
room?
We suggest that you bring any special items (and some practical
ones, too) which will make your new home feel like a
home…but you can't bring everything! Room personalization
is strongly encouraged. Rooms are furnished with a bed, dresser,
desk, chair, blinds, and wastebasket for each resident. In order
to make your new home as comfortable as possible, we suggest you
bring your favorite blankets, bedspreads, towels, and pillows.
Pictures and posters may be hung on the walls of your room, but
you will be charged for any damages that occur.
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17. What kind of things can I
bring?
Refrigerators (up to 4.5 cubic feet)
Clocks
Telephones
Desk lamps
Rugs or carpet pieces
Computers and accessories
TV
Radio
Fans
Hair dryers
Curling irons
Sewing machines
Heating pads
Towels, blankets, pillows
Plants
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18. What items are not allowed?
Rubber or foam backed carpeting
Microwaves
Open flame devices or devices that produce a hot surface
Pets
Alcohol containers (i.e. beer bottles)
Parachutes
Hot pots
Firearms, including archery and paintball equipment
Weights (i.e. barbells)
For use in hall kitchenettes
only:
Cooking appliances, i.e. toasters, popcorn poppers, sandwich
makers, etc.
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19. What does my room look like?
A picture is available for preview on the Residence Hall web
page. A tour can be arranged through the Admissions Office or
Housing Office.
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20. What happens if I get locked
out?
The Resident Supervisor or Resident Assistant can let you into
your room.
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21. What are the bathrooms like?
The community bathroom contains several private stalls, private
shower stalls, and sinks that are shared by residents of the same
gender. Our suites in Swensen Hall offer more privacy as one
bathroom is shared with only two suites instead of an entire
floor/wing, with the shower, sink, and toilet all in one
room.
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22. Is telephone service available in
student rooms?
Yes! Every residence hall room on campus is equipped with
telephone line service. Students will be required to provide
their own phone. Students desiring long distance dialing capacity
will be issued billing numbers. Economical long distance service
is available to all residence hall students.
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23. How does the mail work?
There is a daily mail pick-up (except on Sundays and holidays).
Each student is issued a mailbox during check-in. Students can
mail packages and buy stamps at the Bookstore.
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24. Do I get cable TV?
Yes. Extended basic cable is provided in all residence hall
rooms.
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25. How about the internet?
Internet is available to all students in the computer labs on
campus. However, there are no computer labs in the residence
halls. Individual dial-up connections are available with use of
the phone line in the room, but are available only to students
who purchase it through a local internet provider.
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26. Are there areas where I can study in
my residence hall?
Each residence hall is arranged with lounge areas where studying
is possible. Inquire of the RAs or RS about other areas suitable
for studying.
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27. Are pets allowed in the residence
halls?
No. Pets are not allowed in BSC residence halls.
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28. What kinds of activities and programs
are offered in the halls?
During the course of the academic year, residents will have the
opportunity to participate in various programs and activities.
There are social, recreational, cultural, and educational
programs covering current events and social issues. Intramural
sports, movies, dances, lectures, forums, and many other
activities will be arranged throughout the year for
residents.
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29. Do I have to pay for
parking?
Students will be issued parking permits for their vehicles.
Student parking is free and available at all residence halls and
in designated parking lots on campus.
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30. Will the residence hall be open during
vacation breaks?
No. All residence halls are closed during breaks (Thanksgiving,
Christmas, and Spring break) At least one residence hall will
remain open during these times for students who are unable to go
home or stay off-campus. There is an extra charge for residents
staying during break periods.
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31. When can I move in?
The residence halls open from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. the Sunday
before school starts for check-in and moving in.
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32. When do I move out?
Check-out is required to take place within an hour of
commencement or three hours after your last final.
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33. If I need help, are there people in
the hall to help me?
Yes! A Resident Assistant (RA) is assigned to each floor/wing in
every residence hall on campus. These students have been hired
through a competitive selection process and trained to assist you
in residence hall matters. Resident Supervisors with extensive
housing experience and training are caring people who will help
you get answers to your questions.
Our staff (RAs, Supervisors, and additional
Housing Office staff are ready to assist you with questions about
BSC, roommate conflicts, personal problems, as well as social and
academic problems. They will also be involved with organizing
activities and programs where everyone can be involved. Our staff
members are special people who work hard to build a community
within the Residence Hall system, and to help our residents
succeed at Bismarck State College.
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34. Is there a nurse/clinic available on
campus?
No. There are no on-campus medical facilities at this time.
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35. What is the Student ID card?
The Student ID card will be used as your campus ID, meal plan
card, and library card. If you pre-register during the summer,
you will receive your card at that time. You must have this card
to eat at the dining center. Information will be available at
check-in for students who do not have a Student ID card.
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36. What if I have other
questions?
Questions about housing and meal plans should be directed to the
Student Life and Housing office. Questions regarding hall tours,
events, check-in, etc. can be asked of the hall Resident
Supervisor.
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