Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to live in Student Housing?
   Monthly rent for double occupancy is $655.00 per month after the initial payment. Please refer to our payment schedule for more information.

2. Are there quiet areas to live in?
   Yes.  There are Quiet Hours Sunday - Thursday 10 pm - 8 am.  In addition, building 4 in Phase II is designated the "Scholars Corner." This area is composed of undergraduate students and is devoted to concentrated study with a 24-hour quiet policy in effect. Also, the Westside of Phase I is known as "The Neighborhood." This area is preferred by graduate students and older, non-traditional students because of its 24-hour quiet policy.

3. Is there an overnight guest policy?
   Overnight guests are permitted to stay 3 days (and no more than 6 nights in a calendar month) with the permission of all roommates in the apartment and must be registered at the Community Information Center in the Phase I Community Center. Residents will be charged the current daily rate for each night their guest(s) resides in the Housing Complex. All overnight guests must be of the same gender as the residents in the apartment and must comply with all Housing guidelines and regulations. Residents are responsible for the conduct of their guests and any damages caused by their actions.

4. What kind of social opportunities are there here?
   Programming is the heart and soul of Housing Services. Resident Assistants provide both educational, cultural and social programs to create a well-rounded experience for students living in Housing. The majority of the programs are free and many times include refreshments.

5. Can I move in early?
   Depending on the time of year and availability of space, early arrivals are welcomed. However, your request to move in early would need to be submitted in writing and additional fees would be required.

6. Can I choose my roommate?
   Depending on the availability of space, our goal is to accommodate roommate request.  If you know who you want to live with, simply indicate your 'preferred roommate' on your Housing application.  It is recommended that your preferred roommate list your name on their application.  Please note that the initial payment must be made by both parties.

7. Can I bring my own furniture?
   The apartments are fully furnished. If you have additional furniture you would like to bring, please check with the Housing Services Office. Please note that all University furniture must remain in the apartment.

8. Do you have a meal plan?
   Although we do not offer meal plans, our kitchens are equipped with a stove, refrigerator, and microwave, so that you can prepare your own meals. You may also choose to take advantage of the dining facility on campus or the restaurants and fast food eateries in the area.

9. Can I use Financial Aid? How much will Financial Aid cover? Will Financial Aid cover the initial payment?
   Yes, many students pay with their Financial Aid. The amount which Financial Aid will cover depends on how much aid you are awarded. Tuition and fees are deducted first, then the remainder is deducted for housing. Financial Aid will cover the initial payment if you have enough to cover the registration fees and the entire Fall Quarter. Please visit the Financial Aid Office if you have questions about Financial Aid.

10. Will I get my deposit back? What's the difference between a deposit and an initial payment?
    The initial payment includes the rent, deposit, application fee, and programming fee. There is a $100.00 deposit that you may get back provided no money is owed upon checkout.

11. What is the alcohol policy?
    A resident, 21 years of age or older, may possess and consume alcoholic beverages within his/her own residence. No person under the age 21 may be present in or admitted to a residence in which alcoholic beverages are being served or consumed, unless he/she is a resident thereof. No person may possess or consume alcoholic beverages in a residence unless he/she is a resident thereof and 21 years of age or older. Alcoholic beverages are not to be consumed in public areas, such as the Community Centers, recreation areas, balconies, sidewalks, etc. Problem behavior while under the influence of alcohol or other substances will not be tolerated.

12. If something breaks, am I responsible for it?
    Unless a specific individual can be identified, all residents are responsible for an equal portion of the items in and the condition of the apartment.

13. How do I get a phone line? Can I have my own phone? How about computers?
    The Phase II Office has all the information needed to arrange for a phone in your apartment. We are able to provide one phone line per resident. The number of phone lines available will depend on the current usage in your apartment and your individual needs.

14. How do I request a two-bedroom apartment?
    A limited number of two-bedroom apartments are available. We cannot ensure that you will be placed in a two-bedroom apartment, however, we encourage you to submit any special living preferences in writing with your application. Although we cannot guarantee preferred arrangements, we will do our best to honor your requests.

15. What is exactly covered in the rent?
    The amount includes: rent, trash collection, electricity, water, natural gas, and satellite TV.

16. How do I get a single?
    By filling out a "Single Request" form. Priority is given to Graduate students, then Seniors and Juniors, before the deadline. Check with the office for deadlines.

17. What about parking?
    Parking Lot 7A is designated for Student Housing residents only. A University Residential Permit is required and can be purchased from the Parking and Transportation Center only. Parking permits must be purchased every quarter.  For more information, please go to: http://www.calstatela.edu/univ/police/parking.htm

18. What if something happens and I have to move out?
    By signing your License Agreement, you enter into a legal agreement with the University. In the event a situation occurs that could cause you to be released from your contractual obligation, you will need to submit a "Request for Exception" explaining the nature of request at least 30 days before moving out. Determination will be based on established standards with appropriate verification.

19. Is smoking allowed in the apartments?
    a. As outlined in the California State University Los Angeles Administrative Procedures regarding the University Smoking Policy (#006) which references a concern for the health of all members of the University community, smoking is not permitted in all enclosed indoor areas on campus or in any building on campus, with the exception of specially posted smoking areas approved by the Risk Management and Environmental Health and Safety Director. This includes all inside environments and exterior areas that are encompassed by the building footprint. This includes open balconies, foyers, stairway landings, rooftops and pedestrian bridges between buildings that begin and end at the building entrance/exit.
    
    b. Smoking is prohibited within fifteen (15) feet of an outside entrance to a building, building opening (window, door, etc.) or mechanical ventilation system air-intake.
    
    c. There are two designated smoking areas in the housing complex. The first is located on the west side of the Phase II Quad near the metal benches behind Building 3. The second is located in the alcove adjacent to the access road by the stairs leading to Lot F.