Department ofResidential Life

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FAQS

New Students Frequently Asked Questions

New Students Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to live on campus?
A. Pacific Lutheran University does have a residency requirement and requires that all single, full-time students live in university housing unless:

Living at home with parent, spouse, or child within 30 miles of PLU's address.
20 years of age or Junior Status (60 semester hours) on or before September 1 to be exempt for the academic year, or on or before February 1 to be exempt for the spring semester.
There is also a minimum age requirement at PLU.  Students must be a minimum of 17 years of age on or before September 1st to be eligible for on campus housing for the academic year, or on or before February 1st to be eligible for spring semester.
Which hall have I been assigned to?
A. You will be emailed and/or mailed which hall you have been assigned to but if you have questions or concerns please contact Residential Life via email at rlif@plu.edu or call us at 253-535-7200.
Can I see my room before I arrive?
A. New students are not given their room numbers before they move in, so it may not be possible to see your specific room. We allow students to see rooms in the halls they are assigned to, if circumstances permit. If you wish to see a room within your residence hall before moving in, please contact Residential Life to make an appointment for you to do so.
How can I see what my housing assignment will look like?
A. While most of our housing is closed until it is time to move in, you can see floor plans of the halls by going to our Residence Halls page and clicking on your hall and then clicking on the floor plans section on the right side of the screen on the quick links section.  You can also see a picture of an unfurnished room and a few furnished rooms in our gallery section, also accessible via the quick links section.  While the pictures may not be an exact picture of your room, it will give you an idea of what the rooms look like and how you can make them your home away from home!
When will I find out my roommate assignment?
A. The last week of July all students will be sent their roommate’s name and contact information, along with a welcome packet of other valuable on-campus information. We strongly encourage all students to contact their roommate before arriving to campus.
Can new students request specific roommates?
A. Yes. Roommate requests must be mutual and will be honored only if both students are assigned to the same hall. Please note that by submitting a specific roommate request, does not increase one’s chances of being assigned to a different hall. Requests must be received by July 1st. To request a specific roommate, either list the student’s name on your new student housing application or send a written request with the following information to the Office of Residential Life * Your Name and PLU ID Number * Your requested roommate’s name (please use only official names) * Indicate that you are a freshmen or transfer beginning in the Fall semester.
When can I move into my assigned hall?
A. Move in day for first year students changes yearly depending on the academic calendar.  Please see our Rates and Dates page for the most current information on move in dates and times.
What should I bring?
A.

What should I bring to PLU?

Here is a comprehensive list of things to bring with you to PLU!  Students are permitted to bring their own furniture, with the exception of lofts. However, all University provided furniture must remain in room. Residents will be charged for any furniture missing from the room when they check-out. University loft-kits are available free of charge for check-out from hall staff.

What is prohibited?

Due to fire codes, energy conservation, and creating a safe community for all, there are items that are not permitted on-campus and/or in the Residence Halls.

Listed here are just a few items that you may not have in your residence hall room.  If you are in doubt about an item you would like to bring, call the Residential Life Office at 253-535-7200.

  • Halogen bulbs and/or lamps
  • Hotplates, skillets, toasters, toaster ovens
  • Air conditioners
  • Extension cords
  • Candles
  • Pets, waterbeds, nail picture hangers
  • Microwave

Please refer to the Housing Guide and PLU Student Handbook for a complete list of prohibited items and policies.

What is standard to all rooms and halls?

All of the residence halls include the following amenities:

  • In Room Cable TV Hook Up
  • Ethernet/Internet In Room Connection
  • Indoor Bike Storage
  • Kitchen w/microwave(s)
  • Postal Delivery & Pick Up
  • Recycling Room
  • Student Long-Term Storage
  • Study Lounge/Central
  • Vacuum Cleaners/Brooms
  • Vending Machines
  • Twin extra-long beds
  • Blinds
  • Desks and Desk Chairs
  • Closets
  • Dressers
  • Bookshelf
  • Waste Can & Recycling Bins
  • Linoleum Floor
  • Pianos In Lounge
  • Single-sex Restroom Facilities
  • Composting
  • Laundry Facilities
What is my meal plan?
A. Students residing in traditional residence halls (all halls but South Hall) must sign-up for a meal plan.  South Hall residents are not required to have a meal plan.  Meal Plan descriptions and rates can be found here.
How do I change my meal plan?
A. You can change your meal plan, find Optional Meal Plans, and Cancel Your Meal Plan through the Dining & Culinary Services webpage.  The default meal plan for Traditional Housing (excluding South Hall) is the The Lute Choice, which is designed for the student who eats most of their meals on campus.  You will be signed up for this plan if you do not choose to opt into one of the other plans.  If you find you need an increase in your meal plan or choose to decrease your plan, you can do this through the Dining & Culinary Services webpage as stated above.
Can I have a single room?
A. First year students can not request a single room.  Living in university housing is an integral part of the educational experience at PLU. A residential community is an environment that challenges one to live and grow, create meaningful relationships, and to draw connections between the classroom and in life. To provide intentional learning environments and a more diverse community Residential Life reserves space within each hall for new students. New students are traditionally hand-matched with another new student because their experiences and expectations naturally meet one another. This mutuality thus creates a heightened learning and growing environment.
Where do transfer students live?
A.

Most transfer students will move into our Junior/Senior communities.  Kreidler Hall and South Hall is our housing that is reserved for students 20 years of age or older, or junior status (60 semester hours) by September 1st for Fall Semester, or February 1st for Spring Semester.

Kreidler Hall consists entirely of single rooms.  It is the only traditional-style residence hall where visitation is not limited.  It is three stories tall, and houses only 60 graduate and undergraduate residents.  Kreidler is located next to the Mary Baker Russell Music Center and Ingram Hall of Arts.

South Hall is a non-traditional, apartment-style residence hall designed for a more independent living experience on campus.  Apartment style and occupancy vary, but each has a full kitchen, bathroom and dining room.  Space is not reserved in South Hall for new students because of its appeal to returning students.

Contact Residential Life at rlif@plu.edu or 253-535-7200 for single room opportunities or to be matched up with a non-First Year PLU student.

How do I check into my hall?
A. If you are moving in during Fall, J-Term, or Spring openings, you can go directly to your hall’s front desk. Your RA/CA will assist you with the check-in process. If you are moving in during a non-official opening time, you will need to make prior arrangements. Contact your Resident Director to schedule a check-in appointment, or to receive instructions on how best to accomplish this.
Are pets allowed in the residence halls?
A. At this time, no pets except fish are allowed in the residence halls. Fish must be kept in a tank less than 25 gallons.
I am a new student beginning in J-Term or Spring. When will I find out who my roommate will be?
A. You will receive a confirmation letter from the Office of Residential Life within two to three weeks of your application being submitted.
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Contact
Department of Residential Life
253-535-7200
Department of Residential Life University Center 161
Tacoma, WA 98447-0003
Hours
  • Sunday:Closed
  • Monday:8am - 5pm
  • Tuesday:8am - 5pm
  • Wednesday:8am - 5pm
  • Thursday:8am - 5pm
  • Friday:8am - 5pm
  • Saturday:Closed