The Official Residence Life Survival Guide for First Year Students

This guide will cover some of the things you need to know during your first year here at HSU, including: your ID card, computer services, the phone and voice mail system, and even a list of what you should bring (and not bring).

Living in the residence halls can be a very positive experience. Studies show that students who get involved and live on campus tend to get better grades as well as have a higher graduation rate. Also, just remember... location, location, location, you're close to everything (the library, the Caddo, and the Garrison Student Activity Center). It's also easier to meet people. 

YOUR ID CARD
--Never go anywhere without it!

We're pretty serious about this! After you register for classes, go to Womack Hall room 102 to get your new ID card. Your first one is free. If you lose it, it will cost $10 to replace it. Your ID gets you into everything: the cafeteria, sporting events and it can even get you discounts around town!

EMAIL:

Each student at Henderson has a computer account on the network. This is a service that is provided by the University, free of charge. With this account you can use e-mail, the Internet, and have access to the library catalog from any computer on campus (all the rooms in the residence halls have computer hook ups).

Each student has his or her own e-mail address. When you register for classes you will recieve your HSU e-mail address. 

PHONE SERVICE:

One of the things that Henderson offers all its residents is local phone service included with your room. Henderson does not supply the phone or the long distance service, so you make your own arrangements for those. If you expect that you will need long distance get a calling card that is billable to your address and NOT to your HSU phone number.

Warning: Do not make any phone calls that can be charged to your room! These include: directory assistance, collect and 3rd party calls. You will be charged a $20 administrative fee per call!

Along with the local phone service, Henderson also provides voice mail for all residents' lines...so, leave your answering machine at home, you won't need it! Also, just a word of advice, your cordless phone might not work as well in a residence hall due to the number of other similar phones. You might want to leave your cordless at home too!

Another important bit of info you will need is your address. You'll get your P.O. Box # at "Heart Start" or when you register for classes. Your address will be:

EATING ON CAMPUS:

 

Caddo Cafeteria Hours:

Monday-Friday:

Breakfast 6:45-9:00 a.m.

Continental 9:00-9:30 a.m.

Lunch 10:45-1:00 p.m.

Dinner 4:30-6:15 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday:

Breakfast/Lunch 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Dinner 4:45-6:15 p.m.

 

STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES:

 

Mooney Hall first floor--Mon-Fri: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

 

COMPUTER LABS:

 

The Evans Hall Lab is open the following hours:

Mon-Thurs: 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun: 2 p.m.-10 p.m.

All residence halls have their own 24 hour computer lab for residents' use only.

• twin-size sheets (make sure you check the page for each building so you know what size your mattress is) 
• pillow
• stuffed animals
• raincoat & umbrella
• clothes and hangers
• toothbrush/toiletries
• hair dryer
• grooming aids
• towels/soap-dish
• shower shoes & bucket
• hot pot/coffee pot
• popcorn popper
• refrigerator (4 cubic feet, maximum)
• TV/DVD player/stereo
• telephone
• alarm clock (It's best to have a battery backup.)
• any necessary medication
• first aid kit--band aids, hydrogen peroxide, aspirin, etc...
• laundry bag & supplies
• cleaning supplies
• sewing kit
• UL approved extension cord

• live pets (except fish)
• answering machine
• microwaves or other cooking devices (students living in East/West/Stugis and the Interantional House are permitted to have them)
• halogen lamps
• candles and incense

Q and A Session:

So, now you know all the answers, right...but what are the questions? Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

Q: What is a Resident Assistant?

A: An RA is a student leader that lives on your floor or is assigned to your building. They are the first person you should talk to if you have a problem. They can also help you if you need things like a light bulb, trying to figure out your voice mail, or if you just need someone to talk to. Get to know your RA.  They've been a student at HSU and know the ropes. They can help you with anything you need to know about Henderson, and more!

Q: Who do I see if I have problems with my roommate?

A: First, talk to your roommate. Chances are the problems are from a lack of communication. Talk to him/her and see if things can be worked out. A roommate contract might even help. Also, talk to your RA, they can be of tremendous assistance.

Q: Why do I have to live on campus?

A: Studies show that students who live on campus tend to make better grades. There are several reasons for this. For one, you are closer to things such as: the library, the computer lab, the cafeteria and the Garrison Center. Another reason for the higher grades is the fact that the residence halls can be more conducive to studying than off-campus housing. You can always find someone to study with in the residence halls, just check out the lounge!

Q: Can I have members of the opposite sex in my room?

A: Of course! That's what visitation is for. All of your visitors, both male and female, can visit you in your hall. The visitation hours are set each year by your Hall Council and will be within the following range:

Sunday - Thursday
Noon - Midnight

Friday & Saturday
Noon - 2:00 a.m.

We hope you are now better prepared than before you read this. You are going to have a great year! A few final words of advice for your first year here...get involved on campus. There will be a lot going on the first week of school, check it out. You might miss out on something worthwhile...like the friendship of a lifetime. Enjoy your years at the "School with a Heart," and try to help someone else enjoy them too.

Click to go back to Department of Residence Life's home page.

Send comments and suggestions to: ResLife@hsu.edu