Housing How-To: Frequently Asked Questions

Residents are encouraged to make campus their home away from home, and to live in community with other students. In order to facilitate the development of community and cooperation, all community members share responsibility and accountability for knowledge and adherence to policies and procedures.

What should I bring to college?

Residents are encouraged to personalize and make their room a “home away from home.” Please keep in mind that you will be rooming with another student and space is limited. Suggested items to bring are:

• Bedding (mattress cover, sheets, pillows, comforter)
• Towels and washcloths
• Shower caddy, shower shoes/flip flops
• Toiletries, tissues, toilet paper (TP provided in Phase III)
• Cleaning supplies (for room and bathroom), small vacuum
• Small microwave (under 700W), mini-fridge (max 2 amps/ 4 cubic feet), coffee pot
• TV (small/medium size)
• Alarm clock
• First-aid, flashlight, batteries
• Computer, printer, surge protector
• Office/school supplies, backpack
• Small fan, lamp
• Clothes (nice outfit for interviews, speaker events, & career fair)
• Laundry bag or basket, hangers, detergent
• Umbrella, rainwear
• Prescriptions, Insurance Card, Family Physician's phone number
• Trash can and liners
• Posters, pictures, room decor, tension rod for curtains
• Cards, Dominoes and other games

What size are the beds on campus?

• F-Halls: Twin
• New Pride: Twin
• Phase II: XL Twin
• Phase III: XL Twin
• Prairie Crossing: Full
• Pride Rock: XL Twin
• Whitley: XL Twin

What items should I leave at home?

• Weapons (even for hunting purposes)
• Candles, incense, potpourri pots, oil lamps, wax burners, candle warmers
• Multi-plug adapters
• Fireworks
• Extension Cords
• Electric blanket/space heaters
• Electric balance/hover boards
• Motorized scooters (unless they can be left outside)
• String Lights
• Pets (one 10 gallon tank with fish allowed)
• Hotplates (other appliances with exposed heating elements)
• Toasters, toaster ovens, rice cookers, crock pots, deep fryers
• Traffic signs
• Wireless router
• Drugs, alcohol, drug paraphernalia, shot glasses, etc
• Halogen Lamps
• Refrigerators more than 2 amps and/or 4 cubic feet in size
• Microwaves over 700W
• Coffee pots that are not single serve and/or do not automatically shut off
• Any other type of appliance not listed

Who will be responsible for me during my stay at East Texas A&M?

Personal responsibility is one of the most important lessons that can be learned at college. All students are considered adults and will be treated accordingly by all University staff. Residential Living and Learning will strive to connect students to the many resources available for students to accomplish their goals. Students must take an active part in their academic and personal success by letting our staff know if they need assistance in a particular area.

Is a room or residence hall change possible?

If a resident is interested in living in another room or building on campus, they are welcome to use the Room Swap function in the housing application until mid-August. After that, the Waitlist opens in the myLeo housing portal and residents can put their name on one waitlist. If a spot becomes available in the desired hall, we will contact the student on the waitlist.

If students have a roommate or facility concern, they should contact their hall staff for assistance instead of using the waitlist to move.

What is the visitation policy?

Guests are defined as any person who does not live within the same assigned space. This includes other students/residents, or non-students. Residents are permitted to host guests within their assigned space and should follow the guidelines listed below:

1. Hosts are responsible for the behavior of their guest(s) at all times and are obligated to inform their guest(s) of all University and Residential Living and Learning Community Standards. Violation of any policy/procedure by a guest may result in disciplinary action being taken against both the guest and host
2. Guests must be escorted by their host at all times. This includes but is not limited to: entering and exiting the building; the usage of bathrooms (buildings with common area restrooms); as well as leaving guests alone within the residence hall. Guests found without their host will be escorted out of the building.
3. Overnight guests must secure the permission of the roommate within 72 hours prior to the guests’ arrival, and are only permitted to stay two consecutive or nonconsecutive days within a 15 day period.
4. Cohabitation is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to: keeping clothing and other personal effects within the room, sleeping overnight in the assigned space on a regular basis and usage of the restroom facilities as if they resided within the room.

Extension or suspension of visitation privileges for an individual, a floor or an entire residence hall may be issued by RLL with just cause.

Who is responsible for my property?

Although precautions are taken to maintain adequate security, the University cannot assume responsibility for the loss of or damage to student possessions (due to water leaks, fire, theft, etc.). Students or their parents are encouraged to carry appropriate insurance to cover such losses. Residents are encouraged to keep doors closed and locked with the room key in their possession. Other suggestions for protecting valuables include having a lock box, engraving the name, etc., on items of value, not leaving money or jewelry out in the open, and promptly reporting maintenance concerns.

What safety measures are taken in the residence halls?

Security Precautions:

• The East Texas A&M University Police Department regularly patrols the entire campus, including residence hall areas.
• The hall desk staff are available to assist residents 24 hours a day in the traditional-style halls and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day in the apartments.
• For the safety of the residents, there are fire, theft, weather, and other procedures. These procedures are explained to the residents and are included in the Residence Life Handbook.

Are there any special meal plan requirements for beginning undergraduate students?

Yes, because East Texas A&M is committed to its students and believes that it is responsible for the physical, mental, and emotional well being of every student, the University requires all single, beginning undergraduate students living on campus are required to purchase a designated meal plan for first-year students for the full academic year. However, this policy only applies to students who are starting college the same year as their date of graduation from high school and are choosing to live on campus. Second-year students who live on campus are also required to choose from one of the two designated meal plans. Meal plans are optional for other classifications. Meal plans are sold for the entire academic year (fall and spring) and are not transferable to another student.

How do I get my service animal or emotional support animal approved to live in the halls?

Students with a service animal or emotional support animal are required to contact Student Disability Services to get the animal approved before the animal is brought into the residence halls. Students may start the process by emailing [email protected].

Do I need approval to move off campus during the semester?

All housing and meal plan contracts are for both Fall and Spring terms, so students must submit a Contract Release Request if they wish to cancel the contract. Due to the nature of the contracts, most requests are denied, so students should not make alternate plans to live off campus until they have received an approved request. The Contract Release Request can be found under Other Apps in the myLeo housing portal.

Are wireless routers allowed in the halls?

The use of routers is not allowed in the residence halls.

What are the dimensions of the living spaces available?

Here is a list of the dimensions of the on-campus housing buildings: Room Dimensions by Halls

How Do I Submit a Maintenance Request?

• If you need to report a facilities or custodial issue, please sign on to your myLEO.
• myLEO> Apps > Residential Living and Learning > Room Maintenance
• Select My Jobs (for my room) or Shared Jobs (for shared spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens, living room, etc…)
• Once you have selected your job, type Click New Job.
• From the room drop-down, select My Room or Shared Rooms.
• Select your room number.
• Fill in the description, the cause, and comment, and select Save.
• Your work order has now been submitted. Check your myLEO email for updates on your request.

For the following issues:

• WIFI/Internet Issues:
• Contact IT at [email protected] or 903.468.6000.
• Internet:
• Apogee 24 HR support:
  Text “resnet” to 84700
  Email: [email protected]
  Phone: 855.377.4160
• Washer/Dryer Issues:
• Please scan the QR code provided on each machine to submit a service request through C&G (Caldwell & Gregory).
• Electricity Shutting Off:
• Unplug appliances when not in use or move some appliances to another electrical socket.

What is the Concealed Carry and Storage policy?

Any resident of campus housing who is a handgun license holder and wants to store a handgun in his/her assigned room must provide their own safe, intended and manufactured for handgun storage.

The resident may not provide access to their safe to any other individual.

Failure to comply with this rule may result in removal from campus housing and participation in the university conduct process.

Can I Cancel My Housing Contract?

The housing and meal plan contract is binding for the entire academic year (fall and spring semesters) or any remaining portion of the contract if signed after the start of the fall semester.

If a student has an extreme extenuating circumstance, they may complete the Contract Release Request form to request a contract cancellation. Please note that the following situations are not considered extreme or extenuating and are therefore rarely approved:

• Taking online courses or taking face-to-face courses 1-2 days a week.
• Deciding to commute from the home of parents/guardians after start of contract.
• Circumstances that can be addressed with roommate mediation or room/hall change.
• Not using the meal plan because a student does not enjoy the food or has a busy schedule.
• Wanting to use financial aid for bills other than education (ex. car payment, cell phone, group dues).
• Not taking time to understand the financial aid/scholarship package prior to entering the contract, resulting in an outstanding balance.
• Getting married in the middle of the housing contract period.

If a student withdraws or graduates from the university, a Contract Release Request will be approved.

Steps to Complete Contract Release Request

1. myLEO > Apps > Other Apps
2. Select Contract Release Request
3. Complete request, upload a letter and supporting documentation

Housing Use Charges/Refund Schedule

The Housing Contract is binding for the entire Academic Year (Fall and Spring Semesters) or any remaining portion thereof if the Contract is signed after the start of classes of the Fall semester. If the Student terminates this Contract for the Fall or Spring semester, the Student will be responsible for the following Housing Use Charges:

(A) CHARGES FOR THE FALL SEMESTER:

• If cancelled through the application or in writing on/before May 15 – No Charge
• If cancelled May 16 to July 15 – $300 Charge
• If cancelled July 16 – August 15 – $600 Charge
• If cancelled August 16th (or after move in) – 100% of Fall Semester Housing Charges

(B) CHARGES FOR THE SPRING SEMESTER

(Fall Assigned Students Only)
Students who cancel this Contract after they have moved in for the Fall are subject to 100% of the Spring semester Housing Use Charges.

(C) CHARGES FOR THE SPRING SEMESTER

(New Spring Assigned Students Only)

• If cancelled prior to January 1st – No Charge
• If cancelled January 2nd to January 10th – $600
• If cancelled after January 10th – 100% of Spring Semester Housing Use Charges

Please review full housing contract terms on our main page under the Resources section.

Can I live in Non-Affiliated Off-Campus Housing?

Non-affiliated off-campus housing is only available for students who are not required to live in University-owned on-campus housing. East Texas A&M University does not endorse any specific property. The non-affiliated properties may also provide accommodations to the greater Commerce community.

Can I request flexible housing?

using option is reflective of housing opportunities available to students off campus where they can select roommates of choice. Flexible Housing is not intended for romantic couples.

Students may apply for Flexible Housing on the main screen of the myLeo Housing Portal after they have completed their Academic Year 26-27 Housing Contract. If selected, students will be sent further instruction on how to select a room when their lottery-generated time slot opens.

Conditions to Apply:

To be part of Flexible Housing:

1. Apply for 2026-2027 housing
2. Complete the Flexible Housing application in the myLeo Housing Portal

Contact: [email protected]