Roommates who take the time to listen and get to know one another have a better chance of having a positive on-campus housing experience.

The first time you talk with your new roommate take some time to discuss your future living situation. Start the conversation by getting to know the person. It’s less combative than beginning with your expectations and will help establish a friendly rapport for the rest of your conversation.

The success of your new relationship is dependent upon both of you listening, communicating and being willing to compromise. If your only goal is to force your expectations on the other, the quality of your time here at EIU will be greatly diminished. Remember, all relationships are two way streets.

• Room layouts available on-line Download room dimensions,
   and find out more about your new residence at EIU.

• Time to make your shopping list You’ll want to add some of
   these items to your list. Find out what to bring, and what you’ll
   need to leave at home.

• Room setup and furniture rental EIU’s chapter of the Residence
   Hall Association (RHA) has teamed up with Bedloft.com to
   provide residents with a number of offers for the upcoming
   academic year.

• Moving service offered to the students of EIU Boerman Moving
   will deliver your belongings directly to your residence hall room
   before move-in day on August 16. 

Living on campus provides ease of access to the involvement opportunities offered by the Residence Hall Association (RHA) and the student governments of the residence halls and Greek Court.

Besides being a great way to have a little fun while establishing new friendships, residents who choose to remain active in these organizations are able to take advantage of a number of opportunities that include possible future employment with the University, peer recognition and leadership experience.

RHA serves as a voice for on-campus residents on any number of topics. It has provided input on renovation plans, room and board rates, policy changes and furniture purchases. RHA also coordinates a number of events during the academic year.

Students living in the residence halls or Greek Court are automatically considered voting members of the student government in their buildings or complex.

The residence hall and Greek Court councils, in conjunction with RHA and University Housing & Dining Services, raise funds for scholarships, promote community service projects and sponsor activities in the on-campus residential communities.

Meetings are held each week and all residents are urged to participate. Go to castle.eiu.edu/rhaorg to learn more about RHA.

☐ Pay housing down payment of $250 by June 12 to hold a
     student’s residence hall assignment. The remainder of the fall
     charges will be billed Aug. 1 and is due Aug. 30. A one percent
     finance charge will be added to the unpaid balance each billing
     cycle. Call 217-581-3715 for more information.

☐ Mail a copy of your immunization records (Child Health
     Certificate) and medical history forms to: 

     HUMAN SERVICES CENTER
     600 LINCOLN AVENUE
     CHARLESTON, IL 61920-3099

     Call 217-581-3013 for more information.

☐ Plan ahead when it comes to your on-campus room. Check out
     the list of things you should and should not bring to campus
     Contact roommate(s) to find out what they plan on bringing
     to prevent “doubling up” on items like televisions, refrigerators,
     gaming consoles etc.

     Your roommate's email address, mailing address and phone
     number are included in your room assignment letter.

☐ Purchase personal property or renter’s insurance. EIU and
     University Housing & Dining Services assume no responsibility
     for theft or damage to personal property, or loss of money,
     valuables, or personal effects of any student or guest.

☐ It is recommended that you purchase a computer that meets
     the specifications outlined at its.eiu.edu/students.php. You
     will also need a 10’ Category-6 Cable (CAT-6) to connect to
     the Ethernet ports in your room. Cables will be available for
     purchase at the University Court Office and residence hall or
     Greek Court front desks once you have arrived on campus.
     Residents of University Apartments are asked to purchase
     cables at the Lawson Hall front desk. 

     Wireless Internet access is available building-wide in Andrews,
     Douglas, Ford, Lawson, Lincoln, McKinney, Stevenson, Taylor,
     Thomas and Weller Halls, as well as Greek Court chapter
     rooms, and the first floor public areas in Carman and Pemberton
     Halls.

Incoming students and their parents often look upon college as a new beginning, and hope that past issues and problems will disappear with the move to campus.

Experience suggests that the opposite is more likely to be true. Luckily, there are a number of steps that students with past or existing personal problems can take to improve their adjustment to college life and increase their chances for success.

Continue reading at www.eiu.edu/housing/info.php

Please direct your comments to:
Chad Franks,
Marketing Specialist
University Housing & Dining Services
600 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920-3099

cmfranks@eiu.edu