Frequently Asked Questions

When is move in?

The date for Upperclass Move-in can be located on the Residence Life Hall Opening and Closing Schedule.  Early arrivals will not be permitted unless in connection with a University activity.  Please plan accordingly.  If you need to arrive in the Fredericksburg area early, please plan to make arrangements at a local hotel.  Additionally, individuals will not be permitted to move belongings in early.

Can I install a window A/C unit in my room if my building does not have A/C?

No. Window A/C units are prohibited in the residence halls with the exception of those used by Residence Life staff and individuals who have approval from the Office of Residence Life. If you have a documented medical condition and require air conditioning, the form can be obtained from the Residence Life Office and through the following link AC Request Form.

What is included in my room?

Each residence hall is unique, but some standard furnishings include: a twin bed frame and mattress, desk, and chair for each resident. Each resident also has dresser and closet space. Cable, local telephone and internet services are also provided. You will need to provide your own television, cable wire, telephone, computer, and ethernet card and cable.

What should I bring with me to campus?

UL approved power strips (heavy duty with circuit breaker), small refrigerator (2 amps/4 cubic feet or less), stereo, TV, hot air popper, linens, desk lamp, alarm clock, trash can, fan, cleaning supplies, and personal items.

What should I NOT bring with me to campus?

Halogen lamps, ceiling fans, track lighting, power tools, grills, candles, incense, open coil heating appliances, hot pots, street signs, pets (only fish are allowed, 20 gallon tank limit), fireworks, weapons, explosives, and extension cords.  Please see yourStudent Handbook for more information.

What size sheets should I buy?

All resident rooms have twin beds but many have extra-long mattresses. You will not know until move-in whether or not you have an XL mattress, so it is best to buy XL-twin sheets or twin sheets with “expanded” or “deep” pockets.

XL twin sheets can be hard to find, especially during the beginning of the school year. We have partnered with Residence Hall Linens to ensure you have sheets that fit our beds. These extra long sheets and bedding items will also fit standard twin size beds, so you won’t have to worry. Plus, proceeds from this program directly benefit your student – the Residence Hall Linens program is also a fundraiser for the Resident Assistant Council, who provides programming and leadership opportunities for students on campus.

My roommate and I are not getting along. How can I change rooms?

We strongly encourage you to meet with your RA and write up a roommate contract.  Should this fail to solve the problems make an appointment to meet with the Assistant Director for your area.  Room changes will be approved after the first two full weeks of classes each semester.

I have lost my ID. What do I do?

Make sure that your ID is actually lost and not just hidden somewhere. Make an effort to look for your ID card and if you still cannot find it then you must contact University Police and make a report. You can then go to the EagleOne ID center located in the Woodard Campus Center and get a new ID card. The cost for replacing an ID card is $20.

I have lost my room key, what do I do?

Make an effort to find your missing key and if it is not found then you must file a report with the University Police located in Lee Hall. Please make sure to also tell your RA that you have lost your key. You will be fined for the replacement key and resultant core changes.

What is a Resident Assistant and how can they help me?

Resident Assistants are specially trained upperclassmen residents who live in the building and assist each resident in their adjustment to University life. They provide everything from work orders and maintenance requests to social and educational programming. They are available to answer any question a resident might have about life here at the University. They also serve as a resource for valuable information about campus activities and awareness.

What are community standards and how are they created?

Community standards are the rules and regulations that every residence hall votes on at the beginning of the year and can relate to smoking, visitation, quiet hours, or any other issue which affects everyone in the community. Your community standards will be voted on at the first hall meeting of the year. Some are also revised spring semester. As a member of your residence hall community everyone is expected to uphold and enforce them.

Can I have a pet in my room?

While you are allowed to have a pet in the residence halls, the only animals allowed are of the underwater variety (fish only). Please note that only one tank no larger than 20 gallons is permitted in each room.

Residents found in violation will be fined and will be given 24 hours to remove the animal from the premises.  If the animal is not removed, we have no option but to turn it over to Animal Control and file judicial charges.

What can I use to hang posters?

Facilities Services recommends the use of 3M Command Adhesive products.  Used properly these products should result in no damage to the walls.  However, if used improperly these products can damage the walls.  Students are responsible for any damage to their rooms regardless of the product used.  3M products can be purchased at the University Store, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, and many other locations.

How do I get involved on-campus?

The possibilities are endless. There are over 100 clubs and organizations at UMW including sports, religious organizations, student government, hall council, and special-interest clubs. Most of these clubs are open to everyone and will be involved in the annual “Club Carnival,” held the first week of September, where they will recruit new members. Organizations like Hall Council are run through the residence halls and will involve elections announced during hall meetings. Finally, Class Council, Judicial Review Board, and Honor Council all have class-wide elections at the beginning of the year and will publicize information. For questions about a certain organization, check out the Student Activities website.

Does UMW offer weekend entertainment for students?

Every weekend is different at UMW. We offer many feature programs, dances, movies, and other free or inexpensive events open to the students. The Office of Student Activities organizes a late-night Friday programming series involving anything from drive-in movies to themed dances and barbecues. Many clubs and organizations plan weekend events, host speakers, and offer fun activities for the students. Class Council organizes the annual events and school dances. Giant Productions brings bands and comedians to campus and Cheap Seats Cinema shows recently released blockbuster movies in Dodd Auditorium. For more information on what’s going on, check out the Student Activities website.

Is there anything open late in the area?

On-campus the Eagle’s Nest offers its “late-night” service as a pub alternative from 11:30pm- 1:30am on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Additionally we are not far from Central Park shopping center where there are a number of late-night or 24-hour eating/shopping establishments.

I live far away, how can I arrange transportation home?

UMW is minutes away from both a Greyhound bus station and an Amtrak rail station that many students use to travel far away. Additionally, the school is 50 miles away from Washington D.C. where you can also catch a train at Union Station or access Reagan, Dulles, or BWI airport for your traveling needs. It is recommend that students apply for student advantage discount cards through Amtrak, and work out their holiday travel plans in advance. Another option is to check out the “rides wanted/needed” bulletin board in the Campus Center, next to the Eagle’s Nest. On this board students post their travel needs and dates/locations. Carpooling is always an option at UMW.

Is there a cheap and easy way to go into D.C.?

UMW is a short walk from the Fredericksburg Regional Transit train station where students can ride the Virginia Railway Express (or VRE) to Washington D.C. for an inexpensive ticket price during business hours. Please refer to the VRE websitefor more questions.

I need to get a job. Can the school help me?

Like many college students, if you are short on money and need to find employment that will fit in with your school schedule, UMW has many options to help. On-campus employment can include working in the dining halls or with Sodexho Catering Services, or in a number of student employment positions through the Financial Aid Office. Applications for student employment are available at the Financial Aid Office in Lee Hall. The Office of Career Services in George Washington Hall offers a job-listings binder of full- and part-time jobs in the area.

How much does it cost to live on campus?

The cost of on campus housing depends on the building in which you live and the number of roommates with whom you reside.  Additional information regarding room and board rates can be found on the Student Accounts website.

Feel free to use the “Comments or Questions?” link below if you have any questions.