Office of Residence Life

Student FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions for Incoming Students

1. In which halls do first-year students typically live? How about transfers?
Most first-year students will live in Mesick, Morse, South, and Simmons with first-year roommates. Transfer students will be placed with current upperclass students in any of the residence halls and for the 2009-2010 academic year, in a transfer community in Morse Hall.

2. How do you match roommates?
We will match you based on your housing preferences on your housing application. It is very important that you truthfully answer all questions. First-year students will have one to three roommates.  If you meet someone during Summer Orientation or online, feel free to request them through our Housing Application Changes form on the Campus Housing page.  Just make sure that they request you as well!

3. What special interest communities does Simmons offer and how do I get into one of them?
Simmons offers four special interest communities. We have a wellness community that supports all forms of wellness and substance-free living (South Hall), a quiet floor for students who want a quieter living environment (Simmons Hall), the Boston Sports Pride Floor (Simmons Hall), and the Culinary Floor (Dix Hall -returning students only).

If any of these communities appeal to you, on your housing application you should indicate your interest by marking one of the special interest communities.  Space is limited in all communities.  Check out the Campus Housing page for more information about these options.

4. When will you send roommate information and housing assignments?
Room and roommate assignments will be sent out between mid and late July. You'll also receive your on-campus mailing address. Be sure to get in touch before coming to Simmons to decide who should bring some of the larger items such as TV, stereo, etc. and if you want to rent a microfridge together.

5. What happens if we don't get along as roommates?
Using your housing preferences on your housing application we try to make a good match for each resident. It is important to fill out this part of the application yourself and truthfully. If roommates are not getting along, we ask that communication between roommates occurs first. If the roommates cannot work their problems out, they should seek their RA for mediation. If mediation does not work, we will work to find a new room for at least one of the residents, if space permits.

6. Will I have internet access in my room?
All rooms have Ethernet (high speed internet) connections in them. You will need an Ethernet card in your computer and an Ethernet cord (RJ45) to connect your computer to the internet. Most new computers have Ethernet cards installed in them. The connection is free.   Residents of Beacon Street are provided internet access via a wireless system.  If you own a laptop, you most likely have wireless capability already.  If you own a desktop computer, you will need to utilize a wireless adapter to connect to the system. You should purchase the appropriate adapter and Simmons will reimburse you up to $50.00. Please present the original receipt to C219 and be aware that reimbursements may take several days to process. If you have more specific technology questions, you should contact the Office of Information Technology at 617-521-2190.

7. What exactly is a microfridge and how do I rent one?
A microfridge is a small refrigerator with a freezer and microwave. These are the only microwaves allowed in student rooms. For more information visit the Residence Campus Services website, or contact them at 617-521-1055 or rescampussvs@simmons.edu.

8. Will I have cable television in my room?
Yes, all rooms are cable ready. You will need to bring a coaxial cable in addition to your television, but it is a good idea for roommates to discuss this.

9. What phone service will I have?
You will need to bring your own phone to campus. You will have free local calling, and a phone number.  You will receive more information about this service once you arrive on campus.

10. What is the mattress size?
All mattresses at Simmons are standard twin mattresses.

11. Where do I do laundry?
There are washers and dryers in each residence hall. You can use quarters or purchase Fenway Cash on your ID to use the laundry machines.  Fenway Cash is like dollars connected to your ID. You can add points that can be used for vending machines, laundry, food in the Fens or Quadside, etc. To add points to your account go to the Campus Card Office located in the basement of the MCB or access our account online at http://www.fenwaycard.com/.

12. How can I change my meal plan?
Meal plans available for first-year students are either 19 or 14 meals a week. Transfer students can pick any plan offered. Once you begin classes you may find the one you signed up for isn't working for you. During the first week of classes, you can fill out a form in Bartol to change your plan.

13. How does my room get cleaned?
Students clean their own rooms. Housekeeping staff clean hallways, common areas, and bathrooms, but all residents are expected to help keep public areas clean and organized.

14. Are vacuums available for student use?
There are hall vacuums in each building for student use.

15. Is there storage available at Simmons?
Unfortunately, Simmons cannot offer storage on campus other than in your room. However, there are many storage facilities in Boston.  Visit the Student Life off-campus housing page for a list of storage and moving companies.

16. Can we have pets?
The only pets you may have are fish in properly maintained bowls smaller than five gallons.

17. What electrical appliances can I bring?
You may bring approved appliances that use less than 1000 watts of electricity and hair dryers. You may not bring any appliances for cooking such as a microwave, popcorn popper, George Foreman grill, hot pot, etc. Likewise, students are not permitted air conditioners or space heaters.

18. Where can I smoke?
All residence halls and College buildings are smoke free. You may smoke 50 feet or more away from residence campus buildings. You may not smoke on hall porches or in covered walkways on campus.

19. I heard that I can only bring special types of upholstered furniture.  How do I know if it's okay?
State law prohibits the use of upholstered furniture in student rooms unless it is treated with a fire-retardant chemical and is labeled as such. Upholstered furniture includes couches, futons, and overstuffed chairs. Waterbeds, lofts, and hanging chairs are prohibited in residence hall rooms. Decorations may not be hung from the ceiling or sprinkler pipes. Furniture which contains polyurethane foam will not be permitted due to their increased risk of being flammable. All furniture brought into the residence halls should have one of the following labels:

NOTICE: THIS ARTICLE IS MANUFACTURED FOR USE IN PUBLIC OCCUPANCIES AND MEETS THE FLAMMABILITY REQUIREMENTS OF CALIFORNIA BUREAU OF HOME FURNISHINGS TECHNICAL BULLETIN 133. CARE SHOULD BE EXERCISED NEAR OPEN FLAME OR WITH BURNING CIGARETTES.

NOTICE: THIS ARTICLE MEETS ALL FLAMMABILITY REQUIREMENTS OF CALIFORNIA BUREAU OF HOME FURNISHINGS BULLETIN 117. CARE SHOULD BE EXERCISED NEAR OPEN FLAME OR WITH BURNING CIGARETTES.

For more information on Massachusetts fire safety regulations please see the following website http://www.mass.gov/ and search for fire safety and upholstered furniture.