Residence Life

FAQ

Below are some of our frequently asked questions. If yours isn’t answered or you have additional questions about residence life at Southwestern please contact us directly. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Meal Plan Information

    Those students not on the unlimited meal plan are only able to utilize a meal swipe once during each of the following time periods: 

    For up-to-date hours please check CampusDish

    Breakfast
    Monday – Friday | 7:30AM - 9:30AM
    Saturday – Sunday | Closed

    Continental Breakfast
    Monday – Friday | 9:30AM - 11:00AM
    Saturday – Sunday | Closed

    Brunch
    Monday – Friday | Closed
    Saturday – Sunday | 10:30AM - 2:00PM

    Lunch
    Monday – Friday | 11:00AM - 2:30PM
    Saturday – Sunday | Closed

    Afternoon Snack
    Monday – Friday | 2:30PM - 5:00PM
    Saturday – Sunday | Closed

    Dinner
    Monday – Thursday | 5:00PM - 9:00PM
    Friday – Sunday | 5:00PM - 7:30PM

    If you wish to eat more than once during these time blocks (and are not on the unlimited plan), you are able to use one meal plan swipe for one entry into the Commons and then utilize your Pirate Buc$ to gain a second entrance. 
    Linked here are the 2024-2025 meal plans offered and their associated costs
    (Note: All meal plans include an 8.25% sales tax. The 5 meals / week plan is only available to those students residing in the Lord Center, Dorothy Lord Center, a fraternity house, or off-campus)
  • Fall 2023 Move-In Guidelines and Highlights

    Will I have assistance in unloading my car?

    • Yes, move-in assistance will be available from 9AM to 1PM in First-Year Halls. Make sure your items are labeled with name and room number. 

    We recommend that you bring the following to manage your move: 

    • Small furniture dollies and/or wagons 
    • Containers or suitcases that can stack and roll 
    • Comfortable clothing and shoes
    • Water and or hydrating beverages (Gatorade, Powerade, etc.)

    Do I have to have my move in complete within the arrival window I signed up for? 

    • You do not have to complete the entire move-in process during the arrival window. This window is for you to arrive on campus, get to your hall, and unload your belongings.

    How many people can I bring with me to Move-In?

    • There is no limit to the number of cars or guests you bring with you. 

    Am I required to exit the building at a certain time on New Student Move-In Days?

    • Parents, families, and guests will need to exit the building prior to the start of community meetings.

    What if I’m a fall athlete?

    • Fall athletes will arrive on designated days as coordinated by Residence Life and Athletics. 

    What if I’m an international student?

    • International students will receive specific instructions from the Study Abroad and International Student Services Office. 
  • How Do I Do Laundry on Campus?

    Washers and dryers are provided in residence halls on campus. Each load is 1.25 to wash and 1.25 to dry and you pay for laundry services by using the CSC Go mobile application.

     

    All of our machines can now be operated through the CSC Go mobile application.  You can find the link to the application below.  This new app also allows you to see how many machines are currently available in your assigned laundry room. 
    Once you have used the App to determine that the number of washers you need are open by clicking the “Room” tab on the bottom of the screen, you should follow these steps:
    - Add funds into your wallet by navigating to the “Wallet” tab on the App and clicking “Add Funds.”  Please note that you will not be able to use Pirate Bucks.
     
    - Place your clothes/items and detergent in the open machine. 
    - On the CSC Go App, click the “Start” tab on the bottom of the screen and click the “Open Scanner” option in the middle.  You will then scan the QR code on the machine using your phone camera, see.  You can also use the Tap or license plate number entry features. 
    - The App will always say that your settings are Light, Normal, and Cold. 
    - Adjust the settings on the machine to your desired levels.  Press the green “Start” button on the actual machine. 
    - Once you do this, your phone screen, under the “Laundry” tab will show you how many minutes are left until your laundry cycle is completed. 
    - If you elected to receive notifications from the CSC Go App, you will receive a notification 
  • The Ultimate Packing List

    Southwestern provides:

    • Closets / wardrobes
    • Smoke detectors
    • Blinds
    • Wireless internet
    • Overhead ceiling lights
    • Trash can and recycling bin
    • Extra long twin beds
    • Desk and chair
    • Shower curtain rod
    • Air conditioning / heat

    What to bring with you:

    • Linens (twin XL)
    • Pillows
    • Towels
    • Laundry basket
    • Laundry detergent / dryer sheets
    • Hangers
    • TV
    • Headphones
    • Umbrella
    • Posters, decorations, rugs, etc.
    • 3M Command Adhesive Strips
    • Microwave and refrigerator (coordinate with your roommate)
    • Toiletries

    What to leave at home:

    • Alcohol, empty alcohol containers or illegal drugs
    • Food preparation appliances (toaster, air fryers, hot plates, or any cooking appliance with an exposed heating element)
    • Pets (except fish / SU approved service animals)
    • Halogen lamps, space heaters or extension cords
    • Candles and incense
    • Refrigerator larger than 4.3 cubic ft.
    • Firearms, weapons, or fireworks
    • Grills, charcoal, or flammable liquids
    • Extra furniture that the University already provides (University owned furniture cannot be removed from room, this includes mattresses)
    • Wireless routers or access points
  • Am I Required to Live On-Campus?

    There is an on-campus residency requirement at Southwestern for students who have had less than four full-time semesters in college.  Incoming students must be at least 17 years of age at the time of initial occupancy to live in University housing.