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College of Arts & Sciences

Residence Life for New Students

Frequently Asked Questions About Campus Housing

  1. What is the $150 Housing Security Deposit?
  2. What is provided in my room?
  3. What items should I plan to bring?
  4. What should I leave at home?
  5. What about my mail?
  6. What phone and data access is available in the residences?
  7. What about laundry?
  8. Odds and Ends...
  9. What is the housing assignment process timeline?
  10. I'm in a triple room. When will I get the discount?
  11. Can I move in earlier than August 25 (students working on campus) or August 26 (beginning of Welcome Week)?
  12. Can I see my room sometime this summer?
  13. I am a freshman and need my car. Who do I talk to?
  14. Can a New Transfer Student request to live with a friend that is a current Bethel student?

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 $200 Enrollment Deposit you have already paid to Bethel University Office of Admissions. These are two separate refundable deposits if canceled prior to May 1.

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What is provided in my room?

All rooms include:

Bed Dresser
Desk
Chair
Carpet
Drapes
Shower curtain
(if applicable)
Toilet paper
Mattress Pad

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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 upright or chest freezers allowed.

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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, with the exception of fish, are not allowed in any college residence. Fish must be kept in aquariums not to exceed a 10-gallon capacity.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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What is the housing assignment process timeline?

  • Housing applications are date-stamped upon completion online for priority during room placement. An application is complete and activated when the $150 Security Deposit is received in the Office of Residence Life.
  • Roommate selection will be available online during May.  Roommate requests are submitted through MyHousing.  Requests must be mutual and both students must have an activated Housing Application to participate.  Residence Life notifies students through their Bethel email when Roommate Selection is active.  This is the only time when a roommate can be requested.
  • The room assignment process instructions are sent to all students with an activated housing application on file.  Watch your Bethel email for detailed instructions later this spring.

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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.

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Can I move in earlier than August 25 (students working on campus) or August 26 (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 25 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 26. 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.

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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.

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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.

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Can a New Transfer Student request to live with a friend that is a current Bethel student?

  • Yes.  You will not have the option to submit roommate requests directly on the Apply for Housing application.
  • Once the New Student housing application has been completed, contact the Residence Life office at 651.638.6445.  The Housing Coordinator will make the necessary adjustments for you to be able to participate on the Returning Student Room Draw.
  • An activated application must be completed by Friday, March 12th to participate in the process with returning students.

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