Keeping your room tidy and clean helps prevent odors, pests, and mildew. It also makes your space a more pleasant place to study and relax.

Daily & Weekly Tasks

• Take out your trash regularly, especially food waste.
• Wipe down desks, counters, and tables with a basic cleaner.
• Sweep or vacuum floors as needed.
• Keep dirty clothes in a hamper and do laundry regularly.

Bathroom Cleaning (If You Have a Private/Suite Bathroom)

• Clean showers and tubs weekly with bathroom cleaner to prevent mildew.
• Scrub toilets with a toilet brush and cleaner.
• Wipe sinks, faucets, and counters regularly.
• Use the bathroom exhaust fan (if available) during and after showers to reduce moisture and smells.

Washers & Dryers

• Do not overload washers or dryers.
• Clean the dryer lint filter before every load.
• Remove clothes promptly so others can use the machines.

Microwaves, Refrigerators & Stoves

• Wipe up spills in the microwave right away to avoid odors and stains.
• Regularly clean refrigerator shelves and throw away old food.
• Clean stovetops and drip pans (if provided) after cooking.
• Never leave food cooking unattended.

Garbage Disposals

• Do not overload garbage disposal with large amounts of food or waste.
• Do not put bones or kitchen utensils in garbage disposals.
• Clean your garbage disposal regularly to prevent odors.
• Never put your hand in a garbage disposal.

Smoke Detectors

• Do not cover, remove, or tamper with smoke detectors.
• If you hear a steady beep or chirping, report it through a work order or notify housing staff.

Fire Sprinkler Systems

• Do not touch or hang anything on sprinkler heads.
• Do not throw objects near sprinklers—accidental activation can cause severe flooding.

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are typically located in hallways or common areas. Use only in an actual fire emergency and only if it is safe to do so.

Remember PASS:

• Pull the pin
• Aim at the base of the fire
• Squeeze the handle
• Sweep side to side

After using an extinguisher, call 911 and notify Student Housing immediately.

How you use your doors, windows, and bathroom fans can affect both comfort and humidity levels in your room.

Doors & Windows

• Keep exterior doors and windows closed for safety and to keep humidity out.
• Open doors or windows can cause your room to feel damp and may lead to mildew.

Dirt vs. Mildew

• Dirt: Dust or particles that can be wiped away with normal cleaner.
• Mildew: Caused by moisture; often gray or black spotting, sometimes with a musty smell.
• Prevent mildew by:
  • Keeping windows closed when A/C is running.
  • Using bathroom exhaust fans during and after showers.
  • Leaving your thermostat fan setting on Auto.
  • Reporting leaks or drips quickly.

Thermostats

• Keep the thermostat fan on Auto, not “On”. The “On” setting can increase humidity.
• Do not tamper with or attempt to reprogram thermostats beyond the allowed settings.
• If your room feels too hot or too cold, submit a work order or notify Student Housing.

HVAC Drains

Some units have small drain pipes (often over a sink or shower) that can drip when there is a problem.

• If you see water dripping from a small pipe in the ceiling or wall, report it immediately.
• Report any unusual noises, odors, or leaks from HVAC equipment.

Sinks & Showers

• Do not leave sinks or showers running unattended.
• Report drips, clogs, or low water pressure to Facilities.
• Occasionally check under sinks for signs of leaks or moisture.

Toilets: Tank vs. Flush Valve

There are two common types of toilets you may see:

• Tank Toilet
  If it keeps running:
  • Carefully lift the tank lid and check whether the float or flapper (stopper) is stuck.
  • You may gently adjust them if you feel comfortable doing so.
  • If the toilet continues to run, report it immediately. A running toilet can lead to flooding or high water use.
• Flush Valve Toilet (no tank)
  • If it does not stop running after flushing, submit a work order right away.

Service Animals

• If you have an approved service animal, you are responsible for cleaning up after your animal both inside your unit and across campus grounds.
• Follow all Student Housing and Student Services policies regarding service animals.

Pets

Unauthorized pets are generally not allowed in student housing. For questions about service animals, emotional support animals, or pet policies, contact Student Services / Student Housing.

• No space heaters—they are a fire hazard and can overload circuits.
• No candles, incense, or open flames.
• No hot plates, portable stoves, or unapproved cooking devices (rules vary by building).
• Avoid plugging many high-wattage items into a single power strip.

For a full list of what is and is not allowed, always refer to your Student Housing Handbook or contact Student Services.

It’s important to report problems as soon as you notice them. Small issues can quickly become bigger, more expensive problems if they are not addressed.

Examples of issues to report:

• Dripping faucets or showerheads
• Running toilets
• Water under sinks or leaks from pipes
• Drips from ceiling pipes or HVAC drains
• Smoke detectors beeping or not working properly
• Persistent mildew or musty odors
• Lights not working or flickering
• Broken locks, handles, or doors that don’t close properly

Use the campus online Work Order System or contact the Facilities office if you are unsure how to report.

Student Services / Student Housing

Contact for:

• Roommate or neighbor concerns
• Housing rules and policies
• Move-in / move-out questions
• Service animal approvals and expectations
• Personal or academic support

Facilities Maintenance

Contact for:

• Broken items or damaged fixtures
• Leaks, drips, or plumbing problems
• HVAC concerns (too hot / too cold, leaking units)
• Pest sightings or safety hazards

Use the online Work Order System or call your campus Facilities office during business hours.