TTU Home Division of Enrollment Management and Student AffairsUniversity Student Housing Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How early may I request housing?

Students may apply after their acceptance to Texas Tech and as early as one year in advance of their enrollment. Students are encouraged to apply for housing as early as possible for the best opportunity to receive aroom assignment in their hall choice.

How do I get an application for housing?

Applications are available on-line at www.housing.ttu.edu.Students must be admitted to the university before completing the applicationfor housing. Students must establish their e-raider account prior to accessing the application for housing. Contact IT Help for Students at 806-742-HELP for assistance with e-raider accounts.

What are the best halls to live in?

Each residence hall has its own special features and the student must determine which hall is the best for him/her. In addition to the traditional halls (community bathroom), Texas Tech offers suite-style and apartment-style halls. All traditional halls have built-in furniture (except Bledsoe, Sneed, Horn & Knapp) and are very similar in size and room layout. Horn, Knapp,Bledsoe, and Sneed Halls, have moveable furniture. Some halls are co-ed, some have special feature floors and others are reserved for students of sophomore or above classification. Gordon Hall, a suite-style residence complex, is a home for students participating in the Honors College Program. Carpenter/Wells and Murray Hall offer upper-class students apartment and suite style on-campus housing. Location of the residence hall may also be a factor in the student's decision. Each person should make his or her own choice of halls based upon those factors which areof most importance to him or her.  You can find a map of campus andthe location of all the residence halls at http://www.ttu.edu/campusMap/.

How do I make a request for a specific roommate?

If a student wants to live with a specific person we will do everything we can to honor the assignment request. The requested roommate must be admitted to Texas Tech before they may be listed as a roommate in the room selection process. Requested roommates must meet the eligibility requirements for learning communities or other special interest housing selected by the applicant.

How can I change my application?

In the event of a cancellation, the student must submit a cancellation by visiting http://www.myhousing.ttu.edu. The student should refer to the contract for the applicable application term for complete details on cancellation deadlines and refunds/credits for any advance payments made.

What do I do if I need to cancel my housing application/assignment?

Written cancellations should be made as soon as the student determines he/she is not attending Texas Tech. Cancellations may not be made by phone or e-mail.Cancellations may result in forfeiture of advance payments and other fees.Refer to the contract and other brochures for specific dates and penalties.

How late may I apply for housing?

You may apply for housing at anytime after you have been admitted to theuniversity; however, space is limited and late applicants may not be guaranteeda permanent assignment at the beginning of the semester. If needed, loungesand other areas may be used for temporary assignments at the beginningof the semester. After no-shows are reported, students in temporary assignmentsare reassigned to permanent room assignments. Most students are reassignedwithin the first three weeks of the semester. Freshman students shouldapply for housing prior to June 1 to avoid delays in registration during summer orientation/registration.

When do the residence halls and dining halls openin the fall?

You may view the 2009-2010 academic calendar which outlines important dates at: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/calendar

When do I pay for my housing and dining?

Housing and dining charges are included on your university account alongwith tuition and fees. Payments must be made by the due dates establishedby Student Business Services. For important billing and payment informationgo to: www.sbs.ttu.edu .

Is telephone service provided in my room

Because of the popularity of cellular phone service, telephone service is not provided in the Residence Halls. Only Carpenter/Wells and Murray suites provide phone service. Residents may request for a land line to be installed in their assigned rooms for an additional cost. To request phone service, contact University Student Housing for rates. Emergency call-out phones are available on each floor of Residence Halls where service is not provided in student rooms.

Are rooms carpeted?

Student rooms are not carpeted. You may choose to carpet your room asyou personalize it to your taste. It is recommended that carpet not bepurchased until you actually move into your room.  Carpenter/Wellsand Murray Hall have carpeting in some areas.  For typical room measurementscheck the furnishings page.

May I paint my room?

Students are not allowed to paint their own rooms. Students may contact their Residence Life or Graduate Hall Coordinator in order to request that their room be painted during the first few weeks of the semester. Once approved, our professional paint crew will coordinate a date with the student to begin painting in their room.

Which residence halls are air-conditioned?

All halls are air-conditioned.

What is an intensive study floor?

Intensive study floors are designed to provide a living option for studentswho desire a more studious environment. Programs specifically designed totarget the needs of these students include: study skills, test taking andtime management. Conversations, TV's, stereos, and other sounds must be maintained at a level which will not disturb other residents.

What is a substance-free floor?

Substance-free floors provide students who choose not to smoke, drink or use drugs with an option where they will be living with others of similar preferences. This option is offered in addition to the established university policies prohibiting the use of alcohol and drugs. Residents also sign a community agreement stating that they will not return to their residence hall room under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Are there bathrooms in each room?

All residence halls with the exception of Gordon, Murray and Carpenter/WellsHalls, have community bathroom facilities. Bathrooms are located on each floor or wing. Bathrooms have private showers and toilets. Each residence hall room has a sink.

What size are the beds?

All residence hall rooms are furnished with regular twin mattresses.

What computer facilities are available?

Three computer labs (Chitwood/Weymouth, Carpenter/Wells and Sneed) areavailable for student use. Computer facilities are also available at the ATLC (Advanced Technology Learning Center) located in the Library. Computer labs are also located in several of the academic buildings. Students may also bring personal computers and access many computing services with the high-speed Ethernet network in their rooms.

Can I access the Internet from my residence hallroom?

Individual Ethernet computer connections are available in each residence hall room. Students can use the Ethernet to access academic systems orthe Internet. The computer must have an Ethernet card installed to use the service.

Where are the laundry rooms located?

Each residence hall has a laundry room located in the building. All laundry rooms accept Raider Card accounts.

Where can I park?

Limited parking is available in each residence hall parking area. Students are encouraged to apply for a parking permit as soon as they receive confirmation of their residence hall assignment. Students who cannot be accommodatedin the residence hall lot may purchase a commuter-parking sticker. For additional information, contact the University Parking Services at (806)742-3811 or visit the website at www.parking.ttu.edu to purchase a permit .

Can I bring my own microwave and refrigerator?

Students can bring their own microwave and refrigerator as long as the appliance meets the electrical requirements and is in good operating condition. Microwave ovens should not exceed 1500 watts. Refrigerators must not exceed 1.5 ampere or 180 watts. All electrical appliances should meet UL or equivalent certification.

Can I have an overnight guest?

Overnight guests of the same gender are allowed. Residents are required to register overnight guests with the hall office.

Can I have a pet?

Animals, with the exception of fish in a properly maintained aquarium of 20 gallons or less, are not allowed in the residence halls.

Why do I have to live on campus?

All students with less than 30 eligible credit hours (excludes dual credit, AP, and CLEP) at the time they enroll must live on campus. This policy is based upon the university's philosophy that the student will receive a more complete educational experience by living in a residential community. Research also indicates that students living on campus have a higher GPA than students living off campus.

Can I get permission to live off campus?

Students may request an exemption to the freshman residency requirement. There are several exemptions under which a student may qualify including:married, over age 21, military service/discharge, living with parents, hardships and financial hardships. The request should be made as soon as possible but no later than May 1 for fall or summer semester enrollment, and Nov. 1 for spring enrollment. This will allow University Student Housing to notify the student of the approval or denial early enough for the student to make housing arrangements. Class registration during summer orientation may be delayed until the student applies for housing or receives an exemption.

How many hours do I have to have to be eligible to live off campus?

Students who have earned a minimum of 30 eligible credit hours (excludes dual credit, AP, and CLEP) may be eligible to live off campus. Please contact University Student Housing for full details of the freshman residency policy. 

How can I get a job as a Community Advisor?

Students may apply for CA positions after they have completed two semesters of residence hall living and have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. Bulletins are posted each fall and spring to announce times when applications are accepted.

What does the term consolidations mean?

Consolidation is a process to match together students who do not have roommates and provide single rooms for interested students. Consolidations begin shortly after the beginning of each semester. During this period, all affected students will be notified and will have the option of findinga new roommate or paying the single room fee.