FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

University Residences Application Process

1. When can I apply for University housing? You must be admitted to Purdue before applying for housing. Once you’ve been admitted to Purdue, you can and should submit your housing application and $75 deposit as quickly as possible. Apply Online
2. How do I apply for housing? If you have been admitted to Purdue University, you can apply online.
3. Where can I get a housing application? Apply Online
4. When do I need to send in my housing application? You should send in your housing application and deposit immediately after you receive your offer of admission to Purdue University and before our preferential housing application deadline of March 1.
5. I sent in my housing application, now what? A postcard will be mailed to you confirming that your housing application and deposit were received. Beginning in April, a housing contract mailing will be mailed to students who have submitted a housing application and $75 housing deposit for fall housing. At that time, you will be instructed to electronically sign your housing contract, indicate your residence preferences, roommate choice (if applicable), guest hours option, meal plan option, and pay plan option.
6. What’s the difference between my housing application and housing contract? The housing application and $75 deposit indicates your interest in living on campus. The date the housing office receives your housing application and deposit also determines your priority for assignment to space in University Residences. The housing contract is a legally binding document that secures your place in University housing and commits you to University housing unless you choose not to come to Purdue University.
7. Why didn’t I get my first choice of residences? In order to be fair, a priority date is assigned to your housing application upon our receiving it. Priority is not established by the date we receive your signed housing contract and preference information. Housing assignments generally are made in the order in which housing applications and $75 housing deposits are received, after housing assignments are made for certain groups, such as Learning Communities and National Merit Finalists. Another factor that may affect your assignment is if a mutual roommate request filed their housing application at a later date than you did. We use the later of the pairs’ priority date in making assignments, so an early applicant could be pulled back by someone filing a later application.
8. Can I change my assignment to another residence? Our residences are filled in anticipation of cancellations over the summer and, therefore, we do not expect any vacancies in those facilities until second semester. However, a transfer may be requested at that time.
9. Why didn’t I get my requested roommate? It may not be a mutual request or your roommate request may not have had his/her housing contract signed and preferences submitted at the time assignments were made. We do not hold space for a requested roommate if they have not completed their housing contract and submitted their housing preferences.
10. I want to cancel my application, how do I do that? Send us a letter with your name and Purdue University ID number and tell us why you are canceling. Note: This refers to your housing application, not your contract. A contract can only be canceled if you choose NOT to come to Purdue.

    Please send your cancellation request letter to:

    University Residences Directors' Office
    Purdue University
    Smalley Center
    1225 Third Street
    West Lafayette IN 47907-2008

    You may also send your cancellation request letter by Fax to (765) 494-0718.

11. When will I be notified of where I’m going to live/my residence assignment? Residence assignments were sent out around June 1 for the fall semester and December 1 for spring semester. Students applying after these dates will receive assignments later as space is available.
12. When will I receive my refund of the housing deposit if I cancel my application? It will normally take 6-8 weeks after we have received your notice of cancellation. View Housing Application Deposit Refund Schedule
13. What are the deadlines for the University Residences application process? 2008-2009 Academic Year Entry Dates After being admitted: Return the housing application and deposit before the March 1 preferential housing deadline to establish priority for University housing. We begin accepting housing applications in September of your senior year in high school. The earlier you apply for housing, the greater your chances are of getting an assignment to one of the buildings you most prefer. Around April 1, 2008: New beginning students who have previously submitted a housing application and deposit will receive a housing contract mailing and may request a specific roommate at this time. College sophomores, juniors, seniors, and transfer students will be notified of the availability of University housing and may receive a housing contract. May 1, 2008: *Deadline for return of housing contract and preference information. June 1, 2008: University Residences begin mailing of residence assignments to students. *Students applying for housing after October 15 (for Spring) and March 1 (for Fall) may receive a housing contract mailing letter if space is available. Important Moving In information
14. Should I return my contract if I am not sure I will be attending Purdue? Yes. You will only be held responsible for the contract if you attend Purdue University. If you decide not to attend Purdue, you should notify our office as soon as you make that decision.
15. Do I send any money with the housing contract? No. Your first housing payment will be billed to you at a later date.
16. If I cannot login and sign my New Resident Contract, will my chances of being assigned my first choice of residence decrease as time passes before I'm able to login?No, if you have already submitted your housing application and $75 housing deposit, your housing assignment priority has already been established. The general rule for assignment to University Residences is to assign according to the date the housing application and $75 housing deposit are received. Therefore, the date and time at which a student completes and signs their New Resident Contract has no bearing on how likely that student will get their first choice of residence. In other words, if you are having issues logging into the New Resident Contract system, there is no need to be concerned about not being assigned your first choice of residence since your priority has already been established by the date you submitted your housing application and $75 deposit.

General Information (University Residences)

1. What should I bring? View Moving In.
2. What are the requirements for appliances in my room? Small electrical appliances, such as coffee makers and popcorn poppers, are allowed in student rooms as long as the heating element is completely enclosed. Other appliances, such as microwaves and refrigerators, are allowed if they follow these requirements:
   • Microwave: Only one microwave is allowed in a room. It must not exceed 1,000 watts.
   • Refrigerator: Refrigerators cannot be more than 4 cubic feet and must not exceed 200 watts. It must be noncombustible, nontoxic, and use non corrosive refrigerator compressive gas such as freon.
   • Microwave/Refrigerator Combination: Combination units must not exceed 1200 watts.
   • All appliances must be Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. approved.
3. Are University Residences co-ed? For traditional undergraduate students, Purdue has one women’s hall, two men’s halls and nine co-ed halls with students in separate living areas.
4. When do the halls open and close for the year? For the academic year beginning fall 2008, early check-in (for an additional fee) begins Saturday, August 16. Housing contracts begin on Friday, August 22. The halls close on the Monday after finals. Check your contract for other information and exact dates.
5. When can I move in? Your housing contract begins Friday, August 22, 2008. For an additional fee, early check-in begins Saturday, August 16, 2008. Check contract for exact dates.
6. When do classes begin? Fall semester classes begin on Monday, August 25, 2008.
7. Can I move my belongings into my room before I am ready to move in? Early arrival begins at 9:00 a.m., Saturday, August 16, 2008 and continues through Thursday, August 21, 2008 (An additional fee will be charged). Food service begins Monday, August 18, 2008.
   Read more about Moving In.
8. What are the guest hours for University Residences? Hillenbrand Hall and Hilltop Apartments (except for freshmen assigned to Hilltop) have 24-hour visitation, 7 days per week. All other halls, including Hilltop North Freshmen, have the following visitation hours:
   • Guest Hours
     • Sunday through Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
     • Friday 8:00 a.m. through Monday 2:00 a.m.: 24-hour guest hours
9. Do I have to live in the University Residences? No one is required to live in University housing at any time.
10. Can I connect to the Internet from my room? All residences have our ResNet service available for an extra fee. Find out more about ResNet.
11. Are lofts allowed and where can I obtain a loft? View Loft Guidelines and Options
12. Can I change pay plans at a later time if I need to? If you want to change your pay plan, please contact the main office of the residence you are currently assigned to make this request. Their telephone number is located on your Notice of Assignment and also on each hall's home page under Housing Choices.
13. Can I have a car on campus? Freshmen are not allowed to have cars on campus and depending on the area you live in, some sophomores may not be able to register cars.
14. How safe are the University Residences? University Residences strive to provide a safe environment. However, as with any community with a large number of people, it’s best to take precautions such as locking doors and making sure your personal items are covered by your parent’s homeowner’s insurance policy. CSI Insurance Agency, Inc. offers a CSI Personal Property Protector Plus plan that provides full replacement cost coverage for less than the cost of a homeowner’s deductible. For more information, contact www.collegestudentinsurance.com
15. Can I leave things in my room over breaks? Yes, leaving belongings in your room is allowed for all breaks except summer.
16. Can I stay in my room over breaks? Residents are not allowed to stay in the halls over winter or summer breaks. The halls are open for residents to stay in for all other breaks.
17. Are there curfews in University Residences? No, there are no curfews. Doors lock at 11:00 p.m. and residents must go through the night-checker (Access Clerk) station to get in, but residents are not required to be in their rooms at any time.
18. Can I smoke in my room? No. All University Residences are non-smoking.
19. Where can I do laundry? There is a laundry room in every residence with coin-operated washers and dryers.
20. What is the standard residence mattress size and are bed linens provided? The standard residence mattress size is 36” x 78”. Bed linens are not provided.
21. Do I need to clean my room? Your room is your responsibility. You are not required to clean your room except before check-out at the end of the academic year. Mops, brooms, and vacuum cleaners are available at each residence. We encourage students to clean their rooms on a regular basis.
22. Is there anywhere I can cook? Most residences have kitchenettes available for residents to do limited amounts of cooking.
23. Can I get a single room? The number of single rooms is very limited and students currently living in University Residences have priority for these rooms. New students should not expect to be assigned to a single room.
24. What can I do if I have roommate problems? University Residences encourages open communication between residents. If talking it out between the two of you doesn’t work, your floor resident assistant is an excellent resource for assistance.
25. Who can I contact if I have a specific question regarding my room and/or roommate? Please contact the main office of the residence you are currently assigned for questions regarding your room and/or roommates. Their telephone number is located on your Notice of Assignment and also on each hall's home page under Housing Choices.
26. Are pets allowed? No pets are allowed in University Residences except fish.
27. Is there a campus bus service? Yes. Purdue University students may ride CityBus by showing their PUID. Check out the route information.
28. Is there a campus safety escort program? Yes. Both the Purdue Student Government and Wiley Hall have walking escort services available for students.
29. Where can I go if I am ill? Purdue has a Purdue Student Health Center. There are also two hospitals in Lafayette.
30. How is the phone system set up? Long-distance? Private line touch-tone telephones with call waiting and voice mail are provided. Long-distance calls may be made by use of a personal credit card or by signing up for Purdue Prepaid Long Distance Service. No collect calls may be accepted by a Purdue phone, including those in University Residences. Click here for more information about Purdue Prepaid Long Distance.
31. What kind of cable TV is in my room? Purdue provides cable TV to each room at no additional charge. It includes our own BTV which shows movies and also announcement of campus happenings. Access the BTV Movie schedule Online.
32. Which residences have air-conditioning and which residences can provide an air-conditioned room for students who have a medical need for an air-conditioned space?
• Residences That Are Air-Conditioned:
  • Cary Quadrangle (all units except Southeast and Southwest)
  • Earhart Hall
  • Hawkins Hall (for students 20 years of age and older)
  • Hillenbrand Hall (for college sophomores, juniors, and seniors)
  • Hilltop Apartments (buildings 28-32)
  • McCutcheon Hall - Men’s wing
  • Purdue Village (window units for single undergraduate students)
  • Shreve Hall
  • Young Hall (for male college sophomores, juniors, and seniors)
• Residences That Can Provide An Air-Conditioned Room for Students Who Have a Medical Need for An Air-Conditioned Space:
  • Harrison Hall
  • Hilltop Apartments (in buildings 1-27, students must pay an installation fee of $40 to have their own air-conditioning unit installed by Hilltop staff)
  • McCutcheon Hall
33. Do I need to purchase property insurance? The university does not assume responsibility for the loss of money or valuables, damage to property, or injuries on the premises. If you are not covered under your parent/guardian's homeowner's insurance policy, we strongly recommend that you make arrangements for insurance protection against such losses.

Dining Services

1. What is included in the meal plans? Beginning students can choose a traditional plan that includes 10- , 15- , or 20- meal swipes each week. The 10- and 20- meal swipe plans include $125 Dining Dollars per semester, while the 15-meal plan includes $175. Meal swipes must be used during the week in which they are valid or they will expire.
   
   If you have an academic classification of 3 or higher, you may choose a Black or Gold Meal Plan instead of a traditional 10-, 15-, or 20-meal plan. The Black and Gold Plans contain blocks of meals, 210 and 300 per year, respectively, that can be used for you and/or your guests at anytime during the semester. Dining Dollars are also included in these plans. The meals and the Dining Dollars are distributed by semester, half in the fall and half in the spring. Unused meals and Dining Dollars will carry over from fall to spring semester and will expire when the meal contract ends. Check out Menus Online.
2. Can I change my meal plan? You may choose to increase the number of meal swipes you receive within the traditional 10-, 15-, and 20-Meal Plans OR within the Black and Gold Meal Plans any time during the semester. You can only reduce the number of meal swipes in your meal plan or switch between the traditional and block plans prior to the first day of the semester’s board contract meal service—August 22, 2008 and January 12, 2009.
   
   Students living at Hilltop Apartments and the Purdue Village Apartments for single undergraduate students who wish to change to a room-only option must do so prior to the start of the fall contract.  Current residents of non-apartment halls who transfer to Hilltop Apartments or the Purdue Village Apartments for single undergraduate students can select a room-only option when they are initially assigned to Hilltop or Purdue Village.
3. How do I request a change to my meal plan? If you want to change your meal plan, please contact the main office of the residence you are currently assigned to make this request. Their telephone number is located on your Notice of Assignment and also on each hall's home page under Housing Choices.
4. Do I have to get a meal plan? Students who choose to live in the undergraduate residence halls are required to purchase a meal plan as part of the housing contract. Students who live in Hilltop Apartments or the Purdue Village Apartments for single undergraduate students may select a meal plan when they sign their housing contract but are not required to do so. (Note:  Students living at Hilltop Apartments and the Purdue Village Apartments for single undergraduate students who have selected a meal plan are not eligible to change to a room-only option during the term of the housing contract.)  Hawkins Hall and Young Hall residents or off-campus students may purchase Open Dining Cards or use BoilerExpress for dining in University Residences Dining facilities.
5. What locations accept a meal plan?The meals may be used in any of the All-You-Care-to-Eat locations or On the Go! dining facilities. Dining Dollars may be used to purchase extra meals, snacks, and mini-mart items. Dining Dollars roll over from first to second semester, but expire when your meal contract ends. Meal plans may be changed prior to the effective contract start date of each semester. Contracts begin August 17, 2007 and January 7, 2008. You can increase your meal plan within the traditional 10-, 15-, or 20-meal plans OR within the Black and Gold Meal Plans any time during the semester. You can only reduce your meal plan or switch between the traditional and Black/Gold plans prior to the first day of the semester's board contract, August 17, 2007 and January 7, 2008.
6. Where can I eat? The meal portion of the board plan can be used in any University Residence dining location and according to the posted schedule of service times and days. Dining Dollars can also be used in the dining locations as well as retail operations that include three restaurants and two mini-marts. Check out Campus Dining.
7. What are Dining Dollars and where can I use them? Dining Dollars are dollar amounts that can be used to buy additional meals for students and their guests, snacks, and mini-mart items in any of the retail operations of University Residences. They are automatically part of the meal plan in addition to the meals per week. Unused Dining Dollars roll over from fall to spring semester but expire when the meal contract ends.
8. What is BoilerExpress? A BoilerExpress debit account provides a way of making cash-free purchases at University Residences dining and retail locations and the Purdue Memorial Union. It can also be used in vending machines, copy machines and for doing laundry. BoilerExpress account information is accessed through each student’s University ID card. To open a BoilerExpress account, an application and a minimum deposit of $25 is required. There is no minimum balance to maintain, and any balance remaining at the end of the year will roll to the next year as long as you remain a Purdue student.
9. I have a special diet. Can you help? The variety of menu items available accommodates most special diet needs. If you are on a specific diet prescribed by a physician, you may request assistance from a dining services manager or one of the registered dietitians on staff. For additional information contact our Nutrition Coordinator at (765) 494-9204 for an appointment, and also bring a copy of the diet prescription from your doctor.
10. Can I purchase meals if I live off campus? BoilerExpress can be used as a meal plan. Students can deposit money into their accounts in convenient amounts and use it to buy meals and snacks when and where their schedules permit. BoilerExpress accounts can be closed at any time and the account balance will be refunded, minus a $10 closing fee. The Open Dining Card may be purchased by faculty, staff, off-campus students, University Residences students who have purchased a standard meal plan made available to them, and University Residences students who have not been offered a meal plan. The card can be presented at any University Residences dining facility!
11. What forms of payment do the dining courts accept and how much does a meal cost for a guest? The dining courts accept Dining Dollars, BoilerExpress, cash, Visa, and Mastercard. View Guest Meal Prices.
12. Are there opportunities for employment? There are many opportunities for students to work at convenient locations in or near their residence hall. Contact any dining services manager or follow this link to fill out an application online.
13. How can I purchase a dining card? You can purchase an Open Dining Card that offers meal swipes in blocks or units of 25 meals for $195.00. The Open Dining Card may be purchased by faculty, staff, off-campus students, University Residences students who have purchased a standard meal plan made available to them, and University Residences students who have not been offered a meal plan. The card can be presented at any University Residences dining facility!

Dining Dollars

1. What is the difference between Dining Dollars and debit dollars (BoilerExpress account)? Dining Dollars are a part of your meal plan and can be used to buy additional meals, snacks, or mini mart items in University Residences. They are not refundable and expire at the end of the contract. Your BoilerExpress account is one that you open (with an initial deposit of $25) which allows you to use your debit card instead of cash at any participating food or nonfood location on campus.
2. Can I only use Dining Dollars during meal periods? Dining dollars can be used at any time University Residences food operations are open. They can be used to buy additional meals in dining locations or make purchases in retail operations.
3. How will I know how many Dining Dollars and debit dollars I have left in my accounts? An account balance and printed receipt will be available at the time of your purchase or transaction. Without a transaction, you can get a balance at your residence main office or at a reader in any food service location. Monthly account statements will also be mailed to students who have BoilerExpress debit accounts.
4. If I run out of Dining Dollars, can I add money to this account? You will not be able to add money to your Dining Dollars account. You can open a BoilerExpress account, with an initial deposit of $25. This account serves as a debit account and can be used the same as cash anywhere that is equipped to use the BoilerExpress debit card. These places include: dining rooms, mini marts, retail operations, vending and laundry machines in the University Residences as well as Purdue Memorial Union food locations.
5. What happens if I don’t use up all of my Dining Dollars or all of the money in my BoilerExpress account by the end of the semester? Unused Dining Dollars are not refundable, as they are a part of your contract meal plan and expire at the end of the contract. Dining Dollars will be carried over from fall to spring semester. Unused BoilerExpress funds can be refunded at the end of the school year or whenever the student withdraws from school. A fee of $10 will be charged to close a debit account.
6. Can I use dining dollars to buy school supplies and laundry detergent in the mini marts? Yes. Dining Dollars may be used for purchases in any University Residences retail operation.
7. Will I be able to pay for a guest by swiping my card and using my Dining Dollars? Yes, you will be able to have a guest eat a meal with you and pay with your Dining Dollars. The first swipe of your card will be for yourself, taking away one meal from the total you have for the week. The second one will be for your guest and will come from your Dining Dollar account.

NetNutrition & Sensible Eating

1. Where can I find nutritional information about food served at the dining courts? NetNutrition and Sensible Eating
2. How far in advance and how far back can I view nutritional information that is based on items that are being served at the dining courts? You can view one week’s menus at any time.
3. I am searching for an entree from Heartland Classics. Why can’t I find it? Not all item data has been verified that it is correct to show on NetNutrition. A team is continuing to work on this data, and it will show under the title of Daily Feature as items and recipes are coded.
4. How do I figure how many calories I need? NetNutrition and Sensible Eating
   MyPyramid.gov
5. How can I estimate the measurement of the portions I eat at the dining courts? Computer Mouse = ¾ Cup
   Pair of Dice = About 1 Tablespoon
   Cheese Slice = 1 Ounce
   Whole Tennis Ball = About 1/2 Cup
   Golf Ball = ¼ Cup
   Deck of Cards = 3 oz Portion of Meat
   Postage Stamp = 1 Teaspoon
6. How do I identify vegan and vegetarian items within NetNutrition? Vegan items can be identified if Vegan appears in the name of the item. Vegetarian items will be denoted with an asterisk.
7. Can I look up On the Go! items in NetNutrition? No, this information is currently not available. It will be a future enhancement.
8. I am concerned about food safety, what types of precautions can I take? There are Use by dates on various On the Go! items. Potentially hazardous foods should be refrigerated or eaten within 4 hours.
9. Where can I find more information on food allergies? Visit Dining Services Food Allergies
10. What kind of oil is used for frying foods? Trans Fat Free oil is used for French frying all products.
11. Are the fat calories in French fried products accurate? The data used for French fried products does include absorption of fat from frying.