Housing and Roommates FAQ
Q: How are new students assigned to roommates and to rooms?
A: All new and transfer students are asked to complete the residence hall application. Information provided on the residence hall application is used in roommate matching. Therefore, it is important that the student fill out the form honestly. If a student wishes to live with someone specific, both persons must request each other on the residence hall application. Once the residence hall application is received in the admission office, the date it is received is noted. Preference for building placement is considered by the date in which the application and deposit are received.
Q: When are room assignments mailed to new students?
A: Initial room assignments are mailed out in mid-July for the fall semester.
Q: What comes in the rooms?
A: Rooms are furnished with beds, desks, desk chairs, wardrobes/closets and dresser space. In addition, each room is equipped with basic cable TV and to access the Internet via Ethernet lines. Wireless internet access is available on campus as well. Telephones (with voice mail and caller ID) are provided in each room. Each resident has his/her own telephone as well as his/her own phone number. Furniture cannot be removed from the rooms, as there is no storage.
Q: Do I need to bring carpet?
A: If you live in Scholte, Hoffman or the honor houses, you do not need to bring carpet as these rooms are carpeted. If you live in Graham, Gaass or Pietenpol, you may choose to bring carpet as these rooms have tile floors.
Q: What should I bring?
A: The residence hall guide (PDF) contains a list of suggested items to bring and other useful residence information. The overwhelming piece of advice from returning students is that you discuss what you are bringing with your roommate to avoid duplication of the big items.
Q: Are there things I should not bring?
A: For the health, safety and well-being of all, it is necessary that some items be restricted from possession or use in the housing facilities. The following items are not allowed:
Q: Where do I eat?
A: All students who live on campus are required to have a meal plan. The dining hall is adjacent to the Maytag Student Center and is called The Central Market. Additionally, light meals and snacks are available at Grand Central Station in the Maytag Student Center, the Café @ Central in the Geisler Library or the Pizza Ranch downunder.
Q: Where do I do laundry?
A: Laundry facilities are located in each residential building. Cost is $.75 to wash and $.75 to dry clothes.
Q: Do I clean my own room or is there a maid?
A: All students are responsible for cleaning their own rooms. Students are responsible for taking their trash to the outside dumpsters or to the trash closets. Vacuums are available in each residence hall for student use. The common areas (hallways, stairwells, bathrooms, etc.) are cleaned by custodial services.
Q: Where will my mail go?
A: You will be assigned a campus mailbox. The mailboxes are located on the first floor of the Maytag Student Center.
Q: What if I get sick?
A: The health center, located on the first floor of Hoffman Hall, is open Monday-Friday and is staffed by registered nurses. Services are available to all students enrolled at Central College under the regular college program only after receipt of history record and physical examination from the family physician. In cases of an extended illness, hospitalization or family emergency, please notify the student life office (641-628-5293).
Q: Can I live/stay in my room all year long?
A: The residential facilities close for the semester break/winter break and for the summer. Students may not occupy their rooms during the semester break. The residential facilities remain open during fall break, Thanksgiving break and spring break.
Q: Can I smoke in my room?
A: As of July 1, 2008, smoking is not allowed on campus including the residential facilities.
Q: Do I need personal health insurance?
A: Student health insurance is required of all full-time students unless proof of comparable coverage is provided. If you are not covered by another health insurance policy, the college policy premium will be automatically billed to your student account. Information regarding coverage and cost may be obtained at the controller’s office.
Q: Do I need property insurance?
A: The college does not assume liability for loss or damage to a student’s personal items. Students and their parents are encouraged to insure their personal property on their own or through family insurance plans.
Q: Can I bring an air conditioner?
A: No. Students who have a medical need for air conditioning should indicate such on their housing application so they can be placed in one of our air-conditioned buildings.
Q: Can I move in early?
Students are expected to make arrangements for move in and closing based on the opening and closing dates. Early arrivals and late stays are highly discouraged and must be based on need rather than convenience. Taking a day off of work may be necessary to move in/pick up the student. Only those receiving approval by the residence life office a week in advance will be permitted to arrive early. Arrivals prior to the beginning of the official move-in dates above may incur a $35 per day charge.
