Below are answers to several frequently asked questions about living on HCU’s campus. If you have additional questions, please reach out to HCU Residence Life directly: reslife@HC.edu or (281) 649-3100.
- Why should I live on campus?
- Enhanced student success– Students who live in campus housing have more satisfying experiences, higher GPA’s, and greater graduation rates than commuters (research from American Council on Education and HCU data)
- Tailored choices– Students have opportunity to live with people of common interest and majors in specifically programmed “Living/Learning Communities.” Additionally, HCU students with classification of “sophom*ore” or above have the opportunity to live in Husky Village, as well as Hodo Residence College (as space is available).
- Special programming– Social programming and growth opportunities are available to students in our residence halls that are unique to the residential experience.Residence hall staff members organize programs that enhance and develop opportunities for social engagement, Christian spiritual growth, career exploration, and academic success.
- Amenities specifically for residents– There are study rooms in each HCU residence hall set aside ONLY for students who live on HCU’s campus, affording them a greater option of study and gathering space.Free laundry machines are only for residents.
- Time and stress saver– No commute to class outside of rolling out of bed, putting on sweats and flip flops, and walking to class
- Am I required to live on campus?
Since 1960, Houston Christian University has been committed to the education of the “whole person.”HCU offers a variety of choices on-campus in order to fully integrate a residence life experience as part of your education. Not only that, but research shows that students who belong to a campus community have a more productive and ultimately more satisfying college experience, and our Room and Board costs are among the lowest in the state. In order to emphasize the importance of this invaluable life experience, we have aResidency Requirementthatstates:
All unmarried undergraduate students (under the age of 21 prior to September 1) and who are not living at home along with students who have completed less than 64 credit hours at the beginning of the fallsemester are required to live on campus
- Is a housing deposit required?
Yes, a housing deposit is required to submit your housing application.
- Can freshmen live in Husky Village?
No. OnlySophom*ore (32 credit hour minimum), Junior, and Senior class students are allowed tolive in Husky Village (Juniors with a minimum of 65 current credit hours and Seniors are given priority). A True Freshmen (a student who just graduated from High School and has not attended another University) must stay in Freshman Village. Even those incoming students with dual credit hours still fall under “True Freshman.” You must also meet the minimum credit hour requirement before starting the Fall semester.
- What should I pack for moving on campus?
The following is only a suggested packing list.
- bedspread or blanket, twin-size bed linens sheet, pillowcases, pillow, etc. (all bed sizes are twin XL)
- desk lamp, small fan
- trash can, mop/dustpan, cleaning supplies
- towels and washcloths
- shower curtain (long), personal items, hangers
- alarm clock, books, calendar/organizer
- TV/radio/stereo (bring a set of headphones so that you may enjoy your audio components without disturbing your roommate(s) or other students)
- Bring the appropriate cords for all electronic appliances (coaxial cable, etc)
- iron/ironing board
- computer, printer, monitor, etc.
- basic first-aid kit
Do I need to bring toilet paper?
No.The cleaning serviceprovides toilet paper for our residence colleges (not Husky Village). But if you wish a particular brand, you are welcome to bring your own.
- Are the apartments furnished?
All apartments are furnished! All four bedroom units are furnished. We also offer some two bedroom furnished apartments. Both two and four bedroom units have single-occupancy bedrooms furnished with a bed, a dresser, a desk and chair. The common area in a four bedroom apartment is furnished with a sofa, armchair, coffee table, end table and dining chairs. The living room in a two bedroom apartment is furnished with a loveseat, armchair, one end table and two dining chairs.
- Are there laundry facilities in my residence college?
Yes. All on campus housing optionshave “free play” washers and dryers. The cost for laundry service is included in the room rate.
- Where can I keep food within the Residence Colleges?
In each of the Men’s andWomen’s Residence College suite common areas there is a full-size refrigeratorfor use by all students residing within that suite.
- Does HCU offer summer housing?
Yes. Students who are enrolled for summer terms are allowed to live on campus. Husky Village is the only options for summer housing. Students who are not enrolled are not allowed to stay during the summer.
There are NO meal plan options for the summer.
- Can I stay in my suite/apartment for more than a year? Even when I am taking summer classes?
Freshman Village & Hodo:
No. During the summer, Freshman Village and the Hodo Residence College are used for summer camps. Once summer camps are complete, students who selected a room in Hodo Residence College can move in (as long as they were already on campus taking summer courses). This rule applies for freshman who moved in during the summer as well. However, after the summer is complete, a student who lived in Hodo the prior year and selected to renew/return to that same space will have the opportunity to do so.
Husky Village:
A student who lives in Husky Village throughout the year, will still need to move out in order for Maintenance to do all the necessary work. Custodial will also have to go into the room and deep clean it. This is not a 1 day process. HCU Residence Life will strive to place the students in the same style room that they vacate. This will allow the students the ability to move around campus very minimal times per year.
- Roommate Questions
I’m a new student! When will I know who my roommate is?
Room placements and Roommate pairings will be released August 1, 2019. This will give you ample time to contact your roommate before school starts.
How are roommates selected? Will one be provided if I don’t have one?
Roommate groups are formed through the Symplicity housing software. Students who do not form roommate groups will be assigned roommates based on the information provided on the housing application. Contact Residence Life for more information about roommate groups.
What is done to resolve roommate conflict?
We encourage you to give yourroommate a chance. As needed theResidence Life staff will work withstudents to identify issues and help resolve conflict. As a start, talk to your RA; they are happy to help!
Are private rooms available?
There are a limited number ofresidence hall rooms/styles that are designed to be private (Hodo Residence CollegeH and G styles). The Husky Village apartments are private. Most residential space is shared space.
- Other housing and meal plan questions:
Where is the main Residence Life Office?
The Residence Life office’s is located in the Hodo Residence College first floor lobby.
Who are RDs and RAs?
- An RD is the Resident Director for the Residence Colleges or Apartments. This is aprofessionalstaff who isresponsible for overall management of their facility.
- An RA is a Resident Assistant. The RAis astudent leaderthat issupervised by the Resident Director. The RA is responsible to support a specific group of residents and are the first point of contactwhen residents need help.
Are there elevators? What about special accommodations?
Yes. The Mest Wing of the Women’s Residence College has elevator access (the WRC and MRC do not). The Sadie & Doug Hodo Residence College also has elevator access. ADA-compliant housing is available for those in need. To request special accommodations contact the Disability Services Coordinator(504@HC.edu).
What should I do if I have maintenance problem in my room?
Maintenancerequestsshould be directed to your RA or the lobbyoffices of theResidence Colleges.
What are the Visitation Hours?
Visiting hours for members of the opposite sex as follows:
MRC, WRC, Hodo:
Sunday– Thursday 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Friday– Saturday 1:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Husky Village:
Sunday – Saturday 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.Overnight guests of the same sex must be registered with the on-call Resident Assistant or the Resident Director. Overnight guests of the opposite sex are not permitted. Please refer to the HCU Student Handbook for more details and guidelines.
NOvisitation during breaks — During the University breaks, there will be no one allowed into the building except with advance permission of the Resident Director or theDirector of Residence Life.
Is there a curfew?
No. You are given a doorcode to enter the building and you will have a key to your room.
Is an HCU meal plan required for Husky Village residents?
Yes.All residents are required to purchase a meal plan. The Lite Diner or Block 90 meal plan isthe minimum requirement for Husky Village residents, but thestandard meal plans are available as well.
Is there a cleaning service?
For Freshman Village and Hodo, yes. Restrooms and common areas are cleaned weekly (public areas) by the HCU cleaning crew. “Cleaning” means dusting and mopping. Bedroom areas are not cleaned. Cleaning services are not provided in Husky Village.
- Residence Life Policies
Bring a car to campus?
Yes. There is parking available near the Residence Colleges and Apartments as well as in several other parking lots on campus. You must have a current or valid HCU parking hang-tag from the HCU Police (generally obtained during registration).
Have a pet?
No. Pets are strictly prohibited. There are no exceptions.
Burn candles or incense?
No. Both are considered fire hazards and are therefore prohibited. However, oil diffusers are allowed.
Cook in my room?
Yes.However, cooking appliances with an open heat source are not permitted in student rooms. Toaster ovens, heaters, hot plates, other “open element” appliances, or other similar items (i.e., George Foreman Grills) are serious fire hazards and, therefore are NOT permitted in student rooms. Devices using an open flame such as candles, portable gas stoves, grills, fondue pots, gas burner hot plates, or gas lanterns are prohibited in student rooms. Popcorn poppers, rice cookers, hot pots, coffee pots, and/or microwaves (must be 1000 watts or less) are permitted.
Have alcohol on campus?
No.The Housing Agreementas well as the University’sCode of Conduct specifically state that the possession and/or consumption of alcohol on campus isprohibited.
Smoke or vape on campus? In my car?
HCU prohibits smoking or vaping anywhere on University premises.
Have a bicycle on campus?
Yes. However, bicycles are not allowed in student rooms. Bicycles may not be parked in exterior hallways or stairwells of any building. Bicycle racks are locatedat various locations on campus. There is no storage available in the Residence Colleges. You are encouraged not to bring expensive bicycles to campus. Be sure to secure your bicycle. Failure to comply with proper bicycle policies may result in removal of the bike and possible disciplinary action
Rearrange the room furnishings/bring extra furnishings?
Yes,however, you will be required to return university furniture to its original set up. Please do not remove furnishingsfrom the room. Please feel free to bring additional small furnishings (TV stand, small bookcase, end table, etc.) to further personalize your space.
Bring curtains for the bedroom windows?
Yes, however a tension rod is required as you are NOT allowed to drill holes into the walls. Please refer to the window dimensions below.
- Philips RCs: Men’s & Women’s – 81.5 in x 41 in.
- Mest Wing: Women’s – 81 x 48
