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FAQs

Student raising his hand in class

Moving to a new place and building a new community may seem both exciting and challenging. Below are some frequently asked questions from students and parents about the Loyola University residential experience. If you do not see your specific question below, please feel free to contact us at res-life@LUC.edu

We look forward to having you join us on campus!

FAQs

I am a new first-year student. Can I find a new roommate at Orientation?

Yes. Residence Life allows incoming first-year students the opportunity to select a roommate over the course of the summer. This unique opportunity allows for first-year students to meet potential roommates at orientation. Please note that the following limitations apply:

  • Both students must be assigned to the same building and room type
  • If applicable, both students must be participating in the same Learning Community
  • The last day to submit this form is typically one day after the final orientation session in July

Is housing available on the Water Tower Campus?

Yes. Baumhart Hall is located on the Water Tower Campus and is open to upper class, transfer, and graduate students.

Is housing available during the summer?

Yes. Summer Housing through Residence Life is available to students who are enrolled in Loyola courses during the summer term(s). Summer Housing is offered at both the Lake Shore and Water Tower Campuses.
 

When will I receive my housing assignment and information?

Incoming First Year Students
Initial assignment information (building and room type) is available in early June and will be sent to your Loyola email address. Final assignment information including roommate and detailed room information will be available in your digital Move-In Manual, which is typically available in mid-July.
Incoming Transfer Students
Assignment information is available on a rolling basis typically beginning in late-June and can be accessed through the Residence Life Portal in LOCUS.
New Graduate Students
Assignment information is available on a rolling basis typically beginning in late-June and can be accessed through the Residence Life Portal in LOCUS.
Returning Residents
If you participated in Reapplication + Room Selection, your assignment information will be available through the Residence Life Portal in LOCUS beginning immediately after you've completed your room selection. Updated information (including any roommate changes) is available through the Residence Life Portal and will also be provided in your digital Move-In Manual, which is typically available in mid-July.

Am I required to have a Meal Plan?

For information about Meal Plan options, please visit Campus Card.
 
First and Second-Year students residing on-campus are required to have a Board Meal Plan. Upper-Class students residing on-campus may choose any of the Board or Declining Balance Plans, or may choose to not have a meal plan.
 
Residents of Baumhart Hall may choose any of the Board or Declining Balance Plans or opt out of the meal plan requirement regardless of class-standing. The Water Tower Campus has two cafe style dining options but does not offer an Board Dining Hall, so Board Plans are not recommended.
Requests for Release from the Meal Plan Requirement
Recognizing that a small number of students may have certain financial or dietary restrictions, Loyola University Chicago affords meal plan exemptions or modifications for certain documented reasons. Learn More

How do I add money to and/or change my Meal Plan?

Unused Dining Dollars roll over from the fall semester to the spring semester, however, any remaining balance at the end of the spring semester expire and are non-refundable. You are encouraged to budget your dining dollars appropriately.
 
Dining Services offers Bulk Buy discounts as an opportunity to spend unused dining dollars at the end of each term; information regarding the Bulk Buy program is advertised on our website.
Adding to your Meal Plan
If you have either the small or medium Declining Balance Meal Plan, you may upgrade to a higher plan and the amount you've already used will be deducted from the new plan.
RamblerBucks
If you have an All-Access Plan or the large Declining Balance Plan, you cannot add additional dining dollars, however, you can add RamblerBucks to your student ID at any time. RamblerBucks can be used anywhere on-campus and in select locations off-campus. RamblerBucks are non-refundable but roll over from year to year and only expire at the end of your time at Loyola.
Changing your Meal Plan
Meal Plan changes can be made online through the Residence Life Portal. Residential Meal Plan changes can typically only be made through the 3rd Thursday of the semester.
 
For additional information regarding Meal Plans, please contact Campus Card.

What items should I bring? What items should I not bring?

All rooms come furnished with one bed, desk, desk chair, and dresser per person. Information about that standard furniture is available here.

Keep in mind that space is limited and you may be sharing with roommate(s). We encourage you to communicate with your roommate(s) to determine what items you will each bring and which items if any, you are willing to share.

A suggested packing list is available on our Move In Page.

Does Residence Life provide Linen Service?

No. The Department of Residence Life does not provide linen service, however, you may purchase linens designed to fit Twin XL mattresses from most major retailers. Residence Life has partnered with University and Student Services to provide special pricing and in-room delivery (for orders placed by July 31).

Are refrigerators provided?

In our apartment-style buildings, full-size refrigerators are provided.
 
In our traditional and suite-style buildings, we have partnered with University and Student Services to offer MicroFridge Rentals with in-room delivery (for orders placed by July 31).
 
You may also purchase a mini-fridge from most major retailers, please refer to the for limitations and restrictions.

What laundry services are available?

Every residence hall has access to self-service laundry facilities. Laundry services are provided in partnership with Caldwell and Gregory. 
 
Email: cardservices@caldwellandgregory.com
 
App: iOs | Android
 
Students should recieve information via their email about the Speed Queen app and how to access the laundry services. 6 cycles per week are allotted per student at no additional cost.

Does Residence Life offer storage?

We do not provide storage outside of your residence hall room on-campus, however, we have partnered with University and Student Services to offer summer storage solutions, including in-room pick-up and delivery.

Does Residence Life offer any guest accommodations?

The Department of Residence Life has a guest policy for residential students, which is outlined in the . We do not offer separate guest housing accommodations, but you may wish to refer to our list of local hotels.

What address should I use for deliveries and letters?

The residence hall front desks cannot accept any mail or packages.
 
All mail/packages should be addressed as follows:
Lake Shore Campus
[STUDENT NAME]
6317 N Broadway
Chicago, IL 60660
Water Tower Campus
[STUDENT NAME]
26 E. Pearson
Chicago, IL 60611
 
Mail and packages can be picked up from the Campus Mail Room.
Please contact the Mail Room for more information.

What if I have a maintenance concern regarding my room or building?

Maintenance and work requests may be submitted online. If you have an urgent concern, please contact your building/area front desk.

Is there printing service in the residence halls?

Printing Stations are available in select residence halls and other locations on-campus through the University's MobilePrint service.

For more information on this service, click here.

Moving to a new place and building a new community may seem both exciting and challenging. Below are some frequently asked questions from students and parents about the Loyola University residential experience. If you do not see your specific question below, please feel free to contact us at res-life@LUC.edu

We look forward to having you join us on campus!