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Frequently Asked Questions

Clarkson University » Residence Life

Residence Hall Related FAQ

On-campus Dining Related FAQ

What are the dimensions of the dorm room?
The dimensions of the dorm room depend on which room you are assigned. If you live in the Quad (Cubley, Reynolds, Ross or Brooks), the dimensions are approximately 15'10" x 11'8". Hamlin-Powers rooms are approximately 16' x 11'8". Moore House rooms are approximately 11'8" x 18' with a height of approximately 8'3 1/2". Graham Hall, which consists of Wilson, VanNote, Donahue and Olson, have room dimensions approximately 12' x 14'. Finally, a room in Price Hall, which consists of Farrisee, Newell, Ormsby and Thomas, have room dimensions that are approximately 12' x 14'.

When can I move into my room?
All new students can move the Friday before school begins. Continuing students can move in Saturday or Sunday prior to the beginning of class.

What items should I not bring for my room?
Clarkson University's primary concern is that you do not bring stoves, halogen lamps, hot plates, air conditioners, incense or candles. For a list of items you should consider bringing to campus, please review the checklist

Are all rooms or apartments fully carpeted?
All rooms on campus are carpeted.

Am I allowed to bring a car, motorcycle or bicycle to campus?
Vehicles are allowed at Clarkson University. However, you are required to register and obtain a sticker in order for you to park your vehicle on campus. All vehicles are the owner's responsibility.

Do I need to bring my own telephone and television set?
Yes. All rooms and apartments are equipped with cable and telephone hook-ups; however, you need to bring your own telephone and television set.

Do I have to pay separately for the cable and telephone hook-ups?
No. The cost of the cable and telephone hook-ups is a part of the expenses that you pay for the room or apartment. STC Services is the official campus long-distance provider. A pre-activated PIN is provided to all residents to make local and long-distance calls from campus for a nominal charge. There is no charge for any calls made on campus. More information about telephone service can be found on the Office of Information Technology's telecommunications site.

Do I have a choice in selecting my roommate?
As first-year students, you are asked to fill out a "Roommate Survey" form so that Clarkson is able to match you with the appropriate roommate. However, if you are requesting another Clarkson first-year student, state each others name on the housing contract and the Residence Life staff will consider your request.

Are there any single rooms available to students?
Yes, there are single rooms available for upperclass students. These rooms are located in the Graham Complex residence hall and consist of 24 single rooms. Single occupancy rooms are available through the Housing Lottery held in the spring of each year.

If I live in an apartment, is there a kitchen available?
There is a kitchen available. However, these apartments are only open for upperclassmen and can be chosen through the Housing Lottery.

Are pets allowed in the residence halls or apartments?
No, pets are strictly forbidden in any residence hall or apartment at Clarkson University.

Can I take food from the dining hall back to my room for a midnight snack?
Because we offer unlimited seconds in our dining halls and offer continuous service, it is necessary that all food be eaten within the dining hall. You may take a piece of fruit or ice cream with you on your way out. If we allowed food to be taken from the dining rooms, the cost of food consumed would increase which would result in an increased cost to students.

$2,513 per semester is a lot of money for food - where does all that money go?
If all $2,513 were just spent on food, you would be dining on lobster, caviar and champagne. As you are aware, we're not that extravagant. Here's how your money is spent: Historically, the University uses about one-third of the money to pay for costs associated with operating the two dining halls, the food court, and the cart locations - heat, hot water, lights, custodial, physical improvements, maintenance care, replacement of equipment, etc. The remaining funds are divided among three major cost categories: food, labor and direct. In an average year, we spend 44% of our expenses on food, 46% on labor and 10% on direct (phone, laundry, china replacement, insurance, soaps, etc.).

Why can't my friend use my ID for dining hall meals when I'm out of town? Someone might as well use it since the meals are paid for.
Clarkson board rates are based on actual meals served rather on the number of outstanding contracts. By looking at our past experience with Clarkson students, we estimate the average number of meals each student will attend according to his or her meal plan each week. In other words, they are based on the fact that the average student will attend only a certain percentage of the meals served. If contracts were transferrable, we would have to increase the cost of the meal contract to cover the increased attendance.

Why do I have to present my ID every time I enter the dining room?
Your validated college ID is encoded to identify you and your appropriate meal plan. It is your authorization to enter the dining hall. You must present it each time, for two reasons: it provides us with statistical information used to determine future rates and track popular menu items.

If I use all my declining balance, can I purchase more?
Yes, you can. Just stop by the Campus Dining Office in Cheel basement or any cashier and purchase the extra credit. You may use cash or check (made payable to Clarkson University).

Can I purchase declining balance if I am not on a meal plan?
Anyone is welcome to take advantage of having a declining balance account and receive the value-added bonus!

If I lose my ID Card, what do I do?
Report your lost or stolen card immediately to the Dining Service Office. The credit on your card is like a wallet, so be careful! Campus Dining is not responsible for unauthorized usage of your card!

What happens if I don't use all my meals?
Unused meals do not carry over from week to week with the exception of the Knight and Tech plans, these meal plans are per semester. The meal plan week begins on Saturday and continues through Friday dinner. A checker can tell you how many meals you have left at any time.

Is a detailed statement of my account available?
All of your meal plan activity is downloaded into our computer system. Stop by the main office, which is located in the lower level of the Cheel Campus Center, if you would like a printout.

Is my declining balance account refundable or transferable?
Unused declining balance from a formal meal plan (gold, silver, bronze, knight, tech) does carry over from semester to semester but not from year to year. Any declining balance that is purchased above the price of a formal meal plan does carry over semester to semester (thru May), not year to year. It is nonrefundable and not transferable due to federal and state tax laws. This applies only to tax exempt (student) accounts.