Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I live on campus?

Living in the residence halls provides each student with a multitude of opportunities for personal, social and intellectual growth. These experiences are sure to impact your life while on campus and extend many years after your college days are over. Recent research has indicated that students who live on campus:

  • Have higher graduation rates
  • Have increased participation in extracurricular activities
  • Assume more leadership roles
  • Are less likely to fail a course
  • You may have more reasons of your own, but consider these:
  • No cars, buses, or traffic jams to keep you from getting to class on time
  • Wake up each morning only a few steps away from your class
  • Have the opportunity to connect with friends and attend programs more frequently
  • Can work and earn extra spending money without traveling off campus

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How much does it cost to live on campus?

Room and board costs about $7,500 per year. View the current room rates (PDF).  Most residents receive additional financial aid just by choosing to live on campus. Please refer to the Financial Aid Web site for more information.

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Are there single rooms available for first year students?

We have a very limited number of single rooms on campus and they are mostly occupied by upperclassmen or adult student over 23 years of age. In almost all cases, freshman students are assigned a roommate.

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Do I get to choose my roommate?

If you know someone attending SXU, you may request that person when you sign the housing contract. We do our best to pair up all requests for roommates.

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How big are the rooms?

The rooms in Pacelli and Regina Halls (where freshman and most new students are housed) are approximately 10’ X 13’. There is also a sink with vanity area and a walk in closet. The rooms are furnished with 2 beds, 2 desks with chairs and 2 dressers. Some rooms are carpeted; however, a small area rug, 6’ X 9’, is a nice addition to any room.

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When will I get my hall and roommate assignment?

If you have applied for housing (after being accepted at the University), information about which hall and room you will live in, who your roommate will be, your University mailing address and telephone number, as well as other important move in information will be mailed to your permanent home address by mid-July (if your contract was received before June 1).

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Can I live in McCarthy, Morris or Rubloff Halls my first year?

McCarthy, Morris and Rubloff Halls are strictly for upper-division students. New freshman students are not housed in McCarthy, Morris or Rubloff Hall under any circumstance.

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How does the meal plan work?

We provide three different meal plans for resident students. The following is a summary of Meal Plan #1, the most popular meal plan for our residents in Pacelli and Regina Hall, which costs individuals $1,592 per semester and is required for residence on campus. The following are highlights of this plan:

  • The balance of $1,592 is used similar to a debit system. Only the dollar amount spent at the time of a purchase is deducted from the total. (Example: if a student purchases a can of soda $.80 is deducted, or if an entire meal is purchased, approximately $4.95 is deducted). This debit system allows students unlimited access to food service, up to the total dollar amount available on their food card.
  • The meal plan is a very good value. The plan is budgeted at just $12 per day for food.
  • The meal plan is designed with the student’s health in mind, assuming that it is important for students to eat regular, healthy meals. We recommend that students eat wisely so that they can perform well both in and outside of the classroom.
  • Meal plan dollars can be used in the SXU Diner, Cougar Pause or Cougar Bytes on campus.

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What is the Cougar Card?

Your student ID card, Cougar Card, can be used in a variety of ways. The Cougar Card is the easiest and most convenient form of payment on campus. Students may do laundry, buy a snack or books, photocopy an article, and much more all with the simple swipe of their student ID card! Now students can also link their Cougar Card to a TCF Bank account.

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I am planning to live on campus at SXU, what can I bring?

A complete list of do’s and don't's of what to bring is included in your assignment mailing that is sent out by mid-June each year. Some highlights include: do bring twin extra long sheets, do bring computer equipment, do bring a small refrigerator, but leave your microwaves, hot plates and candles at home.

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Can my friends come to visit me?

Yes, off campus guests may visit Sunday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. and Friday & Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. by checking in at the front desk of the building. Overnight guests of the same sex may spend the night on campus with the approval of the RA on duty.

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Are there jobs available on campus?

Yes, many job openings on campus become available each year. The most plentiful include front desk workers supervised by the Department of Public Safety to help deliver services provided at the halls’ main entrances. Apply online through Cougar Jobs or contact the Office of Employee Services, E-100B, at (773) 298-3451 for more information.

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What happens if I don’t get along with my roommate?

We encourage you to take the time to indicate your personal preferences on the Housing Contract to help ensure the best possible match to begin with. If you do have problems, you can contact your residence hall director to discuss your options. We expect that each resident will work to respect those they are living with and give each situation a little time before deciding they can no longer live with a particular person. If necessary, the hall director will decide it if a move should be made. Be aware that housing options are very tight during the fall semester and room changes are limited to one change per semester. It’s usually best to try to work out initial problems that occur in your current room situation. Open communication with your roommate, Resident Assistant and Hall Director will help in this process.

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Should I insure my personal property?

Yes, we recommend it. The University does not provide any insurance coverage for your personal property nor do they replace stolen or damaged items. Many students find that their parent or guardian homeowner’s insurance policies provide coverage. Be sure to check into this before coming to campus.

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How do I make telephone calls?

Resicom is a company that is contracted through the University and provides the student with unlimited local and nationwide long distance services at a cost of $25 per semester. Students are expected to bring their own telephone and answering machine to campus.

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Can I stay on campus during breaks?

The residence halls close during the following University break periods and all residents are expected to vacate the halls during these closed periods:

  • Thanksgiving Holiday (Wednesday, November 20, 2007 - Sunday, November 25, 2007)
  • Semester Break (Friday, December 14, 2007 - Saturday, January 5, 2008)
  • Spring Break (Friday, March 7, 2008 - Sunday, March 16, 2008)
  • Easter Break (Wednesday, March 19, 2008 - Sunday, March 23, 2008)

International students and students who live beyond 400 miles of campus may request to reside on campus during the Thanksgiving, Spring and Easter Break closed periods. Requests must be made in writing to the Director of Residence Life no later than the week prior to the upcoming break. All approvals are subject to the discretion of the Director of Residence Life.

The residence halls close on May 11, 2007 for the summer. Housing is available during the 10-week summer session only. A resident must be registered for and complete a minimum of 3 credit hours during any summer session to remain on campus. Once the 10 week session is over, all summer residents vacate their spaces until the August move in.

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