Guide to Living in the Halls


Common Questions After Move-in

Hall Assignments
Meal Plans
Keys
Insurance
Internet
Guests
Pets
Heating & Cooling
Maintenance
Hall Street Journal
Miscellaneous

HALL ASSIGNMENTS

Q. How do I request another room?

A. Room change sign-ups for anyone who wishes to move for any reason are scheduled during the fall semester in September and November and are accommodated only as space permits. There is a $15 processing fee to move to another room. Room changes at any other time are permitted only if approved by your Residence Hall Coordinator and Housing Administration. If your desire for another room is based on roommate issues, you are expected to put genuine effort into resolving the issues before a room change is considered.

Q. What if I want to move to another hall?

A. Depending on occupancy, hall change sign-ups may be scheduled for fall semester, depending on space availability. Changes for the spring semester must be completed before the end of the fall semester. There is a $15 processing fee to move to another hall.

Q. What if I need to cancel my License Agreement for housing?

A. The Student Housing License Agreement is a legally binding document. By signing it you have agreed to certain terms and conditions which include requirements for occupancy and conduct. You may request Contract Release at any time. However, only a documented change in health or recent financial hardship can be considered. If you are released, you will be charged 30 days beyond the day that you check out of your room. Generally, the charge is 30 days of rent if you withdraw from the university.

Q. What if I need housing over break periods?

A. All of the residence halls, except University Towers, Aztec Corner apartments and the Villa Alvarado apartments, close during Thanksgiving, semester, and spring breaks. These complexes are open during these periods, at no additional charge, only for students who live there throughout the academic year. You cannot "temporarily" move to one of these complexes during any of the break periods. If you need housing during the breaks, and are not already living in one of these buildings, be sure to sign up for a hall change in September. If space is available, you can move early in the semester before one of the scheduled breaks (and hall closures).


MEAL PLANS

Q. Where do I eat?

A. Your meal plan enables you to take advantage of a special community way of life which includes quality food choices and a friendly dining atmosphere. The primary residential dining facility is The Dining Room at Cuicacalli Suites. With your meal plan, you can purchase food at over 16 quick restaurant locations on campus, five Aztec Markets and the residential dining facility.

Q. Can I change my meal plan?

A. Yes, you can change your meal plan by contacting SDSU Dining Services (formerly known as Aztec Dining Services). There is a $5.00 processing fee to change your plan. Changes may be made only during the following dates for 2008-09:
September 15-19, 2008 (effective September 29, 2008)
November 3-7, 2008 (effective January 22, 2009)
February 9-13, 2009 (effective February 23, 2009)

Q. Where can I cook?

A. Cooking utensils, stoves, refrigerators/freezers, and microwave ovens are provided by Hall Council in the kitchenette of most residence halls. Ask your front desk how to check out equipment or reserve the kitchen.


KEYS

Q. What if I lock myself out?

A. Staff will assist you in room entry and you will be charged $25 per entry, regardless of the reason for lock out. Staff may not be readily available and you may have to wait. Repeated incidents will result in judicial action.

Q. What if I lose my key or access card?

A. Let the front desk know at once. This poses a security risk. Residents are charged $144 for lost keys in all residence halls except Cuicacalli, University Towers, and Villa Alvarado (locks must be changed and new keys made). Replacement of lost keys at Villa Alvarado is $164. Replacement of lost Cuicacalli and University Towers keys is $80. Replacing a lost access card is $25. Report damaged or lost cards/keys immediately so that a replacement can be issued.


INSURANCE

Q. Do I need renter's insurance?

A. University insurance does not cover your personal property damage. Therefore, the university highly recommends that you obtain insurance, such as a renter's policy. (Your parents' homeowners insurance policy may cover theft or damage of property in your room. Check with your insurance agent.)


INTERNET

Q. How can I get my computer hooked up to the Internet?

A. The best option is to use RezCon, which provides a fast Ethernet connection right from your room. Several halls also offer wireless connections for laptop users. Pick up a RezCon Instruction sheet at your hall front desk for full details on how to connect, or check out the RezCon Web site for more information.


GUESTS

Q. Am I permitted to have guests?

A. All visitors and guests must be escorted by you at all times. You are allowed no more than three guests in your room at any given time (two guests per licensee in VA and Cuicacalli). Residents living in designated over-the-break housing may have only one guest at a time during break periods. You accept responsibility for the behavior of your visitors and guests, and must inform them of university and housing regulations.

Q. Can I have overnight guests in my room?

A. The overnight guest privilege is extended to you on a temporary and occasional basis only after securing written approval from your roommate and registering your guest at the hall front desk. There is a strict limit on the number of nights and visits per calendar month. All visitors and guests must be escorted by the resident at all times. This information is included in the Policies and Regulations section of the guide.


PETS

Q. Is it okay to keep an iguana or python or puppy or kitten in my room?

A. No animals of any kind, except fish in a bowl up to 2-gallon capacity, are not allowed in the residence hall rooms, in the hall common areas, nor on the premises. Stray animals may not be fed or sheltered. Notify staff to take action to remove and protect the animal. Presence of an animal in any room may result in extensive cleaning charges and judicial action.


HEATING & COOLING

Q. When will the heat be turned on?

A. Heating and air conditioning are limited to observe good environmental and fiscal practices. State facilities are heated to 68 degrees. While heat is on, windows should not be open. Every thermostat/fan in each room has an on/off switch to help control the room temperature.

Q. When will the air conditioning be turned on?

A. Heating and air conditioning are limited to observe good environmental and fiscal practices. State facilities are cooled to 78 degrees. While air conditioning is on, windows should be closed. Every thermostat/fan in each room has an on/off switch to help control the room temperature. Questions regarding this policy may be directed to the OHA at 594-5742. In Villa Alvarado and Aztec Corner, heating and air conditioning are controlled by the residents of each apartment who may select either heating or cooling. Each Villa Alvarado and Aztec Corner apartment is charged for utilities.


MAINTENANCE

Q. How can I get something in my room repaired?

A. Repairs will be made on a priority basis when a service request is completed. Request a repair by initiating a service request at your hall's front desk. Please be aware that it may take several days or longer for a service request to be completed. In some cases, parts must be ordered and it may take additional time to complete the work. If it is necessary to enter your room to make a repair while you are out, the maintenance staff member will leave a notice for you that they were working in your room.

Q. How do I request pest control service?

A. All residential housing has problems from time to time with insects and other pests. Let your front desk know if there's a problem, and a pest control service will be scheduled. The most effective prevention is to keep your room clean and empty trash regularly.


HALL STREET JOURNAL

Q. How will I get information and news?

A. Want to know what's going on in the halls? The Hall Street Journal (HSJ) is a weekly newsletter available online, with a reminder e-mail sent each Monday. Read it regularly for up-to-date information on hall activities, important announcements, deadline dates, job opportunities, and more! The Daily Aztec is the student campus-wide newspaper available in the halls and on-campus. Subscriptions to The San Diego Union-Tribune and other periodicals can be delivered to the hall.


MISCELLANEOUS

Q. Where can I store my bike?

A. You can arrange storage in a bike locker/bike barn by going to the Housing Office. Bikes may not be stored in rooms.

Q. Can I smoke in the halls?

A. Governor's Order EO599 prohibits smoking in any university building. There must be no smoking at any time in buildings, balconies, lounges, breezeways, swimming pool areas, or recreation rooms. Smoking is also prohibited within 20 feet of a building. The policy also applies to all guests and visitors.