Housing FAQs

Housing assignments are made on a first come, first served basis according to when the housing application and deposit were received. No assignments will be made until both are received.

We are not able to guarantee any specific room or building to new students, but will make every effort to accommodate preferences of students. Getting your deposit and questionnaire in early increases your chances of getting your top choice. Keep in mind that residence halls that are popular with new students are also popular with returning students. If you’re not familiar enough with the residence halls, you may wish to visit the campus. Tours can be arranged through the Admissions office by calling (706)233-7319. Please allow one week advance notice for a tour. Also, you may see below for specifics about the residence halls.

We use the information provided by you on the housing questionnaire to identify pairs of roommates who will be compatible. After initial assignments are made, results are available electronically in the student’s university issued Scholar account. It is important to note that early application for housing may also impact roommate matching. Fewer roommate options are available for late applicants, and it becomes more difficult to match students based on personal preferences at that point.

The housing questionnaire provides a space for you to request a preferred roommate. The requests will be honored only when both students have requested each other in writing. A room assignment cannot be made until both roommates have paid the deposit and returned their questionnaires. The Office of Residence Life is not always able to honor preferred roommate requests.

There are a limited number of single rooms available on campus. These rooms are assigned on a first come, first served basis. In most cases, all available single rooms are assigned to returning students during the Spring sign-up period. New students should anticipate having a roommate for at least their first year on campus.

Shorter University requires all full-time students to live in campus residence halls unless married, living with parents, 23 years of age, or having received written authorization from the Vice President for Student Affairs due to special circumstances. Living on campus provides students with more opportunities to interact with faculty and friends, get involved in campus activities, access campus resources, and increase the likelihood of his or her overall success.

Questions about living on campus should be directed to the Office of Residence Life at 706-233-7312. Completed housing questionnaires should be sent to: The Office of Admissions, 315 Shorter Avenue, Rome, GA 30165. The deposit should be returned to the Admissions Office along with your Intent to Enroll form.

Please visit our Residence Halls page to see photos of the residence halls.

All first year students are required to purchase an unlimited meal plan. The main dining hall on campus will be open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. each day, and students with the unlimited meal plan may enter the dining hall as many times as they wish during those hours. After a student completes one full year, he/she may opt for the 15 meal plan option. Only students in apartment housing (which includes a kitchen inside his/her room) may opt for the 10 meal plan option.

The office of residence life does not permit any type of loft system in the residence halls.

At no time may the furniture provided in the assigned room be removed.  It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that the provided furniture remains in the room at all times.  Lost or stolen items are the responsibility of the students assigned to the room.

Resident assistants will perform a health and safety inspection once per month in all residence hall rooms and off-campus apartments. The first inspection per semester will be announced. All subsequent inspections will not be announced. Residents need not be present for a health and safety inspection to be performed. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that their room meets basic cleanliness and safety requirements.

Health and safety violations include, but are not limited to, the following: prohibited items (such as weapons, drugs or alcohol, drug or alcohol paraphernalia, sexually-explicit materials, pets, candles or appliances with exposed heating elements, etc.), overloaded electrical outlets, unauthorized loft, less than twelve inches clearance between heat pump and furniture, bathroom exhaust vent covered, inflammables (paints, lighter fluids, etc.), smoke detector missing or damaged, furniture missing or damaged, or excessively dirty (trash, inadequate cleaning, etc). Students will be given up to twenty-four hours to correct a violation, at which time a follow-up inspection will be performed. Prohibited items will be removed immediately and may result in disciplinary action. Failure to comply with health and safety regulations may result in loss of housing privileges.

You should contact the Office of Residence Life at 706-233-7315.