Frequently Asked Questions
Applying for Housing
How do I apply for housing?
New students will receive an application packet through the mail about 2-3 weeks after being
admitted to the university. The packet includes instructions on how to apply for housing
online using the Eaglesnest Housing link found under Student Tools after signing in
to Wingspan, including agreeing to the online contract. For those that are unable
to sign up online, a paper Housing Preference Form can be requested from our office.
New students are strongly encouraged to sign up online using the Eaglesnest Housing
link. 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 Department of Residence Life and fill out a Housing Preference Form and
Residence Hall Contract. Students who would like to apply to live in The Courtyard
at Winthrop need to come to the Department of Residence Life to complete an application.
There is a $25 non-refundable application fee needed to apply for The Courtyard at
Winthrop.
When should I reserve campus housing?
New students should apply for housing once they receive a housing information 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, first and second year 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. Read more information on our Academic Success Communities.
How do you match roommates if I do not request one?
Roommates will be matched based on the preferences indicated on the paper Housing
Preference Form or Eaglesnest Online Application.
How can I request a roommate if I have already submitted my housing application?
Both you and your requested roommate each need to update your roommate request online using
Eaglesnest. You can access Eaglesnest Housing through your Wingspan account. If you
filled out a paper Housing Preference form when you applied you will need to update
your roommate request by sending us a message using the contact form, after we have processed your paper form, you can update your roommate information
via the Eaglesnest Housing link by logging into your Wingspan account. IF you use
the contact form, the message needs to contain your Winthrop ID number and your prospective
roommate's Winthrop ID 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. Please
make sure both you and your prospective roommate select the same Academic Success
Community. You may update your Academic Success Community preference online using
Eaglesnest.
When will I receive my housing assignment?
Room assignments for newly admitted spring students will be sent in late December.
Room assignments for newly admitted students entering in the fall will be sent via
e-mail sometime in June.
When are we informed of our roommate and can we contact them beforehand?
Your roommate's information will be sent along with your room assignment. 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 you 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. You may want to bring a container to carry accessories to and from the
bathroom if you will be living in Margaret Nance or Richardson. Closet and dresser
space is limited so we suggest 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 there are several department stores in Rock Hill where these
items can be purchased. If you wish to bring a TV for your room, please visit the
Cable TV Information page before purchasing a TV.
What things are prohibited in the Residence halls?
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. Please read the detailed chart
of approved electronic & cooking devices form (PDF - 104 KB). Due to the continued national safety concerns with "hoverboard" self-balancing
electric scooters; particularly their tendency to spontaneously catch on fire, these
devices are prohibited in the residence halls.
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 Office of Accessibility 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.
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
2020 Alumni Drive
Rock Hill, SC 29733
Common Carrier (UPS, FedEx, etc):
Student Name
PO Box Number
2020 Alumni Drive
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 the Parking Permits Request page. For general parking regulations, 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 view our Guest Policy (PDF-48 KB).
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. Room change hours after the first day of room change
are as follows:
- Monday: 11:00AM - 12:30PM
- Friday: 2:00PM - 4:00PM
Please be aware that if you make a room change, you are committed to that room for
30 days.
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.
How much does it cost to do laundry?
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 view this map.
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.
End of Semester
Do I need to take everything home at the end of the Fall Semester?
If you are living in the residence halls during the fall semester and plan to return
to your same room for the spring semester, you do not need to move out of your room.
We do recommend that you take any valuable items home with you during the break as
the University cannot be responsible for any items that are lost or stolen.
If you are not returning to Winthrop or have made a room change for the spring semester you will be required
to move out of your room at the end of the fall semester. Please follow all guidelines
provided by the residence life staff for proper checkout procedures and deadlines.
Do I need to take everything home at the end of the Spring 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 spring 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.
Will my room have a computer connection?
Yes, all residence halls have access to the Winthrop University wireless network.
Where can I find more information on the the technology resources on campus?
You can take a look at the Student Technology Handbook (PDF - 941 KB) or visit the Computing and Internet Technology website.
