Frequently Asked Questions

Applying for Housing

 How do I apply for housing?

   New students will receive an application packet including a Housing Preference Form and Residence Hall Contract through the mail about 2-3 weeks after they are admitted to the university. They will need to return the completed forms to the Department of Residence Life as soon as possible.  Returning resident students will select a room during Eaglesnest Online Room Selection in the spring. Continuing students who do not currently live on campus need to visit the Residence Life office and fill out a Housing Preference Form and Residence Hall Contract.

 When should I reserve campus housing?

  New students should apply for housing once receive their housing packet in the mail.

 How much does it cost to live on campus?

  Please visit our rates page for our current housing rates.

 Do you have a residency requirement?

  Yes, freshman and sophomore students have a two year commitment to live on campus. By living on campus, students have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to establish lifelong friendships, to participate in exciting activities and to feel truly connected to the university. The added convenience of living close to classes, dining and support services, make on-campus living at Winthrop the ideal environment to live, learn and lead. Exceptions to the freshman and sophomore residency commitment may be made for married or non-traditional age freshman and for those who continue to live with parents or legal guardians while commuting to campus from 50 or fewer miles away. If you qualify for an exemption, the exemption form is required and can be found on the forms page.

 What is an Academic Success Community?

 The Department of Residence Life in conjunction with University Collage, offers Academic Success Communities in the residence halls. An Academic Success Community is where students are housed with other students possessing similar academic and personal interests. Specific programs are designed around a floor's theme and are presented by Residence Life staff, faculty partners and other academic partners as well as the resident students themselves. For more information on our Academic Success Communities please click here.

 How do you match roommates if I do not request one?

  Roommates will be matched based on the preferences indicated on the Housing Preference Form.

 How can I request a roommate if I have already mailed in my housing preference form?

 Both you and your requested roommate each need to send us a message using the Residence Life contact form. The message needs to contain your Winthrop ID number (or Social Security Number) and your prospective roommate's Winthrop ID number (or Social Security Number). In order to be assigned with a requested roommate we MUST receive mutual requests from each student. Although we strive to accommodate all requests, we cannot guarantee that your roommate request will be honored.

 When will I receive my housing assignment?

 Room assignments will be sent in the mail during the last week of July.

 When are we informed of our roommate and can we contact them beforehand?

 You roommate's information will be sent along with your room assignment during the last week of July. We strongly encourage you to contact your roommate. We will furnish your roommate's name, home address and phone number.

 Can I cancel my Residence Hall Contract?

 The Residence Hall Contract is a legally binding document. Details on cancellation and cancellation fees can be found on the contract under Article II. You may download and review the Residence Hall Contract on the forms page.

  Do all freshman live in the same residence hall?

 Winthrop does not have any all freshman halls. The majority of new students are assigned to Margaret Nance, Wofford and Richardson. These residence halls provide the best opportunity for new students to meet and interact with each other, which makes the transition to college easier. We make every effort to assign new freshman together in rooms as long as we have empty rooms available. When empty rooms are unavailable, freshman are assigned with returning students. The earlier your return your completed housing application, the more likely you are to be assigned with another freshman.  

Preparing for Move In

 What should I bring with me to school?

 You will need to furnish your own linens and pillow. The beds require extra long twin sheets. Information will be inserted into your housing assignment notification packet on how you can order extra long sheets.You may want to bring a container to carry accessories to and from the bathroom if you will be living in Margaret Nance, Richardson or Wofford. Closet and dresser space is limited so it is suggested you bring only the clothes you need for a season. Other suggested items are: an iron, an alarm clock; hangers, an umbrella, etc. Those in Thomson, Lee Wicker, Phelps, and The Courtyard at Winthrop will need bathroom cleaning supplies. Keep in mind their are several department stores in Rock Hill where these items can be purchased.

 What should I leave home?

 You should leave candles, "George Foreman" type grills (or other open plate heating devices), pets (other than fish), and halogen lights at home because they are prohibited on campus. The university provides a MicroFridge® so students may not bring a refrigerator or microwave.

 What size are the beds in the residence hall?

 The beds in the residence halls are extra long twin beds (80" x 36"). They require extra long twin sheets.

 Do you have accommodations for students with disabilities?

 Please visit the Services for Students with Disabilities website for more information.

 Can I bring a refrigerator or microwave to my residence hall?

 All rooms are equipped with a MicroFridge® so personal refrigerators and microwaves are prohibited.

 What is your policy on putting nails in the walls for pictures, etc.?

 Regardless of how you hang posters, you need to return your room to its original condition prior to your move-out.  Residence Life will charge students at the end of the school year for nails or nail holes in walls.  We also charge for tape or putty marks.  There are adhesive products on the market that theoretically do not mark the walls, but the university does not guarantee their claim. 

 What if I want to build a loft?

 To build your own loft, you must be sure the construction and setup meets the specifications set out in the Loft Policy.

 When can I move into my room?

 Please visit our calendar page for dates and times designated for move in.

 How should mail be addressed to students?

 
US Postal Service: 
Student Name
PO Box Number
Rock Hill, SC 29733

Common Carrier (UPS, FedEx, etc):
Student Name
PO Box Number
520 Cherry Road
Rock Hill, SC  29733

All mail coming to students must have their PO box number included, even Fed Ex, UPS, or any other services that deliver to us.  The  residence hall is not necessary.

 If someone wants to send me flowers how do they send them?

 We recommend that you use a local Rock Hill florist.  If you give the florist the residence hall and your telephone number, the hall office will call you to let you know that there is a delivery.

 What do I need to do if I bring a car to campus?

 In order to park on campus a parking permit must be purchased through Campus Police. Parking passes can also be purchased on Wingspan. For more information on parking, please visit the Campus Police website.

During the Semester

 How do I gain access to my residence hall?

 All residence halls have 24 hour ID card access. Your student ID will be programmed to allow you to enter your residence hall at the designated door. After 8:00pm, only the main entrance of the residence hall is accessible.

 What are the visitation options for my residence hall?

 Visitation options differ in each residence hall. Please click here to view our visitation policy.

 When can I change my room?

 Room changes can be made anytime during office hours beginning  at 2:00 PM on the Friday after classes begin each semester.

 Can we change rooms during the year?

 Winthrop has a liberal room change policy. As long as the move is approved in advance by the Department of Residence Life, moves can take place after the first week of classes as space permits.

 Laundry is free for all residents.

 How do I know a laundry machine is available?

 Visit LaundryView to view real-time images of the laundry rooms on campus. You will be able to see when a washer and dryer is available and even set up LaundryView to text you when your laundry is done!

 How do I get something repaired in my room?

  If you have a cable TV or MicroFridge repair request please visit our repair request page. If you have another type of repair request please inform your Resident Assistant or a hall office staff member.

 If I am a smoker, where do I smoke?

 Smoking is not permitted in any campus building. Smoking is allowed in designated outdoor smoking areas. To view the locations of the smoking areas please click here.

 I am not getting along with my roommate, what should I do?

 You should seek assistance from your Resident Assistant or Residential Learning Coordinator.

 I want to get engaged in the campus community. What are my resources?

 There are many ways to get involved and take full advantage of the Winthrop Experience. Students should visit the Student Organizations website for a full listing of all the clubs and organizations at Winthrop. Residents also have unique opportunities to get involved within the Department of Residence Life through the Resident Students' Association (RSA), National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) and by joining their Hall Council. If you want to know more, talk to your Resident Assistant or visit the NRHH and RSA websites.

 What if I need to move out of my room before the end of the semester?

 You need to notify the Department of Residence Life immediately. You will also need to complete the check-out procedure with your Resident Assistant and return your key. Failure to properly check-out or return your key will result in a charge to your student account.

Eating on Campus

 Where can I eat on campus?

 Dining Services offers many convenient locations on campus. Please visit the Dining Services website for information.

 How does cafe cash work?

 Cafe Cash is a declining balance that you can use to purchase items in Dinkins Food Court, Java City, Outta Here, Einstein's in the West Center, Concessions, Eagle's Nest (Coliseum) and Eagle Express.

 Where can I buy cafe cash?

 You can purchase Cafe Cash at Dinkins Food Court, Java City, or Thomson 112 (Dining Services Office). You can also add cafe cash online on the Dining Services website

 Does cafe cash carry over from semester to semester and/or year to year?

 Cafe Cash will carry over from the Fall semester to the Spring semester. Any unused cafe cash will expire after June 30th.

 

End of Semester

 Do I need to take everything home at the end of the semester?

 Yes, you will need to move everything out of your room and complete the check-out procedure with a Resident Assistant before leaving at the end of the semester.

 What do I need to do when moving out of my room?

 You need to make sure that you check out with your Resident Assistant and turn in your room key. If you do not check out properly or do not return your key you will be fined.

 When do I have to move out of my room?

 Students need to be moved out by 9:00am the day after final exams are over. Graduating students are allowed to stay until 6:00pm the day of graduation.

Internet/Phone

 Will my room have a computer connection?

 Yes, all residence hall rooms have TWO direct connections to the Winthrop computer network. You will be able to connect your computer via Ethernet cable.  

 Where can I find more information on the the technology resources on campus?

  You can take a look at the Student Technology Handbook or visit the Computing and Internet Technology website.