Residence Life at Union University

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What is Residence Life at Union?

The Residence Life experience at Union University offers many opportunities to develop in faith, learning, and life. Residence Life is a unique blend of top rate residence facilities and a Christ-centered, people-focused community. While academics are the priority, we understand that students' experiences outside the classroom are also significant to their development in college.

The Residence Life team is focused on providing a cohesive living-learning experience, and each team member is committed to serving students. The Residence Directors (RDs) live on-campus in the residence complexes and are regularly available to students. Each RD focuses on a designated group of residential students and leads a team of Resident Advisors. The Resident Advisors (RAs) are student leaders who are chosen to invest in their peers through relationships and programming.

What are RDs and RAs?

A Residence Director (RD) is a professional staff member who lives on campus in the Residence Complex and plays an essential role on the Student Life team. Each RD supervises a complex of residential students and leads a team of Resident Advisors (RAs), student paraprofessional staff who are available to their residents.

The purpose of a RA is to serve as a peer resource, role model, counselor, and friend who promotes resident student development and community life consistent with the mission and policies of Union University.

Are Union students required to live on campus?

Union University is a residential campus that requires all unmarried, full-time, undergraduate students to live on-campus. The residential experience is a valuable part of a student's education. It provides students with unique opportunities in the areas of educational, social, cultural, spiritual and service-oriented development.

Students who wish to live off-campus must meet one of the following qualifications and indicate it on their Request for Approval to Live Off-Campus form (available on our website, under the Resources tab):

  • Student will be living at home with his/ her parent(s) or guardian
  • Student will be at least 21 years old on or before September 1 of the academic year for which he/ she is requesting to live off-campus
  • Student has an extreme health condition and a doctor's mandate for living off-campus
  • Student is a part-time student
  • Student is married

May I request a Residence Complex?

Yes. Students are welcome to request a desired complex. Due to limited space available, freshmen are placed in housing based on the date of their Housing Deposit. Transfer students will be placed in the Quads or with students of like age or college classification, unless they request otherwise. Residence Directors place returning students in the Quads, unless otherwise notified.

The residential experience at Union has been designed to foster community among groups of students. Freshmen live primarily in Heritage Residence Complex, where the programming and training is focused on first year experience. A portion of the freshmen will live in the Ayers Quad due to limited space available. Upperclassmen live primarily in the Quads.

What should I do if I live off campus but would like to move on campus?

Housing Sign-up forms are available at the Commons or the Office of Residence Life in the Barefoot Student Union Building. Housing sign-ups are generally toward the end of the spring semester.

If you are interested in moving on campus before the next academic year begins, contact the Office of Residence Life. We will be aware of any vacancies on campus and can connect you with the appropriate Residence Director at that time.

What is the cost of housing this year?

For a complete list of tuition and housing costs, please see the tuition and fees link on the Resources page of the Residence Life website.

Are residential students required to have a meal plan?

Yes, all residential students will be assigned a 100 meal plan. View the current meal plan prices.

I will have a scholarship to cover my housing expenses. Do I still need to pay a housing deposit?

Yes, all students are required to pay the $100 housing deposit prior to being placed in University housing. You can pay your deposit through Undergraduate Admissions at 731.661.5100.

Should I get insurance for my personal belongings?

Before moving on campus, please take note that Union University's property insurance will not cover students' personal property. Union strongly recommends that students obtain renter's insurance. Students should check their parents' homeowner's insurance as it sometimes covers students' property while at college.

May I return to campus early after breaks?

Students may return early from the summer and January breaks for an early arrival fee of $50, plus a $10 charge for each night you will be on campus prior to the complex opening for regular operation.

There is no charge for students who are returning early for University purposes. Faculty and staff are responsible for submitting the names of all students in their groups at least two weeks prior to their return on the Early Arrival form (found on the Resources tab of the Residence Life website).

Who do I contact about a room change?

We encourage students to live in the same apartment for the full academic year. Although we understand that there are situations that make it necessary to change rooms before that time. If you would like to discuss the possibility of changing rooms because of roommate conflict, please contact your RD after you have made an effort to resolve the situation among your roommates. If your request is for reasons outside of roommate conflict, feel free to discuss this with your RD at your earliest convenience.

Are laundry facilities available on campus?

Each of the apartments in the Quads is equipped with a washer/ dryer unit. McAfee Commons has laundry facilities for students living in Heritage Residence Complex.

Where is the Post Office on campus located?

The University's Post Office is located in the Barefoot Student Union Building across from the Campus Ministries Office. It is easily accessible from the parking lot located between the SUB and the Grace Quad. The Post Office is open Monday-Friday from 8:30am- 4pm.

What is the mailing address of a student living on campus?

Each residential student will receive a box in the mail room, so their address will be the following:

Student's Name
Box ______
1050 Union University Dr.
Jackson, TN 38305

Is parking accessible for all residential students?

There is ample parking for residential students. There are three main parking lots near the Residence Complexes: one to the West of the Quads on Walker Road, another connects the Quads and Heritage Complexes, and the last is to the East of Heritage Residence Complex.

For additional information about parking on campus, please refer to the Safety & Security website.

Where can I get a parking permit?

Parking permits are distributed at the Safety and Security Office in the Barefoot Student Union Building.

What is Focus week?

Focus week is Union's New Student Orientation that helps new students learn about the Union community and get acclimated to campus life. New students (including freshmen and residential transfers) arrive on campus a few days prior to returning students. During this time they participate in helpful and entertaining sessions.

For more information about Focus week, please refer to the New Student Orientation website.

What should I do if I get sick?

The Health Services clinic is located in the Barefoot Student Union Building and is equipped to assist students with minor illnesses and injuries. For more information regarding services, please see the Health Services website.

During fall and spring semesters, the Clinic is open Monday- Friday from 8:00 am- 11:45 am and 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm (when classes are in session). The clinic is closed on Fridays between 10:00 am- 11:00 am for chapel. Summer and January term hours will be posted at the Health Clinic during those terms.

Moving In Questions

What is provided in the apartments and bedrooms?

For a complete list of the furniture and appliances provided in Heritage Residence Complex and The Quads, please refer to "General Information & What to Bring."

What should I bring?

  • Bedding for a standard twin-sized mattress. If you will live in Heritage Residence Complex (with the exception of Dodd and Grey), please note that beds are approximately 17" off the floor and 3 of the 4 corners of the bed are against a wall or desk.
  • Computer
  • TV
  • DVD player
  • Telephone (only students living in Heritage)
  • General supplies: toilet paper, vacuum, broom, mop, cleaning supplies, wastebaskets, laundry detergent, dishes, pots and pans, iron and ironing board, flashlight, small first aid kit, weather radio, etc.
  • Appliances: toaster (or toaster oven), cutting board, coffee maker, blender, etc.
    • Students living in Heritage will need to bring a microwave. Microwaves are provided in The Quads.
  • Decorations: View the measurements (windows, closets, and storage space) for your building. Please use a size 4 finishing nail (or smaller) to hang décor on your walls. No screws, putty or tape should be used on the walls at any time.
  • Please note: The showers in The Quads are standing showers, which are shorter in length than a tub. If you prefer to bring a decorative shower curtain, a standard sized curtain will work well. (A plastic shower curtain will be provided in all apartments.)

What items are prohibited?

  • Pets of any kind (including fish)
  • Candles, incense, candle warmers
  • Firearms, weapons, air-soft guns, paintball guns, sling shots, fireworks, water balloons
  • Deep fryers
  • Tobacco of any kind, hookah pipes
  • Alcohol or illegal substances of any kind
  • Immodest clothing
  • Halogen lamps
  • Screws, large nails or anything that would puncture the walls (size 4 nails are to be used)

For more information please refer to the Residence Life section of the Campus Life Handbook.

Can residential students have pets?

Pets and other animals (including fish) are not permitted within the residence complexes for any reason, even temporarily. This includes pets of visiting family or friends.

May I decorate my room?

Absolutely! The University's apartments and bedrooms may be decorated within University guidelines and in such a way that reflects Union's five Community Values: worth of each individual, self-discipline, personal integrity, respect for community authority, and respect for property and the environment. The following are a few guidelines that enable students to personalize their apartments, while at the same time avoiding any damage to the apartment. Any questions about appropriate décor may be directed to reslife@uu.edu.

  • Curtains are welcome. All curtains and shower curtains must be hung with tension rods. Union provides venetian blinds for all windows in the residence complexes. You can view the measurements for your building at www.uu.edu/studentservices/residencelife.
  • Picture frames and other wall décor can be hung with size 4 finishing nail or smaller. No screws, putty or tape should be used on the walls at any time.
  • Each apartment is fully furnished, but if you would like to bring additional furniture you are welcome to do so. Additional furniture is limited to a table and chairs, one living room chair, and an entertainment center. Please note that none of the Union furniture may be taken out of the apartment at any time. City fire codes demand easy entrance/exit to the apartment. For a complete list of furniture provided in the apartments, please see "General Information & What to Bring" on the Residence Life Website.
  • Apartment walls may not be painted or wallpapered.
  • Drawers may be lined with non-sticky drawer liner, although counter tops and desks are not to be covered in contact paper.
  • Candles, incense, halogen lamps, and live Christmas trees/ garland are prohibited due to fire hazard.
  • Road signs, business signs, and permanent decals are not to be placed anywhere in the apartment.

How big is my apartment? my bedroom?

For measurements of your bedroom, bedroom and living room windows, closet, and storage, please refer to "Measurements for Heritage Residence Complex and The Quads".

Is the furniture moveable?

All furniture in the Quads, Warmath, and Dodd and Grey in Heritage is freestanding and moveable.

Bedroom furniture (bed, desk, shelves, and closet) in Heritage Residence Complex is built into the room (with the exception of Dodd and Grey). The four-drawer chests are freestanding in all apartments in Heritage.

What size are the beds?

All beds and mattresses on campus are the standard twin size.

Do the Residence Complexes have WiFi?

All main buildings, including residential building, on Union's campus are equipped with WiFi. Each bedroom is also equipped with an internet port if you prefer to use the land line to connect.

Will I have cable television in my apartment?

Yes! Each apartment is equipped with cable in the living room. Heritage Residence Complex has cable ports in each bedroom as well.

Will I have telephone service in my bedroom?

Each bedroom in Heritage Residence Complex has a phone line, which can make on or off campus calls. (We suggest that you use a calling card to make long distance calls.)

Bedrooms in the Quads do not have phone lines. There will be phones available to all students in both Commons.

How can I make a long distance phone call?

Students may use a calling card to place a long distance phone call from their bedrooms (only students in Heritage Residence Complex) or the Commons.

How do I connect to the campus computer system and what services are provided?

If you have a laptop, you will be able to connect to Union's wireless network (UU_Wireless) in any of the major buildings on campus, including the Residence Complexes. If you have a desktop computer, you can use an Ethernet cable in your bedroom to plug into the internet and Union's network.

Where can I keep my bicycle?

There are bike racks near each residential building on campus, as well as the main entrances of each academic and administrative building. During holiday breaks, students are responsible for storing their bikes appropriately. If any bikes are left on campus after May graduation they become Union property and will be donated to the U Ride bike sharing program.

Policy Questions

Is smoking allowed on campus?

Union University is a smoke-free campus. Use of tobacco in any form is prohibited on all of Union's campus.

What are "open visitation hours" and when are they?

Open visitation hours are the times in which individuals of the opposite sex are permitted to be in the Residence Complexes. Mixed gender visitation is not allowed at any other time in the week.

Open visitation hours are Friday 2pm-10pm, Saturday 2pm-10pm, and Sunday 12pm- 6pm.

What is the drug/alcohol policy?

The purchase, possession, use, or distribution of alcoholic beverages, drug paraphernalia, or any substance of abuse is prohibited on and off campus, except under the direction of a licensed physician.

For more specific information about the drug and alcohol policies and sanctions, please refer to the Campus Life Handbook.

Is there a dress code?

Union students are expected to maintain a standard of dress which ensures neatness, cleanliness, and appropriateness of attire. In their dress, as in their behavior, students are expected to reflect the marks of educated and mature Christ-centered individuals.

For more specific information regarding the dress code, please refer to the Campus Life Handbook.

May residential students have overnight visitors?

Students may have visitors of the same gender stay overnight after they have signed in at the Commons. All overnight visitors must be over 12 years of age. In all situations, we ask that students be considerate of roommates when having an overnight guest.

Roommate Questions

How are roommates assigned?

After you complete the Residence Life Application, the Office of Residence Life compiles your information, noting the date of your housing deposit, and the Residence Directors follow a prayerful process of roommate matching. We believe your roommates can play a significant role in your college experience, so we make our best effort to place you with students that have similar hobbies and interests.

May I choose my roommates?

New students may put the names of up to three students they would prefer to live with on the Residence Life Application. We will make every effort to grant your request, however requests cannot be guaranteed. If you do not have specific roommates in mind, the Residence Directors will prayerfully consider which roommate would be a good fit for you as they place students.

Returning students may sign up for housing with their preferred roommates. Housing Sign-Ups generally take place at the end of spring semester, following registration for fall classes.

When will I find out who my roommates are?

New Students will receive their housing assignment information (including roommates) on New Student Registration Day, which takes place each June.

Returning students can confirm their housing assignments the week after Housing Sign-Ups at the Office of Residence Life in the Student Life Suite.

How should I resolve a roommate conflict?

We encourage students to use thoughtful and grace-filled communication in all situations, but if further assistance is needed, the Resident Advisors and Residence Directors are available to help. If you would like to make an appointment with your RD, feel free to email them or call their office numbers. Their contact information can be found on the Staff page of the Residence Life website.

Parent Questions

How can I send flowers to my student?

You can have flowers delivered to McAfee Commons in the Heritage Residence Complex after 11am. The RAs at the front desk will contact your student and notify them to pick up their delivery!

Two florists that are familiar with our system are J Kent Freeman (731.668.1188) and Nancy's Carousel (731.660.8230). We've had great service from both of these local florists.

When can parents visit their students' apartments?

Parents are welcome to visit their student's apartments! Please be sure to sign in at the Commons if you are visiting during the week or outside of open visitation hours. Also, please be sure your students' roommates are aware of your visit, especially if the visiting parent is of the opposite sex.

Who should my parents call in case of emergency?

During office hours (M-F, 8am-4:30pm), parents or guardians of residential students can contact the Office of Residence Life in the event of a personal emergency situation at 731.661.5432. For non-residential students, parents or guardians may contact the Dean of Students at 731.661.5090.

After office hours, parents may call the Safety and Security 24 hour cell phone at 731.394.2922.

Maintenance Questions

Who do I call if I have a maintenance concern?

Please call the RA desk in McAfee Commons (extension 5054) to report any maintenance requests you may have. It generally takes less than one or two days to resolve the request, depending on the urgency of the situation.

What do I do if I lose my key?

If you lose your key, please go to the RA desk in the Commons to sign a Key Release form. Each roommate will have to sign this form at the RA desk before a new key can be issued. The charge for replacing one apartment key is $50. If the situation requires the locks to be replaced, there will be a total charge of $125.


Residence Life at Union University
1050 Union University Drive, Jackson, TN 38305
phone: 731-661-5432 | e-mail: reslife@uu.edu