Residential Life: Frequently Asked Questions

1.    What is the size of the mattresses in the residence halls?  Are mattress pads supplied?

Mattresses in the residential system are 36 x 79.5, which are larger than standard sized mattresses and require extra long sheets. Students need to supply their own mattress pads, bed linens, and plastic mattress covers if they have allergies.

2.    Are there laundry facilities in the residence halls? 

Each residence hall has a laundry room for the residents of that specific hall and require the use of a laundry card.. Click here for important laundry information.

3.    Is there a refrigerator in the room?  Can students bring refrigerators?

Refrigerators are not provided in the rooms.  Many students choose to buy their own refrigerators (the College does not sponsor any sort of rental service), but if you choose to do so, please be mindful that our policy states that refrigerators may not be more than 4.3 cubic feet.  Often this is an area where roommates will decide to have one person bring the refrigerator, while another roommate provides something else for the room that both people can use.

4.    Are the rooms carpeted?  Can students bring their own carpet?

The residence hall rooms at Kalamazoo College have tiled floors.  Students are allowed to bring carpet, and many students find good quality remnants at local stores when they move in.  Students also sometimes choose not to purchase carpet, but bring smaller area rugs from home. Please keep in mind that the College does not allow the use of carpet tape, as it may damage the tile.

5.    Can I come in during the summer and see and/or measure my room?

Since our residence halls are renovated or are utilized during the summer to house student employees, athletes and summer conferences, it is not possible for students to see and/or measure the rooms. The College does not keep specific room dimensions.

6.    What about telephones and long distance access?

Each residence hall room is equipped with one telephone jack.  The College does not supply telephones.  Students must use their own calling card to make long distance calls.  Additional questions regarding telephone service can be directed to Information Services (269-337-5800).

7.    What should I bring with me?

Depending upon your needs, the answer to this question may vary.  However, the following are some ideas from current Kalamazoo College students:  posters for the walls, pillows/bed linens/comforter, CD player/IPOD, clothes for the current season, plastic bowl/plate/utensils, computer/printer, surge protector, plastic crates/containers to use as organizers, something to take your toiletries to and from the bathroom, pictures from home, telephone, answering machine, dry erase board for messages, small clip desk light, alarm clock, refrigerator (up to 4.3 cubic feet), microwave (only 1 per student bedroom and no more than 900 watts) laundry bag/basket, recreational equipment you may want (Frisbee, football, basketball), and anything else that would make your room feel comfortable.  Some items you may want to share with your roommate, so it is a good idea to talk with that person ahead of time to try to coordinate. Keep in mind that College-owned furniture may not be removed from student rooms.

8.    What should I not bring?

Prohibited items in the residence halls include: space heaters, waterbeds, hot plates, camp stoves, grills, George Foreman Grills, pets, street signs or any public signs, food which may attract insects or rodents, darts or a dart board, weapons of any kind, hookahs, candles and any open flames. Prohibited items are detailed in the Residential Policy page of this site.

9.    What type of computer access and computer support is provided in the residence halls?

Each residence hall room is equipped with one Ethernet connection per student.  Beginning in the fall of 2009 all residence halls will also offer wireless connection throughout the entire buildings. All Living Learning houses are wireless as well. Each of the residence halls also houses a "Residential Computing Consultant."  These individuals are students who live in the halls and are employed specifically to help students in the hall with computer questions. Click here for more information and recommendations.

10.    Is cable TV provided in the rooms?

Cable TV is available in all residence hall rooms (1 cable outlet per bedroom). Click here for the station line up. Also, there is one TV room in each residence hall. Questions about cable TV can be directed to Information Services (269-337-5800).

11.    Can I build a loft in my room?  Does Kalamazoo College provide plans/blueprints for lofts?

Students may build lofts in the three residence halls which have moveable furniture.  Those include: DeWaters, Harmon and Trowbridge.  Kalamazoo College does not have specific plans/blueprints for lofts, but requires that all lofts are free standing (not attached to the walls, ceiling, floor or furniture).  Click here for the complete loft policy. Students are responsible for any damage or injury caused by the contruction of lofts. College furniture may not be removed from student rooms, so it is recommended that students incorporate their bed frames into the loft design. The College also does not keep specific room dimensions.

12.    When do the residence halls open/close?  Can I stay between quarters?

The residence halls are closed between quarters except for athletes, international students, and students who are employed at least 20 hours per week by the College during the break.  Students must check out with a staff member before they leave for break and turn in their key.  Students do not need to move their belongings out of their room during Winter Break and Spring Break unless they are moving to a different room the following quarter.  Click here for Residential Life calendar

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