Frequently Asked Questions

Listed below are some of the frequently asked questions regarding student housing at SMC:

Q: When will the student housing at Southwestern Michigan College open?
A: The first unit of residential housing will open in the fall semester 2009 with a second unit following in the fall semester 2010.

Q: How many rooms does the new housing have?
A: Each unit of SMC’s housing will have 130 beds configured four bedroom suites with a limited number of two bedroom suites in a three-story building. All suites are fully-furnished. Please refer to our list of amenities the housing page on our Web site.

Q: Will the suites be co-ed?
A: The residential building is co-ed but the suites are not.

Q: Do I need to be a full-time student at SMC in order to live on-campus?
A: There are two types of contracts for residents, Academic Year and 12-Month. An Academic Year Contract requires a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester (Fall and Winter). The 12-Month Contract requires a minimum of 12 credit hours for each semester (Fall and Witner) and 6 credit hours in the Spring Semester in order to live in the residential housing.

Q: When do I pay for my room?
A: Payment in full for each semester is due before the start of the semester. The specific payment dates will be determined for each year.

Q: Is there a supervisor living in the campus housing?
A: There will be a live-in housing manager and each floor will have a resident assistant.

Q: How safe is the residential housing?
A: Students who are living on-campus will have a secured parking lot that can only be accessed with a key card. The entrance to the residential facility will also require a key card and visitors will be required to sign-in at the front desk. All suites will have a key card entry, as well as a key card entry into individual bedrooms.

Q: Is there certain requirements students will have to abide by in order to live on-campus?
A: There will be a code of conduct all students must follow which is detailed in the Resident Life Handbook and Student Handbook.

Q: Will I be able to smoke and drink alcohol in the residential facility?
A: No, students (regardless of age) will not be allowed to smoke or drink in their suites or inside the housing complex.

Q: Can I choose my room?
A: No, rooms will be assigned on a first-come basis.

Q: Can my friends and I request a suite together?
A: Yes, you can request your roommates but applications must be submitted together and will be assigned based on availability.

Q: How do I apply in order to insure that a room will be available?
A: A completed housing application and a completed application for admission are required along with a $25 application fee to secure a room.

Q: Is there a meal plan available?
A: No, the on-campus housing does not include a meal plan. Each suite is fully furnished and comes with all kitchen appliances in order to prepare and cook meals. We also have a campus cafeteria, vending machines and a snack and coffee bar.

Q: Will I be required to sign a contract to live on-campus?
A: Yes, students are required to sign a housing contract.