Guide to Living in the Halls


Common Questions After Move-in

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


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 heating and air conditioning are controlled by the residents of each apartment who may select either heating or cooling. Each Villa Alvarado 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.