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Residence Life FAQ

One of the best parts of the Southeastern experience is living on campus in one of our residence halls. Each hall has its own personality and traditions, and all offer you that unique collegiate experience, and introduces you to new friends, cultures, and other students who share your major or interests. See the Frequently Asked Questions listed below.

What is the application process for Student housing? Open Close

Apply to live on campus!

Click here to Apply

Follow the link above to apply to live on campus at Southeastern! Through this website you will be able to submit the Housing Application, sign the Housing Contract, pay any Room Reservation Fee, select your room and roommate(s), and much more! This website is the central hub for all things “Housing”!

Is there a deadline for applying for student housing? Open Close

There is a priority deadline of June 15th. The Room Selection Timeslots for selecting room and roommates open after this date. It is important for you to submit your Housing Contract by the priority deadline to have the best chance of selecting the room/roommates that you would like. (Some specific programs, such as Freshmen PLC and Freshmen Honors may be given an opportunity to select rooms/roommates during their scheduled orientation programs.)

Housing Contracts may be turned in after June 15th, but students select their rooms as the Room Selection Timeslots open, and submitting a Housing Contract after this process begins may limit the selection options.

What is the length of the housing contract? Open Close

Students may sign up for an Academic Term (Fall & Spring), Spring only, and/or Summer only. There is no option for Fall only. Students that plan to graduate in December must complete an Academic Year Housing Contract and cancel their Housing Contract in writing by 11/15. See the Housing Contract Terms and Conditions for additional information. It is also important to be aware that there are Spring Housing Contract charges related to canceling an Academic Year Housing Contract during or at the end of the Fall semester. summer. See the Housing Contract Terms & Conditions for more information.

When are room assignments sent? Open Close

You get to pick your room, from those available! Once you have “booked” a specific room, you will see that information in your Housing Portal account. SE HRL DOES NOT ORDINARILY SEND OUT OR EMAIL ROOM ASSIGNMENTS.

Do I have to have a meal plan? Open Close

Yes. A meal plan is required for all residential students. Students assigned to Shearer Hall & Suites have a reduced meal plan option. In VERY RARE cases (usually involving individuals who own a home and have a family elsewhere and are on campus for minimal days/week or individuals whose work and class schedule preclude them from eating during designated times), student may be granted a modification to the meal plan requirement. Students who wish to apply for this, must submit the Meal Plan waiver form to Housing & Residence Life, with required documentation, before the semester begins. Requests are not considered approved until you receive an approval letter back from the Director of Housing & Residence Life. Please see the Housing Contract Terms & Conditions section on Meal Plan cancelation charges and dates in order to plan accordingly. A minimum of one week should be allowed for approvals for requests that are submitted with all supporting documentation. If you believe you require an accommodation or altered meal plan on the basis of disability or health concerns, contact the coordinator for student disability services (580) 745-2394 [TDD# (580) 745-2704].

What happens if I decide to cancel my Housing Contract (either because I decided not to attend, or to live off campus)? Open Close

The Housing Contract is considered a legal agreement, and must be formally canceled in writing, using the Housing Portal. It is strongly recommended that students consult the Housing Contract Terms & Conditions and review the financial obligations related to canceling PRIOR to canceling their Housing Contract.

Am I required to live on campus? Open Close

Southeastern Oklahoma State University believes that there are important educational and social benefits of living on campus in the University Residence Halls. Because of this conviction, Southeastern has developed a Freshmen Residency Requirement that requires all full-time freshmen to reside in University Housing. Refer to the Freshman Residency Requirement for more information. This document and forms may be found on our webpage. Requests to waive the Freshmen Residency Requirement can be made through the SE Housing Portal.

What are the advantages of living on campus? Open Close

There are many advantages of living on campus. These advantages range from financial, social and academic, to safety and security. Living on campus provides reasonable prices and eliminates the daily expense of commuting to campus. All utilities and services are included in one price and students are not responsible for the unmet financial obligations of their roommates.

The social advantages of living on campus are numerous. Residential students often greater opportunities to connect to other students and make new friendships, enjoy access to campus recreational facilities and athletic events and become involved in student organizations. Getting involved in the University is important to student success and satisfaction.

Academically there are many benefits to living on campus. Residential students are within walking distance to classes, the library, and other academic resources. After class meetings with professors are also facilitated. Many times, classmates are neighbors within the residential facilities. This proximity provides the opportunity to form study groups. Statistics (both nationwide and at SE) have demonstrated that students who live on campus tend to stay in school and graduate at a higher rate than students that do not live on campus.

Living on campus provides the safety and security services that may not be found elsewhere. The SE Campus Police staff is comprised of fully licensed police officers, whose mission is the safety and security of students, faculty, staff, and guests of the University. Officers patrol the campus 24-hours per day by automobile, golf cart, and foot patrol. Public Safety will provide an escort on campus to members of the campus community at any time. Professional Residence Life staff is available 24 hours/day, 365 days/year.

Are single rooms available? Open Close

Shearer Hall & Suites provides private rooms for all residents. Rooms in Choctaw, Chickasaw and North Halls are designed for two students. There are a limited number of rooms in Chickasaw that are reserved as “guaranteed private rooms.” Beyond this, usually private rooms are not available in Choctaw, Chickasaw or North Halls until after the semester has begun and all students have been assigned and moved in or their contracts have been canceled. There may be a limited number of private rooms available in these halls, especially at the start of the Fall semester. SE Housing & Residence Life goes through a process of “Room Consolidation” between the 2nd and 8th week of the Fall and Spring semesters, which frequently result in additional availability of private room. There are more opportunities for a private room in the Spring when the occupancy is decreased. Other than Shearer Hall and the designated “guaranteed private rooms”, requests for private rooms are not typically approved until after the second week of classes. Private rooms are approved primarily based on seniority within the residence hall and the date of the request. Students who are assigned to a double occupancy room and who would like to request a private room, must request a Room Change through the SE Housing Portal.

Can I change my roommate preference after I have submitted my Housing Contract? Open Close

Yes. Prior to 8/1, students may change their room assignment through the SE Housing Portal. Ordinarily, no room changes may be made by students or administratively from 8/1 through the end of the 2nd week of the Spring Semester (and generally cannot be made for the Spring semester until the end of the 2nd week of the semester.

What should I bring when I move in? Open Close

Students are encouraged to make their room their “Home Away From Home”. Decisions regarding large items should be discussed with your roommate in advance to avoid duplication. Below is a list of suggestions to get you started:

  • Bed linens (Extra Long)
  • Pillows
  • Towels and washcloths
  • Laundry supplies
  • Toiletries, including Toilet Paper
  • Alarm clock
  • Television
  • Clothes hangers
  • Broom and dustpan (Vacuum, for SHS residents)
  • Plunger (Shearer)
  • Backpack
  • Room decorations (But, attend to restrictions regarding possible damage to walls)
  • Shower curtain(s) (Extra Long for Chickasaw, Choctaw and NH)
  • Surge Protector – Several surge protectors may be the most important thing that you bring. Durant experiences a frequent number of power surges, and the best way to protect your equipment is to use a surge protector.
  • Two larger appliances (microwave, refrigerator, or micro-fridge) are permitted in each room*. Look for microwaves under 700 watts and mini refrigerators under 2.5 cubic feet, to limit the likelihood of tripping the circuit breakers. (Remember, most of the Residence Halls were built before students had these appliances or computers, etc.) Micro-fridges are an electrically efficient combination of the two, and therefor count as only one appliance. (Please contact your potential roommate about making appropriate arrangements.)

**NOTE- Shearer Hall & Suites is equipped with a refrigerator and microwave in the kitchenette.

What shouldn't I bring? Open Close

While the University wants you to be comfortable in your room, there are certain items that are prohibited. Primarily, these items are prohibited because of safety issues. Below is a list of items that are prohibited. This list is not all-inclusive. Should you have questions about a particular item, please consult the Resident Student Handbook or contact the Housing & Residence Life at 580.745.2948.
• Halogen lamps
• Candles
• Cooking appliances*
• Charcoal grills
• Firearms/weapons/fireworks
• Dart boards
• Electrical potpourri pots
• Waterbeds
• Flammable fluids/chemicals
• Extensions cords or electrical splitters (power strips/surge protectors are accepted)
• Pets (fish in a 10-gallon tank are allowed)
*Some appliances may be approved for use within the kitchenette of Shearer Hall & Suites. Students can find the list of appliances approved for use in Shearer Hall kitchenettes under the Residence Forms & Documents section on the webpage at www.se.edu/hrl . Consult Housing & Residence Life if you have specific questions that are not answered in the existing documents.

What appliances are allowed in Shearer Hall & Suites? Open Close

A limited number of appliances have been approved for use in Shearer Hall ONLY.  Use is subject to use that does not negatively impact the residential community (by excessive smells, failure to maintain in a clean and healthy manner, etc.)  The list of appliances which are approved for Shearer Hall (ONLY) can be found under the Resident Forms & Documents section of this webpage.

Does the University provide insurance for student’s property? Open Close

No. The University cannot provide individual personal property insurance. We strongly encourage each student to purchase some form of insurance (renter’s insurance or inclusion on the family homeowner’s insurance policy) to protect personal property.

What do I do if I want to change my room assignment or roommate after move-in? Open Close

Prior to 8/1, students may change their room assignments (themselves) in the SE Housing Portal. Room changes are not ordinarily made after 8/1 and before the end of the 2nd week of the semester. Room change requests may be submitted through the SE Housing Portal after the 2nd week of the fall and spring semesters. If your desire to switch rooms is motivated by a roommate disagreement or similar reason, we encourage you to talk to your RA and make a good faith attempt to get to know the person better. However, if, after several weeks of trying to work things out, you both decide that it will not work, you may request a room change through the SE Housing Portal.

What is the consolidation process like? Open Close

After the end of the first week of classes, starting on the 2nd week of class, HRL staff administratively cancels any student who submitted a Housing Contract and failed to check-in (or request late check-in date) Once this is completed, any current resident who does not currently have a roommate, has first right to keep their room as an approved private room. These residents will need to submit a Room Change/Private Room Request by 12 noon on the last day of the 2nd week of class. After this, any residents who do not have a roommate and who are not interested in paying for a private room, will be subject to the Room Consolidation Process.

During the Room Consolidation Process, HRL staff administratively reassigns rooms/roommates for students who do not want a guaranteed private room (at a higher room rate) and do not have a roommate. Every attempt is made to keep students within the same Residential Learning Community, whenever possible. Impacted students may also make their own requests regarding a new roommate or roommate assignment. However, if the student does not submit a requested new roommate or room assignment, then they may be reassigned to consolidate the occupied rooms (and, in so doing, also make more rooms available for students who have requested a private room but were not able to be select one at the time of the Room Selection Process). Once a new room assignment is made, the student will have 72 hours to complete the relocation (checking into the new room and checking out of the old room). Residents who fail to relocate within this time frame are subject to considerable additional charges. Residents who are reassigned due to a mandated consolidation relocation, and who fail to move within the specified time, will be considered to have agreed to private room charges and may automatically be charged the full private room rate for their room and/or may be charged for occupying two rooms at the same time. MANDATORY ROOM CONSOLIDATION MAY TAKE PLACE ANY TIME DURING THE FIRST 8 WEEKS OF CLASS EACH SEMESTER. After this date, we do not mandate relocations again until the following semester. If you have any questions regarding this process, please contact your hall director.

When do I have to pay for housing? Open Close

Payment should be made prior to the start of the semester (August 22) and in accordance with Business Office policies. Contact the Business Office for any additional questions regarding payment.

Is there a curfew? Open Close

No. The University considered enrolled students to be an adult. Residents are not expected to sign in or out, nor to be in their assigned room at or by any specific time. It is up to the student to develop healthy and successful habits. However, quiet hours are 10pm – 10am in all halls, guest visitation hours end at 12 midnight (1am on Friday and Saturday nights), and there is a 24-hour courtesy hour expectation (which means that residents are expected to reduce any noise level that can be heard outside of the room/suite, when requested by another student or staff). See that Resident Student Handbook for additional policies.

Can I live in the same room during the summer (as I lived in during the spring and fall)? Open Close

Upperclassmen are generally housed in different locations (Chickasaw Hall and most of Shearer Hall & Suites) than freshmen students (housed in Choctaw Hall, North Hall, and a small portion of Shearer Hall & Suites).

Returning upper-class students usually have priority in reserving their current room, during the Advanced Room Reservation process that happens during the beginning of March (dates will be posted in halls).

Summer students are usually all housed in the same location.  This location has been the 1st floor on the south side of SHS.  Very few students will be able to stay in the same location for the fall.  However, students who are interested in this should request it as soon as possible, just in case we are able to do it.

Do I have to move out between the fall and spring? Summer and fall? Open Close

No! Students do not need to move their belongings out of the room during the Winter Intersession (time between the end of the Fall Semester and the Move-In Date for the Spring Semester). However, residents are not permitted to remain in or enter the Residence Hall during the Winter Intersession unless they have submitted a Winter Intersession Housing Contract and been approved to remain on campus during this time. There is an additional cost to remain in the Residence Halls during the Winter Intersession. Winter Intersession Housing Applications are submitted in through the SE Housing Portal.

Summer Housing Contracts are also submitted through the SE Housing Portal and are not included in the cost of the Academic Year (or Spring Only) Housing Contract. Residents are required to relocate to a summer housing assignment during a specified period, stated in the Summer Housing Contract each year. (In the rare occasion that a student is already assigned to the hall that will be used for summer student housing, they may be assigned to the same room for the summer session. However, this will not guarantee that they will be assigned to the same room for the Fall Semester.) Summer Housing Contracts start on the day after the last regular day of finals for the Spring Semester and end on the day before the Academic Year Contract start date (which is also the first day of regular move-in for the Fall Semester.)

Thanksgiving and Spring Breaks are included in the Academic Year (and for Spring Break, the Spring Only) Housing Contracts.

NOTE: THE CAFETERIA AND OTHER CAMPUS FOOD SERVICE VENUES TYPICALLY ARE NOT OPEN DURING WINTER INTERSESSION, SUMMER, THANKSGIVING AND SPRING BREAKS, AS WELL AS OTHER DESIGNATED HOLIDAYS. (Café/other food service venues may be open during the summer, but with reduced service days, times, and options.)

Which meal plan should I get? Open Close

That really depends on the student’s eating needs/habits. Students are generally recommended to start off with the unlimited plan for the first semester. After this, students have a better understanding of how they will use the café and other food services venues. Student athletes are encouraged to talk to their Coaches at recommendations. Students who are assigned to live in Shearer Hall are eligible for a reduced meal plan.

How many hours do I need to be enrolled in in order to live on campus? Open Close

A minimum of 6 hours during the fall and spring semester.

Where can I find more information? Open Close
  • SE Office for Housing & Residence Life, Glen D. Johnson Student Union, Room 311
  • Follow/Like us @SOSUHRL on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
  • Virtual Office Hours:Regular Business Days: 9AM – 12PM; 1PM – 4pm, https://zoom.us/j/98429923478
  • Email: Housing@se.edu | Phone: 580-745-2948