FAQ's
Housing Applications
- How can I get an application and information?
- What are my living options?
- Is there a deadline for submitting the Residence Hall application?
- Are there any single or super single rooms available and how do I get one?
- Can I submit my housing application before I have been officially admitted to the University?
- How do I log into the application?
- What is my preferred email address?
- How do I select or change my preferred email address?
- How do I request a roommate?
- Which halls are available for freshmen?
Housing Assignments
- Why didn’t I receive one of my 5 preferences?
- Why wasn’t I placed with my requested roommate?
- What if I don’t like/want my housing assignment or roommate?
- How do I find out my room and roommate assignment?
- How does the university assign housing based on sex or gender identity?
Meal Plans
- What meal plan options do you offer?
- How does the meal plan work and at what times are the meals served?
- Do I have to have a meal plan?
- How long do I have to change my meal plan after the semester has begun?
- What do they use to look up my meal plan whenever I eat in the dining halls?
- At what locations on campus can I use my CatCash on my Cat Card?
Moving In
- What is included in my room?
- When do the residence halls open up to be able to move in?
- Can I send items to the residence hall before I arrive?
- What is my campus mailing address?
- What is the mailing address for the ResLife Apartments?
- Where do I check in once I arrive on campus?
- What if I arrive after office hours or on the weekends and do not have a room assignment?
- Can I move in early?
- What items are not permitted in the residence halls?
- Do you have a list of suggested items students should bring for their rooms?
- Do you have microwave or refrigerator rentals available?
- Can I store any of the furniture that comes furnished in my room?
CatCard
- How do I use the laundry facilities in my hall?
- How do I deposit money on my CatCard?
- Is my CatCard used to gain access to my hall?
Parking
- Are freshman allowed to have cars?
- What do I do about parking?
- What do my guests do about parking?
- Can I leave my car on campus when I leave for break periods?
Other
Housing Applications
How can I get an application and information?
Upon acceptance to the University you will be mailed a New Student Residence Hall Guide that will provide you information about each residence hall/living option we have available. Applications can be completed online at www.montana.edu/reslife The housing application must be filled out completely and a $300 non-refundable prepayment must be included. Applications without a prepayment will NOT be processed.
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What are my living options?
Please see Living Options page for descriptions.
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Is there a deadline for submitting the Residence Hall application?
We do have a Housing Application Priority Date of March 1st for new student applications. This date is in place especially for students with specific roommate requests or special accommodation requests. Applications can be submitted at any time after that date. However, as soon as you have made the decision to attend MSU, we suggest that you submit your application for housing. We assign rooms by the date we receive the applications; therefore, the earlier you submit your application, the more likely you will get your preferred room assignment.
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Are there any single or double-as-single rooms available and how do I get one?
There are a limited number of single rooms available. Single rooms are very popular so we recommend getting your application in as soon as possible. Rooms are “priority assigned” by the date the application arrives in the Residence Life Office. Double-as-Single rooms are not available before the upcoming academic term. This option is awarded during the current semester based on occupancy.
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Can I submit my housing application before I have been officially admitted to the University?
Yes, we can accept housing applications before you have been officially accepted to the University. Be advised that processing the housing application does not constitute approval of academic admission to the University.
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How do I log into the application?
The housing application requires you to use your preferred email address to login. Enter your preferred email address and then click forgot password. Then, enter your preferred email address in the username field. and click send email. Note: your preferred email/username is case sensitive.
If you are a first time applicant, you can also click on the register button above the login details to get started. If you are having problems getting your password sent to you, please call the Residence Life Office at 406-994-2661 or email housing@montana.edu.
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What is my preferred email address?
Your preferred email address should be the email you gave the University when you applied for admission. If you are not sure, you can check in MyInfo or contact the Residence Life Office at 406-994-2661 or housing@montana.edu.
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How do I select or change my preferred email address?
You can make changes to your preferred email address by accessing MyInfo and selecting update email addresses in the personal information tab. Please be sure that your preferred email address is in the section for personal email addresses.
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How do I request a roommate?
There is a section on the housing application for roommate requests. If you are not able to find your requested roommate in the search, you can make this request by emailing housing@montana.edu or calling our office at 406-994-2661.
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Which halls are available for freshmen?
Most of our residence halls are available for first year students. The only exceptions to this would be the Headwaters, which is only available for sophomore and above students who meet the academic and community involvement requirements, and Johnstone Center which is for students 21 years or older (a good option for non-traditional freshman or returning students) and/or sophomore and above students.
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Housing Assignments
Why didn’t I receive one of my 5 preferences?
Keep in mind that we coordinate our placements on a first come, first served basis.The earlier you turn in your housing application and $300 prepayment, the more likely you are to receive your desired hall/room. We begin taking housing applications October 1st for the next academic term.
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Why wasn’t I placed with my requested roommate?
Please keep in mind that we coordinate our placements on a first come, first served basis. The earlier a request is made, the more likely you are to be placed with your requested roommate. We begin taking applications October 1st for the next academic term.
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What if I don’t like/want my housing assignment or roommate?
Hall/Room changes can take place if a problem arises that cannot be solved in any other manner. We encourage roommates to complete the Roommate Contract (provided at the first floor meeting) and discuss any concerning issues with each other, before asking for a room change. All hall/room changes need to be granted through the Hall Resident Director and the Hall Program Coordinator.
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How do I find out my room and roommate assignment?
The Residence Life Office emails this information to your prior to your arrival on campus. The information includes your hall/room assignment as well as your roommate’s name, e-mail address and telephone number. You can also access your room assignment information by logging in to your Housing Portal Account. We encourage you to contact your roommate before the semester begins to discuss furnishings as well as living habits.
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How does the univeristy assign housing based on sex or gender identity?
The University is required to assign student housing based on the gender designation
in their official University record (through the Office of the Registrar). If you
have concerns or questions about this process please contact James Tobin who will
assist you with answering any questions or concerns you might have.
James Tobin, Assistant Director of Residence Life, is the designated staff member
in Residence Life that will be able to answer your questions and to provide you with
a personal and confidential assessment of our available housing options. Please contact
James at (406) 994-2661 or via email at jtobin@montana.edu to understand options available to you or discuss any questions that you may have.
If you choose to speak with a Residence Life staff member, you choose what you want
to disclose. Also, please keep in mind, the earlier you contact us with questions
and/or concerns, the more flexibility we will have in assisting you with exploring
different housing options.
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Meal Plans
What meal plan options do you offer?
All students in the residence halls are required to have a meal plan, of which we have four options. The 5-day meal plan allows students to eat Monday through Friday and the 7-day meal plan allows students to eat Sunday through Saturday. To see the different meal plan options, please visit the Culinary Services page, here.
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How does the meal plan work and at what times are the meals served?
Meal plans are run through your CatCard which is swiped upon entering the dining hall. Five-day meal plans allow you access to the dining halls Monday through Friday. Seven-day meal plans allow you access to the dining halls all seven days of the week. Miller Dining Commons in the Hedges Complex and Rendevous will be open 7 days a week.
| Breakfast | Snack | Lunch | Snack | Dinner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00am - 9:30am | 9:30am - 11:00 am | 11:00am - 1:30pm | 1:30pm - 4:30pm | 4:30pm - 7:00pm |
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Do I have to have a meal plan?
MSU requires all students living on campus (including the ResLife Apartments) to participate in a meal plan as part of their room and board package. Culinary Services offers several different options to adopt to student’s needs and preferences to allow students a choice in their meal plan. This allows MSU to ensure students are provided healthy, safe, and enjoyable food options. To see the different meal plan options, please visit the Culinary Services page, here.
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How long do I have to change my meal plan after the semester has begun?
If you have signed up for a 5-day meal plan and wish to change to a 7-day meal plan, you can make that change at any time throughout the semester. You can upgrade your meal plan by visiting the Residence Life Central Office or the Cashier's Office located on the first floor of Miller Dining Commons.
If you signed up for a 7-day meal plan and wish to change to a 5-day meal plan, we allow you to make that change throughout the first couple weeks of classes. If you find the meal plan you have chosen does not fit your needs, simply downgrade your meal plan before the following dates at the Residence Life Central Office on the first floor of Miller Dining Commons.
|
Fall 2020 Semester
|
TBD |
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What do they use to look up my meal plan whenever I eat in the dining halls?
Your Cat Card is your meal pass identifier and will be scanned each time you enter one of our dining facilities. Please contact the Cat Card office for more information.
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At what locations on campus can I use my CatCash on my CatCard?
Your CatCash can be used at various campus vendor locations, laundry facilities in the residence halls, WEPA printing kiosks, and concessions at campus events.
You can also purchase meals for guests using their CatCash account for a $2 discount off of regularly priced meals. Visit the University Culinary Services Residence Dining page for current meal prices.
**Students requesting the discount rate must have a valid meal pass.
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Moving In
What is included in my room?
Each double room is furnished with extra-long twin bunk beds (cannot be un-bunked or lofted), desks, desk chairs, and storage space for each student.
Each single room is furnished with a loftable extra-long twin bed, desk, desk chair, and storage space for each student. Bed loft instructions are available online, here.
Each room is furnished with extra-long twin beds, desks, desk chairs, and storage space for each student. Bed loft options are available online, here. Hannon Hall has sinks in room.
Each room is furnished with loftable extra-long twin beds, desks, desk chairs, and storage space for each student. Bed loft instructions are available online, here. Hapner Hall has sinks in room.
Each room is furnished with loftable extra-long twin beds, desks, desk chairs, and storage space for each student. Bed loft instructions are available online, here. 3 and 4 bedroom suites also have a shared common area, kitchenette, and bathroom. 2 bedroom suites have a shared bathroom only.
Each room is furnished with extra-long twin beds, desks, desk chairs, and storage space for each student. Students assigned to this hall can either rent a loft or build a loft for their bed. Bed loft options are available online, here. Johnstone Center (Pryor/Colter Wings only) rooms are carpeted and have sinks in room.
Each room is furnished with loftable extra-long twin beds, desks, desk chairs, and storage space for each student. Bed loft instructions are available online, here.
Each room is furnished with extra-long twin beds, desks, desk chairs, and storage space for each student. Students assigned to this hall can either rent a loft or build a loft for their bed. Bed loft options are available online, here.
Each room is furnished with loftable extra-long twin beds, desks, desk chairs, and storage space for each student. Bed loft instructions are available online, here.
Each room is furnished with regular twin beds (cannot be lofted), desks, desk chairs, and storage space for each student. Students who are assigned to the Quads will not have the option to incorporate a bed loft in their room. Students are welcome to use bed risers for their beds.
Each room is furnished with loftable regular twin beds, desks, desk chairs, and storage space for each student. Bed loft options are available online, here. Sophomore and Above rooms (10th/11th floors) are carpeted and the furniture is moveable.
Each room is furnished with extra-long twin beds, desks, desk chairs, and storage space for each student. Students assigned to this hall can either rent a loft or build a loft for their bed. Bed loft options are available online, here.
Each room is furnished with loftable extra-long twin beds, desks, desk chairs, and storage space for each student. Bed loft instructions are available online, here.
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When do the residence halls open up to be able to move in?
The plans for fall 2020 move-in are being finalized and as soon as the information is available, the move-in webpage will be updated as well as these FAQ questions.
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Can I send items to the residence hall before I arrive?
You can send items to your campus mailing address. We do understand that it is difficult for some students to bring everything they need with them, but we only have a limited amount of secure space at the front desks for packages.
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What is my campus mailing address?
Your Name
___ Your Hall, Your Room Number
Bozeman, MT 59715-xxxx
___ = 100 for Hannon, Hapner, Johnstone, Langford, Mullan, and the Quads
___ = 200 for Headwaters Complex (Gallatin, Jefferson, Madison), Hyalite, North Hedges,
Roskie, South Hedges, and Yellowstone
4-digit zip code suffixes (xxxx) are as follows:
| Gallatin - 5020 | Madison - 5015 | Quad E - 5008 |
| Hannon - 5176 | Mullan - 5000 | Quad F - 5016 |
| Hapner - 5177 | North Hedges - 5075 | Roskie - 5080 |
| Hyalite - 5034 | Quad A - 5005 | South Hedges - 5079 |
| Jefferson - 5017 | Quad B - 5009 | Yellowstone - 5033 |
| Johnstone Center - 5076 | Quad C - 5006 | |
| Langford - 5078 | Quad D - 5013 |
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What is the mailing address for the ResLife Apartments?
Student Name
___ East or West Julia Martin Dr. Apt. ___
Bozeman, MT 59715
East Julia Martin = Apartment Buildings 101-111
West Julia Martin = Apartment Buildings 112-115
Example: Apartment 100 A-1-A = 100 East Julia Martin Dr. Apt A-1-A, Bozeman, MT. 59715
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Where do I check in once I arrive on campus?
You need to check in at the residence hall front desk that you have been assigned. The halls are staffed 24 hours a day/7 days a week, so you may check in anytime after the advertised opening date and time.
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What if I arrive after office hours or on the weekends and do not have a room assignment?
The Residence Life Office is open Monday through Friday between the hours of 8am and 5pm. You will need to visit our office to fill out your housing application and we will give you your room assignment at that time, at which point you will be able to check into your room.
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Can I move in early?
For further information about early move-in, please contact the Residence Life Office at 406-994-2661.
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What items are not permitted in the residence halls?
Because of health and safety reasons, the following items are not permitted in the residence halls: animals/pet (except for fully aquatic fish and/or approved service or emotional support animals); any open coiled cooking appliance such as toaster ovens, George Foreman grills and hot plates; lighted candles or incense; firearms, pistols, ammunition, and explosives; halogen lamps; waterbeds and hot tubs; connections to outside antennas; and kegs.
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Do you have a list of suggested items students should bring for their rooms?
A list of items can be found at Moving In
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Do you have microwave or refrigerator rentals available?
Residence Life has partnered with Collegiate Concepts, Inc. (CCI) to offer students the opportunity to rent MicroFridges for the entire academic year that are delivered and installed in their room prior to arrival. More information about microfridges can be found on the MicroFridge webpage.
If you are interested in renting a mini fridge only, you can do so through your residence hall front desk. The cost for this is $35/semester or $60/academic year.
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Can I store any of the furniture that comes furnished in my room?
Residence Life will no longer store bed frames, mattresses, and/or any other furniture that comes furnished in student rooms during the academic year. Students are expected to keep MSU Residence Life furniture in their room and it must be in the same condition at the end of the year as it was at the beginning of the year when the student moved in.
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CatCard
How do I use the laundry facilities in my hall?
The residence hall laundry machines operate only with a CatCard, so you must deposit money into your CatCard debit account to wash and dry clothes. It costs $2.00 for each load in the washing machines and $2.00 for each load in the dryers.
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How do I deposit money on my CatCard?
Your CatCard can be used as a debit card at various campus vendor locations by depositing money at the CatCard office, online, on the CatCard GET mobile app, or at the Residence Life Cashier's office located on the first floor of Miller Dining Commons. To make a deposit over the telephone using your credit card, call the CatCard Office at 406-994-2273 or the Residence Life Cashier at 406-994-2942. To make a deposit by mail, send a check to:
MSU-Bozeman CatCard Office
PO Box 172080
Bozeman, MT 59717-2080
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Is my CatCard used to gain access to my hall?
All residence halls will be on restricted access 24 hours a day during the academic year and students need their CatCard at all times to enter the residence halls.
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Parking
Are freshman allowed to have cars?
Yes. MSU does not restrict freshman from having their cars on campus. Students wishing to have their vehicles on campus will need to purchase a parking permit from MSU Parking Services.
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What do I do about parking?
If you would like to bring a vehicle to campus, you must purchase a parking permit. All parking information can be found on the Parking Services website. Please note that parking on campus is limited and not all vehicles will receive a parking permit. There are several changes occurring in parking this fall, so please see the “Upcoming Development” page for updated information. For questions, please email Parking Services or call 406-994-1723.
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What do my guests do about parking?
Guests need to pay for parking by either paying at the kiosk in the Parking Garage across from the Strand Union Building or by stopping by the University Police/Parking Services building at the corner of S. 7th Ave. and W. Kagy Blvd.
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Can I leave my car on campus when I leave for break periods?
Students planning to leave for break periods are able to leave their cars on campus for extended periods of time but are asked to move them to a different parking lot outlined by Parking Services. Students would be notified if cars need to be moved to a different parking lot before breaks start and students leave campus.
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Other
Can I stay on campus over breaks?
Although the residence halls officially close during Winter break students are able to stay on campus. There is an additional charge for students who stay on campus during Winter break housing (inclusive of Headwaters Complex and ResLife Apartments);these costs are not assessed to students who do not utilize the services. Only authorized individuals are allowed in the residence halls during breaks, therefore guests are not permitted as this is a service that we can provide to hall residents only. Hall residents will be able to stay in their assigned rooms during other break periods with no additional cost.
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Can I have a service or emotional support animal in the halls?
In order to have an assistive animal on campus, the student must first contact the Office of Disability Services located in the Strand Union Building. This office will work with the student to either approve or deny the animal.
If the student is approved, then they will work with Residence Life to go over the policies that are associated with an animal in the residence halls. This meeting usually takes place when the student arrives for classes if they have already been approved through Disability Services.
I have listed the contact information for the Office of Disability Services below:
180 Strand Union Building
drv@montana.edu
(406) 994-2824
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What is the residence hall visitation policy?
Students may entertain guests in their rooms during visiting hours provided that the rights of the other students on the floor, and in particular their roommates, are not violated. Due to the excessive noise caused by large numbers of people and potential fire hazards, no more than ten people may be in the student’s room at any given time.
Any non-resident guest visiting after 10pm must present a photo ID and be checked-in
at the hall front desk. Residents are responsible for the conduct of their visitors/guests
and must remain with them at all times.
Additionally, members of the opposite sex must be escorted between the hours of 10pm
and 7am in Langford, Hannon, and Hapner Halls.
Students living in the residence halls may have overnight non-resident guests as
long as their guests abide by the rules and regulations of the University and residence
halls and their stay is no longer than 3 days.
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Can I bring a bicycle and where do I store it?
Many students use bicycles as a very effective way to get around the MSU campus and the city of Bozeman. Students will be able to store their bikes on the provided bike racks outside the residence halls or in their own room only. Motorized bikes are allowed on campus but cannot be stored in a student’s room at any time. We recommend that students register their bikes with the University Police Department (UPD) for free and purchase a secure bike lock to deter theft.
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Please let us know if your question was not answered by this FAQ page.
Please contact us at housing@montana.edu with any questions.