Frequently Asked Questions

* How can I request more information and a housing contract?
* When will I find out about my room assignment?
* How will you match me up with a roommate?
* Can I request a particular roommate(s)?
* What if my roommate and I cannot get along?
* How many people share a bathroom?
* Will I be guaranteed housing while I'm a student at USM?
* Are there facilities for washing and drying clothes?
* What meal plans are provided?
* Are vegetarian dishes offered in the dining center?
* If I live off-campus, can I still eat in the dining center?
* May I bring a computer?
* What other appliances are permitted?
* What are MicroFridges, and what is your policy regarding other units?
* How much will it cost to live on campus during the 08-09 year?
* How are roommates assigned?
* Is cable t.v. available in the residence halls?
* Are pets allowed in the residence halls?
* Do I have to have a meal plan?
* May I bring my own furniture with me?
* What should I bring with me?
* What kinds of housekeeping services are provided?
* What is the alcohol policy?
* Is telephone service provided by the University?
* Is long distance service provided by the University?
* Can anyone bring a car to campus?
* Is there parking available on campus?
* Is there a way to travel between campuses without a car?
* How will I receive US mail while I am living on campus?
* Are candles or incense allowed on campus?
* May I have guests in my residence hall room?
* May I bring or build a loft in my residence hall room?
* Are there lounges available for me to study in?
* Can I smoke cigarettes in my room?
* Do the residence halls stay open during official USM breaks?
* What size are the residence hall rooms?
* What if I want to move out before the end of the spring semester?
* What if none of my questions were answered here?

How can I request more information and a housing contract?
The housing application is not available online. Students who have been newly accepted to USM and indicated "Resident" on their application will be mailed a housing application and brochure from our office automatically (it is not included in your admission packet). If you have not received a housing application within a few weeks of being admitted to USM, please call our office right away to request one. If you are a matriculated student at USM and currently commuting, you may request a contract for the current academic year by phoning us at (207) 780-5240, or e-mailing reslife@usm.maine.edu. You should receive it by US mail within a few working days.

When will I find out about my room assignment?
Assignments will be sent out beginning in late December 2008 for spring 2009 semester. Housing assignments for fall 2009 will begin to go out in July 2009.

How will you match me up with a roommate?
At the bottom of the housing application there is a "Lifestyle Matching Questionnaire". This simple questionnaire is designed to aid us in assigning compatible roommates. You should be as honest as possible when answering the questions, remembering that this is our primary roommate matching tool.

Can I request a particular roommate(s)?
Yes, you can. Although this is an application/contract for space and does not guarantee assignment, every effort will be made to honor your preference of hall, type of living space or roommate(s) if it is a mutual request. Prospective roommate(s) must enter each others names and MaineStreet student ID numbers on the housing contract. Remember that students must be matriculated at USM, and we need to receive housing contracts around the same time in order to make our best effort to assign students together. This will also depend on the availability of completely open rooms, so the earlier applications are received, the better the chances of receiving the requested roommate(s).

What if my roommate and I cannot get along?
Although your assigned roommate is considered permanent, and every effort to work out issues between roommates should first be exhausted, room changes are considered after a two week room freeze at the beginning of each semester. Room changes are granted at the discretion of your Resident Director or the Assistant Director, depending on available space.

How many people share a bathroom?
In most of our residence halls, except for Dickey/Wood, the new Upperclass Hall and parts of Philippi Hall, we have common bathrooms. A whole floor or section shares one large bathroom, usually with 3-4 showers and 3-4 toilets. In Dickey/Wood Hall, the floors are divided into four quads of four rooms each, where each quad shares one bathroom, with one shower and one toilet. In Philippi Hall, there are wings with traditional doubles and singles, which share common, single user bathrooms. Suites and apartments have private bathrooms shared by 2-4 people.

Will I be guaranteed housing for the whole time I'm a USM student?
Assignments are made each year for new students by date of housing application, so the earlier your contract is submitted, the better your chances of receiving a housing assignment. For questions regarding this process, please email us at reslife@usm.maine.edu or call us at (207)780-5240. Current residential students are guaranteed housing as long as they participate in the room selection process each April for the following school year. Returning residents are assigned to rooms before new students are assigned to housing. A new contract and deposit must be submitted each year.

Are there facilities for washing and drying clothes?
Yes. U.S.M. card-operated washers and dryers are located in each residence hall. A load of wash and a dryer load each cost $1.25 in Husky Bucks.

What meal plans are provided?
USM Dining Services offers 7 different Resident Meal Plans. Meal plans are offered at two levels: Level One, which includes the 19, 19 with equivalency and 16 meal plans and costs $2,105.00 per semester, and Level Two, which includes the 13, two variations of 10, and 6 meal plans at $1,936.00 per semester.

For more Dining Service information, including descriptions of the various meal plans, go to the Dining Services page or call Dining Services at 780-5420.

Are vegetarian dishes offered in the dining center?
Yes. Vegetarian entrees are offered at each meal. Vegan options are also available. Please speak with Dining Services at 207-780-5420 if you have other special dietary needs.

If I live off-campus, can I still eat in the dining center?
Yes. Commuters can purchase non-resident and resident meal plans. Non-resident commuter plans may be purchased through the Campus Card Office. Resident plans may be purchased through Residential Life and Resident Education. Please see the Dining Services web page for complete plan details. Additionally, individuals have the option of paying at the door for meals.

May I bring a computer?
Yes. Just remember that as with all personal property, you are responsible for its security. USM offers an in-room internet access program called ResNet, which is explained further on the ResNet Homepage. This gives access to the Internet through e-mail, the World Wide Web and some USM applications.

What other appliances are permitted?
All rooms are supplied with an Energy Star rated MicroFridge unit, so please do not bring a refrigerator or microwave to campus. Low power stereos (under 800 watts), radios, DVD players, game systems and televisions are permitted. However, electric cooking appliances are a fire hazard and their use is prohibited in the residence halls. Appliances such as coffee pots, electric tea kettles, hot pots, electric skillets, hot plates, toasters, George Foreman grills, sunlamps, etc. are strictly prohibited. Air conditioners and dehumidifiers are prohibited. These lists are not intended to be all inclusive, so if you have any questions, please contact our office or your Resident Director.

What are MicroFridges, and what is your policy regarding other units?

* One University owned Microfridge unit will be provided for each designed double or single. A second University owned Microfridge unit will be provided for designed triples or 4 person rooms or suites (without kitchens). All other microwave and/or refrigerators are prohibited.

* Only one University owned Microfridge unit will be provided for "overcrowd" doubles or triples. An additional University owned Microfridge unit may be requested from the Resident Director.

* Microfridge units must be left clean, unplugged and with the refrigerator and freezer doors open when all occupants check out of the room. Any damage to or parts missing from a Microfridge unit will be assessed to the appropriate occupant(s) of the room. In addition, Microfridge units that require cleaning by custodial staff will cause the occupant(s) of the room/suite to be billed a $30 cleaning fee.

How much will it cost to live on campus during the 2008-2009 academic year?
Go to the Room & Board Rates page for more information on 2008-2009 rates.
NOTE: All housing contracts are for the entire academic year, and posted rates include local telephone service & full cable television lineup (students need to provide their own touch-tone telephone and cable-ready television).

How are roommates assigned?
Roommates are assigned on the basis of a number of factors. The Lifestyle Matching Questionnaire on the housing contract, which all contract holders are required to complete, gives our department vital information in assigning roommates.

Is cable television available in the residence halls?
In all rooms on the Gorham campus, there is a cable outlet with 60+ channels standard, the price of which is included in the room rate. You must provide your own cable-ready television and a coaxial cable for optimum service. Note to High Definition tv owners - HDTV service is only available if you set up a private account with Time Warner Cable of Maine, and requires additional components. Please contact Time Warner Cable if you have questions about HDTV.

Are pets allowed in the residence halls?
For health and sanitation reasons, the only pets allowed in the residence halls at any time are non-poisonous, non-walking fish in covered aquariums, seeing eye dogs, guide dogs and simian aids. The University can not be responsible for power outages which may cause harm to some fish.

Do I have to have a meal plan?
A meal plan will automatically be assigned to every resident, and is mandatory for all residence hall contract holders, with the exception of residents of apartments in Upperclass Hall. Although meal plans are optional for residents in apartments, plans MUST BE CANCELLED IN WRITING BEFORE OR DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL if the meal plan is not wanted. In the case of a student moving to an Upperclass Hall apartment after opening, there will be a one week grace period to cancel the meal plan for that semester. Failure to cancel prior to the deadline locks the student into the meal plan for that semester.

May I bring my own furniture with me?
You may bring any furniture that you might like to have in your room, (with the exception of waterbeds and lofts), but you should consider what your roommate(s) may also be bringing; talk to him or her before you make any final decisions. All residence hall rooms are fully furnished with a bed, a desk, a chair, bureau space and a closet available to each resident. There is no space to store excess furniture, so bringing more furniture may make your room feel crowded.

What should I bring with me?

Below are suggested items. Check with roommate(s) before moving in to avoid duplication.

BED
Regular size twin sheets and pillowcase
Mattress pad to fit bed
Pillow
Blanket
Bedspread or comforter

ELECTRICAL ITEMS ALLOWED
All rooms are supplied with a MicroFridge unit. These units are designed to save energy and are very convenient (combined refrigerator, freezer and microwave). Please do not bring a refrigerator or microwave to school.
We recommend Energy Star rated appliances in accordance with our sustainability philosophy.
Computer, printer and accessories
Approved power strip w/circuit breaker (these special items are sold in the USM Bookstore)
Study lamp, compact fluorescent or LED light bulbs
Low power stereo (less than 800 watts)
TV
DVD player or VCR
Fan
Iron w/automatic shutoff
Hair dryer, curling iron, etc.

PERSONAL ITEMS
Clothes, shoes
Shower shoes or flip flops, shower caddy
Towels
Toiletries
Umbrella
Jacket, raincoat

RECOMMENDED FIRST AID SUPPLIES
Hot pack/Cold pack, adhesive strips in assorted sizes, gauze pads in several sizes, adhesive tape, rolled stretch gauze, triangular bandages, anti-bacterial wipes, Bacitracin, saline nasal spray, over the counter medications for colds, pain, fever, stomach and intestinal, tweezers, personal medical non-mercury thermometer

ROOM DECORATIONS
Area rug
Closet curtains for all halls except Robie Andrews
Posters affixed w/poster putty, no tacks or nails
Pictures of family and friends
Plants

SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Many of these items may also be purchased at the USM Bookstores in Gorham or Portland.
Three ring binders, notebook paper
Composition books
Pencils, pens, highlighters, sharpies
Personal organizer/calendar
Computer disks
Scissors, tape, ruler
Paper clips
Stapler and staples
Folders
Calculator
Backpack
PDA

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
Touch tone telephone required for each room - there is one phone jack/number per room.
Clock
Storage boxes/space organizers
Trash can and trash bags
Broom and basic cleaning supplies
Laundry basket, detergent, dryer sheets
Clothes hangers
Address book
Flashlight
Basic kitchen supplies for common kitchen use
Utensils, cups, plates
Ironing board
Sports equipment

Toilet paper for apartments and suites

If you plan to have a car on campus, we encourage you to bring a snow shovel.

PLEASE DO NOT BRING

Incandescent light bulbs - please use compact fluorescents and LEDs, which save energy
Candles, incense, oil burning lamps
Toaster ovens, toasters, hot plates
George Foreman grills, charcoal or gas grills
Coffee makers, electric tea kettles
Extension cords
Weapons of any kind
Animals, except fish (seeing eye/service dogs and simian aids are subject to approval)
Fry Daddys, electric frying pans
Air conditioners, dehumidifiers, halogen lamps
Ceiling hangings, ceiling fans
Alcohol paraphernalia

For more ideas see the pamphlet which will be included with your housing assignment letter.

What kinds of housekeeping services are provided?
In the residence halls, "normal wear-and-tear" housekeeping services for public areas and bathrooms only are provided on a daily basis. Students in suites and apartments are responsible for the cleanliness of common area spaces.

What is the alcohol policy?

Alcohol is not allowed in any public area, including lounges, bathrooms and hallways by any person, regardless of age, in any residence halls. Any resident who is of legal drinking age (21) may consume alcohol in the privacy of his/her room or suite in Philippi, Robie Andrews, and Upperclass residence hall only. No under-age person is allowed to have alcohol or alcohol containers in their possession, or in their room, at any time in any of U.S.M.'s residence halls. Please see the Residence Hall Policies page for details.

Is phone service provided by the University?
Yes, phone service is provided standard in all residence hall rooms as a service included in your room rate. STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO BRING A TOUCH TONE PHONE. This will enable you to make free local and on-campus calls, and will allow University departments to reach your room in case of emergency or other important matters, such as snow parking bans. You will be provided with your own voice-mailbox (a digital answering machine), secured by your own password and accessible from any touch-tone phone.

Is long-distance service provided by the University?
The Department of Telecommunications offers a long-distance service for which you may sign up, whereby you will be issued a long-distance access code that allows you to make long-distance calls from any university phone. You will be billed monthly for the calls. You can also bring your own long-distance calling card and use that from your activated room phone.

Can anyone bring a car to campus?
Yes, all students may bring their own vehicle to campus, including first year students.

Is there parking available on campus?
On the Gorham campus, parking is available for any resident student who applies for a parking decal through the U.S.M. Police Department Parking and Transportation office, located in the USM parking garage in Portland, (207)780-4718. Simply present a current class schedule and vehicle registration and complete the parking decal form. Residential students in Gorham may park in the lots with green signs.

Is there a way to travel between campuses without my own car?
Yes, a free shuttle bus runs between the Portland and Gorham campuses about every 45 minutes. The trip between campuses takes about 20-25 minutes.

How will I receive US mail while I am living on campus?
Most mailboxes are located in Brooks Student Center. Each box number corresponds to a room number and residence hall name, so multiple students living in a room will share the same mailbox. You may obtain the mailbox combination from Mail Services in Upton Hall or from Residential Life. Your address while you live on campus should be written as follows:

(Name)

Room Number, Hall Name
University of Southern Maine
Gorham, ME 04038

Residents of Upperclass Hall have individual mailboxes, located in the lobby of the Upperclass Hall. Mailbox numbers are assigned by the Administrative Assistant at the hall's front desk, and do not correspond to the room number. The Administrative Assitant can give you your mailbox combination. Students in this hall should address their mail:

(Name)
Mailbox Number, Upperclass Hall
25 Husky Dr.
University of Southern Maine
Gorham, ME 04038

Outgoing mail may be dropped off at Mail Services in the basement of Upton Hall. Stamps may be purchased at the USM Bookstore.

Are candles or incense allowed on campus?
No. Candles, incense, decorative candles and any flames are strictly prohibited from the residence halls for safety reasons. Please see the Residence Hall Policies for more information.

May I have guests in my residence hall room?
Yes, you may have guests stay in your room with some provisions: 1.) You should always check with your roommate(s) before inviting any guest to your room, 2.) You must always sign any guest into the residence hall at the security desk and remain with them while they are in the hall, and 3.) You may not have any guest stay in your room more than three nights in any consecutive two week period.

May I bring or build a loft in my residence hall room?
No, we do not allow lofts in student rooms.

Are there lounges available for me to study in?
Yes, there is at least one study lounge in each residence hall, and in some cases there is one on each floor.

Can I smoke cigarettes in my room?
No, smoking is not permitted in any of the residence halls. Smoking is also prohibited within 50 feet of the residence halls. Please smoke in designated outdoor smoking areas only.

Do the residence halls stay open during official University breaks?
The University of Southern Maine's residence halls are open during official University breaks. University Dining services are not usually available during official breaks. Please check with Dining Services at 207-780-5420 if you have any questions about meal availability.

How big are the residence hall rooms?
While room sizes vary to some extent, many of the rooms are approximately 12' by 15'. Please contact reslife@usm.maine.edu for more specific information if needed.

What if I want to move out of the residence halls before the end of the spring semester?
You have signed an academic-year contract, which means that you are committed to live on-campus for the entire academic year, or until you are no longer a student at U.S.M., whichever comes first. If you graduate, go on exchange, transfer or withdraw from USM after the fall semester, you are not held to the contract for spring semester.

What if none of my questions were answered here?
Please contact us, either by phone at (207) 780-5240, or by writing to Department of Residential Life, 100 Upton Hall, Gorham, ME 04038, or by e-mailing reslife@usm.maine.edu. We're happy to answer your questions!

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