Q&A
What types of rooms are there?
New students are assigned to either a double, triple, or single room. If you have a preference for a certain room type, you can indicate this on your enrollment commitment form, or request it in writing by July 1. However, we cannot guarantee that preferences will be met, and most rooms are doubles or triples.
What comes with the room?
A desk, an extra-long twin bed (80" x 36"), a chair, a dresser/closet or a wardrobe, a phone jack with built-in voicemail, and an Ethernet jack are provided for each student. Rooms also have overhead lights, a mirror, a wastebasket, and a sink. Provided furniture is property of the College and must be kept in your room—not replaced with your own furniture from home. Beds have about 1 foot of storage clearance underneath.
Can I change my meal plan?
You'll select a meal plan when you fill out your Housing & Dining Services License. Meal plan changes can be made during the first two weeks of the semester. As an adjustment to your License, a meal plan change must be made in writing, signed by the student, and submitted to the Office of Residence Life by the deadline. Forms are available at the Office of Residence Life located on the ground floor of Mitty Hall.
How will I know the "rules"?
Your Resident Advisor will go over some of the basic College policies at your first hall meeting. The Undergraduate Student Handbook is available online at: http://smcnet.stmarys-ca.edu/campus_life/handbook. It is your responsibility to read and follow the policies described in the Student Handbook and in the Housing & Dining Services License.
What about bathrooms?
First-year students live in traditional-style residence halls with community bathrooms down the hall. These are equipped with several stalls of showers and toilets, and are cleaned and stocked by our custodial staff.
What if I don't get along with my roommate?
It takes time to adjust to living in a new environment with new people, even if you knew your roommate(s) before move-in. Begin with the following tips in mind: Keep a good attitude and be flexible; Communicate (speak and listen); Be neat and considerate; Respect space, noise and privacy boundaries; Give priority in your room to activities relating to education; Don't borrow without permission; Don't let visitors get bothersome; Utilize campus resources & attend events!
Roommate conflicts are not unusual as students get used to living with each other, and should be initially handled by meeting all together with the Resident Advisor. After Resident Advisor mediation, room changes may be considered after the first two weeks of the semester. However, all room changes cannot be completed without following the procedure as outlined by the Office of Residence Life.
How Do I get a Mailbox? Where should I send my mail?
A US Post Office Box (P.O. Box) is guaranteed to all SMC resident students. Information on obtaining a post office box at the US Post Office located at Saint Mary’s College will be provided to residents during the first week of residency. Post office boxes are assigned for use during the academic year only (September through May).
Once you receive your post office box number, your mailing address will be as follows:
Your Name
PO Box # _______
Moraga, CA 94575
Each resident must follow all SMC-Post Office procedures for the forwarding of mail or the closing of his/her campus P.O. Box at the end of the academic year or when s/he moves off campus.
How does laundry work?
No quarters needed! Our on-campus, community laundry rooms are equipped with card-operated washers & dryers, and Add-Value Stations are located around campus for adding money to laundry cards or purchasing new cards. You will receive a laundry card during your first floor meeting.
Do I need to bring a computer?
Computer labs are available, so you do not have to bring a computer. If you do bring a computer, any type you prefer is fine. Free internet access in the residence halls is through direct, high-speed Ethernet connections, so don't forget an Ethernet cord, or buy one at the campus bookstore. Rooms generally have one Ethernet jack per student that can be used just for internet access after the student has established an e-mail account through Computer & Technology Services, (925) 631-4266.
Your actual phone number will be available on move-in day. A phone is provided and service includes: free local calls, on-campus calls, and domestic long-distance along with automated, password-protected voicemail (no answering machine needed!).
Will my cell phone work on-campus?
The best provider for cell phone service on-campus is Sprint. While other providers may work, service may be limited.
