Living in a residence hall

Living in a Residence Hall

Roommates
Many of you will have an American roommate. This will be an interesting cross-cultural experience for you as well as for your roommate. Cooperation with your roommate is necessary, especially because of differences in culture. Try to establish a friendly relationship with your roommate, but do not expect them to host you or to assume responsibility for helping you integrate into campus life. Some Americans will interact a lot with their AUAP roommates and others will be very busy with studies, a boyfriend or girlfriend, or a part-time job. They might not spend much time in the room, but this does not mean that they are unfriendly. To have a better understanding of your American roommate, you should know that she/he might:

go to bed around 10 p.m. or 11 p.m. and get up by 7 a.m. on weekdays.
watch TV in the room.
bring a girlfriend/boyfriend into the room.
talk a lot on the telephone.
enjoy spending time with independent and active people.
study a lot (in the room or in the library).
have a part-time job in the evenings or on weekends.
have limited money to spend on activities.

Having or not having an American roommate should not be a factor in determining the success of your AUAP experience. You will have many opportunities to make American friends in your residence hall, on campus and in the community during your stay.

You will be expected to follow the rules of the residence halls. The main rules are as follows:

Smoking is not allowed in any of EWU's residence halls. All residence halls are non-smoking buildings.
Drinking alcohol in the residence hall rooms is only permitted if you are 21 years of age or older, and only in halls where drinking is allowed. You must drink in your room with the door closed. No one under 21 years of age can be in a room where someone is drinking. No drinking is allowed in the lounge or hallways of the residence halls.
Quiet hours are enforced during specific hours and you must respect your neighbors' rights to study or sleep.
The use of illegal drugs is strictly forbidden and violators will be prosecuted.

Residence Hall Facilities

Laundry
There are card-operated laundry washing machines and dryers in each residence hall. You must buy a card at the Housing office at the beginning of each quarter. You can purchase a 44-load card for $30. If you need extra loads, you can purchase a 16-load card for $15. Most residence halls also have a kitchen area with a stove and a refrigerator. There is a lounge with a television and vending machines with snacks.

Telephones
We enourage students to purchase a cell phone once they arrive to use during their stay. Your IPA will be able to provide directions on how to purchase a cell phone. Or, if you prefer, you may use the landline provided in each hall.

Linens
The AUAP Program will provide you with sheets, a blanket, and a pillow during your stay. These must be returned before you leave. If you prefer, you can also purchase your own linens.

Damages
You are responsible for leaving your residence hall room in the same clean condition as when you arrived. You may decorate your room with posters, rugs, lamps, etc., but you will be charged for any damages to the room or extra cleaning charges.

Keys
You will be given 1 key to your residence hall and room. If you lose your key, you will have to pay a replacement fee of $50.00.

Dining Halls
You can eat your meals in several different dining halls on campus. Your International Peer Advisor (IPA) will help you learn about the dining hall system.

American Attitudes about Smoking
For health and lifestyle reasons, Americans have changed their attitudes about smoking in the last twenty years. Most Americans do not smoke and non-smokers usually prefer to socialize with other non-smokers. A non-smoker is someone who never smokes, not even outside. Smoking is not allowed in ANY public building or restaurant by STATE LAW. This is a sensitive subject for Americans, and awareness and respect on your part will help you to build good relationships and impressions in the United States. If you are a smoker, please follow these two rules:

DO NOT throw your cigarette butts on the ground or sidewalk. Extinguish and dispose of your cigarette butts in the containers outside of buildings.
You must stand 8 meters away from any building entrance when you are smoking. This is a STATE LAW.