Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about living on campus or getting ready for move-in day, we’re here to help! Below are answers to common questions students have about living at LRU.
What should I pack?
The following items are suggestions; you are not required to bring everything on this list. We suggest you talk to your roommate(s) ahead of time to decide who will bring specific items. Please pay attention to the list of prohibited items.
- Bedspread or comforter, blankets
- Mattress topper (Twin XL length)
- Pillows and pillowcases
- Twin XL bedsheets
- Cleaning Supplies (Toilet bowl cleaner, bathroom cleaner)
- First-aid kit and over the counter medicine
- Hair dryer, curling or flat iron (UL-approved)
- Hairbrushes, combs, etc.
- Prescribed medications, prescriptions for renewal
- Shower bucket or tote
- Shower curtain and liner (not provided in rooms)
- Shower shoes or flip-flops
- Soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner
- Toilet plunger (not provided in rooms)
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss
- Towels and washcloths
- Broom and dustpan, small vacuum cleaner
- Carpet or rugs (max. 10’ x 10’)
- Cleaning supplies
- Coffee Maker
- Cookware, dishes, cups
- Dish soap
- Fans
- Full-length mirror
- Personal items to make your space yours
- Reusable water bottle
- Snacks, food, bottled beverages
- Tool kit (small)
- Trash can and bags (not provided in rooms)
- Travel mug
- Under-bed storage drawers or caddies (storage sizes vary based on bed height)
- Window curtains
- Clothes, hangers
- Dryer, fabric softener sheets
- Laundry basket
- Laundry detergent (recommended over pods)
- Picnic blanket
- Rain gear (umbrella, rain boots, rain jacket)
- Sewing kit
- Stain stick
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Winter gear (winter boots, winter coat, gloves, hat and scarf)
- Backpack or book bag
- Cell phone and charger
- Computer
- Desk or floor lamp; spare bulbs (highly suggested for Mahler Hall)
- Desk supplies
- Flash drive
- Gaming system (Playstion, XBox, Nintendo Switch)
- Headphones or earbuds
- LED string lights (Non-LED and Christmas Lights are not allowed)
- Notebooks, pens, etc.
- Planner
- Surge protector strip with a 15-amp circuit breaker and safety reset switch
- Textbooks
- TV (Wall mounting is prohibited)
- Bed frame
- Closet
- Desk
- Desk chair
- Dresser/Wardrobe
- Microfridge
- Twin XL mattress
- Window blinds
- Air conditioners/portable heaters
- Alcohol
- Bed risers
- Candles, oil lamps and other sources of open flames
- Controlled substances, drugs and drug paraphernalia
- Fireworks or explosives
- Incense and oil/wax scent diffusers (Scentsy plug-ins and Glade plug-ins allowed)
- Lighter fluid
- Multi-plug adapters
- Non-LED string lights
- Pets; with the exception of fish in a 10-gallon aquarium
- Powdered laundry detergents
- Refrigerator/microwaves
- Toasters, toaster ovens, hot plates, etc.
- Weapons
- Wi-Fi Routers
When will I receive my housing information?
You will receive your room assignment and your roommate’s contact information by July 15. Please make sure to refer to the Housing for First-Year Students page to ensure you have completed the checklist.
Where do I find the housing contract?
The Housing Contract and Application can be found on the Housing Portal under “Housing Forms.” If you do not see the form, please reach out to reslife2@laroche.edu
Do I have to have a meal plan?
Yes, we require all residents to have a meal plan. All incoming students will have the Red Hawk plan for the first year. You can find more information about meal plans here.
What should I do if my Internet doesn’t work?
If you are have difficulties with the Internet connection in your room, call for help through Comcast at 1-855-368-2855. State that you are a La Roche student, and make sure to get the name of the Comcast representative who assists you. Note: As a La Roche student, you will not have to pay for Comcast service because it is included in your tuition. Do not agree to any payments or give your credit card number.
What is the alcohol policy?
La Roche University students and/or their guests, regardless of age, are not permitted to use alcoholic beverages in the residence halls or on campus grounds. Students who are knowingly present during a violation of this policy are subject to the procedures and sanctions listed in the Alcoholic Beverages Policy in the Student Handbook.
La Roche University students who are at least 21 years of age are permitted to use alcoholic beverages while participating in officially sanctioned University events where alcohol is sanctioned.
Public intoxication, disorderliness or offensive behavior on campus deriving from the use of alcoholic beverages on or off campus is subject to disciplinary action.
Collection of empty containers and/or packaging are not permitted.
La Roche University students are expected to assume total responsibility for their own behavior and that of their guests and to comply with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania regarding alcohol.
In cases involving the use of alcoholic beverages by an individual who is under the age of 21, there is the potential for prosecution through the local courts.
The University may notify the student’s parent or guardian when action is taken regarding a violation of the alcoholic beverage policy. In compliance with the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) action taken under this paragraph pertains to students who are under the age of 21.
What is the tobacco policy?
La Roche University has adopted a tobacco-free campus policy which prohibits tobacco products in any campus facility. Students found in violation of this policy will automatically be fined $25. Smoking is allowed in designated outdoor locations on campus.
Can I have a guest stay overnight?
Guests are welcome in the residence halls as long as they are accompanied by a resident at all times. However, as each resident has the right to comfort and privacy in the use of their room/suite, the privilege of entertaining guests is a negotiable agreement between room/suite-mates. The host/hostess must be willing to accept full responsibility for the conduct of their guest(s). Any guest involved in a violation of the Code of Conduct will be asked to leave University Property and may be banned from the residence halls.
Guests of the same sex may be invited to stay overnight, provided the following guidelines are followed.
- All roommates/suitemates must agree to host the overnight guest.
- Resident students must register their overnight guests prior to 12 a.m. (midnight) of the date of the stay, using the Intranet registration form. This form is found on the Housing and Residence Life intranet page under “Guest Registration.” Unregistered guests may be asked to vacate the premises at any time by a university official.
- An overnight guest’s stay must not exceed two consecutive nights, and may not be more frequent than once per month.
- All overnight guests must be at least fifteen 15 years of age.
- Guests will be asked to show proof of registration and/or identification by any University official. Failure to cooperate and/or produce proper ID will result in the immediate revocation of the privilege of visiting in the residence halls.
Any student housing a non-registered guest in their suite or public areas of the residence hall will be subject to disciplinary action. Housing of a non-student by a resident (as defined by an unregistered guest who resides more than 2 consecutive nights in any resident’s room) may result in the resident’s immediate dismissal from the residence halls.
All visitors in the residence halls who are not registered to stay overnight must leave the halls by 1 am and may return to visit at 9 a.m.
What is the sexual misconduct policy?
La Roche is a community of people dedicated to academic achievement and personal development. The University endorses and supports values developed in the Catholic tradition and recognizes that community living on campus demands commonly accepted standards of conduct. Sexual misconduct is a violation of these standards.
For the purpose of this statement, sexual misconduct is generally defined as intercourse or indecent conduct (i.e. touching of sexual or other intimate parts of a person for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire), which occurs on campus between individuals who are not married.
Infractions of this statement will be considered violations of the College’s Student Code of Conduct and adjudicated accordingly.
Does it cost more to stay on campus during a holiday break?
Spring break, Thanksgiving break and winter break are not included in your room and board charge. Therefore, if you plan to stay in the residence halls during these breaks, you must sign up in the Office of Housing & Residence Life by the designated time.
The cost to stay over break is $15 per night. If you stay on campus and do not sign up through the Residence Life office, you will be fined $50. Any student staying after the close of the residence halls will be charged a fine of $25 per hour.
How do I make a room change?
The Office of Housing & Residence Life offers residents several opportunities to request a room change throughout the academic year. Room changes are only approved between the third and thirteenth week of each semester.
Open Room Switch
Three times during the academic year (during the third week of the fall semester, between the fall and spring semesters, and during the third week of the spring semester), Housing & Residence Life offers an Open Room Switch period. During this time, students may request to move to a different space without providing a reason, based on available housing options.
- You and a friend of the same sex moving together into an open room on campus.
- Moving into a friend’s room, or having a friend move into your room, if an open space is available and housing criteria are met.
- Moving into another student’s room if that student has an open space available.
- Moving into a single room, or converting a current room into a single, depending on occupancy.
All room changes must follow housing criteria related to sex and class status.
Room Changes Outside of Open Room Switch
Students may request a room change outside of the Open Room Switch period. However, students seeking a room change at any other time must first complete the appropriate steps, such as meetings and/or roommate mediation. Final approval must be granted by the Director of Housing & Residence Life.
For more information about the roommate mediation process, please see below.
Roommate Mediation Information
We understand that conflict may arise between roommates. When it does, we ask students to work with our trained Residence Life staff to move toward a resolution. The mediation process is intended to help students develop open communication, maintain mutual respect, and navigate uncomfortable situations in a constructive way.
Because this process is intentional and focused on learning and resolution, it may take several weeks. While a room change may sometimes be necessary, students should review the room change process carefully before submitting a request.
A room change may be an outcome of this process, but it is the exception and not the rule. Room changes are not guaranteed, as Housing & Residence Life does not have the capacity to grant every request.
Importance of Navigating Conflict
- Community Development: Housing & Residence Life values healthy and safe residential communities. Stability is an important part of building those communities. Living in community throughout the year encourages students to rely on one another, develop and deepen relationships, and establish shared community standards and values.
- Problem-Solving: Navigating challenging situations is an important learning experience. Developing the ability to compromise and communicate effectively is a valuable life skill. We encourage residents to make a meaningful effort to improve their living situation when challenges arise.
- Diverse Living Experiences: La Roche University offers a variety of residential living options; however, students may not always receive their first choice of room or building. Learning to make the best of a living situation that may not be ideal can support personal growth and development. Additionally, each roommate conflict involves a human component, making every mediation process unique.
- Administrative Impact: Changing rooms is not as simple as moving belongings from one space to another. Each room change requires coordination among Housing & Residence Life, Facilities Management, and sometimes other campus departments. If every room change request were approved and processed, it would significantly limit the time and resources available to support the broader residential community.
Things to Consider
- Moving is Not the Norm: Outside of the Open Room Switch process, approved room-change requests must be based on extenuating circumstances. Because Housing & Residence Life values community stability and encourages students to remain in their communities, when possible, each request must demonstrate a need for an exception.
- Consider Our Philosophy: Housing & Residence Life values community, communication, and problem-solving. Requests that show a visible effort to make the current living situation work are more likely to be approved than requests that do not. Students are encouraged to discuss these efforts during roommate mediation.
- Current Situations Dictate Change: Room changes are approved when a student’s current living environment is unsuitable, not simply because a student would prefer a different building, room, view, or roommate. While preferences may be considered during reassignment, they are not the basis for approving a room change.
- Open and Honest Communication: Students are expected to maintain open and honest communication with both their roommate and Housing & Residence Life throughout the process. Residence Life staff can only respond to the information students share, so it is important to keep staff informed about how the situation is progressing and how students are feeling.
- Capacity Matters: Room changes depend on available space in the residence halls. Housing & Residence Life reserves some vacant rooms for emergencies, such as threats to physical safety, facility emergencies, or medical needs. As a result, room change options may not always be available immediately.
- Important Note: Some rooms that appear vacant may already be reserved for students returning from study abroad, leaves of absence, or other approved circumstances; for students with specific accommodations; or for students who have already been offered that space.
Addressing Conflict
Below is an overview of how roommate conflicts are handled when staff intervention is needed. Please keep in mind that mediation is not an immediate process; conflict resolution takes time.
Exceptions to the mediation process may be made only with approval from the Director of Housing & Residence Life.
- Step 1: Conflict Is Presented to Your Resident Assistant
- Step 2: Conflict is Clarified
- Student staff will explore the situation with all involved residents. Separate conversations may be held with each resident to identify concerns, understand the impact of those concerns, and determine appropriate next steps.
- Step 3: Facilitated Conversation
- Resident Assistants will typically facilitate roommate conversations. If additional support is needed, a Residence Life professional staff member may also assist. During the facilitated conversation, Residence Life staff will help residents:
- clearly explain their concerns;
- reflect on the impact of those concerns;
- identify strategies for resolution; and
- review or create a roommate agreement.
- Resident Assistants will typically facilitate roommate conversations. If additional support is needed, a Residence Life professional staff member may also assist. During the facilitated conversation, Residence Life staff will help residents:
- Step 4: Conflict Resolution
- Residents will consider possible solutions and agree on next steps. The roommate agreement may also be updated during this step. Residence Life staff will work with student staff to provide ongoing follow-up with residents.
- If a resident still wishes to request a room change after roommates have attempted the agreed-upon resolutions for two weeks, they may submit a room change request. If there is an extreme situation where waiting two weeks is not possible, the resident should contact the Director of Housing & Residence Life as soon as possible.
- Step 5: Changing Rooms, If Applicable
- If a room change is approved, students should be aware that it may take an additional 2–3 business days before they are cleared to move. This allows Facilities Management time to prepare and clean the space.
- Once approved to move, students will be given a three-day window to complete their move. Students must return their old room key within 72 business hours after completing the move. Failure to return the key within that time frame will result in a $150 lock replacement charge.
Housing & Residence Life staff are trained mediators, but they are not magicians. Some roommate conflicts may require multiple mediation conversations before a workable solution is found. In other situations, the roommate relationship may not improve even after an honest attempt at mediation. In those cases, and only in those cases, a room change may be the best solution.
