Frequently asked questions

How and when will I receive my housing paperwork?

  • Once you have paid your enrollment deposit through the Office of Admissions, you will receive a Student Guide in the mail which includes information on housing options, deadlines, a housing application, and roommate preference form. For new students, all housing paperwork should be submitted through the Office of Admissions. Commuters, returning students, international students, or midyear applicants may request housing documents in person at the Spangler or Parsons offices, by e-mailing housing@stmartin.edu, or by calling (360) 412-6163.

What is the residency requirement?

  • All single undergraduate students are required to live on campus while enrolled for classes at Saint Martin’s University unless they:
  • Have reached junior status (60 or more hours of approved university credit which does not include Running Start credits) prior to registration for fall or spring semester classes;
  • Are twenty-one years of age or older on or before the last official day of registration for the fall semester;
  • Are residing at home within 30 miles of Saint Martin’s University with parent(s) or legal guardian(s);
  • Have lived in a university residence hall for four or more complete semesters;
  • Are taking eight or fewer credit hours during the semester in question.

International students, including English-as-a-second-language (ESL) students, must follow the same policy; however, they are granted the following exemptions:

  • They are living with a prearranged host family for the duration of their stay;
  • They have a letter of permission from their country’s embassy.

In all cases, an exemption form and proper documentation must be on file prior to registration for fall or spring semester classes.

What does it mean to have a 12-month contract?

  • During spring re-application, students selecting apartments have the option to reserve that space from May of that year through May of the following year. The 12-month contract rate includes the cost of the room for the fall and spring plus the full summer charge, regardless of whether the student leaves for any part of it.

What does it mean to have a community bathroom?

  • When planning for the construction of Parsons Hall, a group of students were included in conversations with the building design team. Based on their experiences in Baran Hall, these students insisted that community bathrooms were an important part of the freshmen bonding experience. Consequently, Parsons Hall includes between 3 and 5 community bathrooms per floor, each one serving between 12 and 16 first-year residents. Community bathrooms feature 3 separate areas: sinks and counters, toilet stalls, and private shower facilities.

How do residents do laundry on campus?

  • No quarters needed for laundry here! There are laundry facilities (washers, dryers, and folding tables) in each residence hall. Debit or credit cards are used to purchase and reload laundry cards from vending machines in Spangler and Parsons Halls. Money can be added to the laundry card as needed using a debit or credit card. When laundry time rolls around, just swipe the card!

How do I receive mail and packages while I’m at SMU?

  • SMU has its own mail service, fueled by a member of our monastic community. “Monk Mail” is delivered to the residence halls daily, except on holidays and during some break periods. If you receive a package, you will get a parcel slip in your box and will need to go to the mail room, Old Main 250, to pick up your package. Mailboxes will be assigned to all resident students when they arrive on campus each fall. Mailrooms are located in Spangler and Parsons Halls.

Can I change my room or roommate?

  • Living with a roommate is an essential part of the college experience and a great opportunity for personal growth. While we recognize that roommate conflicts can be challenging and do take room and roommate change requests seriously, we will also encourage students to take all reasonable steps to work through their differences before resorting to a change. As a general rule, no room changes are approved within the first two weeks of any semester, but we will utilize in-depth roommate agreements and provide mediation assistance when necessary. If other means of resolution have been unsuccessful, room change requests will be reviewed by an Assistant Director or Residence Director. No room changes are guaranteed, but if one is approved, a $25 fee will be assessed and the moving arrangements will be coordinated through the Office of Housing and Residence Life. Unapproved or improper room changes will result in a $50 fine and the residents’ return to their original assignments.

Can I have my own room?

  • All first-year students are housed with roommates unless accommodations are requested for a disability requiring a private room. For such accommodations to be considered, the student must have proper documentation and be registered with the Office of Disability Support Services; however, neither of these conditions guarantees that the request will be granted. Residents who will be returning to housing after attending SMU for a semester or more will have the opportunity to participate in room selection towards the end of the spring semester each year. At room selection, students will have the opportunity to select their own rooms, and many will be able to select a suite- or apartment-style single room (if eligible). Single rooms are limited, however, and are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Eligible residents interested in single rooms or apartments may be added to the waitlist for any building by visiting the Spangler or Parsons offices.

Do you have quieter or more thematic housing options?

  • Currently, there are three designated theme communities for students looking for a change of pace.
  • The first floor of Spangler Hall is a Health and Wellness community with a substance-free cluster towards the end of the hall. Programming will focus on exercise, healthy eating habits, emotional wellness, and more.
  • Parsons Hall’s third floor is a Quiet Community, perfect for those interested in peace, tranquility, reflection, and high academic achievement.
  • Finally, we have developed a “Bridge to Stewardship” for first-year students seeking a more intentional and community-focused experience. The third floor Parsons “bridge” will house students who’ve identified an interest in promoting and cultivating responsibility, leadership, civility, and respect.

If you are interested in any of these options or have suggestions for additional theme communities, please contact us!