Residence Life's Frequently Asked Questions

Issue/Question

Questions that are asked frequently

Environment

Residence Life 
Residence Halls
Yellow Jacket Apartments

Cause

You would like information about or have a question about your housing assignment or living on campus, and could not find the answer in the other resources provided

Resolution

Depending on your question, you may find the answer below. 

If you are unable to find an answer to your question, please connect with your Complex Director, Assistant Complex Director, or RA. We’re all here to answer your questions. You can contact BHSU Residence Life by emailing BHSUResidenceLife@BHSU.edu or by calling (605) 642-6464.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Please click on the questions below to view their answers.

+ What are the main differences between halls?

All of the Residence Halls at BHSU are co-ed. This means that men and women share the same living facility and that mixed-gender visitation is permitted throughout the building.

Bordeaux, Heidepriem, and Thomas are located on the west side of campus and are connected by a central lobby. Heidepriem and Thomas were built around the same time and are structurally similar. Heidepriem and Thomas have built-in closets and desks. Bordeaux Hall is our newest building and offers students suite-style living and air conditioning throughout.

Wenona Cook (WC) is our oldest hall (built in 1899) and was recently renovated, with A/C installed throughout the building. Room sizes in WC are generally bigger and have new desks and wardrobes. Parking is limited around WC. Students residing in the WC park in the Young Center. WC is a smaller community comprised of larger single rooms and guarantees students their own room in the residence hall.

Humbert Hall is a close-knit community with easy access to the Student Union and other academic buildings. Humbert’s rooms have built-in closets and window A/C units.

See the "Compare Our Halls" file linked in this article for more information.

+ What is the Board of Regents residency requirement?

South Dakota Board of Regents Policy requires unmarried students to live on-campus during their first two years of school. Specifically, the policy reads as follows: "Students who are enrolled at a university for a minimum of six (6) on-campus credits are required to live in on-campus housing during the first two (2) years following their high school graduation. Institutions may grant waiver exceptions to the housing requirement based on the waiver exceptions."  

+ What are the campus's living standards or rules?

Residence Life uses rules and regulations to ensure the health and safety of everyone living on campus. The Residential Standards of Living are specifically designed to optimize living conditions in the residence halls. BHSU students must also adhere to the Student Code of Conduct at the campus and board level. BHSU is a dry campus; no alcohol is permitted in the residence halls.

+ What Can I Bring

Fans, rugs or carpet, under-bed storage bins, microwaves--must be UL1000 or under, TV, refrigerator--less than 4.4 cubic feet, computer, bedding (extra-long twin sheets-36X80), couch or chairs, computers, charging cables, and items to decorate with.

Refer to the BHSU Residence Life Packing List, linked in this article.

+ Can I bring my pet with me to campus?

BHSU Residence Life does not allow pets (animals/reptiles) inside the residence halls, except fish. Fish tanks cannot exceed 10 gallons. BHSU Residence Life does allow service and support animals in the residence halls.

Students requesting permission to have a service or assistance animal must take the following steps to be fully compliant:

  • A formal request must be made to Disability Services using the Disability Services Request for Information Form. (link/attach the form)
  • Disability Services will conduct an intake evaluation of the request and determine if an accommodation is reasonable.
  • The request must be approved by Disability Services before the animal is allowed in the halls.
  • Upon approval, Disability Services will notify Residence Life of the accommodation.

The full process for requesting a support animal is available HERE.

+ What Furniture is included in a Room?

Each room in Heidepriem, Thomas, Humbert, and Wenona Cook is furnished with two adjustable-height beds, two dressers, two desks, and two chairs. Beds can be bunked (they are not designed for lofting). Each room has a sink and mirror, and window coverings. Wenona Cook includes two wardrobes. Bordeaux Hall, and buildings A and E in the Yellow Jacket Apartments, which have loftable beds. The rest of the furnishings remain the same.  

+How do you apply to live in the Yellow Jacket Apartments?

BHSU has 45 two-bedroom, 3-person Yellow Jacket Apartments. The Apartments are semi-furnished with beds, dressers, desks, chairs, a living room sofa, an air conditioner, and a full kitchen. To apply, designate your preference for the Yellow Jacket Apartments when you complete your Housing Application and Agreement. The Yellow Jacket Apartments are reserved for students 19 or older.  

+ How big is a room?

Room sizes for Humbert, Thomas, and Heidepriem are 14' X 12'. Wenona Cook has a variety of room sizes. Some rooms will accommodate two people. The average size of a room in Wenona Cook is 14' X 19'. Bordeaux Hall's rooms are 20' X 10'. In the Yellow Jacket Apartments, the single room measures 11.3' X 10', the double room measures 11' X 12', and the living room is approximately 13' wide. 

+ How do I appeal the live-on requirement?

Information on housing appeals is available in this article on Jacket Connect. The form to complete is here. Students wishing to appeal should read and understand the Housing Contract Exemption & Appeal Process. Please complete any supplemental forms required for your situation and return them to the Residence Life office. Incomplete appeals will not be sent to the committee for consideration.

+ Are there kitchen facilities?

Each Residence Hall has a kitchen facility that includes a stove/oven, microwave oven, sink, and refrigerator. 

+ What if I want to live in a different room or a different building?

The room assignment a student receives is the best Residence Life can do to accommodate a student's preference. If you are interested in moving, requesting a new roommate, or requesting a single, please complete the Hall/Room Move Request form. Once Residence Life receives this form, students are placed on a list for consideration. All requests are granted based on the current availability. Submitting a request does not guarantee that Residence Life will grant it. Room changes are not allowed during the first two weeks of each semester.  

+ Is there cable access in the rooms?

MidCo’s Extended Basic Cable services are automatically provided to your room. You might find it helpful to bring an extra HDMI cable, just in case.

+ Is there Internet access available in the rooms?

Residence hall rooms are wired for Internet access. Each room has two Ethernet ports; an Ethernet network card must be installed on your computer. You may need to submit a HelpDesk ticket to have the port turned on.

All residence halls are also set up with a wireless network on BHSU-Secure and BHSU-Guest. BHSU-Secure is designed for your computer, tablet, phone, and other devices that require sign-on credentials. BHSU-Guest is configured to support gaming consoles, streaming devices, and smart TVs.

More information about the network in your residence hall is available HERE.

+ Can I paint or decorate my room?

We want your room to feel like your home. While painting or any permanent decorations are not allowed, we encourage posters, curtains, twinkle lights, pictures of family and friends, or any decorations that help you make your room your own. If you are unsure whether something can be put up in your room, ask your RA; they're always there to help!.  

+ What do RHA and Community Council do? How do I get involved?

The Residence Hall Association (RHA) and Community Council are organizations of people like yourself, designed to answer your questions about living in the residence halls and to involve you in various services and activities in and around campus. We:

  • Represent all on-campus students.
  • Provide leadership training and opportunities.
  • Act as a liaison between the on-campus students and Residence Life.
  • Promote residence hall experience through community and programs.
  • Provide input for the Residence Life Standards of Living.
  • Recognize corporate and individual achievement in the residence halls.
  • Represent BHSU on a local, state, regional, and national level.

At the beginning of the year, each hall seeks out students who are interested in being part of the community council as Wing Reps. Officer positions are generally elected in the spring semester.

If you'd like more information about campus clubs and organizations, please visit the Student Engagement and Leadership Center (the SELC) for a detailed list of active clubs and orgs at BHSU.

+ What does a Resident Assistant Do?

Each wing in the residence halls has a Resident Assistant (RA), an undergraduate student who serves as a resource for the residents on the floor. The RA is well-positioned to guide the community toward understanding and implementing individual and group responsibility and accountability, grounded in mutual expectations and desires. The entire staff works collaboratively to create an environment conducive to personal growth and academic achievement.  

+ How do I become a Resident Assistant?

Residence Life typically recruits Resident Assistant candidates in December for the spring semester and in January for the fall semester. A student desiring to be an RA must have a live-in residence hall or related experience for a period equivalent to one academic semester. Applicants must be registered for classes and carrying a cumulative GPA of at least 2.25. Residence Life encourages all students seeking RA employment to get involved in their hall's community council. Talk with your RA, Assistant Complex Director, or Complex Director is you’re interested in joining our team. .  

+ If I withdraw from school, do I receive a housing refund?

Yes, our refund policy is prorated, with the percentage decreasing as the semester progresses. Please email (BHSUResidenceLife@bhsu.edu) or call our office at 605.642.6464 to determine the amount of your refund, depending on the date you plan to withdraw. No refunds are given after the withdrawal (W-Drop) date each semester. .  

+ What if I decide not to attend BHSU? Can I get my deposit back?

Room deposits are refundable if notice of contract cancellation is provided to Residence Life no later than July 1 for contracts beginning the fall semester and December 1 for contracts beginning the spring semester. Email notification is preferred to ensure documentation of the request date.

+ Do I lose my deposit if I move off or leave campus second semester?

Students who have graduated, left to student teach, have married, completed their pre-professional programs, are under academic suspension, or have been released from their contract (via a housing appeal) are eligible for a deposit refund. Such students must notify the Residence Life Office in writing and request a refund of their deposit. Students leaving the residence facilities for any other reason during the contract term are NOT eligible for a deposit refund. Failure to fulfill the terms and conditions of the agreement, return keys, or pay University fines will cause partial or full forfeiture of the deposit.

+ Is there a place to store bikes?

Bicycle racks are available outside each residence hall. We do not allow bicycles to be hung from room ceilings or walls, but with roommates' permission, a bicycle can be stored in your room.

+ When do I pay for housing?

Student bills are due about 10 days after the start of each semester. Payment plans are available with different payment deadlines and structures. The business office consolidates all your BHSU bills (excluding parking and books). A student may pay their bill early by check or credit card. Financial aid and scholarships are generally loaded to your student account within 2 weeks of their approval. Please contact BHSU Student Financial Services (605-642-6145, BHSUFinancial@BHSU.edu) if you have any questions about your bill, scholarships, or financial aid.

+ What is the cost of living on campus?

Review the housing costs and available options at BHSU.

There are a limited number of Single rooms at BHSU. We do not honor Double as Single requests until after the first 2 weeks of school, as we need to verify that we have adequate housing for all students who wish to live on campus.  

+ Why didn't I get the room or roommate I requested?

Residence Life assigns rooms based on priority (first-come first-serve basis). A student's priority date is the date Residence Life receives a student's CONTRACT and DEPOSIT. The priority system helps ensure fairness in room assignments. We review your priority preferences (Roommate, Hall, Lifestyle) and do our best to accommodate them. If you did not get the hall or roommate you requested, it is due to your preference order and the availability of your requests. If you’d like to submit a Hall/Room Move Request, please complete our online form. Similarly, we will do our best to accommodate requests within available space.

Two important steps a student can take to increase the chance of receiving their requests:

  • Housing information is sent after a student is accepted to BHSU. Submit your application for BHSU, and your housing application and deposit as early as possible.
  • Priority dates for students whose roommate preference is priority one are the date Residence Life has received both roommate contracts. So, send both contracts and deposits in together and early.

Residence Life's ability to accommodate room preference decreases significantly after March. .  

+ How do I find out what room I've been assigned? Roommate?

Residence Life sends room and roommate assignments in late spring or early summer. The email will include your housing assignment (hall and room number) and roommate contact information (name, phone number, and email). Residence Life sends assignment information to your student email account (@yellowjackets.bhsu.edu email). It is important that you check your student email at least once a day. Staff will be on hand at New Student Orientation dates to assist students in accessing their student email.

+ Is there family housing?

BHSU has fourteen (14) two-bedroom apartments designated for families, faculty, and staff. The apartments are unfurnished except for an electric stove, refrigerator, and air conditioner. For more information, please see THIS ARTICLE.

+ What is the process to obtain housing?

Please see THIS ARTICLE on how to submit a housing application and THIS ARTICLE about submitting your housing deposit. Both are required to obtain a housing assignment at BHSU.

Housing information is sent to students after they are accepted to BHSU. Residence Life assigns rooms based on priority (first come first serve basis). A student's priority date is the date Residence Life receives a student's CONTRACT and DEPOSIT. 

+ Is there an age requirement to live in on-campus housing?

No, there is no age requirement to live on campus at BHSU. We welcome all students to our residence halls and apartments. While there are no age restrictions, some populations have different requirements. One is that minors (those under 18 at the start of their contract) need to have a parent or legal guardian co-sign their housing application and agreement. Another requirement is that students under 16 must live with a parent or legal guardian, either in the community or in one of our Yellow Jacket Apartments.  

If you have any other questions or concerns, please connect with your Complex Director, Assistant Complex Director, or RA. We’re all here to answer your questions. Or you can contact BHSU Residence Life Office at BHSUResidenceLife@bhsu.edu or call (605) 642-6464.

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