New Student Housing Information

WELCOME TO CAMPUS

Life at UD is exhilarating with so many opportunities to explore, learn, and connect with others. We want to help you make the most of your time here by providing the information you need to get off to a great start!

HOUSING OPTIONS FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS

Living on campus is a great part of the college experience. First-year students have the option to live in one of the three residence halls: Aitchison Hall, Cassat Hall or Donnell Hall. Each residence hall features shared double rooms, a large main lounge, a shared kitchen equipped with an oven, stove, sink, and microwave. Living on campus means living among friends, being close to classes and other campus buildings, gaining access to helpful resources and feeling connected to the University.

ROOMMATES

For many students, the idea of having a roommate can be a new experience and a little intimidating. However, roommates are often the first person you will meet on campus and will be your newest friend. Residence Life staff encourage you to be open to new relationships. A large part of your overall education here at the University of Dubuque is learning about yourself and how you relate to people. Our mission statement calls us all to respect diversity in all its forms and to practice Christian love. It's important to bring an open mind and enjoy the new experiences that await you. No matter how you have been assigned a roommate (self-requested, paired by an athletic coach, or assigned by our office), we recommend you connect with that person prior to moving onto campus. Your room assignment email includes the name and contact information of your roommate. Strongly consider contacting your roommate at least once before moving in to introduce yourself, talk about your goals, and what major you plan to pursue. Also, talk about your room and your thoughts on how to set it up, what to bring to eliminate possible duplicates, etc. Once you have moved in, our office can assist in establishing the room expectations by providing a roommate agreement document to complete with your roommate.

FURNISHING YOUR ROOM

PROVIDED ITEMS:

  • Bed Frame
  • Extra-long twin mattresses with mattress protectors
  • Dresser
  • Study desk
  • Desk Chair
  • Micro-fridge (mini-fridge with microwave)
  • Neutral-colored blinds
  • Internet ports

ITEMS TO MAKE YOUR ROOM YOUR HOME

WHAT TO BRING:

  • Alarm clock
  • Towels/washcloths
  • Pillows
  • Clothes hangers
  • Personal care products
  • Bedsheets/pillowcase
  • Mattress pad
  • Bedspread/blankets
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Trash container
  • Tower or box fan
  • Personal computer
  • Basic microwave-safe dishes
  • Silverware
  • Drinking glasses
  • Laundry supplies and basket
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Throw rugs or small carpet
  • Stereo and headphones
  • UL approved surge protector power strips (with circuit breaker)
  • Recreation equipment: video games, board games, cards, a frisbee, football, basketball, etc.
  • A simple first aid kit for minor scrapes and cuts
  • Slippers and/or shower shoes
  • Plants, posters, photos of family and friends and other decorative items to make your room feel like home

Residents in the first-year residence halls, Aitchison, Cassat and Donnell, are encouraged to consider renting bedlofts as one way to maximize space in their room. Resident are NOT allowed to construct or bring their own bedloft units. The Office of Residence Life works directly with the helpful staff at Collegiate Marketing to offer safe and affordable lofting units. Please visit the Bedloft website to learn more and reserve a bedloft: http://www.bedloft.com/

WHAT NOT TO BRING:

A NUMBER OF ITEMS ARE PROHIBITED FOR SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS:

(this list is not inclusive of all prohibited items, PLEASE reference the Student Handbook for all prohibited items and more information)

  • Pets (except small aquarium fish)
  • Weapons, fireworks, explosives and ammunition of any type
  • Heating elements of any type, such as space heaters and butane lighters
  • Any type of power tools beyond a simple drill
  • Open coil appliances with exposed heating elements, such as open face coffee pots, hot plates or toasters
  • Pressure cookers such as an Instant Pot
  • Halogen lamps or Sun lamps
  • Candles or incense
  • Home-made bedlofts, of any type
  • Refrigerators/freezers (unless approved for your specific housing unit)
  • Microwaves (they are provided in first-year residence hall rooms and kitchens)
  • Street or highway signs (they are illegal to possess in the state of Iowa)
  • Extension cords (without circuit breakers)
  • Large sofas

OTHER SERVICES

Dining Services
The University of Dubuque offers a flexible on-campus meal plan service to students. University policy requires residents enroll in a meal plan if living in Aitchison, Cassat, Donnell, and Chlapaty halls. Upper-class students living in other UD housing may choose to purchase a meal plan or opt out. Park Village units, townhouses, and campus house are equipped with full kitchens.

Laundry Facilities
Each residence hall is equipped with full-service laundry rooms; a $40 per semester charge will be added to your student account for use of the laundry facilities in your housing unit.

Computers
Computers are permitted in individual residence hall rooms and access to the Internet is provided. All computers and other electronics (except cell phones) should be registered with the HelpDesk prior to use. For more information on Internet accessibility, please contact the Technology Help Desk at 563.589.3737 or see further information on the Technology page.

Vehicles/Cars
Limited parking spaces are available on campus. All students with a vehicle on campus must register their vehicle with Campus Safety & Security in Smith Hall. If a parking sticker/permit is required, Campus Safety & Security will assist.

Mail Room
Receiving mail and packages from family and friends is an important part of college life. All students are assigned an on-campus mailbox; located in the Campus Post Office in the Heritage Center. Students who wish to receive their mail on campus should pick up a key ($5 deposit) for their own personal mailbox.

If you plan to ship belongings to UD, please follow these guidelines:

  1. Belongings should arrive after you do.
  2. All mail and packages must be addressed as follows:
    (Your Name)
    CPO Box #_______
    University of Dubuque
    2000 University Avenue
    Dubuque, IA 52001-5099

When people send you mail after you arrive on campus, it is extremely important to include "University of Dubuque" in the address, as well as your CPO# (campus post office box number.) Without the "University of Dubuque" name and your CPO#, your mail may not be delivered properly by the US Postal Service.