Frequently Asked Questions

 How many roommates will I have?

The majority of rooms are doubles, meaning that you will have one roommate. There are, however, a small number of triples and quads. You can request one of these housing options; however, we can not guarantee that you will be placed in your first choice area.

Some first year students, as well as upperclassmen, can choose to live in suite-style accommodations, where they would have a direct roommate as well as several suite-mates, with whom they would share a private common room and bathroom.

How do you match roommates?

All roommates are hand matched based on the compatibility of the roommate matching forms.

May I request a specific roommate?

Yes, you may request a specific roommate. In order to do so, you must input the requested roommate's Bryant ID in the web application and that person must approve the roommate request in the portal.

However, we do discourage incoming students from requesting a roommate based on meeting at Orientation or on Facebook. Frequently, we see conflicts arise from these situations because lifestyle choices were not taken into account in the decision. Someone who makes a great friend, does not always make a compatible roommate.

We encourage students to allow our office to match them with a roommate based on mutually compatible lifestyle habits identified on the roommate questionnaire in the web application.

Can I request a type of housing, building or theme floor?

On your roommate matching form you were asked to rank order your housing style and building preferences.  Please be aware that while we do our best to honor your request, we can not guarantee that you will be placed in your top ranked choice.

We do offer the opportunity to participate in special interest housing. These options include:

• 24-hour quiet floor
• Honors floor (must be accepted into the Honors Program to qualify)
• International Business floor (must be an International Business major to qualify).

Please be aware that if there is not enough student interest to fill a floor we will be unable to offer that type of special interest housing for the academic year.

How can I request a non-smoking room?

All residence halls on campus are non-smoking in both common and private areas.

What are the meal plan options?

You can view a list of available meal plans and rates for 2011-2012.

How do I change my meal plan?

Meal plan changes are only allowed between semesters and within the first week of classes. If you wish to change your meal plan, please complete the webform. If you have questions, please call the Office of Residence Life at (401) 232-6140,

How do I resolve a roommate conflict?

• Speak directly to the person you are having conflict with. Talking with floormates or posting messages on facebook  instead of the talking to your roommate directly, often increases tension and stress, and can result in hurt feelings.
• If you haven't voiced your concerns to your roommate, they may not know there is a problem or a behavior that is causing you to be unhappy. Identify the areas you are having issues with and the options that will help these conflicts be resolved.
• Seek input from the person you are having conflict with. What is their point of view? Are there any compromises that can be made?
• Discuss possible solutions that everyone can agree upon. Talk about what you can do to make living together more successful.
• If these steps do not resolve your conflict your RA and Resident/Area Director can provide guidance, have a mediated conversation with both roommates, arrange for a new roommate agreement, or look at other available solutions.
• Room changes are not a guarantee, as the residence halls are generally at full occupancy.
  

When do we get our roommate assignment?

Roommate matching does not begin until after all orientation sessions have concluded, and takes several weeks to hand match you with a roommate.

Once we finish the process of hand matching you with a roommate, you will receive the information on your roommate in the mail in late July or early August.

If you feel there may be a problem with your paperwork, you can call the office (401-232-6140), or stop by to check your information.

Are the residence halls air conditioned?

The following residence halls have air conditioning:

First Year: Hall 14, Hall 15, Hall 16
Suite Village: Hall 5, Hall 6, Hall 7
Townhouses: All Townhouses

What do I need to bring if I live in the residence halls?

Here is a basic list of suggested items for your room.

Please review the list of Prohibited Items in the residence halls.

What furniture is provided for me in my residence hall room?

Each student is provided with:

• Small bureau
• Closet or wardrobe space
• Desk
• Desk chair
• Twin XL bed
• Bedrooms are carpeted

Please note: Bed heights vary. Please plan for having a bed with short bed ends, and bring bed risers if you would like extra space under the bed. Most beds can be bunked by contacting Campus Management to obtain bed pins and assistance.

What sized bed sheets should I bring?

All mattresses require Twin XL sheets.

Are the residence hall rooms carpeted?

Yes, all of the residence halls are carpeted.

Are there curtains or shades in the residence hall rooms?

Yes, all of the rooms come with drapes for the windows.

Does every residence hall have laundry facilities?

Yes, each residence hall does have laundry facilities. The machines accept quarters, as well as Bulldog Bucks, which can be purchased for your Bryant ID.

What kitchen facilities are available in each residence hall?

Halls 14 and 15 have full functioning kitchens available for students to use. There are also a number of pots and utensils available for student use. We do suggest that students bring a personal potholder that they take back and forth to their room as they are not provided in the kitchens.

Hall 16 has a number of kitchenette appliances available for use in the lobby including a microwave.

Can I have a car on campus?

Yes, students are permitted to have cars on campus. Your car must be registered on-line with the Department of Public Safety. Student parking stickers are currently free of charge.

Please observe all parking regulations, and first year students should park in their designated area.

What should I do if my room is too noisy for me to sleep/study?

If your room is too noisy for you to sleep or study:

• First find out the source of the noise
• Ask the person nicely to lower their noise level
• If the person or room does not lower the noise level, contact an RA on duty or call DPS to address the noise.

Are all the residence halls locked?

The exterior doors of the residence halls lock at 11PM and reopen at 6AM each day. During the time period that the building is locked, your Bryant ID will grant you access to your specific building of residence through a proxy reader system.

Students should hold their Bryant ID up to the reader panel and the door will unlock after the panel flashes green.

If a student would like to gain access to another building after hours, they should contact the resident they are visiting to let them in.

Will I have my phone line in my room?

Yes, there is a VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) telephone in you room. Here is more information on the Voice Over IP telephone system.

Do you have cable at Bryant?

Yes, there is a full line-up of cable channels as well as premium video channels.

List of Cable TV

Can I have a same-sex or opposite-sex guest stay over in my room?

Yes, you may have guests of both genders stay over in your room. You can register one overnight guest at a time, for a maximum of two consecutive nights with the Department of Public Safety.

Guests must check-in with a photo ID at Entry Control and carry the issued guest pass on their person at all times. Hosts must escort their guests at all times and ensure proper behavior of that guest.

If I have questions about housing, with whom should I speak?

If you have any further questions about residential life, you can contact the Office of Residence Life at (401) 232-6140 or by e-mail at reslife@bryant.edu