Living at Medaille University: Residence Life
You decided that Medaille University is the place for you. Great! Next, you need to determine if you want to live on campus. Medaille Residence Life offers more than just a place to live. Convenience, safety, programming and a student-focused environment makes living on campus a logical choice. Residing on campus keeps you close to classes and campus life.
Office of Residence Life & Student Conduct
Sullivan Center, Second Floor
(716) 880-2449
reslife@medaille.edu
Your college experience can be exciting, challenging, and rewarding. One of the best ways to enhance your college experience is to live on campus. National statistics show that on-campus residents maintain higher grade point averages and have a higher graduation rate than students who live off campus.
Academic support, safety measures, and a friendly staff help keep you focused on what’s important. Living on campus provides opportunity to be academically successful, connect with other students, get involved and still find a way place to retreat to at the end of the day.
On-Campus Housing License and Residential Policies
North Residence Hall
This three-story residence contains 140 student beds, a kitchen and lounge, computer lab, and laundry rooms. This building has a mix of traditional suite-style rooms (two bedrooms bridged by a bathroom) and two- and three-bedroom apartments. Every student is provided their own bed, desk, chair, dresser, and closet.
The first-floor lounge is generally used for informal meetings and for hanging out in the evenings and on weekends. The second-floor lounge is a popular spot for students to cook full meals, entertain guests, and has comfortable seating for late-night studying.
A laundry center is available for residents to use on the first floor.
South Residence Hall
This five-story residence was built in 2003 and accommodates over 250 resident students. South Residence Hall has double rooms in a traditional corridor style with an individual bathroom inside each room. Every student is provided their own bed, desk, chair, dresser, and wardrobe.
Floors two through five have a lounge area that contains a TV, kitchenette, computer station, and laundry facilities.
The South Hall front desk is where all residential students can pick up their packages.
Residency Requirement
Effective for Students Admitted Fall 2021 and After:
All students whose permanent residency is beyond a 35-mile radius of Medaille are required to reside on campus until the age of 21. Those exempt from this requirement include married students, single parents, veterans, and students commuting from the home of their legal parent(s) or court appointed guardian(s) if within 35-mile radius of the Medaille campus. Age is determined prior to the start of the fall semester as all students are required to sign a housing contract license for the entire academic year (fall and spring).
Students Admitted Prior to Fall 2021:
All freshmen and sophomore students whose permanent residency is beyond a 35-mile radius of Medaille are required to reside on campus until they earn 60 credits at Medaille or transfer in 60 credits towards their degree completion. Those exempt from this requirement include married students, single parents, veterans, students over the age of 21, and students commuting from the home of their legal parent(s) or court appointed guardian(s) if within 35-mile radius of the Medaille campus. Status is determined prior to the start of the fall semester, as all students are required to sign a housing contract license for the entire academic year (fall and spring).
Questions to Ask Your Roommate
Starting college is an exciting and emotional time. Use this move-in guide as a resource to help start your college experience a bit more prepared.
If you have been fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, please complete the student vaccination form before you arrive.
Housing assignments will be sent to you via your Medaille student email the first week of August.
You are encouraged to contact your roommate prior to your arrival, once you have cleared your student account and received your housing assignment. The Office of Residence Life is invested in our residents having a successful roommate relationship, but that has to begin with communication between you and your roommate.
Some Things to Keep in Mind
- Sometimes roommates don’t respond right away. Not everyone checks their email or has text messaging. Try calling them or contacting them on social media.
- Don’t judge a person by their profile picture. Get to know your roommate by having a conversation with them.
- Your roommate may be just as nervous as you are about living with someone new. Keep an open mind as you get to know your roommate.
What to Expect
Arrival on Campus
You have been assigned a day to move in! Help us by arriving during your assigned day. Please refer to the move-in email that will be sent to your Medaille email with the address of where to go when you get to campus.
Check In
First-year and incoming transfer students living in the residence halls are permitted to check in on August 26 at 10 a.m. Returning students will be permitted to check in on August 28 beginning at 11 a.m. Check-in will start at in the Quad by South Residence Hall, under the large tents. Only students who have cleared their accounts are permitted to move in on their designated day! Once you have checked in you will unload your belongings and move them to your room. Once you have emptied your vehicle, please move it to the designated parking lot behind South Residence Hall to make room for the next Maverick to unload.
Room Condition Reports
Before you unpack, be sure to complete your Room Condition Report that you will receive at check-in. This document will make sure that you are not charged for damages you were not responsible for at the end of the year. Please complete it within 24 hours of moving in. All college issued furniture must remain in the housing unit.
Unpack
After you’ve turned in your room inventory, settle into your new space! Put away your belongings, hang up your clothes, etc. Housing staff will be available to help with any questions you have.
Renter's Insurance
As a resident, you are encouraged to have renter's insurance coverage or check coverage provided under your family’s homeowners policy in case any major incidents occur.
Residence Life Orientation
When you move in, it is required that you attend the residence life orientation, which includes important information related to policies, procedures, and expectations related to living on campus. This will take place in the Main building lecture hall on August 26 at 7:30 p.m.
Walk Your Route to Class
Walking your route to class is a great way to get comfortable with the campus layout and ensure you will be on time to your first class.
Get Parking Pass
If you will be parking on campus and have yet to get a parking pass, be sure to visit the Office of Campus Safety. First-year students living on campus may bring a car, but are required to pay $100/semester for a parking pass.
Go Shopping
Purchase your books and Medaille apparel from the Campus Store. Sunday, August 28, we will have group outings to the Galleria Mall where you can purchase any items you might have forgotten.
Attend Orientation Events
Our Orientation Program consists of small group sessions led by Orientation leaders, faculty meet and greets, and campus tours prior to the start of classes. Students are provided with essential information and have the chance to make connections to ensure their success as a Maverick. The programs and activities will help prepare you for the academic rigor of the university, assist you in meeting people and making connections both in and out of the classroom, and provide you with an overall knowledge of the resources and services at Medaille University. New students are required to participate.
Eating On Campus
Dining Locations
Food is available in Sullivan Center in the dining hall on the first floor, as well as the Starbucks on the second floor.
Meals
Your ID provides access to your meal plan. There are two ways to use your Meal Plan:
- Meal Exchange: Each dining station has a daily meal package you can exchange for 1 meal.
- Meal Equivalency: You can choose an item from any one station. If the value of the meal exceeds the value of the meal exchange, you can use your Dining Dollars to cover the difference.
You can use one meal swipe per meal period (breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner), no more than 3 meals a day on weekdays and 2 meals a day on weekends.
Dining Dollars
Dining dollars are included with every meal plan and can be used at the Chartwells dining locations on the Medaille University campus.
- Each time a purchase is made, the amount is subtracted from your account.
- Unused Dining Dollars transfer from fall to spring semester, but do not transfer to a new academic year.
- Add Dining Dollars by going to the Student Accounts office.
Checking Your Account
Check your meal and/or Dining Dollar balance by visiting a Chartwells register and asking the cashier to run an inquiry. You can also stop by Student Accounts to pull up your balance!
Changing Your Meal Plan
You can change your meal plan during the first week of the fall and/or spring semester. Please email reslife@medaille.edu to request a change.
Dietary Needs
Whether you follow a specific diet by choice or medical necessity, Chartwells provides many options. Contact John Tychinski or Sara Sorrento to find out what works for you.
Once Officially Accepted!
Pay your housing and tuition deposits through Medaille 360 or at the Office of Student Accounts.
Log on to the self-service housing portal to complete your housing application, select a roommate, and pick a room assignment
Housing deposits and applications are encouraged to be submitted by May 1 to ensure that your bill accurately reflects those charges. Deposits and applications will be accepted throughout the summer, but submission at a date later than the above stated may impact housing placement preferences or require a new bill to be issued.
July
Ensure your bill is paid and your account is up to date.
August 1
All students cleared through Student Accounts, with a complete housing deposit and application, will be placed into a residence hall room.
Early/Mid-August
Incoming students’ housing assignment email will be sent to your Medaille email address.
Please note:
Housing deposits are nonrefundable.
Students applying and paying after the deadline will be housed in spaces that remain after students who made the deadline are placed. This includes students who have not cleared their accounts by August 1.
- First-year and new students will move in on Friday, August 26.
- International students (except those from Canada) will be permitted to move in between Tuesday, August 23 and Friday, August 26.
- Returning students (including those from Canada) will move in on Sunday, August 28.
- Athletes playing fall sports will be permitted to move in early and should be in touch with their coach for specific information.
We will do our best to honor requests but cannot make guarantees.
Both roommates must clear their accounts by August 1 in order to be considered for placement together.
We are unable to consider requests to change roommates/room assignments after placements have been sent out.
Have questions about living on campus? Wanna be in the know? These are the answers to the questions that we are most frequently asked.
Who is the Residence Life Team?
Each floor in the residence has one or two Resident Assistants (RAs), who are student para-professional members of the Residence Life team. RAs are responsible for creating community in the residence halls, serving as a resource for resident students and assisting students in making the transition to college and living with others.
Both residence halls are overseen by a Residence Director (RD), who is a graduate student. The RDs supervise and train the RAs, assist to resolve roommate conflicts, manage maintenance requests, serve as conduct officers and manage the day-to-day operations of the residence halls. Other employees working in the halls include the maintenance/housekeeping staff, and student front desk and mailroom employees. Eligible for Work Study and interested in Residence Life employment? Learn about Work Study opportunities.
What is “programming” in the residence halls?
The Resident Student Council and Resident Assistants provide opportunities to socialize, engage in your residence hall community and learn more about your education and yourself. These programs give you the opportunity to meet new people, become acquainted with some of the resources we have and give you a chance to relax and enjoy yourself. Some programs may include movie nights, floor dinners, trips to local events, etc. Contact your RA to make suggestions about what you would like to see happen and get involved!
What kinds of safety precautions are being taken in the residence halls?
The North and South Residence Halls can be accessed only with an individual electronic access key card, which is also the student’s ID. Only residents who reside on campus can use their ID cards to gain access to the residence halls. We also require all guests/visitors to sign in at the front desks from 7 p.m. – 7 a.m. In addition, there are monitored cameras located in the hallways, lobbies and elevators for added security.
What should I do if my roommate and I do not get along?
In the event that you are paired with someone that you are incompatible with, your RA or RD will assist you in having a mediated conversation with your roommate to come to a mutually beneficial outcome. If the situation is found to be irresolvable, the individual who initiated complaint will be offered the opportunity to switch to a space in a new room. RAs will complete Roommate Agreements with their residents during the first two weeks of the fall semester to help put in writing any mutual expectations.
What is the visitation policy?
Residents are allowed to have a visitor within their immediate living area during specific times of the day or night, any day of the week. Residents may have guests until 2 a.m. from Sunday through Thursday, and until 3 a.m. from Friday through Saturday. All non-Medaille guests must be registered at the front desk of the host’s residence hall before 12-midnight during the school week and before 2 a.m. during the weekend. The visitor must be escorted by the host resident at all times, as the host resident is responsible for the conduct of the visitor while on Medaille University premises. Residents may have overnight guests any day of the week, not exceeding twice in a seven-day period. Residents should seek approval from their roommate prior to arranging an overnight guest visit. Overnight guests must register at the residence hall main desk before 12-midnight. No guests under the age of 18 are permitted in the residence halls.
Are there storage facilities on campus?
Unfortunately, we do not offer storage accommodations for residents. While it is important to bring certain personal items from home, it is advised to pack mainly essentials to ensure that you will have a comfortable living space. Be prepared to utilize your space effectively. Summer storage is not available. Local storage units in the area may be available for summer storage.
Can I decorate my room?
Yes, decorations on the walls make your room look more like home, but we ask your cooperation in following the procedures below when decorating your room. Failure to follow these regulations may result in damage charges at the end of the year. All pictures, bulletin boards, posters, shelves, and other decorations must be hung with mounting squares. Please refrain from placing decals or adhesive plaques on doors, walls, woodwork or vinyl. We also ask that you not use any type of nails or screws on doors, walls, woodwork or vinyl.
Can I bring my computer?
Of course! Both residence halls are fully wireless and ethernet is also available in all residence hall rooms. There are also computers and printers available for use in the residence hall lounges. Check out the Information Technology (IT) website is you have specific questions about your computing needs. Visit the IT office for details at 107 Humboldt or contact the Helpdesk at (716) 880-2282.
Do I have to be on the campus meal plan?
Yes, all students residing on campus are required to have a meal plan and it is factored into your room and board charges for the year. The University’s dining facilities are managed by Chartwell’s Dining and Catering Services.
Meal plan options are as follows:
19 meals per week ($100 declining balance)
15 meals per week ($200 declining balance)
10 meals per week ($400 declining balance)
Students may also opt to purchase Mavs Bucks which can be used in several places on campus, such at the 4th floor café and the bookstore.
What kinds of appliances are allowed in Residence Hall rooms?
Heating elements with automatic shut-offs and grounded surge protectors are allowed, as well as all UL-approved electrical appliances such as lamps, radios, and televisions. With the exception of small microwaves, unapproved items include heating/cooking equipment, halogen lamps, candles, incense, hot plates, toaster ovens and extension cords. These are not to be used in student rooms for reasons of safety, health, and sanitation. Appliances/items not approved for use in student rooms will be confiscated.
Can I have a pet?
Because of health risks, allergies, etc. residents are not allowed to have pets in their rooms, with some exceptions supported under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Fish tanks (no larger than five gallons) for small fish are allowed and students may use water circulators to keep tanks clean. Even though they are kept in tanks, mammals (rats, mice, ferrets, etc.) and reptiles are not permitted.
Can I bring a bike to school?
Yes, but bicycles must be stored appropriately. You may utilize the bicycle rack outside of the South Residence Hall. Bikes are not allowed to be used in hallways, walkways or student rooms. Bikes found in any of these areas will be removed. Winter bike storage is not available.
Are there times when students have to be quiet on the floors?
Quiet hours are in effect in all residences from 11 p.m. - 7 a.m. from Sunday through Thursday, and 12-midnight - 7 a.m. Friday and Saturday. This does not mean that you can be loud outside of these specified hours, as courtesy hours are 24 hours per day. Priority must be given to a resident’s request for studying or sleeping.
Where do I go if I need medical attention?
In case of serious injury or illness, please notify Campus Safety at (716) 880-2911 (extension 2911). The Student Health Center hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., or by appointment. You may make an appointment to see the nurse or doctor by calling (716) 880-2112. Counseling services are also available. Please call (716) 880-2339 for assistance.
What do I do if I lose my ID card or key?
Loss of either key cards or hard keys should be reported to your RD as soon as possible. The charge for the replacement of an ID card is $50. The charge for a replacement hard key is $30. You will be sent to Campus Safety to receive a duplicate key card or hard key. Please note that you will need to have your meal plan reactivated at Campus Safety, located at 2 Agassiz Circle.
Where do I get my mail?
Students residing in the North or South Hall have assigned mailboxes in their respective halls. Mail is delivered on a daily basis, usually by 4 p.m. Packages and parcels may be picked up at the designated mail room. Hours will be posted once the semester begins. Students must bring their package slip and campus ID in order to receive their packages and/or parcels.
Can first-year resident students have cars?
First-year resident students may park on campus but will be required to purchase a parking pass from Campus Safety for $200. Upperclassmen may have cars on campus and are not required to pay for a parking permit. All vehicle owners must strictly abide by all policies set forth by Campus Safety. Parking permits are available in the Campus Safety office during the first week of classes for each semester.
Where do I go to do my laundry and how much will it cost?
Laundry rooms are provided on the first floor of the North Residence Hall and on each floor, except for the first floor, in the South Residence Hall. These rooms are open 24 hours a day for student use. There is no cost to use the washers and dryers.
How can I become an RA?
Students who are going into their second year at Medaille are eligible to apply to be a Resident Assistant. We typically hold a three-week selection process in the spring semester to fill vacancies for the following year. Keep your eyes open for signs in November/December regarding information sessions and application process.
In preparation for campus breaks, please ensure the following is completed prior to your departure:
- Close and lock all windows, and make sure all blinds are down and closed.
- Take all of the trash found in your room/suite to the proper receptacles.
- Clean your room/suite thoroughly.
- UNPLUG EVERYTHING (including computers) except refrigerators.
- All residents are required to depart four hours after the completion of their last class.
- Other than those granted permission (e.g. athletes, international students), no one will be permitted to remain on campus or to return early.
Thanksgiving Break
Thanksgiving break commences as of 10 p.m. on Tuesday, November 22, 2022. The residence halls will close at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, November 23, and will reopen 10 a.m. on Sunday, November 27.
Winter Break
The halls will close for the winter break at 9 a.m. on Friday, December 9, 2022 and reopen at 12 p.m. on Monday, January 16, 2023.
Spring Break
The residence halls will close for Spring break at 9 a.m. on March 4, 2023 and reopen at 10:00 a.m. on March 12, 2023.
May Move-Out
Residence halls will close at 9 a.m. on Friday, May 6, 2023. Students are expected to check out four hours after their last final exam.
Graduate and commuter students have the option of residing on campus in a residence hall, on a nightly basis, with a two-consecutive-night maximum each week. Approved residency programs are an exception to this rule. Rooms are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
One night = $50
Maverick BnB is currently offered only during fall and spring undergraduate semesters. Please note that all reservations must be made at least one week in advance of the requested date. Individuals will be able to reserve up to ten (10) nights per semester.
Please call the Office of Student Development at (716) 880-2218 with any questions.
Rooms
Rooms are singles with shared bathroom between two single rooms, furnished with a standard twin bed, wardrobe, desk and desk chair. Outlets for computer and cable service are also available in each room. We encourage students to bring their own bedding (pillow, blankets, sheets) and a bath towel, since these items are not provided.
Amenities
North Hall has a student lounge located on the second floor with a TV and kitchenette. All residents have access to vending machines and (no charge) laundry facilities.
Resident Assistants and Security
One resident assistant (RA) is available for North Hall. RAs are student staff members who supervise the floors and are responsible for promoting a healthy living/learning environment. They are available to answer any questions and to assist you in acclimating to your living situation.
Both North and South Halls are staffed by RAs, at each front desk, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Residents and guests of the BnB program must present a University ID to enter the building. Overnight visitors/guests are not permitted to be signed in by students temporarily renting rooms via the Maverick BnB program.
Meals
The room rate does not include a meal plan but several options for meals are available. View meal plan options.
Availability
The Maverick BnB program is not available while campus halls are closed. Please review the On-Campus Housing License & Residential Policies for break closures.
Apply to be a Resident Assistant (RA)
Housing Accommodations
Includes disability-related accommodation information, as well as policies on service animals and emotional support animals.
Res Life Student Forms
