The Housing Application for Spring 2024 is open, and the Housing Application for Fall 2024/Spring 2025 is now live! To apply for either, please click on the Housing Portal link. After you sign in, click on the Housing App & Room Info button to select the term and begin the housing application.
Do you have questions about your future living space?
Roommate and room selection typically occurs in June! Check your EKU email regularly for more information.
Our goal is for all students to move to EKU’s campus with as few questions as possible. Check the frequently asked questions section for answers to questions you may have. If your question is not mentioned, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or by phone at 859-622-1515.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Q: How do I apply for Housing?
A: Visit here to apply for housing online. After you apply online you will receive an email regarding when you can access the self-selection portal to choose your campus living space. For incoming students, the housing application opens in December and the self-selection portal opens in June. Please note: A student must be admitted as a full-time, undergraduate student before they are allowed access to the online Housing Application/Contract. Please allow 48 hours after admission for the system to update before applying for housing.
Q: What is the housing requirement at EKU?
All single, full-time, undergraduate students under the age of 21, having fewer than 60 hours, or less than four academic semesters living on campus, are required to live in university residence hall facilities.
To be eligible for off-campus living, students must meet at least one of the following requirements. Students must be 21 years of age, have completed 60 hours prior to the first day of class of the current semester, or lived in campus housing for four academic semesters to live off-campus. Students failing to meet this requirement will be assessed a residence hall fee and board fees where appropriate.
An exception is made for students residing with their parents in the parents’ principal residence within 50 miles of the Richmond campus as determined by an official state map.
Students who wish to live with their parents in their principal residence must also submit a Commuter form. Students will be charged for housing until the commuter form has been submitted and approved by Housing and Residence Life. Students will be notified of approval/denial within 3-5 business days of receiving their commuter form. Forms must be submitted by the first day of classes to avoid additional charges and late fees. Falsification of information subjects the student to applicable fees and/or disciplinary procedures. Regardless of age, certain regulations apply in residence halls. The University reserves the right not to contract with persons who are currently violating the terms and conditions of a housing contract , who have previously violated the terms and conditions of a housing contract, who have violated University rules or regulations, or who have a past-due balance with the University.
Q: Am I required to be on a meal plan?
A: Meal Plans are Mandatory for Most Students – All full-time undergraduate students under the age of 21, having earned fewer than 60 credit hours, or less than four academic semesters living on campus, are required to live in University residence hall facilities and must choose one of the residential meal plans. If you do not enroll in a meal plan, the minimum plan will be assigned to you at the beginning of the academic term (5-Day All Access with 300 Dining Dollars).
All other EKU undergraduate students with 2 credit hours or more in on-campus courses are required to participate in the Dining Dollars program. The minimum plan, $300 Dining Dollars, will be assigned and charged to the student account at the beginning of the academic term. At the end of the academic year (spring semester), students who were assigned this plan may request a refund of any unused Dining Dollars. For more information visit the Colonel 1 Card Office website or call (859)-622-2179.
Q: Do you have Family Housing?
A: We do not offer family housing facilities. Learn more about The Scholar House, which serves a similar purpose.
Q: May I request a roommate (same gender)?
A:
- If you have someone you would like to live with, you can add a roommate to your group during Room Selection. Students will receive information to their EKU Email about roommate matching prior to room selection.
- Talk to your friend and develop a plan prior to Selection time. Remind them to complete their Housing Application.
- Both students must be willing to live with one another.
- The student with the earliest room selection date and time can select a room for both students, but both individuals must agree to live together, in the Residence Hall that was selected.
- If you do not have a roommate, you can use the roommate match capability in the system. This gives you an opportunity to see how similar other students are to you, based on the Roommate Questionnaire you completed with your application. Only students in need of a roommate will be searchable during the process.
Q: What is the difference between double, suite, and apartment-style rooms?
A: The majority of rooms on campus are double rooms, meaning that two students occupy the room. Suite rooms are located in Telford Hall and Burnam Hall, and are two rooms that share a common bath between them. Suite style rooms are located in South Hall and are between two and four double or individual rooms that share a common living space and bathroom. Martin Hall and North Hall, newer residence halls, are two rooms, each with a private bath, joined together by a living space. Our apartment complex at Grand Campus offers full apartment-style living for four residents. These apartment-style units have four individual bedrooms, each with a private bath, and a shared living room/full kitchen. All units come fully furnished at Grand Campus.
We also have rooms that have been adapted to accommodate students with special needs. For more information on these spaces please contact Housing and Residence Life.
Q: May I request a private room?
A: We do not offer private rooms to our residents due to space limitations. If you require a single room and are a sophomore or above, Grand Campus and the South Hall are options with single-person bedrooms.
Q: When will I receive my room assignment?
A: Students who choose to self-assign their room will be able to immediately see their Housing Assignment upon reserving their room. A confirmation email with this assignment will be sent to the student. Students have access to the system to make room changes during spring and/or summer each year. Additional assignment information will be sent to students’ EKU email accounts once the self-selection period closes in early July.
New students entering for the spring semester should receive their assignment email prior to the start of the semester in January. Emailed assignment information contains the student’s hall, room assignment, and roommate information. We encourage students to contact their prospective roommate to get acquainted.
Students who apply after the halls open will be required to visit the Office of Housing and Residence Life, Whitlock 552, in order to apply and receive their room assignment.
Q: What if my roommate or Living Learning Community is different than I requested?
A: We hope that you are happy with your roommate.
College provides an opportunity to meet new friends and to spend time getting to know people from many different backgrounds. Limited space is available, so we cannot always guarantee that we can honor a change request. Notification will be sent to the student’s email address if the request is processed. Due to the volume of students, we are attempting to accommodate, changes are not made after room assignments have been sent. After the school year begins, room and/or roommate changes may be made during scheduled times. A student may contact their Residence Hall Coordinator for assistance and information.
Q: When can I check in for any semester?
A: Check in at each residence hall begins on the date specified on the University calendar and ends at 5 p.m. the day classes begin.
Don’t be a No Show. Failure to check in by 5 p.m. the day classes begin will result in the cancellation of the student’s assignment. Arrangements for late arrival check in (after 5 p.m. the day classes begin) must be made in advance through the Housing Office during office hours or by contacting the Residence Hall Coordinator at the assigned residence hall front desk after opening and prior to the deadline. Failure to make arrangements or otherwise alert Housing and Residence Life will also lead to an automatic housing charge being placed on the student’s account.
Q: Can I get my Commitment Fee back if I cancel my housing?
A: No, the Housing Commitment Fee is a non-refundable fee for your housing. As such, there shall be no refunds of any kind on the Commitment Fee.
Q: Where may I do my laundry?
A: Laundry rooms with washers and dryers are located in each Residence Hall. Washers and dryers are now free for all residents. Please note amenities may change. Students must provide their own laundry soap.
Q: Where do I receive my mail?
A: Mailboxes are located in the Powell Student Center for U.S. mail, campus mail, special delivery mail, and packages. To expedite delivery, please use the address below for the format you will need to use:
First Last Name:
Eastern Kentucky University
Mail Services, Powell Building
225 Park Drive
Richmond, KY 40475
Q: Who cleans my room?
A: Students are responsible for keeping their rooms clean. If you are living in a suite or apartment-style room you are also required to clean the bathroom.
A member of the custodial staff cleans community baths and common areas in standard Residence Halls. On a regular basis, hall staff conduct room inspections for safety and health. If rooms are left in poor condition, students face the possibility of extra fees.
Q: Where can I find a good place to study?
A: The Library has excellent facilities and resources for EKU students to utilize. Specific rooms and areas in the halls are designated for study, and all halls follow the established courtesy and quiet hours: Daily Quiet Hours – 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
Q: Where can I find the rules that I need to follow while living on campus?
A: Rules that students must follow while at EKU are printed in The Residential Community Guide, the Student Handbook, Housing Contract, and other university publications. Many publications are available at residence hall check in, with others being available in the Student Affairs office or at the Housing Office.
Q: What is visitation/open house?
A: Effective Fall 2021 –
Guests are permitted to visit at any time in all halls. Guests are not required to be checked in but should remain with the host at all times. All other university code of conduct and Housing and Residence Life Community Standards policies remain in effect. Guests must be 18 or older to visit a resident in the halls. People under the age of 18 may be permitted in the building if they are with a parent or guardian between 10:00am and 8:00pm. Guests under 18 are not permitted to stay in any hall overnight.
Guest(s) in Room Occupancy
The number of guests at one time is limited to two people and residence life staff reserve the right to limit guest hour privileges. Double occupancy and simple suite-style rooms have an occupancy limit of 4 persons per room at any given point in time. Super-suite or apartment-style rooms are limited to 2 guests per resident or no more than 12 guests per suite or apartment at one time.
Cohabitation
Cohabitation in the residence halls is prohibited. Cohabitation exists when a person who is not assigned to a particular residence hall room uses that room as if they were living there. The resident’s roommate’s comfort level supersedes all guest privileges. When a guest’s continual presence hinders a roommate’s ability to study, sleep, and/or occupy their room, this will be considered a violation of the cohabitation policy. Examples include, but are not limited to:
● Using the room while the assigned occupants are not present
● Utilizing a key/fob to enter a room assigned to another person
● Keeping clothing and personal belongings in another person’s room
● Sleeping overnight on a regular basis (more than 3 nights in a 7 day period)
● Use of the bathroom and shower facilities as if living in that room
Visitation is a time when a guest is permitted to visit with you in your room. All guests must be accompanied by the resident (host) who lives in that residence hall. You may only host a guest in the hall in which you live.
Residents who fail to escort guests while in the building will be subject to judicial action. Residents who host guests are responsible for the actions of their guests. Housing staff reserves the right to limit the number of guests.
Guests must be 18 or older to be in the building. People under the age of 18 may be permitted in the building if they are with a parent or guardian between 10:00am and 8:00pm. Guests under 18 are not permitted to stay in any hall overnight. The number of guests at one time is limited to two people and residence life staff reserve the right to limit guest hour privileges. Double occupancy and simple suite-style rooms have an occupancy limit of 4 persons per room at any given point in time. Super-suite or apartment-style rooms are limited to 2 guests per resident or no more than 12 guests per suite or apartment at one time.
Cohabitation (staying as a visitor overnight for more than 3 nights in a 7 night period) is prohibited in all halls.
Q:Who do I contact if I need help?
A: The Resident Advisor (RA) is available for help and lives within your community. There are a number of RAs in each building and you should feel free to go to any of them.
Each building is also staffed with a Residence Hall Coordinator (RHC). The RHC is a live in professional staff member who is available to assist you with any issues that you may have.
Q: Does the University insure my belongings?
A: EKU does not insure personal belongings and does not assume liability for theft or damage that occurs on campus. You are encouraged to obtain renters insurance to insure your personal property.
You may already be covered if your parents have a homeowners or renters insurance policy. We encourage you to ask them about their policy coverage. We also have partnered with two insurance companies who have policies designed for campus housing. Visit Arthur J Gallagher and NSSI/National Student Services Inc. to learn more.
Q: May I keep firearms and other such objects in my room?
A: No. Any objects with the potential to cause bodily harm to self or others are not allowed in the Residence Halls. These objects include but are not limited to: fireworks, explosives, Paint Ball markers, BB guns, shotguns, handguns, stun guns, knives, bows and arrows, various martial arts weapons, etc. Persons are prohibited from possessing firearms, explosives, or other deadly weapons on the campus of Eastern Kentucky University.
Residence Hall Questions
Q: Where may I do my laundry?
A: Laundry rooms with washers and dryers are located in each residence hall. Washers and dryers are now free for all residents. Please note amenities may change.
Q: Where do I receive my mail?
A: Mailboxes are located in the Powell Student Center for U.S. mail, campus mail, special delivery mail, and packages. To expedite delivery, please use the address below for the format you will need to use:
First Last Name:
Eastern Kentucky University
Mail Services, Powell Building
225 Park Drive
Richmond, KY 40475
Q: Who cleans my room?
A: You. Each student is responsible for cleaning his/her own room. If living in a suite, the suite resident(s) must clean the suite bathroom. A member of the custodial staff cleans community baths. The Custodian is an important member of our community and a person worth getting to know. Hall staff on a regular basis conducts room inspections for safety and health.
Q: Where can I find a good place to study?
A: The Library has excellent facilities and resources for EKU students to utilize. Specific rooms and areas in the halls are designated for study, and all halls follow the established courtesy and quiet hours:
Daily Quiet Hours – 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 am
(The hall councils may vote to extend these hours.)
Each residence hall has one or more study rooms available to residents who ask at their hall front desk.
Q: Where can I find the rules that I need to follow while living on campus?
A: Rules that students must follow while at EKU are printed in The Residential Community Guide, the Student Handbook, Housing Contract, and other university publications. Many publications are available at residence hall check in, with others being available in the Student Affairs office or at the Housing Office.
Q: What is visitation/open house?
A: Visitation is a time when a guest is permitted to visit with you in your room. All guests must register at the front desk and be accompanied by the resident who lives in that residence hall. You may only register a guest in the hall in which you live.
Residents with non-registered guests or who fail to escort guests while in the building will be subject to judicial action. Residents who host guests are responsible for the actions of their guests. EKU Housing staff reserves the right to limit the number of guests checked in at one time.
Guests must be 18 or older to be checked in. People under the age of 18 may be permitted in the building if they are with a parent or guardian (who is checked in as a guest) between 10:00am and 8:00pm. Guests under 18 are not permitted to stay in any hall overnight. The number of guests checked in at one time is limited to two people and residence life staff reserve the right to limit guest hour privileges. Double occupancy and simple suite-style rooms have an occupancy limit of 4 persons per room at any given point in time. Super-suite or apartment-style rooms are limited to 2 guests per resident or no more than 12 guests per suite or apartment at one time.
Visitation Hours:
All Halls:
Extended Visitation
7 days a week
Cohabitation (staying as a visitor overnight for more than 3 nights in a 7 night period) is prohibited in all halls.
In all halls regardless of visitation hours, you and your guests will need to follow guest check-in/out processes as outlined in the Guide to Residence Hall Living.
Q: If I need help whom should I contact?
A: The Resident Advisor (RA) is available for help and lives within your community. There are a number of RAs in each building and you should feel free to go to any of them. The other staff member in your building is the Residence Hall Coordinator (RHC). The RHC is a live-in professional staff member who is available to assist you with any issues that you may have.
Q: Does the University insure my belongings?
A: EKU does not insure personal belongings and does not assume liability for theft or damage. However, you may already be covered if your parents have a homeowners or renters insurance policy. You may want to check with them.
Q: May I keep firearms and other such objects in my room?
A: No. Any objects with potential to cause bodily harm to self or others are not allowed in the residence halls. These objects include but are not limited to: fireworks, explosives, Paint Ball markers, BB guns, shotguns, handguns, stun guns, knives, bows and arrows, and various martial arts weapons, etc. Persons are prohibited from possessing firearms, explosives, or other deadly weapons on the campus of Eastern Kentucky University.
About the Rooms
Q: What is included in the room?
A: Each residence hall room is furnished with two single beds, two desks, two lamps, two desk chairs, two dressers, two closets, window blinds, two data ports, and one waste basket. We encourage students to contact their roommate to discuss what she or he is bringing to campus.
Q: What are the sizes of the mattresses in the rooms?
A: All mattresses are Twin XL (80″ x 36″) except in Telford Hall, where the mattresses are standard Twin (74″ x 36″). Mattresses in Grand Campus are Full Size (74″ x 52″). Mattresses in Martin Hall Super Suites and North Hall Super Suites are also Full XL (74″ x 52″).
Q: What is the height of the bed?
A: The bed heights in all residence halls (except Grand Campus) are adjustable, usually ranging from 16″ to 28″ off of the floor.
Q: May I bring my own carpet?
A: Yes. Students may bring their own carpet, provided it meets safety and fire regulations. Carpet must have a class III or better rating (76-200 flame spread).
Q: What appliances are allowed?
A: For more information on which appliances are permitted and not permitted, visit the What to Bring FAQ.
NOTE: Students must provide a U.L. approved power strip with a self-contained circuit breaker if they plan to operate any of the appliances found on the “what to bring list”. Also, when using a cooking appliance, the student must always be in the room and attentive to the appliance in order to prevent fires.
Appliances not approved or deemed to be unsafe will be confiscated and will be returned to the student at the end of the current semester.
Q: Are bicycles allowed in the rooms?
A: Bicycles are not permitted to be stored in student rooms or on balconies. There are bike racks located near most buildings on campus for short or long-term bike storage. You must provide your own lock.
Q: Are weights allowed in the rooms?
A: Weights, including vinyl covered dumbbells (up to 50 pounds), are allowed in a resident’s carpeted room. Barbells are not permitted in the residence hall. However, the university provides two locations on campus that have weights and other exercise equipment managed by the Campus Recreation office.
Q: Can I connect to the Internet from my residence hall room?
A: Yes. There are two ways to connect to the internet in the residence halls.
Wired- RESNET, or the Residence Hall Network, provides access to the University Network system from the residence hall rooms via a special data communications jack. For more information please call ResNet at 859-622-3000 or follow this link: RESNet.
Wireless– We now offer wireless internet throughout each residence hall. Computers equipped with wireless capabilities can connect to this network from any location within the residence hall.
Q: Does the school provide a room refrigerator?
A: No. You may bring your privately owned refrigerator, but it cannot exceed 4.5 cubic feet or 32″ in height and 22″ in width. Please note the privately owned refrigerator is subject to monthly inspections by hall staff. You may additional rent a refrigerator/microwave combo from our partners at College Products.
What to Bring
Many new students wonder about what they will need to bring along when they come to school at Eastern Kentucky University. This is a list of items designed to make your stay more enjoyable. The items listed are suggestions and you may not need all of them. You’re also welcome to bring additional personal keepsakes not listed below. It is a good idea to contact your roommate before coming to campus so that you may share larger items such as a television, microwave, refrigerator, curtains, etc.
| Bedding |
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| Room Accessories |
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| Appliances |
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| Toiletries |
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| Laundry Items |
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| First Aid |
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| Miscellaneous Items |
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Items that are NOT permitted
Eastern Kentucky University takes very seriously the safety of everyone in housing facilities, we cannot allow students to bring certain items into their room or into the building. During fire and safety inspections, university officials will require the removal of prohibited appliances or materials including but not limited to:
Electronics/Appliances
- Room lights that require adhesive on the back
- Roku TVs, Routers – wired and wireless, Wi-fi hotspots, Bluetooth networking devices
- Torchiere lamps (octopus lamps)
- Lava lamps
- Air fryer – air fryers are allowed at Grand Campus Apartments only
- Toaster ovens, Oil popcorn makers, Convection ovens, pop-up toasters, Deep fryers, Electric frying pans, Sandwich makers – quesadilla makers, Hot plates – induction cooktops, Deep freezers
- Grills (like the George Foreman grill) – electric outdoor grills – charcoal grills, this includes prohibited for Grand Campus as well
- Space heaters – individual air conditioning units
- Any other appliances with an exposed heating element – open flame or open coil
- Octopus plugs – electrical splitters
- Extension cords
- Power strips that are not UL approved and do not have their own self-contained circuit breakers
- 5 gallon water cooler appliances
- Power tools
- Hoverboards, electric scooters and similar transportation devices
Non-Electronic
- Hammocks of any kind
- Concrete blocks
- Bed risers
- Flushable wipes
- Drano or similar chemicals
- Candles/candle warmers/incense
- Fuel tanks (propane, kerosene, gasoline, accelerants, or other flammable liquids) – blow torches – charcoal
- Room dividers/screens/panels
- Command strips or similar products on drywall walls (Grand Campus Apartments, Martin, North and South Halls)
- Barbells – vinyl covered barbells up to 50 pounds are allowed but over 50 pounds are not allowed
- All forms of tobacco, including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, water pipes (hookah), vape, electronic cigarettes, bidis, clove cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products (snuff, chewing tobacco, and dipping tobacco)