Frequently Asked Questions

All entering first year students must reside in on-campus housing operated by the university for two semesters (summer term does not apply).

For the full policy, please visit our First-Year Housing Requirement webpage.

Students must be enrolled in at least one class per semester to reside on campus.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. First-year students who are required to live on campus are guaranteed housing, but we strongly recommend applying as early as possible to get your first choice of housing or a special roommate request.

Students who have never lived on campus at CSU must pay a one-time $200 non-refundable application fee and the Residence Life Activity Fee ($50) at the time of the application. Students are then eligible to participate in online room selection, during the appropriate time.

Students who are eligible to complete a “Returning Resident Application” are only required to pay the Residence Life Activity Fee ($50) at the time of the application.

Students that wish to cancel their housing assignment can do so using the Housing Cancellation Form, located on the My Housing Portal. For more information, please visit the Housing Cancellation & Contracts webpage.

Students will be contacted via email by the Residence Life Office regarding Move in Week dates. This information will be sent to each student’s CSU email address.

The Residence Life fee includes rent, all utilities, basic furnishings, unlimited self-laundry, high-speed internet, and many other commodities. If you have specific questions on what is included, feel free to call the Residence Life Office at (706) 507-8710 or email at housing@columbusstate.edu.

Yes, CSU policy requires students to have a meal plan when residing in Residence Life. Students sign up for a meal plan when they complete the online housing room selection process. Please visit the MyHousing Portal for updates on rates and fees.

This is a portion of some meal plans that offers flexibility and variety through a declining balance on your student ID card. The Cougar Cash can be used at any on-campus food establishment throughout the semester.

All students will have the opportunity to participate in online room selection. During this process, students will be able to enter the room selection system and choose their own exact room assignment as well as pull in roommates based on the rooms that are available.

Specific dates on when room selection will occur will be emailed to students who have completed an application for the corresponding room selection period.

Room Selection will be on a first come-first served basis, so we encourage students to apply early to have the best chance of your first room type and roommates.

Since all residents will choose their own room assignments, this is based on whether the students are able to choose the same apartment. It is highly encouraged that students that want to live together apply early and take part in the first room selection to have the best chance of living together.

Overnight guests, including other residents, must be registered 24 hours in advance. In addition, they must be approved to stay overnight by the Residence Life staff and the other residents of the apartment.

For specific overnight guest policy, and information how to register guests, please visit the Community Guide webpage.

Traditional-aged freshmen (18-19 years old) are housed in Clearview Hall on Main Campus or Broadway Crossing on the RiverPark campus.

Yes, each resident is allowed to have one car which can be parked in designated locations on the Main and RiverPark campuses. For more information about parking please visit the Parking Services webpage.

Due to health, safety, and sanitation problems, no pets are allowed in the apartments or on the grounds. Small aquariums (10 gallons or less) with fish may be used in an apartment, provided it is kept clean and free of leaks. Students that require an Emotional Support or Service Animal on campus should contact the Center for Accommodation and Access for approval before bringing an ESA to campus.

Students may request to live on either campus regardless of their major. However, most students chose to live on the campus where the majority of their courses take place.

Shuttle Service between the two campuses is readily available for students who live on one campus and attend classes on another.

The RA is a vital part of a team devoted to achieving the objectives of the Residence Life program at Columbus State University. Residence Life will email students information about applying when applications are open.

As soon as possible! The room selection process is completed several times throughout the summer. Each time the process is completed, all students with a completed application are eligible to choose a room. As we get closer to the Fall Semester, the student is less likely to receive their first housing preference or roommate.

Because students now choose their own rooms, as soon as the online selection process is complete, you have locked in your room assignment. Room Assignments and Roommate Information are posted on the My Housing Portal at all times and is updated in real time.

You can bring basic living items (bedding, toiletries, towels, and kitchenware), as well as a few personal items (television, gaming system, computer, posters, pictures, etc.) We only ask that you do not put nails (small tacks are ok) in the walls or bring your own furniture. For a full list, please visit our Community Guide webpage.

Besides the basics (water, gas, electricity, heating, air, trash), we also provide wired and wireless internet, free laundry, and common areas where students can hang out. Additional amenities vary between housing areas. For a full list, check the Housing Options webpage.

Feel free to call the Residence Life Office at (706) 507-8710 or email at housing@columbusstate.edu. Be sure to check your Columbus State email regularly for more information.

Students with documented disabilities must contact the Center for Accommodation and Access (or (706-507-8755)) in order to request residential accommodations.

All students are encouraged to purchase twin extra-long sheets which will fit all beds in CSU housing areas.

Students living on Main Campus can visit the CSU Mail Center, located between University Hall and the Parking Deck, to receive a campus mailbox.

Students living on the RiverPark Campus can visit the RiverPark Residence Life Office to request a campus mailbox.

For more information, please visit our Postal Information webpage.