Frequently Asked Questions
There's a lot to consider in the transition to life on campus — from what to bring, to where to go and to how to get the room of your dreams. Here you will find a list of frequently asked questions and a few answers to get you on the right path. Still have questions?
Send us a message and someone from the Department of
Housing will get back to you.
What is the freshmen requirement to live on campus?
University of Louisiana System policy requires that all unmarried, full-time undergraduate students, regardless of age or emancipation status, live in campus residence halls as long as space is available. The policy further states if a college or university cannot provide adequate housing for students in this category, exemptions may be granted according to the following priorities:
1. Graduates
2. Seniors
3. Juniors
4. Sophomores
5. Freshmen based on the following:
- The student living with parents, grandparents, or married brother or sister within in a 40 mile radius of campus and commutes daily to campus.
- The student is married or is a single custodial parent.
- The student is at least 21 years of age on or before the first day of classes for the academic year.
- The student has earned at least 30 credit hours.
- The student is a “hardship case” which is defined as a person who will suffer significant hardship because of valid medical (special diets are available in the on-campus dining facilities) or financial hardship due to campus residency. While substantial hardship reasons for financial or medical problems will be considered, these factors are certainly not automatic reasons for a student to be granted approval to live off campus. If financial reasons are given, a substantial saving would have to be clearly shown with supporting documentation such as statements from a landlord showing monthly rent, average utility charges, amount of deposits required, appropriate monthly meal cost, etc.
Because the University can house only a relatively small percent of its enrollment, the first four categories are automatically exempt. Therefore, UL Lafayette does require that all full-time freshmen students reside on campus in university residence halls or apply for a housing exemption from this requirement. The University of Louisiana System policy can be found on their website: http://www.ulsystem.net/index.cfm?md=pagebuilder&tmp=home&pid=204 under Part Two, Chapter II, Students, Section XX.
What are the advantages of living on campus?
One of the biggest advantages to living on campus is the fact that you are close to your classes, food, and the library. No need to worry about parking or several minutes of commuting. You can literally jump out of bed and be in class within minutes. Another advantage is since you are already on campus you can take advantage of all the great activities UPC and RHA sponsor for students. One of the best advantages is you don't have separate bills for utilities, cable, phone, internet or meals. Everything is included in your room and board rate.
How are residence halls assigned?
Our residence halls and apartments are set up in neighborhoods on campus. We have the Rose Garden, Taft Street, Legacy Park, and Cajun Village. Each neighborhood focuses on different classifications of students in an effort to provide the best possible on campus experience. The Rose Garden neighborhood will focus on freshman, the Taft Street neighborhood will focus on sophomores, Legacy Park will focus on upperclassmen and graduate students and Cajun Village will focus on families. Assignments are based on neighborhoods and the date the deposit, housing application and contract are received. Have a hall preference? Simply make note of it while filling out your housing application. While this doesn’t guarantee your request will be granted, we’ll certainly try our best to accommodate you.
How are roommates determined?
Students of the same gender who wish to live together should submit their applications early, at the same time and request each other as roommates. Every effort will be made to honor roommate requests. If you do not request a specific roommate, you will be matched with one according to the roommate preference form with the housing application. It is possible to make a general roommate request — like that you’d prefer a non-smoker, a roommate of a specific major or someone who’s as neat and tidy as you.
What if I want to switch roommates?
Send us a message, give us an idea of the problem and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. Just be sure to select "Roommate Conflict" as the subject of your message.
What should I bring to campus?
An alarm clock, towels, toiletries, cleaning supplies, extra long twin bedding and other
linens are a must. Your room will be your home away from home for the
year, so bring what you need but remember to make it your space. Spice
up the place with photos, plants, TV, touchtone phone, and, if you absolutely must, the complete Dave
Matthews Band discography. Have fun and get creative. But remember —
no permanent
changes
(painting,
drilling, etc.) to rooms are allowed.
What should I not bring with me?
In the residence halls of the Rose Garden and Taft Street a microwave is provided within the suites. In the Conference Center and Harris, you can NOT bring a microwave that is higher than 700 watts. Cooking appliances are not permitted in the residence halls. None of our halls/apartments permit pets of any kind, dartboards, candles and incense.
What should I keep in mind on move in day?
Accompanying your residence hall assignment is a designated check-in date and time. The first order of business will be BRING A DOLLY to bring your belongings from the parking garage to your building. We will have some dollies available but it is always best to be prepared with your own. Then stop by the lobby of the assigned hall to pick up your key. Parking is provided at the parking garages ONLY so keep in mind that traffic will be heavy throughout the day. The University Police Department, residence hall staff and numerous student groups will be available to help with the moving process. Remember, a dolly is A MUST for heavy items and everything you bring for your room must be stored in your room.
Are there any campus activities organized for residents?
The residence hall staff coordinates a variety of activities focused around social, educational and personal development topics. The University Program Council also plans campus-wide activities in which residence hall students can participate.
What amenities are available with my room and board payments?
In addition to your sweet new pad, you can pick from a variety of meal
plans, enjoy cable and local telephone services with voicemail, paid
utilities, twin-size bed, desk, chair, chest of drawers, wireless
internet in most buildings and the opportunity to purchase a parking
sticker for parking near your residence hall.
Television and phone?
Yes, telephone and cable television services are provided. Your telephone system is equipped with voicemail, which means you will need to bring your own touch-tone telephone and cord. Your cable television service is equipped with more than 70 entertainment channels and the University Community Channel, which provides tutorial lessons in math and science as well as other university-related items. You will, however, need to bring your own television and cable extension.
Can I live on campus during semester breaks?
Great News..since the housing contract is for Fall and Spring, all residence halls and apartments are open during the semester breaks and students are welcome to stay at no additional cost. Additionally, students do not have to check out between Fall and Spring semesters.
Is there access to health care services on campus?
All residents are in close proximity to Student Health Services, which includes a medical clinic offering the services of full-time physicians, nurse practitioners and several nurses. Student Health Services includes the Counseling and Testing Center, which offers professional counselors and a staff psychologist available to counsel students free of charge. These services are included in your student fees.
How do I know if I qualify for Legacy Park Apartments?
In order to qualify, you must be an undergraduate student carrying at least 12 semester hours or a graduate student carrying at least 9 semester hours. For graduate assistants, the magic number is 6 semester hours. Freshmen are more than welcome, but Legacy Park assignments are based on classification which means upperclassmen have priority.
Are Legacy Park residents required to have a meal plan?
Yes. Students who live in Legacy Park are required to purchase a meal plan as part of their housing contract.
Can I use a housing scholarship for Legacy Park or Family Housing?
Absolutely. While the scholarship will likely not cover the total cost,
the scholarship amount will be credited to your balance.
How do I know if I qualify for Family Housing?
Here are the basics: You must be an undergraduate student maintaining at least 12 semester hours or a graduate student maintaining at least 9 semester hours (6 for graduate assistants). You must be a married person whose legally wed spouse (marriage license required) continuously and physically occupies the apartment. This, of course, does not apply during the time he/she is working offshore. Single parents with dependent minor children in his/her continuous physical care also qualify. For more information see Family Housing, download an application or contact the UL Lafayette Department of Housing at 337-482-6861.
When should I apply for Family Housing?
Because we assign based on the date of the deposit, it's a good idea to apply as soon as you're admitted to the university.
Does UL Lafayette provide special accommodations for persons with disabilities?
Should you need special housing arrangements under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1994, you should contact the Legacy Park apartment manager at 337-482-1438 or the Family Housing apartment manager at 337-482-6861. Students living in traditional residence halls should contact the Department of Housing at
337-482-6471.
Whom should I contact if I have other special housing needs?
Students living in traditional residence halls are encouraged to contact the Department of Housing at housing@louisiana.edu. Simply submit a request detailing your specific need as well as supporting documentation and someone from the department will contact you.
Is UL Lafayette a safe campus?
The University Police Department has fully trained, commissioned officers that continually patrol the UL Lafayette campus. During evening hours, an escort van service is also available to transport students to and from their residence halls and academic buildings. Additionally, residence hall staff personnel are assigned to live in each hall and are available to assist residents. There are also deskworkers at each residence hall desk from 4 pm to midnight and a night guard from midnight to 7 am.
For meals, how does a declining balance differ from Cajun Cash?
Cajun Cash is the term used for the monetary deposit put onto the Cajun Card (your student ID). If students and/or parents decide to deposit funds into their Cajun Card account, the money is called Cajun Cash. Cajun Cash is similar to a debit account. Anyone with a valid Cajun Card can deposit money into his or her card account. A listing of on- and off-campus locations that accept Cajun Cash can be found here. Depending on which meal plan you choose, a declining balance will be attached to your account. Once your declining balance is depleted, you may add Cajun Cash to your account.
Is a separate card required for food purchases?
Nope! The Cajun Card functions as a student ID, is used to access some campus buildings including the residence halls and is linked to your Cajun Cash and meal plan's declining balance. Visit the Cajun Cash website for a listing of vendors that accept Cajun Cash.
Can freshmen live in Legacy Park?
Yes. However, the apartments are in high demand and are considered on a classification basis. Which means graduate and upperclass students have first priority, then sophomores, then freshmen. The Department of Housing recommends submitting all applications as soon as possible.
I'm in honors but my roommate isn't. Can we live together in the honors dorm?
Non-honors students may live in the honors dorm, but the Housing Department gives priority to honors students. If space remains after all honors students are accounted for, we likely will be able to accommodate you.
