Move-In FAQ
How do I know if I have been assigned to a Focused Interest Community (FIC)?
In addition to general assignments, there are FICs in each of our housing communities. You can look at the list below to see if you have been assigned to a particular FIC. Typically a FIC is filled with all students who have requested to be part of that community, but in some cases students with similar majors who did not make a specific request to that community are assigned to a FIC as well. All programs and events held within the FIC are voluntary, so participation is not required, but is often an excellent opportunity and very fulfilling and engaging experience.
Focused Interest Communities 2019-2020
First Year FICs
Bluff Hall
- Engineering - 101-121, 325-349; 375-399
- Honors - 250-274; 275-299
Prairie Hall
- Health Professionals - 200-224; 225-249
- Education - 101-116
- Social and Human Behavior - 350-374
Woodland Hall
- Business - 200-224
- Nursing - 300-324, 325-349
- Math and Science - 105-120
Upperclass FICs
Cougar Village
- Health Professionals - Building 519
- Transfer - Buildings 528, 529, 530, 531
Evergreen Hall
- Engineering - 103-107; 109-114
- Honors - 327-339
How do I know what to bring?
Visit What to Bring/What Not to Bring for a comprehensive list. And make sure to follow up with your roommates to check what they are bringing – you probably do not need two TVs in the residence hall.
Where can I find my building address?
All building addresses can be found at the building addresses webpage. The mailstop is provided on your assignment letter.
How does laundry work?
Each residence hall has a laundry room with both washers and dryers. The cost is $1.25/load for the washing machine and $1.25/load for the dryer. Students can pay using quarters or Cougar Bucks on their Cougar Card. Laundry detergent pods can be used.
How can I set-up my game console or wireless streaming device?
ITS can help you with all of your technology set-up questions, etc. The ITS Help Desk is 618-650-5500 or the website is siue.edu/its/students.
Is there anything going on for students the weekend before classes start?
Yes! The SIUE Experience is the second half of the orientation process and is held prior to the start of fall classes. Visit the SIUE Experience for more information.
Can I move into my assigned space early?
All early arrival requests must be submitted to the Associate Director of Housing for review and approval. An early move in request is a request by any student to move in before his/her designated move-in day as designated in his/her assignment email/letter. There is no guarantee you will be able to move into your assigned space early, regardless of the requested reason. We do our best to accommodate all students but we are also balancing preparing spaces for new residents, cleaning schedule, and staff availability.
- If a student wishes to move in before move-in day, the student must complete the Housing Early Arrival Request Form.
- Requests for fall semester will not be accepted after August 1. Early move-in requests are not accepted for spring semester. Requests for the summer term will not be accepted after May 1.
- If a student is permitted to move in early, the student will be assessed a daily fee based on the type of assigned space until his/her designated move-in day. This fee will be placed on the student’s account.
If you have any additional questions, please contact the Central Housing Office at (618) 650‑3931 or housing@siue.edu.
What is the overnight guest policy?
An overnight guest is defined as a person who is visiting in any living unit past 2 a.m. In Bluff, Prairie, and Woodland Halls, the appropriate paperwork must be submitted to host an overnight guest.
To have an overnight guest approved in Bluff, Prairie, or Woodland Hall, you must obtain a “Residence Hall Overnight Guest Registration” form from your front desk. The form must be completed and submitted either upon or before your guest(s) arrival on campus. You will need your roommate's signature on the form.
In all University Housing facilities, a maximum of two guests may be approved for the same night, with no more than two single guests in a single living unit per night. Guests will not be able to stay any more than three nights. Visit the Living Guide for additional information and more a comprehensive look at the overnight policy.
I am having issues with my roommate. How can I move rooms?
Roommate conflict can be difficult and uncomfortable to deal with. However, there are benefits to experiencing conflict; these situations provide us with opportunities to strengthen our communication skills, better understand our values, and learn to compromise and negotiate. All of these are necessary, real-world skills. Space changes are a last resort in dealing with roommate conflict. However, space changes are considered after three weeks into the beginning of the semester. Contact your RA for more information about the space change process.
When can I rent my textbooks?
Visit Textbook Rental for information.
I am living in a FIC. What should I expect about living in this type of community?
First, congratulations! Living in a FIC (pronounced as a word: “fik”)is a valuable opportunity. Your RA (Resident Assistant) will be knowledgeable about the topic of your FIC, and likely have some experience in similar courses or organizations. Some programs in your wing will be connected to the FIC topic and, as a resident, you will have a voice in those programs.
Faculty members also are an essential part of each FIC. You will have the opportunity to interact with faculty members who are knowledgeable about the FIC topic and may even be faculty members in your area of study. When possible, you may take a class that connects to the topic of the FIC and is a course requirement for your academic program.
What I am required to do as a member of a FIC?
Like many other programs and activities, your level of involvement will greatly impact your success and satisfaction with your FIC. Successful members participate in majority of events sponsored by and for the community. By voicing your input, sharing your own knowledge, and assisting in planning programs and events, you take part in creating the FIC experience for yourself and other residents. As a responsible and active community member, you will see the positive impact in your community.
Some final thoughts
Be on the lookout for red flyers! That is how we will communicate important information to you. This may include contract information, safety updates, and more. If you see a red flyer, do not ignore it.
