Frequently Asked Questions

I'm a Freshman. Do I have to live on campus?
How many hours do I have to be enrolled to reside in on-campus housing?
When is the application deadline?
What is the damage deposit?
Can I get my damage deposit back if I change my mind about living on campus?
What if I'm not accepted to CSU?
When can I move into housing?
What is included in the housing fee?
Do I have to have a meal plan?
What is Cougar Cash?
How are assignments made?
Will I be able to live with a friend?
Is family housing available?
Are the apartments co-ed?
Can I have overnight guests?
Are there “Freshman Halls?”
Can freshmen have cars on campus?
Can I have pets?
Are other housing options offered other than RiverPark and main campus housing?
How can I become a Resident Assistant (RA)?

1. I'm a Freshman. Do I have to live on campus?

Starting fall 2009, all entering freshman must reside in on-campus housing operated by the university for two semesters (summer term does not apply).

Freshmen are exempt from this policy if they:

Have a permanent address within a 30 mile radius, which includes counties: Chambers, Lee, Russell(AL), Troup, Meriweather, Harris, Talbot, Taylor, Marion, Muscogee, Chattahooche, Stewart.
Are Married.
Have custody of dependent children.
Are 21 years or older by the first day of classes for semester entering.
Are a transfer student with more than 30 hours completed. (Transfer students with less than 30 hours completed will be considered a freshman and must live on campus.)
Are active military.
Have a documented medical disability.
Are current Columbus State University students who have resided on campus for two semesters, not including summer semester.

You will be automatically exempt (no further action necessary) if you:

live within the counties that are in a 30 mile radius of Columbus (see list above).
are over 21 years of age.
or are active military.

All other exemptions will require a student to fill out an exemption form which will be processed through the Residence Life Office.

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2. How many hours do I have to be enrolled in to reside in on-campus housing?

You must be enrolled at CSU and maintain a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (3 credit hours for summer), unless otherwise approved by the Director of Residence Life.

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3. When is the application deadline?

We do not guarantee the availability of a room. We strongly recommend applying as early as possible to get your first choice of housing or a special roommate request.

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4. What is the housing deposit?

The $300 housing deposit, and a $25 non-refundable application fee, is used to secure your room. The housing deposit will be kept until such time as the student's period of residence has ended.

A refund will be made if all conditions of the application have been met and after deductions have been made for damages or special cleaning. No refunds will be made if the student does not follow prescribed check-out procedures.

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5. Can I get my housing deposit back if I change my mind about living on campus?

$100 of the housing deposit is forfeited with a cancellation received by the Residence Life office 30 days prior to the first day of class for that semester; cancellations after that date, will receive no refund.

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6. What if I'm not accepted to CSU?

You will receive a full refund of your housing deposit upon submitting proof that you were denied acceptance to the university.

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7. When can I move into housing?

Generally, check-in begins one week before classes begin for the semester. You will receive the exact date and time in the mail.

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8. What is included in the housing fee?

The Residence Life fee includes rent, all utilities, extended basic cable, basic furnishings and internet/e-mail access. A meal plan is required when residing in Residence Life.

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9. Do I have to have a meal plan?

Yes, CSU policy requires you to have a meal plan when residing in Residence Life.

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10. What is "Cougar Cash"?

This is a portion of some meal plans that offers flexibility and variety through a declining balance on your student ID card. The Cougar Cash can be used at any on-campus food establishment throughout the semester.

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11. How are assignments made?

Assignments are made on a first-come, first-serve basis, based on the date we receive your application and housing deposit. Residence Life reserves the right to re-assign students to other rooms and/or buildings if it is in the best interest of the overall program.

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12. Will I be able to live with a friend?

While every attempt will be made to accommodate mutual roommate requests, assignments are made in the following priority order:
1) date of receipt of application and housing deposit
2) specific requests of the applicant

Each applicant must indicate the mutual roommate request on their application.

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13. Is family housing available?

Yes, University Village is our family housing option. Those eligible must have lived in Residence Life for a minimum of two years, or twenty-five years of age or older, or a graduate student. It is possible for married couples with no dependents to live in one of our one-bedroom apartments, provided one of the parties is a full-time CSU student.

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14. Are the apartments co-ed?

No, with the exception of married couples, all apartments are gender specific. Additionally, buildings in Courtyard I are separated by gender.

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15. Can I have overnight guests?

Overnight guests, including Courtyard residents, must be registered with the Resident Assistant on duty. In addition, they must be approved to stay overnight by the Residence Life staff and the other residents of the apartment. You must complete an Overnight Guest Form. If this form is not completed, all non-residents must leave when visiting hours are over at midnight Sunday through Thursday, and 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

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16. Are there “Freshman Halls or Apartments?”

Traditional-aged freshmen (18-19 years old) are housed in Courtyard I on main campus or Broadway Crossing on the RiverPark campus. Both freshman housing areas are alcohol-free.

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17. Can freshmen have cars on campus?

Yes, each resident is allowed to have one car at Residence Life, regardless of classification.

In addition, Columbus State University has contracted with Zipcar to provide two automobiles available for rent by anyone, 18 or older, who becomes a Zipcar member. You may have already noticed two new, eco-friendly Zipcars parked in front of University Hall: a Honda Insight Hybrid and a Scion xB. To become a member, enroll at www.zipcar.com/ColumbusState.

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18. Can I have pets?

Due to health, safety, and sanitation problems, no pets are allowed in the apartments or on the grounds. Small aquariums (10 gallons or less) with fish may be used in an apartment, provided it is kept clean and free of leaks.

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19. Are other housing options offered other than RiverPark and main campus housing?

Be aware that many off-campus apartments are advertised as "student apartments" although there is no connection to CSU. No off-campus housing option offers the same combination of convenience, security and affordability. RiverPark campus and main campus housing are the only true university-operated apartments in Columbus.

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20. How can I become a Resident Assistant (RA)?

The RA is a vital part of a team devoted to achieving the objectives of the Residence Life program at Columbus State University. The duties of the RA are many and varied, requiring about 30 hours a month of his/her time. Residence Life holds several training sessions beginning in November of fall semester and continuing until RA interviews which are held in February of each spring semester. Applicants are encouraged to attend all selection workshops.

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