Freshmen Orientation Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about moving in? With any luck, the answers will be here. If, after reading this document, your concerns are still unanswered, contact the Office of Residence Life.

1. When can I arrive?
   Please see the academic calendar for exact dates.  The residence halls open for new students (freshmen and transfers) on the first day of orientation at 9am.  Please report directly to your residence hall where you will check in for orientation and receive keys to your room.  The residence halls open for returning students on the second day of orientation at 10am.   Returning students should report to the Emerson Student Center to pick up their keys.
    
2. Can I arrive earlier?
   No - sorry! We like all new students to arrive at the same time. We have a detailed orientation planned, and it will be important for everyone to start at the same time.
    
3. Am I able to look at my assigned room before arriving on campus?
   Unfortunately, this will not be possible. Residence hall rooms are used during the summer by camps and for summer school students or may be undergoing major renovations. Campus tours are organized through the Admission office and include a look at the residence halls and an example of a room in the building. Please contact the Admission staff for more information about a campus tour. In addition, detailed residence hall floor plans are available on this site.
    
4. Should I participate in Orientation?
   Yes! It's mandatory and extremely beneficial. Research continues to show that students who actively participate in all orientation events start off better than those who do not attend all the events.
    
5. What if I don't like my roommate?
   Students who come with an open mind and make open communication a priority usually get along with their roommates. Living with someone is an important part of the overall educational process. You'll find that living in a residential community is often one of the most rewarding facets of your collegiate experience. (NOTE: single rooms are not available to new students.)
   
   Here are a few tips:
    
   • Be Open and Friendly: It takes a lot of energy to be either on the giving or receiving end of a cold shoulder. Instead of giving it.talk about what's bothering you. If you get it.. ask why.
      
   • Be Understanding: Everyone can be irrational at times, in a bad mood, or just down.
     
     
   • Try to understand the motives behind your roommate's actions: Helping one another through the tough times builds strong relationships.
     
     
   • Give Each Other Some Space: Togetherness is great, but you can have too much of a good thing. Consider you and your roommate's need for time alone, and find your quiet time when he/she is in class or at an activity. If it doesn't work out naturally, talk about it.
     
     
   • Ask Before You Borrow: Each person has a different comfort level for sharing belongings. Unless you have already come to an agreement on common-use items, ask first and avoid misunderstandings.
     
     
   • Define Neatness: There's a lot of room between a neat freak and a slob. Talk with your roommate about where you fall on the scale. You can each adjust accordingly and find a place that suits you both.
     
     
   • Set Limits and Stick to Them: Let each other know ahead of time about individual study habits, guests and noise levels.
      
6. Should I contact my roommate before arriving on campus?
   Yes. It's probably a good idea to talk with your new roommate before heading off to college. If nothing else, it will help eliminate duplication (two TVs, two stereos, two microwaves, etc.).
    
7. What if I still don't get along with my roommate?
   After three weeks, students are permitted to change rooms. Students will need to meet with their RA, and complete a room change request form in the Residence Life office.
    
8. What is an RA?
   They are peer leaders who were selected carefully for their ability to help you. They are available to answer questions on just about everything that goes on around campus, and more.
    
9. What is a Residence Life Coordinator?
   Residence Life Coordinators (RLC's) are professional employees of Oglethorpe University who live in the residential communities to assist you. They are directly responsible for the community you live in. They supervise the RA staff for each area.
    
10. Is my room furnished?
    Each resident student is furnished with a twin bed, dresser and desk.
     
11. Does my room have carpet?
    With the exception of Oglethorpe's newest dormitory, all rooms are carpeted.
     
12. Can I paint my room?
    No.
     
13. What do I do if I have a mechanical or other type of maintenance problem?
    Students that have access to a computer in their room will be able to submit maintenance requests via the school intranet or through our Online Maintenance Request Form. If you do not have access to a computer, feel free to contact your resident assistant concerning your maintenance requests.
     
14. Do I have to clean my room?
    Rooms are seldom inspected for neatness, but students are expected to keep their room in a healthy and safe condition. Keep papers and trash from electrical outlets. As you may know, the southern United States is known for extremely large and hungry bugs who usually only visit students in the residence hall rooms that are not regularly kept clean! Oglethorpe's housekeeping staff does clean the bathrooms each week as long as the floors, counters, and sinks are free and clear of clutter - not many colleges offer such service (dishes not included). Remember, dirty rooms attract insects!
     
15. Are washers and dryers available on campus?
    Yes, coin-operated machines are located in each of the three living areas at a cost of .75 cents for one wash load, and .25 cents for 20 minutes in the dryer. (Note to parents: Rolls of quarters make good going away gifts!).
     
16. Are there vending machines in the residence halls?
    To take care of those late night hunger pangs, various soft drink and snack vending machines are located on campus.
     
17. What kinds of linen do I need to bring?
    You should bring regular twin sheets (XL in Traer Hall), mattress pad, pillow cases, pillows, towels, wash cloths, and a blanket.
     
18. Do I need to bring a telephone?
    Yes, each student is provided with free local phone service, but you do need to bring your own telephone. Students will need to have a calling card to make long distance calls. Voice mail and Caller ID is also available on the residence hall system. For more information on the telephone system, you can call Adrina Richard at 404.364.8363.
     
19. Will I be able to get on-line in the residence halls?
    All student rooms are wired for high-speed Internet accessibility, and also have access to Oglethorpe's wireless network.  Part of your tuition and fees covers an Oglethorpe email address and the student's Internet access.  The student will receive additional information about our campus network, online computer usage policies, and other important information upon their arrival.
    
    All students living on campus will be required to install Oglethorpe's antivirus software program (with free updates) before being allowed access to Oglethorpe's network.   As Oglethorpe's wireless network is available throughout the residence halls, student-owned wireless routers are not allowed.
    
    For additional information on the network, you can call IT Services at 404.364.8518. 
     
20. Are the residence halls air-conditioned?
    All of Oglethorpe's residence halls are air-conditioned. It still may be a good idea to bring a small fan since we often shut down the system when the weather changes, and then have a sudden warming trend.  Please note: In the Upper Quad, due to the age of the HVAC system it is difficult to regulate the temperature during the change of seasons.  Be advised that there may be times during fall and spring when the rooms are either too hot or too cold. 
     
21. What kinds of rules are there on campus?
    All campus policies and regulations are available online.  Other important information, such as policies specific to some residence halls, is available online.  Students are expected to abide by campus, local, state and federal laws. Remember that it is a privilege to live on campus, not a right.
     
22. What's the food like?
    Bon Appetit, our dining services company, strives to serve a variety of nutritional and tasty foods. Students have several main entree selections during each meal, a variety of sandwich selections, grilled burgers and dogs, a salad bar, pasta bar and a few desserts. Students can also use their flex dollars or cash to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee, sandwiches, and salads in Cafe Oglethorpe in Goodman Hall.
     
23. What is a flex dollar?
    Flex dollars are made available to students depending on what meal plan the student chooses. Flex dollars are used the same way as cash, except students use their ID card as a debit card.
     
24. What are the meal plan options?
    The main dining hall offers 19 meals each week - Monday - Friday, breakfast - lunch -dinner; and on the weekends, brunch and dinner. The three meal plans include: a 19 meal plan all in the dining hall, a 14 meal plan in the dining hall per week & 75 flex dollars per semester to be used in the Cafe Oglethorpe, and a 10 meal plan in the dining hall per week & 125 flex dollars per semester to be used in the Cafe Oglethorpe.
    New students will initially be put on the 14 meal plan, but can change plans within the first 2 weeks of the semester. For additional information about the meal plans and other food-related questions you can contact Bon Appetit at 404-816-7431. 
     
25. Do I have to be on the meal plan if I live on campus?
    All students living on campus must be on the meal plan. Full participation is important to community development as well as fiscal operations.
     
26. Does Oglethorpe rent small refrigerators?
    No.
     
27. Is there a place close to the University that will be selling items that I may need upon my arrival?
    The bookstore will be open on Monday morning. Several stores such as Target, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Lowes, etc. are just a few minutes away from campus.
     
28. Is there a bank close to campus?
    Several banks and ATMs are close to campus. Students can also cash small checks at the bookstore for up to $10. There is also a SunTrust ATM in the Emerson Student Center.
     
29. Am I covered if something gets stolen or destroyed in my room?
    Like most colleges and universities across the nation, Oglethorpe is not responsible for the theft, loss or damage to any of the students' personal property. Students are encouraged to carry adequate personal property insurance. Your parents' insurance may cover your belongings while you are away at school. It would be wise to check their policy. If you are not covered by your parent's policy, we would encourage you to look into purchasing renter's insurance from your insurance provider.
     
30. Is smoking permitted in the residence halls?
    Smoking is not permitted in any of the residence halls on campus at any time.
     
31. How does the mail work at Oglethorpe?
    Each student is assigned a mailbox in the student center (complete address is included on your assignment letter). You will get your combination during orientation. For more information on student mail services you can contact the Office of Community Life at 404.364.8423.
     
32. Is cable TV available in the residence halls?
    Beginning in Fall 2006, basic cable TV service will be provided for campus residents.  More information about this service will be available upon arrival in the fall.
     
33. Does the campus have a health center?
    The university maintains a small health center staffed by a medical director and a registered nurse. The center operates on a regular weekday schedule when classes are in session and provides basic first aid and evaluation with limited medical assistance for students. Students may make an appointment to see the doctor on campus. For information, please contact the Health Center, at 404.364.8413.
     
34. Am I covered under any kind of health insurance while attending Oglethorpe?
    Each Oglethorpe student living in the residence hall during the regular academic year is automatically covered under a Health and Accident Insurance Plan upon payment of room and board fees. A descriptive brochure will be included in your orientation material and claim forms may be obtained from the Health Center, or for more information you can call 404.364.8413.
     
35. What is Oglethorpe's alcohol policy?
    On-campus residents are expected to comply with the alcohol and drug policy of Oglethorpe University stated in the O-Book student handbook. If you are twenty-one, you may drink in the privacy of your own room with the door closed. IF ALL MEMBERS OF A ROOM OR SUITE ARE UNDER THE LEGAL DRINKING AGE, NO ALCOHOL MAY BE PRESENT IN THAT ROOM AT ANYTIME. Open containers are not permitted at anytime on campus property. This includes hallways, lounges, courtyards, patios, etc.
     
36. What about drugs?
    National statistics show an increase of drug use on college campuses. Oglethorpe does not tolerate such activity and will take decisive action against any student caught using or possessing illegal drugs. Don't let one bad decision cost you your entire college education.
     
37. What should I bring?
    It's a good idea to ask some of your friends who may have recently attended college the same question. Don't forget to contact your roommate to avoid duplication!
    
    Here are a few ideas:
    laundry basket or bag, detergent, roll of quarters, twin size sheets, blanket, comforter/bedspread, pillow, towels, washcloths, and personal toiletries, wastebasket
    coat hangers, surge protector, alarm clock, desk lamp, dictionary, thesaurus, calendar, memo board, telephone, small refrigerator (not bigger than 4.2 cubic feet), small microwave, automatic coffee maker (please note that electrical appliances can not have open faced heating coils), TV, videogames, stereo, computer
     
38. What shouldn't you bring?
    
    Use common sense.  Don't even think about bringing any of the following items:
    weapons (guns, swords, knives, etc.), fireworks, appliances with open faced heating coils (such as toasters, toaster ovens) or heating plates, wireless computer routers, waterbeds, candles or incense, any pet other than fish, expensive jewelry or a lot of cash.
     
39. How do I sign up for the meal plan?
    The meal plan is included in your room and board fees; your meal plan is automatically activated when you arrive on campus. All residents who live in the residence halls are required to be on the meal plan. The plans available are as follows: 19 meals per week, 14 meals per week with $75 flex dollars, or 10 meals per week with $125 flex dollars. Your student ID has a magnetic stripe that is read at the dining hall to keep track of your meals.
     
40. Are students required to be on the meal plan?
    Students who live on campus in the residence halls are required to be on the meal plan. It is included in the room and board rates. Residents of Greek Row are not required to purchase a meal plan.
     
41. What meal plan options are available for commuters?
    Commuters may purchase meals in blocks of 25 for $125. Students who are interested in this plan should go to the Business Office to make payment arrangements and then bring their receipt to the Bon Appetit staff for activation. This plan is only available to residents of Greek Row and commuters.
     
42. How do I change my meal plan?
    During the first two weeks of school, students can change their meal plan by contacting Bon Appetit directly. Their office is located in the dining hall.
     
43. Is there a curfew/sign out sheet for students who live on campus?
    No. Residential students are free to come and go as they please.