Frequently Asked Questions About Housing

Written approval is required before any HBU community member may return to campus after self-quarantine. The timing of your return depends on whether or not you have exhibited Coronavirus Symptoms.

A face covering is a cloth or other type of material that covers an individual’s mouth and nose. The CDC lists five criteria for “cloth face coverings.” They should:

• Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• Be secured with ties or ear loops
• Include multiple layers of fabric
• Allow for breathing without restriction
• If it is not disposable, it must be able to be laundered and machine-dried without damage or change to its shape.

A public area is any indoor space other than your own private office, residence (including residence hall room or apartment) or personal vehicle. Public areas include lobbies, restrooms, cafeterias, classrooms, hallways, stairwells, common spaces of residence halls, conference rooms, and break rooms. Face coverings should be worn in indoor public areas, even if you are by yourself, or any outdoor space where 6 feet of physical distancing is difficult to be reliably maintained.

Face coverings are not required when students are in their personal on-campus residence hall rooms/suites or apartments (including private and suite-style bathrooms). You should apply the same thought process that you used while living at home with your family. When you and your roommate first come together at the start of the semester, you should have a discussion around face covering expectations.

Yes. Scientific understanding of COVID-19 is still evolving, and currently it is not known if those who have had the disease can be re-infected and become contagious again.

Face coverings are required when students and visitors are in residence hall/apartment hallways or while visiting other students’ rooms/apartments. Face coverings are also required while in common areas and community bathrooms, except for while showering or engaging in personal hygiene activities. If residents have sinks in their rooms, then they should perform activities that require touching of the face (brushing teeth, washing face, etc.) at those sinks instead of at the sinks in the community bathrooms.

You should use your own knowledge and select the option that best protects and comforts those around you. A good standard to follow is to wear a face covering in public settings, especially where physical distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

HBU will ask the positive student to isolate for the recommended number of days. If that student lives in a double occupancy room, we will move them to a room where they can isolate. Roommates and others who have been in close contact with the sick student will be asked to quarantine and be monitored for symptoms for a period of 14 days.

No. In an effort to manage physical distancing, we will not hire or allow any movers on-campus.

No. Anyone who arrives early will be directed to wait in another parking lot until your time slot begins. If you arrive early, you will still need to go through the check-in line. This is the only way to get access to your room. This ensures a smooth process for ALL students.

No. All of our rooms will be occupied as they were designed to be used.

Yes, access to the residence halls will be limited to only students who live in that particular residence hall.  There will be no visitation allowed on campus, either from off-campus or on-campus students.

Our housekeeping team will continue to clean all common areas daily, including extra cleaning of the high touch areas. There will continue to be cleaning of bathrooms in the MRC, WRC, Mest, and Hodo.  In addition, there will be extra disinfecting this year in all halls.  There will be cleaning supplies available at the Residence Life front desk on a first come, first served basis for students to use to clean high touch areas in their rooms and suites.  Students in Husky Village will have the option to purchase a cleaning package through Aramark Custodial Services for an additional fee. See the HBU Custodial Student Packages.

Yes, we are still planning to do all of the fun community-building activities we always do, but following HBU guidelines related to physical distancing and other precautions.

We recommend as few as possible; one to two people is ideal, but we understand that some students may need more assistance.

We have provided extra training for housekeepers related to COVID-19. All of our student staff, Resident Assistants, and Desk Assistants will receive training on COVID-19 as well. Furniture layout in all lounges and study rooms have been evaluated and will be set up to promote physical distancing. Students will be required to wear face coverings when outside of their rooms. Hand sanitizing stations will be placed in all halls, and students will be supplied with disinfecting wipes in order to wipe down surfaces in their rooms. There are other measures for our internal operations, and we will regularly seek to keep students educated and informed on what we know about preventing the spread of COVID-19. HBU’s guidance and protocols are subject to change based on local and state guidelines, and recommendations from the CDC.

Yes.  If the school mandates that campus housing be closed due to COVID-19, students will be given a prorated refund from when the mandate was made active.

Yes. There will likely be a sign-up process, but students who need to be on campus after Thanksgiving will be allowed to reside in their rooms.

Yes.  Students who live on-campus, unless graduating in the fall, will be required to honor the housing contract they sign stating that they are agreeing to live on campus for both the fall and spring 2020-2021 semester.  If a student does decide to leave housing before the contract has expired (and the university has not mandated it), they will be charged a cancellation fee as noted in the student housing contract.  The same holds true for meal plans.

For any additional questions, please visit hbu.edu/housing, email us at reslife@hbu.edu or call 281-649-3641.  As more information becomes available, we will update our website, social media, and the FAQs.

• Enhanced student success – Students who live in campus housing have more satisfying experiences, higher GPA’s, and greater graduation rates than commuters (research from American Council on Education and HBU data)
• Tailored choices – Students have opportunity to live with people of common interest and majors in specifically programmed “Living/Learning Communities.” Additionally, HBU students with classification of “sophomore” or above have the opportunity to live in Husky Village, as well as Hodo Residence College (as space is available).
• Special programming – Social programming and growth opportunities are available to students in our residence halls that are unique to the residential experience. Residence hall staff members organize programs that enhance and develop opportunities for social engagement, Christian spiritual growth, career exploration, and academic success.
• Amenities specifically for residents – There are study rooms in each HBU residence hall set aside ONLY for students who live on HBU’s campus, affording them a greater option of study and gathering space. Free laundry machines are only for residents.
• Time and stress saver – No commute to class outside of rolling out of bed, putting on sweats and flip flops, and walking to class

Am I required to live on campus?

Since 1960, Houston Baptist University has been committed to the education of the “whole person.” HBU offers a variety of choices on-campus in order to fully integrate a residence life experience as part of your education. Not only that, but research shows that students who belong to a campus community have a more productive and ultimately more satisfying college experience, and our Room and Board costs are among the lowest in the state. In order to emphasize the importance of this invaluable life experience, we have a Residency Requirement that states:

A housing deposit is not required to live on campus.

Can freshmen live in Husky Village?

No. Only Sophomore (32 credit hour minimum), Junior, and Senior class students are allowed to live in Husky Village (Juniors with a minimum of 65 current credit hours and Seniors are given priority). A True Freshmen (a student who just graduated from High School and has not attended another University) must stay in Freshman Village. Even those incoming students with dual credit hours still fall under “True Freshman.” You must also meet the minimum credit hour requirement before starting the Fall semester.

What should I pack for moving on campus?

The following is only a suggested packing list.

Do I need to bring toilet paper?

No. The cleaning service provides toilet paper for our residence colleges (not Husky Village). But if you wish a particular brand, you are welcome to bring your own.

Are the apartments furnished?

All four bedroom units are furnished. We also offer some two bedroom furnished apartments.  Both two and four bedroom units have single-occupancy bedrooms furnished with a bed, a dresser, a desk and chair.  The common area in a four bedroom apartment is furnished with a sofa, armchair, coffee table, end table and dining chairs.  The living room in a two bedroom apartment is furnished with a loveseat, armchair, one end table and two dining chairs.

All apartments are furnished!

 Are there laundry facilities in my residence college?

Yes.  All on campus housing options have “free play” washers and dryers.  The cost for laundry service is included in the room rate.

Where can I keep food within the Residence Colleges?

In each of the Men’s and Women’s Residence College suite common areas there is a full-size refrigerator for use by all students residing within that suite.

Does HBU offer summer housing?

Yes. Students who are enrolled for summer terms are allowed to live on campus.  Husky Village is the only options for summer housing.  Students who are not enrolled are not allowed to stay during the summer.

There is NO meal plan options for the summer.

Can I stay in my suite/apartment for more than a year? Even when I am taking summer classes?

Freshman Village & Hodo:

No. During the Summer Freshman Village and Hodo are used for summer camps. Once Summer Camps are complete, students who selected a room in Hodo can move in (as long as they were already on campus taking summer courses). This rule applies for freshman who moved in during the summer as well. However, after the summer is complete, a student who lived in Hodo the prior year and selected to renew/return to that same space will have the opportunity to do so.

Husky Village:

A student who lives in Husky Village throughout the year, will still need to move out in order for Maintenance to do all the necessary work. Custodial will also have to go into the room and deep clean it. This is not a 1 day process. HBU Residence Life will strive to place the students in the same style room that they vacate. This will allow the students the ability to move around campus very minimal times per year.

I’m a new student! When will I know who my roommate is?

Room placements and Roommate pairings will be released August 1, 2019. This will give you ample time to contact your roommate before school starts.

How are roommates selected? Will one be provided if I don’t have one?

Roommate groups are formed through the Symplicity housing software.  Students who do not form roommate groups will be assigned roommates based on the information provided on the housing application. Contact Residence Life for more information about roommate groups.

What is done to resolve roommate conflict?

We encourage you to give your roommate a chance.  As needed the Residence Life staff will work with students to identify issues and help resolve conflict. As a start, talk to your RA; they are happy to help!

Are private rooms available?

There are a limited number of residence hall rooms/styles that are designed to be private (Hodo Residence College H and G styles). The Husky Village apartments are private. Most residential space is shared space.

Where is the main Residence Life Office?

The Residence Life office’s is located in the Hodo Residence College first floor lobby.

Who are RDs and RAs?

• An RD is the Resident Director for the Residence Colleges or Apartments. This is a professional staff who is responsible for overall management of their facility.
• An RA is a Resident Assistant.  The RA is a student leader that is supervised by the Resident Director.  The RA is responsible to support a specific group of residents and are the first point of contact when residents need help.

Are there elevators? What about special accommodations?

Yes. The Mest Wing of the Women’s Residence College has elevator access (the WRC and MRC do not). The Sadie & Doug Hodo Residence College also has elevator access.  ADA-compliant housing is available for those in need.  To request special accommodations contact the Disability Services Coordinator (504@hbu.edu).

What should I do if I have maintenance problem in my room?

Maintenance requests should be directed to your RA or the lobby offices of the Residence Colleges.

What are the Visitation Hours?

Visiting hours for members of the opposite sex as follows:

Is there a curfew?

No. You are given a door code to enter the building and you will have a key to your room.

Is an HBU meal plan required for Husky Village residents?

Yes.  All residents are required to purchase a meal plan.  The Lite Diner or Block 90 meal plan is the minimum requirement for Husky Village residents, but the standard meal plans are available as well.

Is there a cleaning service?

For Freshman Village and Hodo, yes. Restrooms and common areas are cleaned weekly (public areas) by the HBU cleaning crew. “Cleaning” means dusting and mopping. Bedroom areas are not cleaned. Cleaning services are not provided in Husky Village.

Bring a car to campus?

Yes. There is parking available near the Residence Colleges and Apartments as well as in several other parking lots on campus. You must have a current or valid HBU parking hang-tag from the HBU Police (generally obtained during registration).

Have a pet?

No. Pets are strictly prohibited.  There are no exceptions.

Burn candles or incense?

No. Both are considered fire hazards and are therefore prohibited. However, oil diffusers are allowed.

Cook in my room?

Yes.  However, cooking appliances with an open heat source are not permitted in student rooms.  Toaster ovens, heaters, hot plates, other “open element” appliances, or other similar items (i.e., George Foreman Grills) are serious fire hazards and, therefore are NOT permitted in student rooms.  Devices using an open flame such as candles, portable gas stoves, grills, fondue pots, gas burner hot plates, or gas lanterns are prohibited in student rooms. Popcorn poppers, rice cookers, hot pots, coffee pots, and/or microwaves (must be 1000 watts or less) are permitted.

Have alcohol on campus?

No. The Housing Agreement as well as the University’s Code of Conduct specifically state that the possession and/or consumption of alcohol on campus is prohibited.

Smoke or vape on campus? In my car?

HBU prohibits smoking or vaping anywhere on University premises.

Have a bicycle on campus?

Yes. However, bicycles are not allowed in student rooms.  Bicycles may not be parked in exterior hallways or stairwells of any building.  Bicycle racks are located at various locations on campus.  There is no storage available in the Residence Colleges.  You are encouraged not to bring expensive bicycles to campus.  Be sure to secure your bicycle.  Failure to comply with proper bicycle policies may result in removal of the bike and possible disciplinary action

Rearrange the room furnishings/bring extra furnishings?

Yes, however, you will be required to return university furniture to its original set up.  Please do not remove furnishings from the room. Please feel free to bring additional small furnishings ( TV stand, small bookcase, end table, etc.) to further personalize your space.

Bring curtains for the bedroom windows?

Yes, however a tension rod is required as you are NOT allowed to drill holes into the walls. Please refer to the window dimensions below.

• Philips RCs: Men’s & Women’s – 81.5 in x 41 in.
• Mest Wing: Women’s – 81 x 48