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Fall 2015
Frequently Asked Questions Moving in can be stressful and confusing, so we've tried to simplify the process by anticipating some of your questions. If you have questions about that are not covered here, please check out the Office of Residence Life website at www.simmons.edu/reslife. You can also contact us at 617-521-1096 or reslife@simmons.edu.
How are roommate matc hes made? Our office will match you with a roommate based on the preferences stated on your housing application. If you would like to self-select a roommate, we encourage you to utilize the Simmons College Class of 2019 Facebook Group to meet other first year students who might be a compatible fit. You can request a roommate on the Housing Application; if you have already filled it out, you may amend it by filling out the “Housing Application Change Form.” Make sure that the other roommate requests you as well! A ll req uests must be received by W edn es day, July 1 at 11:5 9 pm. W hat is t he differenc e betw een all of t he residenc e halls? Due to the large incoming class we have even more housing options this year. We’ve added Peabody Hall, right next door at Wheelock College, to our community. Every hall has its own unique characteristics, and all four house first year and upperclass students. They are set up as mostly double rooms, with a few triples, quads and firedoor connected doubles.
Peabody H all is located at Wheelock College, and will house approximately 75 incoming first-year students. Peabody is a mix of singles and doubles and includes semi-private bathrooms (4-6 students to a bathroom) and an elevator. Those students living in Peabody will still have access to everything Simmons has to offer, including our on-campus meal plan, Sports Center and library. Simmons students will occupy the 4th and 5 th floor of Peabody. Morse H all is home to a mix of classes, first year students and returners. Morse students love its small community feel, and its large screen TV on the 1st floor. Morse is home of the Arts theme floor and Honors community.
S outh Hal l is the Wellness Hall. Students opting to live there will need to abide by the Wellness guidelines, which include no alcohol or smoking while inside or outside of the community. Students from all class levels are mixed throughout South Hall. South residents are very proud of the beautiful dark wood crown molding, which gives it a classic feel. S im mons Hall is our largest 1st year and transfer community. Simmons Hall has a very large living room with a flat screen TV installed above the fireplace. Simmons also has a computer lab on its second floor, and study lounges on the third and fourth. Simmons also hosts the Sports Pride floor, Substance Free floor, and Women Only floor. W hat are t riple room s like? With a large incoming class, we anticipate some students will be housed in triples in Simmons and Morse Halls. Housing assignments in triples will be based on housing deposit date. While Trip le Room s have a little less space and privacy than double rooms, we work hard to ensure tripled students have a successful experience, and enjoy the opportunity to develop close relationships with their roommates. We often find when students living in triple rooms are given the opportunity to move to a double room, they decline the offer because of the connections they've forged with their roommates. Students who live in triples for the entire first semester will receive a priority lottery number for the 2016-2017 Housing Selection process.
Simmons Residence Life
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More Frequently Asked Questions W hat c omes w it h the room ? Simmons provides each student with a bed, desk, chair, and dresser. Some rooms will come with an underbed storage unit. The average double room measures 12’ x 13’ – please note that not every room has these precise measurements. Each room has at least one window with a shade. Rooms in Simmons and Morse do not have overhead lighting, so we encourage you to bring a lamp. Is there storage space for boxes or luggage? Unfortunately, no. Consider storing these and other nonessential items at home or throwing a piece of decorative fabric over them and turning them into attractive coffee tables. There are also many storage facilities in Boston. We recommend visiting the off-campus housing portion of our website for a list of storage and moving companies. Can we put the bed on cinder blocks to create storage space underneath or bring in my own bed lofting materials? No, but you may use bed risers such as those available at Bed, Bath & Beyond as long as you are not also bunking the beds.
May we bring our own refrigerator or microwave? You may bring refrigerators as long as they are no larger than 3.5 cubic feet. You are not permitted to bring microwaves. However, the College does offer the rental of MicroFridge units. These units are combination refrigerator, freezer, and microwaves, and are the only acceptable form of microwaves for students to have in their room.
MicroFridge Rental Interested in renting a microfridge for the academic year? To reserve a Microfridge for the upcoming year please go to the following website: www.collegerefrigerators.com or call 1800-637-7567. Students can rent these combination refrigerator, freezer, and microwave units for $185+tax for the academic year or $108+tax for the semester or purchase one for $389$399. Orders must be received by W ed . Au gust 12 t h , and the Microfridge will be delivered to your room prior to your arrival on campus.
Will I have cable television in my room? All rooms are cable ready. You will need to bring a coaxial cable in addition to your television; it’s a good idea for roommates to discuss this. Can I see pictures of the rooms before I come? Check out the photos on the Residence Life website to see pictures of rooms similar to yours. Our website also has partial building floor plans. During orientation you will also have the opportunity to tour a room. We are also on Youtube! Check out our Youtube Channel @ Stormyshark for brief video tours of rooms! What is the mattress size? All mattresses at Simmons are standard twin mattresses. If you have already purchased extra long sheets, these sheets will still work, as often students will place additional padding on the mattresses. Where do I do laundry? There are washers and dryers in each residence hall. You can use quarters or purchase Fenway Cash (www.fenwaycard.com) on your ID to use the laundry machines. Is there a place to buy room supplies close to campus? The residence campus is located two blocks from a Star Market grocery store, REI, Bed, Bath, & Beyond, Marshall’s, and Staples, which offer a great place to purchase last minute items for rooms. As well, the Simmons College Bookstore carries many of the essentials. When do I choose a meal plan? Meal plan information is still being finalized; you will get instructions via your Simmons email when it is time to select a meal plan for the fall. Is there parking available for resident students? Parking on campus is not available for resident students. Visitor parking is accessible from Avenue Louis Pasteur garage. Families will visit the Public Safety booth in the Palace Road building to pick up a discounted parking pass. Is there bike storage? There is a bike park on the side of Bartol Hall and the Holmes Sports Center. You may also keep your bike in your own room. Bikes may not be stored in hallways or other public areas of the residence halls.
Simmons Residence Life
Fall 2013 Fall 2015
Triple FAQs What will a triple room look like?
Fire Door FAQs What will a fire door room look like? This room set up consists of two separate rooms that are divided by a small door. The door between the rooms cannot be locked due to fire safety and no furniture or other items that could block access to the next room can be placed in front of the door. In Simmons Hall, Morse Hall, and South Hall the rooms are triples and doubles.
What is a fire door? It is a door that allows the people in the stairwell to get out of their room in case of a fire in the stairwell by going through the room next door. This door cannot be locked or blocked by any furniture or other items.
Why was I assigned to the fire door? Your fire door assignment was either received because you had requested it or because the Office of Residence Life felt that this would be a good match for you.
How many people will connected? In Simmons and Morse your room will be connected to two other people in another double. In South Hall, the rooms that are in the stairwell are triple rooms and the rooms inside the halls are doubles, so if your are in the double, you will be connected to 3 other people and if you are in the triple you will be connected to two other people.
What are the benefit s to a fire door? The rooms that are in the stairwell are typically slightly larger than other rooms. The stairwell fire door rooms also have two windows, instead of one. Lastly, you have to more people to help you if you are locked out.
While the look and style of every room differs, each room will have three desks, three chairs, two dressers, one set of underbed storage drawers and three beds, two bunked and one lofted. Underbed storage drawers will be under the bunked beds and one desk and one dresser will be under the lofted bed. Students share closet space. Our staff has worked together to determine the optimal arrangement for triple rooms, so you won't have to worry about trying to figure out the best configuration when you move in. It will already be done for you! Storage space is limited and it's best to coordinate who will be bringing what in order to avoid having two or three of everything (the most obvious example is a refrigerator or TV, but other examples include an iron and ironing board).
If space becomes available, will it be possible to move into a double room? As students withdraw from campus housing it will be possible for us to de-triple rooms. As space becomes available, students living in triples will be offered the chance to move.
What are some creative ways to maximize space? • • •
Using shelving units or stacking bins to use vertical space. Using double rack hangers and hanging shelves that allow you to store more clothes in a small area. Using pop up laundry hampers that can be easily folded and stored in your closet when not being used.
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Simmons Residence Life
Fall 2015 2013 Fall
What to Bring Ite ms for ro om mate s to di scuss (yo u ma y n o t n e ed du plic ate s): standing lamps — Simm on s & Mor se ha ve n o o verh ea d lighti ng curtains rugs (though you may want to wait until you can measure the space!) stereo or speakers T.V. and cable cord trash can Th ing s for yo ur d esk : desk lamp stapler with staples 3-hole puncher glue stationary and stamps calculator erasers crayons, markers, colored pencils, pens, pencils, sharpener, highlighters calendar/planner scotch/masking tape scissors ruler note pad Bathr oo m an d la un dry: laundry basket/bag laundry detergent drying rack soap/soap dish hair dryer shower sandals wash cloths and towels shower caddy (some halls have small cubbies in the bathroom where you can leave your shower items, but we recommend that students use shower caddies to carry everything back and forth from their rooms) shampoo/conditioner deodorant shaving cream/razors nail clippers tweezers
Th ing s for yo u an d yo ur ro om: pillow, sheets, comforter power cords/surge protector three-prong outlet adapters (especially for Morse & Simmons) storage boxes/crates bulletin/dry erase board flashlight hangers sewing kit rain/winter boots umbrella/rain coat bathing suit and cap one set of dishware – plate, bowl, mug, cup, silverware can opener facial tissues paper towels disinfecting wipes air freshening spray broom and dustpan fan basic first aid kit cold medication/aspirin easy care plants alarm clock posters Othe r im po rta nt thin g s: computer key chain social security card address book money (keep large amounts safely in the bank) insurance card prescription medication 3M Command Adhesive or blue painters tape for hanging items on the wall (avoid damages at the end of the year!)
Th e fo llowin g i tems a re NOT allowed in the r esid enc e ha lls: • tapestries / cloth wall hangings • microwaves, toasters, or any cooking appliances • halogen or lava lamps • candles, incense, wax warmers, or anything with a wick, flame, or burning unit • coffee pots and hot water boilers without automatic shut-off • holiday lights on top of paper • more than 25% of room walls covered in paper or fabric • soft furniture that does not have a CA 117 or CA 133 tag Befo re you lea ve ho me, do n’t for get these fin al thin gs! • Bring your bicycle (with a secure lock system) or roller blades • Make sure you will have local access to your bank account • Bring any tools you may need to put together small furniture items on move in day
Window Decorations While we recommend waiting to see your residence room before deciding on your decorations, we understand that you may want to get a head start. For those interested in buying curtains, the window size in each room and hall varies. Use the window frame measurements below as guidelines for buying adjustable curtain rods and curtains. Simm on s: 44-46" wide, 62-65" high Mor se: 46-49" wide, 62-65" high Sou th : 44" wide, 60" high Pea bod y: TBA
Simmons Residence Life
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Boston Tips and Tricks
The best mode of travel to see the most of your new home is by T. The T is a user-friendly under-and-above-ground subway system. The T stops closest to the Simmons residential campus are Fenway and Longwood. Some popular destinations by T are: Newbury St; accessible by Hynes Convention Center station Boston Public Library; accessible by Copley station Boston Public Gardens; accessible by Arlington station You can pay for the T using a Charlie Card, which you can purchase and put money on at Star Market, just steps away from campus. You can also load value onto your card at many stations, including Fenway and Longwood.
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Simmons Residence Life
Important 2015-2016 Housing Dates Date
Event
August 29, 2015
New Student Move-In (specific times by floor & building, TBA) ——————————————————————–————–——————————————————————————————————————————————————-
September 2, 2015
First day of classes —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
October 12, 2015
Columbus Day (College closed) —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
November 11, 2015
Veterans Day (College closed) —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
November 13, 2015
Final day to register for Thanksgiving Break housing (free) ——————————————————————–————–——————————————————————————————————————————————————-
November 25, 2015
Residence Halls close for Thanksgiving Break at noon ——————————————————————–————–——————————————————————————————————————————————————-
November 29, 2015
Residence Halls re-open at 8:30am ——————————————————————–————–———————————————————————————————————————————–——————-
December 4, 2015
Final day to request approval for Winter Break housing (with fees) ——————————————————————–————–——————————————————————————————————————————————————-
December 19, 2015
Residence Halls close for Winter Break at noon ——————————————————————–————–——————————————————————————————————————————————————-
January 19, 2016
Residence Halls open for new spring semester students at 8:30am ——————————————————————–————–——————————————————————————————————————————————————-
January 19, 2016
Residence Halls open for returning students at 1:00pm ——————————————————————–————–——————————————————————————————————————————————————-
January 20, 2016
Classes begin for spring term ——————————————————————–————–——————————————————————————————————————————————————-
February 24, 2016
Final day to register for Spring Break housing (free) ——————————————————————–————–——————————————————————————————————————————————————-
March 5, 2016
Residence Halls close for Spring Break at noon ——————————————————————–————–——————————————————————————————————————————————————-
March 13, 2016
Residence Halls re-open at 8:30am ——————————————————————–————–——————————————————————————————————————————————————-
March 27, 2016
Final day to withdraw from residence for Fall 2016 to receive deposit refund ——————————————————————–————–——————————————————————————————————————————————————-
April 18, 2016
Patriot’s Day (College closed) ——————————————————————–————–——————————————————————————————————————————————————-
May 15, 2016
Residence Halls close for UG residents not graduating at 3:00pm ——————————————————————–————–——————————————————————————————————————————————————-
May 20, 2016
Commencement ——————————————————————–————–——————————————————————————————————————————————————-
May 21, 2016
Residence Halls close for all UG residents and GR residents at noon ——————————————————————–————–——————————————————————————————————————————————————-
Moving Resources
Move-in Information New students can plan to move into their residence halls between 8:00am and 12:30pm on Saturday, August 29, 2015. When you arrive at the residence campus you will be directed to an unloading zone designated for your building. Move-in volunteers will be ready to help you unload your vehicle and get into your room. All students are assigned a move in time based on their room assignment. This helps relieve traffic congestion. More specific move in times will be communicated via email as the day gets closer.
At new student move in, a large number of rented moving carts and dollies will be available to make your move go smoothly. Additionally, Residence Life has purchased a small number of carts and dollies to be available year-round for students to use during mid-semester moves and before and after break periods!