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 “Living on campus is an excellent way to get involved and meet people.”

Welcome to UMW

Some 2,500 undergraduate students live in University housing. Our residence hall rooms and apartments are far more than a convenient place to sleep and study.  They are the nucleus of a tight-knit community that learns, works, and plays together.

Being a part of the community opens new doors to the future while enhancing and complementing the college experience. Advantages include educational programs, social activities and interaction with students of various backgrounds, talents and interests.

The Office of Residence Life strives to make living on our campus a community experience. We support the University's educational mission by maintaining a high-quality living environment and by developing a community of learning. We promote an environment in which you can study, sleep, relax and enjoy the friendship of others.

The Office of Residence Life functions in collaboration with other University offices to facilitate residential students’ successful adjustment to and subsequent transition through their university experience. The overall concern of Residence Life staff is the welfare of our residents; each member of our community is important.

Preparing for Residence Hall Living

Living successfully in the residence halls is dependent upon balancing the greatest possible freedom for the individual with a sensitivity to and respect for the rights of others. A willingness to discuss, negotiate, and compromise is essential. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities to learn from one another.

Encountering differences is an important part of a liberal arts education and the understanding of human differences is integral to the residence hall experience.

One of the most important things to remember when planning your move to on-campus living is: the less you bring, the more room you will have to share with your roommate.  Even though residence hall rooms are comfortably furnished, many students bring more items with them than they actually need. 

You may want to bring things like posters, pictures and other wall hangings so that you and your roommate(s) can decorate your room to make it feel more like home. Poster sales will occur on campus during the first month, so there will be plenty of opportunities to obtain these decorative items after you arrive. Roommates often choose to split the costs of common-use goods like refrigerators, carpet, etc. You will be receiving the name and telephone number of your future roommate(s) so that you can be in contact with them and decide which items each of you would like to bring.

Some students also choose to purchase carpeting for their rooms, which will be on sale during Orientation week; we suggest delaying the purchase until after you have seen your room. Please keep in mind that residence halls are occupied throughout the summer, so you may not be able to see your rooms until the official "move-in" in late August. The University cannot remove or store any University furniture (with the exception of bed frames and mattresses) to make room for extras, so please plan accordingly.

“Multiple studies have shown that students who live on campus meet more people, get better grades, graduate more quickly, and more fully enjoy their collegiate experience.”

What to bring?

With the sole exception of Alvey Hall, First-Year housing is not air-conditioned and room air-conditioners are not permitted, unless a request has been submitted to the Office of Disability Services and approved by the Committee. Most electrical appliances (i.e. televisions, DVDs/VCRs, stereos, radios, mini-refrigerator/freezers, popcorn poppers, computers/printers, hair dryers and irons) are permissible in residence halls. However, due to safety considerations, flame or spark-producing items (i.e. candles, incense burners, oil burning lamps, lanterns and heaters) are not permitted. Halogen lamps, because of the intense heat generated by their bulbs, are also not permitted. Refer to further residential policies as noted in the Student Handbook, and in the Housing and Dining Services Contract.  

Desk Items:

Desk lamp, pencils, pens, notebook, writing paper, stamps, envelopes, address book, paper clips, rubber bands, stapler and staples, ruler, note cards (various sizes), glue, transparent tape, thesaurus, dictionary, writing style manual, thumb tacks, calendar, and/or appointment book.

Personal Items:

Bed linen & towels, blankets, pillows, manicure set, sewing kit, hair dryer, iron, laundry bag or basket, toiletry articles, plastic bucket (to carry above into bathroom), soap dish.

Clothing:

Bring clothes which are comfortable and fit your own personal style. UMW students wear everything from sweats to silk. Storage space should be sufficient for most students, but closet sizes vary. If you suspect you may not have enough room, you may want to bring a trunk or stackable crates (which can reasonably fit underneath your bed). The average under-bed space is approximately 10 inches.  Planning a wardrobe specific to the season and exchanging clothing over breaks will also help provide you with enough room for all your belongings.

Miscellaneous Items:

Fan, wastebasket, multiple outlet surge protected power strips (be advised regular extension cords are not allowed!), alarm clock, flashlight, radio or stereo, bottle and can opener, dishes and flatware, cups and mugs, air freshener, drying rack for clothes, hangers, shoe rack, small tool kit, straight and safety pins, umbrella, non-prescription medicines. Also keep in mind if you wish to hang curtains or draperies in the residence halls, they must be non-combustible and flame resistant.

Packing

As you pack, follow this basic rule-of-thumb: If you use it, like it or need it, then bring it. Orientation Leaders will help carry your belongings into your room on move-in day. Just remember that you will physically have to carry everything out of your room at the end of the year.

Bring the things that keep you happy, help you relax, or fill spare moments - things like athletic equipment, musical instruments, games and videos. Pets (unless they are fish) are not allowed in University-operated housing.

No matter how well you prepare, chances are you may forget something. Keep in mind that many of the items you will need are available for sale in the Bookstore. If you cannot locate the items on campus, the stores in downtown Fredericksburg, Central Park, and the other shopping centers nearby are certain to have what you need.

Cable Television / Internet Access

All student rooms have an active cable television connection; however, students must bring their own T.V. sets and cable cords. Computer access to the Internet and the University's network is also available from all student rooms. Students need to provide their own Ethernet cord and ensure that their computer has Ethernet capabilities in the form of a network card.

“The residence halls offer programs that encourage you to explore your interests and develop community spirit.”

University Breaks

During most official University breaks, ALL residence halls are closed.  Students with extenuating circumstances may request permission from Residence Life to remain in the halls during the Thanksgiving and Spring breaks.  The halls remain open during Fall Break; however, please note that no housing is available during the mid-semester break in December.

Orientation

After you arrive on campus, you will begin the "move-in" process by getting your room keys. Residence Life staff will help you find your room and Orientation Leaders will assist in carrying your belongings in order to make the move-in process as smooth as possible.  Your participation during the first few days of Orientation will contribute greatly to the rest of your time here at UMW.  Orientation will give you the opportunity to meet a diverse group of students and discover all of the wonderful things UMW has to offer.

Questions?

As a new university student, you and your parents may have many questions. If you cannot find answers to your questions on our website or in the Eagles Essentials 2008-09, please don't hesitate to call us or email us at rlif@umw.edu.

We hope that the information presented here has answered most of your questions.  Don’t forget to visit our website (www.umw.edu/residencelife) for updated information and important announcements throughout the year!  Please feel free to stop by the Office of Residence Life any time.  We look forward to having you join our campus community!

One Final Word

Remember, life here is what you make it.  UMW provides you with numerous opportunities to get involved and become an active member of the University.  Your job is to take advantage of all that UMW has to offer.  While academics undeniably should be your first priority, the key word is balance.  Truly making the most of your college years requires involvement, not only in academic but also cultural, co-curricular and social endeavors.  As you will soon see, attending a liberal arts university provides incredible access to almost every administrator, faculty member and resource on the campus.

Students here play a vital role in many leadership capacities: Student Government Association, Student Senate, Judicial Review Board, Honor Council, Head Residents, Resident Assistants, Peer Health Educators, Hall Councils, Desk Aides, and the list goes on.  They have the power to enhance all facets of campus life and you, a new UMW student, also have that ability.  Your involvement and ideas will be critical in making your life here at the University of Mary Washington an enjoyable and meaningful experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What should I bring with me?

 

For your convenience, bring:

  • Power strips (UL approved, heavy duty type w/circuit breaker)
  • Small refrigerator (2 amps / 4 cubic feet or less) – one per room except in quads where two are permitted
  • Stereo, radio, DVD/CD player, computer, television
  • Hot air popcorn popper
  • Linens, towels, blanket, pillow, mattress pad
    • We suggest you purchase twin sheets with deep or expanding pockets in case you have an extra-long mattress in your room at arrival; otherwise, you may initiate a trade with someone else on your floor with a standard twin mattress
    • Only extra-long mattresses are being purchased in the future  (36 x 80 x 6)
  • Desk lamp, alarm clock, small trash can
  • 1 to 2 electric fan(s)
  • Hair dryer, curling iron, razors
  • Shower caddy
  • Landline telephone and answering machine
  • Safe materials for hanging posters to avoid damage to walls (white sticky tack, 3M products – NO duct tape or masking tape)
  • Cleaning supplies

For Your Safety Do Not Bring:

  • Microwave/toaster ovens, any grills
  • Halogen lamps, ceiling fans or track lighting
  • Power tools
  • Gas or charcoal grills
  • Candles or incense
  • Any open-coil heating appliance
  • Hot-pots
  • Street signs of any kind
  • Pets (only fish are allowed, 20-gallon tank limit)
  • Fireworks or weapons
  • Extension cords

When will I know who my roommate is?

The Office of Residence Life posts room assignments on the UMW portal EagleLink in mid-July. Transfer student assignments are posted in early August.  If you do not receive your assignment by mid-August, please call our office at 540.654.1058.

Should I bring all of my belongings at once?

Before making a decision, we encourage you to contact your roommate first and discuss who is bringing the stereo, carpet, phone, etc. This should help you in determining what each of you will bring. Making contact with your roommate before arriving can make for a smooth transition to university life. After all, you will be living together for nine months, sharing experiences and space.  You should also take into consideration how far away your family lives, and how easy it will be for you to get extra items throughout the year, before deciding how much to bring.

How can I get involved on campus and meet people?

New Student Orientation, held the first week of your arrival, is packed full of things to do and people to meet. Shortly thereafter, the student organization fair (Club Carnival) is held with representatives from most campus organizations looking for new members.

Will I have telephone service?

 You can be reached via your room extension once you arrive on campus and plug in your phone. Students must provide their own telephone; the University does not provide voice mail services, thus you should coordinate with your roommate to decide who will bring the phone and answering machine for your room.  The cost of the phone line and local phone calls is included in your room fee.  Long-distance service is no longer provided due to widespread use of cell phones.

How will I receive mail?

The University will provide your mail box number with your room assignment information on EagleLink.  You can find out your mailbox combination by accessing Banner.  This box is yours for the duration of your time here as a residential student.  The Mail Services Window is open Monday through Friday 10am to 4pm.

Your address for all mail (USPS, UPS, Fed-Ex, etc.) is as follows:

Your Name
UMW Box ____
1701 College Avenue
Fredericksburg, VA  22401

Who cleans the bathroom?

Hallway bathrooms are cleaned by housekeeping services.  If you share a bath within a suite, you and your suitemates are responsible for cleaning the bathroom.

Helpful Numbers

Residence Life 540.654.1058

University Police (Non-Emergency) 540.654.1025 

Student Accounts 540.654.1289

Health Center 540.654.1040

Counseling and Psychological Services 540.654.1053

Disability Services 540.654.1266    

TTY 540.654.1102

Online Resources

  • Visit the University’s website to find helpful information for incoming students at: www.umw.edu
  • Bringing a computer? Want some pointers before you make your purchase? The Technology Assistance Center can help: www.umw.edu/technology    
  • Curious about meal plans?  Confused by Flex? Learn about it at the Dining Services website: www.umwdining.com