Welcome to Arkansas State University!

Frequently Asked Questions


    Read below or watch this video to find answers to the most frequently asked questions about living on campus! If you still need assistance, contact our office at Housing@AState.edu, 870-972-2042 or stop by Suite 2167 on the second floor of the Reng Student Union.


  • Incoming Student FAQs

    Do I have to be accepted to A-State before I can apply for housing?

    Yes. Before you can apply to live on campus, you must be officially accepted to A-State. This includes receiving your A-State student identification number, along with activating your digital ID.

    How do I apply for on-campus housing?

    Check out our step-by-step instructions for completing the housing application and deposit.

    When do I make the housing deposit? The deposit term listed online is not the correct term. Can I still pay it?

    Housing deposits are available for payment beginning November 1 for the following academic year. Read step-by-step instructions for completing the housing application and prepayment here. The term listed reflects when a student is making the payment, but the amount will be applied to the student's first semester in residence.

    What happens if I change my mind after completing my application and deposit?

    Residents who meet the conditions for cancellation will be assessed prorated room and board costs based on his/her check-out date.

    Fall Residents (Resident who takes occupancy of room during fall term of the academic year)
    o Residents who cancel on or after May 15 will forfeit their housing deposit
    o Residents who cancel on or after July 1 will be responsible for the full contract

    Spring Only Residents (Resident who takes occupancy of a room after the fall term has ended)
    o Residents who cancel on or after December 1 will forfeit their housing deposit
    o Residents who cancel on or after January 2 will be responsible for the full contract

    Prorated Rent (when applicable)
    Prorated rent is determined by dividing the room rate by the number of days in the semester. This daily rate is then multiplied by the count of days from the official contract start date through the date when proper checkout procedures have been completed.

    Cancellation request must be in writing. This can be done via email to Housing@AState.edu or by mail to P.O. Box 2774, State University, AR 72467. Please refer to the A-State Housing Contract for complete details regarding the cancellation policy.

    As a first-year student, can I live at home and commute to Arkansas State University?

    First-year students are required to live on campus. However, first-year students living at the legal residence of their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) within a 25-mile radius of campus or first-year students who are at least 21 years old prior to the academic term starting may complete the Request for Waiver of Living on Campus. The updated application is made available each March for the following academic year. Waiver requests, along with appropriate documentation, will be reviewed by a committee.

    Can I tour the building/room I will be living in?

    While specific rooms are not typically available for viewing, Arkansas State University has “show” rooms in designated buildings. You can arrange to see one or more of these rooms by calling our office at 870-972-2042.

    How can I request a private room?

    Private rooms are assigned only if space is available. Students can request to be placed on a private room waiting list at the front desk of the residence hall in which they are assigned during the first week of fall and spring classes. Students on the waiting list will be placed in order according to date of housing deposits. If space becomes available and a private room can be offered, you will be contacted via email by the Assignments Coordinator.

    How do I create a roommate group?

    Roommate groupings may be made in the Housing portal before room selection begins. If you know your desired roommates, you may search for them by name to add to a group. If you're looking for a roommate, you can also browse profiles in the Housing portal.

    When can I select my room assignment?

    Students who have begun the housing application will be contacted via email during the Spring semester with instructions on how and when to select a room. Students are encouraged to have their top-three communities in mind prior to room selection. During their assigned time slot, students will select the building and room where they are eligible to live.

    How will University Housing communicate with me?

    The university's official method of communication is a student's A-State email. University Housing will use the personal email provided on your application for admission until you either attend New Student Orientation session or become a concurrent student with A-State, at which point we will use your official A-State student email account. 

    How can I receive mail?

    USPS, Fedex, UPS, etc. do not deliver to on-campus residential locations. Students may purchase a P.O. Box at the University's Postal Center located on the second floor of the Reng Student Union if they wish to receive mail, packages, etc.

    What size bedding will I need to bring?

    Twin XL Beds (36” x 80”) Arkansas Hall
    Collegiate Park
    Honors Living-Learning Community (double rooms)
    Kays Hall
    NorthPark Quads
    University Hall 
    Full Beds (54” x 75”) Honors Living-Learning Community (single rooms)
    Neil Griffin College of Business Living-Learning Community
    Red Wolf Den
    ROTC Living-Learning Community
    STEM Living-Learning Community

    What is a Living-Learning Community (LLC)?

    The LLCs are special interest housing for students wanting to live and learn with like-minded students. We currently have seven LLCs in various locations across campus: Honors LLC, STEM Den, ROTC LLC, Neil Griffin College of Business 'Griffin House', Rugby LLC, Art and Innovation LLC and Music LLC.

  • Current Student FAQs

    How will University Housing communicate with me?

    The university's official method of communication is a student's A-State email. University Housing will use the personal email provided on your application for admission until you either attend New Student Orientation session or become a concurrent student with A-State, at which point we will use your official A-State student email account. 

    How can I receive mail?

    USPS, Fedex, UPS, etc. do not deliver to on-campus residential locations. Students may purchase a P.O. Box at the University's Postal Center located on the second floor of the Reng Student Union if they wish to receive mail, packages, etc.

    Do I have to move out for Fall, Winter, or Spring Break?

    Residence halls, excluding apartment locations, do close for Fall, Winter, and Spring Break. However, students may request to stay during breaks for an additional fee by submitting the break extended stay form that is sent via email to all residence hall students. The following residence halls close during breaks: Arkansas Hall, Kays Hall, NorthPark Quads, University Hall, and the Living Learning Communities. Apartments and Greek Village do not close for breaks. Residents are not expected to remove belongings from their rooms during these breaks; however, halls will not be accessible for items left behind.

    Do I have to be present for University Housing, Facilities Management, or IT staff members to enter my room?

    No, staff members of any of these areas may enter a student’s room with or without them present. Unless an emergency exists or occurring during a break period, staff will not enter a room before 9 a.m.

    Can I have an extra key to my room/apartment?

    No, students are provided only one set of keys when they check into their residence.

    Where can my guests park?

    Visitors may park in designated visitor parking zones (no charge) indicated with visitor signage. Visitors may also use paid meter or garage parking; payment is required at the rate displayed from the meter/pay station. No permit is required. The full list of parking regulations may be viewed at www.AState.edu/Parking

    Can a guest spend the night in my room?

    Yes, a guest can stay for no longer than two nights in a row and no more than five nights per month. All visitors must be a minimum of 18 years old and have a valid photo ID to be allowed guest privileges. Guests younger than 18 who are accompanied by their parent(s) or guardian(s) may visit from 8 a.m. to midnight. Students may not host a guest without permission from the resident’s roommate(s) prior to the guest’s arrival. The full visitation policy may be found in the Student Handbook.

    Do my scholarships cover the cost of housing?

    Each scholarship is different. We encourage you to contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at FinAid@AState.edu or 870-972-2310 with specific questions.

    How does billing work? Can I pay rent monthly?

    Room and board charges are applied to each student's account at the start of each semester. Students who wish to set up a payment plan should review the payment options offered by the Treasurer’s Office. Faculty/Staff living on campus are required to enroll in payroll deduction.

    What is the process for a room change?

    Room changes are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The Residence Education Coordinator (REC) for the building/hall must approve room changes within the building and can provide details on initiating a change from one residence hall to another. Spring room change requests will be accepted beginning the 11th day of class.

    Can I change my meal plan during the Spring semester?  

    Yes, students are able to change their meal plan as long as it is prior to the established deadline communicated via email. Campus residents should review the A-State Dining Services website to ensure they are selecting a plan for which they qualify.

    Who can cancel a meal plan in full?

    Only students living in apartments or off-campus students are able to cancel a meal plan in full prior to the deadline at the start of the semester. Once residence halls open for the semester, it is too late to cancel. Students must have a meal plan in the spring for unused flex to roll over from a fall board plan to the spring semester.

    Do board meal plans roll over to Voluntary Meal Plans (VMP) or vice versa?

    No, the two meal plans do not roll into each other. If a student had a board plan during the fall semester, they must select a board plan for the spring semester for flex to roll to in the spring semester. Any unused board plan flex does not roll over at the end of the spring semester.

    How do I register my pet?

    Pets are only permitted at The Village and Circle apartments. To register a pet, please email Housing@AState.edu. Pets are not permitted anywhere else on campus unless approved as an Emotional Support Animal. Both ESAs and pets in the Village/Circle must be approved prior to the animal's arrival on campus.

    How do I register my Emotional Support Animal?

    To register an Emotional Support Animal, please complete the Emotional Support Animal Application. Questions may be directed to Access and Accommodations, located on the second floor of the Reng Student Union in Suite 2181.

    How can I get proof of residency?

    Students may obtain a proof of residency by visiting the University Housing office located in the Reng Student Union, Room 2167.

    How can I become a Resident Assistant (RA)?

    Resident Assistants are selected through an application and interview process each Spring semester for the following academic year. 

  • Parent FAQs

    Does my student's scholarship cover the cost of housing?

    Each scholarship is different. We encourage you to contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at FinAid@AState.edu or 870-972-2310 with specific questions.

    How does billing work? Can my student pay rent monthly?

    Room and board charges are applied to each student's account at the start of each semester. Students who wish to set up a payment plan should review the payment options offered by the Treasurer’s Office. Students may provide family members with proxy access to view certain records, including student account information, emergency contacts, holds and more.

    What safety measures are in place in residence halls?

    Arkansas State University has its own University Police Department with officers on patrol 24 hours/365 days a year. Many of our residence halls and apartments have swipe card access to the building, and all areas have key access to the individual room/apartment. University Housing also has full-time staff members that live in many of the housing facilities across campus, as well as employed students living on campus to serve as Resident Assistants. University Housing full-time and student staff serve in an on-call duty rotation 365 days/year. Many areas on campus also have cameras in public spaces within buildings and parking lots.

    Where can my student utilize their meal plan?

    A-State Dining Services offers an array of retail locations in addition to the Acansa Dining Hall, where meal plans can be used.

    Can my student purchase toiletries, cleaning products, etc. on campus?

    Yes! The Campus Store and North Park Quads University Market offer a variety of items available for purchase.

    Where does my student do laundry while living on campus?

    Each residence hall features a laundry room available to residents. Most laundry rooms are on the first floor of the hall, while some may be located in a centralized building. Students may swipe their A-State ID to utilize preloaded laundry funds in on-campus laundry facilities. If a student should run out of laundry funds, they should contact Housing@AState.edu to have more added to their account. Detergent and other laundry products are not provided but may be purchased in one of the campus store locations.

    How can I send my student mail?

    USPS, Fedex, UPS, etc. do not deliver to on-campus residential locations. Students may purchase a P.O. Box at the University's Postal Center located on the second floor of the Reng Student Union if they wish to receive mail, packages, etc.

    How can I send my student food, groceries, flowers, etc.?

    Deliveries such as food, groceries, local florists, etc. may be sent to residence halls as long as the student receiving the delivery coordinates to meet the delivery person outside the residence hall.

    Where do I park when visiting my student?

    Visitors may park in designated visitor parking zones (no charge) indicated with visitor signage. Visitors may also use paid meter or garage parking; payment is required at the rate displayed from the meter/pay station. No permit is required. The full list of parking regulations may be viewed at www.AState.edu/Parking

  • Room Selection Process FAQs

    What should I do to prepare for room selection?

    1. Read emails THOROUGHLY!
    2. Start your housing application for the 2025-2026 academic year at My.AState.edu. Incoming first-year students are also required to pay a $100 deposit. If you need assistance, please review the application and deposit instructions. Students who qualify to live in The Village, The Circle or NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine will have a later application process; watch your email for details.
    3. Secure a roommate group if desired. Roommate groups are not required. See instructions for Roommate Groups below.
    4. Mark your calendar for your selection date. Dates are emailed to students each January.
    5. Be ready with your top-three housing choices in various communities.

    How do I know when my selection date and time begins?

    Housing selections are based on completed credit hours as of the end of the Fall semester (December). Students can view their completed credit hours in the Banner Self-Service portal. The complete room selection schedule will be emailed to students prior to the process beginning. All selection dates begin at 10 a.m.

    What is a Roommate Grouping, and how do I set one up?

    • If you are planning to live with roommates/suitemates, a roommate grouping should be set up at least two business days prior to your room selection date. This feature is found within the housing application at My.AState.edu.
    • The individual with the highest number of completed credit hours should be the 'group leader,' which can be designated in the housing application. Only one person may be the group leader in each grouping; you will not be able to search for roommates who have not started an application or who have named themselves as a group leader. 
    • The group leader can name the roommate grouping and will be able to add members. Once all members are in the group, the leader must go into the portal to verify the group.
    • On your selection date, the group leader will assign all members of the group to open bed spaces. The portal will only show options for your group's size, so if you do not see options, there is no longer a room configuration that meets your group size. (Note: Most residence halls feature two- and four-person configurations. While there are a few three-person configurations in select halls, we encourage you to research the communities you are most interested in to see the configurations offered before the selection process begins.)
    • Students are able to join and leave roommate groups within the housing portal. Should you experience an issue joining or leaving a group, please contact University Housing.

    What are the chances of getting into my top housing choice?

    We encourage students to prepare with their top-three housing locations during the selection process. The housing portal is like a live concert ticket selection, so when you are selecting, you will only see open rooms at that time. If your first choice is not visible, it is no longer available, and it is imperative that you move to your next choice quickly to view availability.

    It is important to decide your housing priorities before the selection process begins. Many students decide based on room configurations, specific locations, proximity to campus facilities, etc. 

    Keep in mind... All on-campus housing locations have great amenities and provide opportunities to create community and find your pack!

    What is Room Reclaim, and who qualifies?

    Room reclaim is a process for students who wish to remain in their current housing assignment for the next academic year. Students living in apartments - Collegiate Park, Red Wolf Den, and Pack Place - are eligible. If you do not reclaim your current space during the designated Room Reclaim timeframe, your current room will become available for other students to select for the next academic year.

    Who qualifies to live in The Village and The Circle?

    The Circle is home to graduate students and students of the NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine. NYITCOM has a separate application process for on-campus housing. The Village is home to non-traditional undergraduate or graduate students who are married, have a child, or are over the age of 23.


After Hours Assistance

If you have an urgent need, are locked out of your residence or need to submit an emergency work order (no heat/air, major leak, flood, fire, etc.), please call the Resident Assistant on Duty for your community:

Arkansas Hall: 870-273-9641
Collegiate Park: 870-243-2924
Kays Hall: 870-273-9569
Living-Learning Communities (LLCs): 870-273-9641
North Park Quads: 870-919-5766
Pack Place/The Circle/The Village: 870-819-5928
Red Wolf Den: 870-919-5766

All other work orders should be submitted here.