Residence Hall FAQs
Q: Why am I not assigned to the hall I requested as my number one choice?
A: If you do not receive the hall you requested, it is because that hall was already full when it was your turn to be assigned a room.
Q: What does it mean that I am in a converted room?
A: Assignment in a converted room means that the number of students assigned to your room will exceed the normal occupancy (i.e. 3 people in a 2 person room, etc.). As spaces become available, students will have to opportunity to move to a regular assigned room. Priority for moving to a room that is not converted is normally determined by the order in which we received each student's application for housing. Therefore, the earlier you mailed in your Housing Application, the higher your priority. Questions about your priority standing or any remaining questions about your converted room should be directed to Residence Life Staff or Residential Services upon arrival.
Q: My roommate canceled their enrollment with MTU. What will happen now?
A: If your roommate request canceled with MTU early enough for us, we will assign a new roommate. If not, the space in your room will be used for breaking down a converted room in the Fall.
Q: What if I do not get along with the roommate that has been assigned to me?
A: Your Resident Assistant and Community Coordinator will help resolve roommate conflicts or coordinate room changes to solve problem situations.
Q: What happens if my roommate moves out during the term?
A: If your roommate moves out during the term, you have a couple of options. You may be able keep your room as a single and pay the additional cost of a single room if the halls are not in a converted status. You may move to another room with someone living there and continue to pay for a double room. Finally, you can work with your residence hall staff to find someone to move into your room and therefore continue to pay for a double. See the Residence Life Staff if you have any questions.
Q: What if I have a guest visit? Can they stay with me?
A: You just register your guest at the Reception Desk and notify your Resident Assistant (RA) and they can stay with you in your room. Ask your RA for details.
Q: Do you have to live in the Residence Halls to be a member of the Tri-Hall Weightlifting Club?
A: You have to live in one of the three Residence Halls or Daniell Heights Apartments. This is a separate organization so there is a membership fee of $40 per year plus a $10 membership card.
Q: May I ship some of my belongings to my residence hall room before I arrive?
A: Yes. About a week before your expected arrival, pack your belongings securely and address them as instructed in your informational newsletter.
Q: What kind of clothing should I bring?
A: Most students at Michigan Tech dress casually-jeans, sneakers, and sweatshirts are common. A light jacket will suffice for most of fall and spring. Toward the end of fall term, however, you will want to have a warm winter jacket. Although winter temperatures in Houghton are fairly moderate, warm boots with good traction, a hat, and gloves or mittens are recommended. You might also wish to bring some sweats for lounging or working out, shorts for warm weather, and a swimsuit for the pool or sauna.
Q: Do I need to bring a personal computer?
A: Having your own computer is not necessary. Computer terminals are available in each academic department If you bring your own computer, you can access Ethernet (ResNet) from your room. The high-speed connection allows unlimited computer/Internet access for $20.00/month.
Q: Do I have to leave during breaks or can I stay in my room? Is there any additional charge?
A: The only break that the halls actually close and residents are required to leave is the three-week winter break. During Thanksgiving & Spring break residents may stay in their room and there are no additional charges. There is no food service operation during breaks, so residents would need to eat at the Memorial Union Building or cook in the kitchenettes. Students who live in the International House may stay during the winter break and summer for an additional fee.
Q: Can I use my meal plan to buy a meal for a guest?
A: Yes, provided you have meals left. Otherwise, you may use your Dining Dollars.
Q: Can I eat more than 3 meals a day in the dining room?
A: Yes. Each time you enter the dining room you must swipe your card and have a meal deducted from your meal plan.
Q: When are assignments made & when will I hear?
A: Actual assignments are made during the latter half of July. Assignments letters will be mailed out at that time and you should receive it by early August.
Q: Where do we park when we arrive for check-in this fall?
A: You will receive a map to show your check-in location. You may park in one of the Residence Hall parking lots to check-in and unload. When you are unloaded we ask all new students to move their vehicles to Lot #21. Look for postings or ask a staff member for instructions.
Q: I'd like to earn some extra cash for spending money. Is it possible to apply for part-time employment on-campus?
A: Yes. You may apply for part-time employment when you arrive on campus. Many residents are hired in the cafeterias or on the custodial crews. Applications will be available during the week of Orientation. Watch for postings. In addition, the University Career Center posts other jobs that are available to students.
Q: Do I need renters insurance?
A: The University does not assume responsibility for or carry insurance covering the personal property of students. Students are advised to check the coverage provided by existing family policies or make arrangements to purchase their own policies.