Residence Life for New Students

Frequently Asked Questions About Campus Housing

What is the $150 Housing Security Deposit?
What is provided in my room?
What items should I plan to bring?
What should I leave at home?
What about my mail?
What phone and data access is available in the residences?
What about laundry?
Odds and Ends...
What is the housing assignment process timeline?
I'm in a triple room. When will I get the discount?
Can I move in earlier than August 27 (students working on campus) or August 28 (beginning of Welcome Week)?
Can I see my room sometime this summer?
I am a freshman and need my car. Who do I talk to?

What is the $150 Housing Security Deposit?

This is a security deposit that is paid when you live in a Bethel residence hall. The deposit remains on file until you graduate or withdraw from Bethel if the terms of your Housing Agreement are met. The deposit can be forfeited if the agreement is broken prior to cancellation dates.

Cancellation deadline dates for breaking the Housing Agreement are:
        May 1 to cancel the fall start of the agreement
        December 1 to cancel the interim/spring portion of the agreement
        January 1 to cancel or break the spring portion of the agreement

Note: The Housing Security Deposit is not to be confused with the $150 Enrollment Deposit you have already paid to Bethel University Office of Admissions. These are two separate refundable deposits if canceled prior to May 1.

What is provided in my room?

All rooms include:

Bed

Dresser

Desk

Chair

Carpet

Drapes

Shower curtain
(if applicable)

Toilet paper

Mattress Pad

What items should I plan to bring?

Pillow

Sheets (80 inches, extra-long twin)

Blankets and/or bedspread

Floor and desk lamps

Clock

Hangers

Wastebasket

Microwave

Towels

Those living in Fountain Terrace or North Village residences should also bring dishes and kitchen utensils; this is also optional for those living in sophomore residences (Arden Village East & West, Lissner).

Optional Items:

Personal music playing devices

Toasters

Televisions

Coffee makers

Irons/boards

Fans

Dorm-sized refrigerator (no larger than 4.3 cu. ft., no more than 70 watts)

What should I leave at home?

Because of the risk of fire, we ask that you please do not bring:

halogen lights
non-grounded (two-pronged) extension cords or power strips
candles
incense

Pets are also prohibited.

What about my mail?

All mail should be addressed to:

Bethel University #_____
3900 Bethel Drive
St. Paul, MN 55112

You will receive a P.O. number when you arrive on campus.

What phone and data access is available in the residences?

Each room includes a regular phone equipped with voice mail and messaging but no long-distance service. Cell phones may be used.
Computer facilities are in each building, and all rooms are wired (High Speed Ethernet Internet). North Village apartments provide wireless internet, but are not wired like other halls.

What about laundry?

Laundry facilities are available in each residence hall. Laundry cards are needed to operate the machines and can be purchased in the Campus Store. Each load costs $0.75 to wash and $0.75 to dry.

Odds and ends...

A typical residence hall room size is 15' x 11'.
Posters and pictures may be attached to the walls with removable 3M adhesive, thumb tacks, or pins.
In freshman housing, air conditioning is found in Getsch, Edgren, and Bodien residences. Nelson has an air ventilator system to provide a better flow of air.

What is the housing assignment process timeline?

Housing applications are date-stamped upon completion online. An application is complete and activated when your $150 Security Deposit is received in the Office of Residence Life.
Roommate requests must be submitted through the “MyHousing” page. Requests must be mutual, and both students must have an activated Housing Application before this step can be completed. The Office of Residence Life will email you in the spring when the roommate selection period is active. This is the only time roommates can be requested.
The room assignments begin on June 1 on a first-come, first-served basis using your date-stamped application.
After July 1, placements will be completed and ready to be viewed on your “MyHousing” page. Residence hall assignment, room number, and roommate information will be accessible at this time.

I’m in a triple room. When will I get the discount?

On the 10th day of classes, the 25 percent credit will be applied to your student account. This does not apply to larger corner rooms with three occupants.

Can I move in earlier than August 27 (students working on campus) or August 28 (beginning of Welcome Week)?

Only those involved in football, volleyball, cross country, or soccer will be able to move in earlier than these dates. Your coach will contact you regarding your team arrival date and move-in time. Students working on campus may be asked to arrive on August 27 for a training day. You will be notified by the office you are working for if you are required to be involved in this training day. All other students will move in August 28. You will be notified of your residence hall’s specific move-in time in your Welcome Week brochure sent this summer. Any special circumstances must be approved through the housing coordinator or associate dean of residence life.

Can I see my room sometime this summer?

Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate showings of your room prior to moving in. Our residence halls are occupied with summer conference groups and student housing.

I am a freshman and need my car. Who do I talk to?

Freshmen and sophomores may not have a car on campus unless there is an appeal and special ruling through the Office of Security and Safety. To appeal, call the Office of Security and Safety at 651.638.6055.