Policies, Resources & More Information

View logistics, policies and other details for on-campus housing below. For detailed pricing on housing, please visit our Tuition & Fees page.

Two-Year Residency Policy

The on-campus living experience is vital to the growth and development of the whole student. All students who have completed less than four terms of college/university are required to reside in on-campus housing for their first two years on campus. 
 
Exceptions to the residency policy include:
  • Students who plan to live with parent(s), legal guardians, or adult relatives in the greater Pittsburgh area (within 30 miles of campus). 
  • Students who are 21 years or older and have been out of school for a year or more living independently from their parent(s) and/or legal guardians.
  • Students who transferred from another college or university and have already complete four terms at their previous institution.  
  • Students who have a prescription for medical marijuana are exempt from the residency requirement pursuant to the University’s Medical Marijuana Policy. 
Students requesting to be exempt from the residency status based on the criteria listed above must request to register as a commuter by completing the Application for Commuter Student Status. Any student requesting to be exempt for another extenuating reason can submit the formal request through the Application for Commuter Student Status. Please note, exemption requests beyond those listed above are rarely approved and will be reviewed on a case by case basis. If you have any questions, please email reslife@chatham.edu. 
 
 

Applying for Housing

Before applying for housing, students will need to access myChatham using their username and password. The first time a student logs in they will be required to set up their Multifactor Authenticator. This security feature that enables you to access email and myChatham services from off-campus. If students encounter any issues logging in to myChatham, please contact the IT HelpDesk at 412-365-1112 or by email at services@chatham.edu. 
 
After you have access to myChatham, students apply for housing and meal plan through the StarRez Housing Portal located on myChatham > myTOOLS > Student Housing. During the application process, students are required to submit a $150.00 Housing Deposit utilizing a credit card (individuals who can’t pay with credit card must contact the Office of Residence Life at reslife@chatham.edu to receive instructions on how to make payment by check or cash before starting the application process).
 
To apply for housing, complete the following steps:
  • Login to myChatham (if you can’t log in to myChatham contact the IT HelpDesk at 412-365-1112 or email services@chatham.edu) 
  • Select myTOOLS
  • Select the Student Housing button
  • Follow all on-screen instructions 
A visual step-by-step guide is located online here. Please email the Office of Residence Life if you have questions or call 412-365-1518.
 

Medical Accommodations

Students living on campus should expect to live with a roommate during their time with us.
 
However, Chatham does recognize that occasions exist when students require specific accommodations to be successful. Some examples of accommodations include: single-resident room, semi-private bathroom, strobe light fire alarm, air conditioner, or modified meal plan. Students can learn more about applying for a Medical Accommodations on myChatham. Additional questions regarding Chatham’s Medical Accommodation Policy can be directed to reslife@chatham.edu.

 

Fall 2024 Undergraduate Move-In & Arrival Information

Below are the scheduled move-in dates for resident student arrival for Fall 2024. More specific information regarding move-in logistics has been emailed to students and can be found on Chatham Services and Departments > Residence Life. 
 
Below are the scheduled move-in dates for resident student arrival for Fall 2024. More specific information regarding move-in logistics has been emailed to students in summer 2024 and can be found on the Residence life my.Chatham page.
 
Most incoming students residing on campus will move in on Wednesday, August 21st, 2024 unless they have been notified that they are part of an early arrival group. Further information about New & Transfer Student Move-In can be found under Residence Life on myChatham. 
 
The exact hours for New and Transfer Student Move-in on Wednesday, August 21st and the assigned move-in time slots are listed below:
 
9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
4th Floor of Woodland Hall (Rooms: W400 - W435)
3rd Floor of Fickes Hall (Rooms: F302 - F333)
3rd Floor of Dilworth Hall (Rooms: 300 - 308)
Rea House (All rooms)
Laughlin House (All rooms)
Chatham Apartments, Pelletreau Apartments, & Hicks Estate (All rooms)
 
10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
3rd Floor of Woodland Hall (Rooms: W300 - W332)
2nd Floor and Minis 4, 5, & 6 of Fickes Hall (Rooms: F202 - F243)
2nd Floor of Dilworth Hall (Rooms: 200 - 220)
 
11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
2nd Floor of Woodland Hall (Rooms: W200 - W231)
1st Floor and Minis 1, 2, & 3 of Fickes Hall (Rooms: F108 - F144)
1st & Ground Floor of Dilworth Hall (Rooms: D008, D009, 107 - 120)
 
NEW AND TRANSFER STUDENT EARLY ARRIVAL GROUPS
Please note, there are a select number of students who will move-in early as part of an Early Arrival Group due to participation in a University sponsored group or activity (i.e., new in-season athlete, international student, etc.). New and Transfer Student Early Arrival Groups are listed below:

  • Athletics Early Move-in: Women's Volleyball, Men's and Women's Soccer Team Members – Thursday, August 15th  | 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. – You will receive more information via email regarding key pickup. Please be in touch with your athletic coach for additional information about your arrival to campus.
  • Athletics Early Move-in: Men's and Women's Cross Country Members – Friday, August 16th  | 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. –You will receive more information via email regarding key pickup. Please be in touch with your athletic coach for additional information about your arrival to campus.
  • New Incoming International Students – Friday, August 16th & Saturday, August 17th  – Information about your move-in process will be communicated and coordinated by the Office of International Affairs. Any questions regarding international student move-in should be directed to International Affairs: InternationalAffairs@Chatham.edu
 
MOVE-IN DAY GUIDELINES
To ensure a successful move-in experience and to accommodate the arrival of our incoming class, students and their family and friends are expected to adhere to the following procedures, guidelines, and restrictions:

  • Packing Requirements - To decrease any arrival issues, we require students to label the boxes and items they are bringing with them before their arrival. These items should be clearly labeled with the students full affirmed name (i.e., Carson Cougar) and their building and room number (i.e., Woodland Hall 108).
  • Vehicle Restriction - Each student is restricted to the use of only one vehicle on-campus for their scheduled move-in day. Individuals who bring more than one vehicle will need to park that vehicle off-campus in public parking near campus or at our Eastside lot if spaces are available. A shuttle will run back and forth from the Eastside lot throughout the day. As a reminder, first-year students are not permitted to have a vehicle on-campus for their first-year at Chatham.
  • Unloading Zones - On move-in days there are unloading zones that are located at the closest point to each building. Students and their guests will park their one vehicle in this location to unload. Once finished unloading, the vehicle will then be required to be located to a designated parking space on-campus.
  • Parking Directions - On move-in day, students and their guests will park the vehicle they use in a designated parking space on campus. Chatham will have faculty and staff directing individuals where to park on that day. To park on-campus for move-in day, students must print out a parking pass and fill out the required information on the parking pass. Click here for the map of available parking zones.
Most returning students residing on campus will move-in on Saturday, August 24th, 2024 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Further information about Returning Student Move-In can be found under Residence Life on myChatham. 
 
Students will check-in and receive their room key in the following locations:
 
Shadyside Lower Campus
  • Chatham Apartments, Chung Apartments, Haber, and Hicks Estate Apartments - Pop-Up Tent located outside Chatham Apartments
  • Pelletreau Apartments & Linzer Apartments - Pop-Up Tent located outside Pelletreau Apartments

Shadyside Upper Campus

  • Woodland Hall - Pop-Up Tent on the side of Woodland outside of Cafe Rachel side door
  • Fickes Hall - Pop-Up Tent on the side of Fickes in parking lot
  • Rea House - Pop-Up Tent on Rea patio
  • Laughlin House - Pop-Up Tent on Laughlin side porch by main entrance
  • Dilworth Hall- Pop-Up Tent in front of Dilworth 

RETURNING STUDENT EARLY ARRIVAL GROUPS

Please note, there are a select number of students who will move-in early as part of an Early Arrival Group due to participation in a University sponsored group or activity (i.e., new in-season athlete, international student, or choir members). Returning Student Early Arrival Groups are listed below:

  • Resident Assistant Move-in – Sunday, August 4th. You should arrange a move-in time with your Residence Life before you arrive to campus. Any questions regarding your move-in should be directed to Angela Delfine-Mechler, Associate Director of Residence Life at A.DelfineMechler@chatham.edu.
  • Orientation Leader and Chatham Activities Board (CAB) Move-in – Sunday, August 11th | 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. – Pick-up key at Carriage House. Any questions regarding your move-in should be directed to Simmone Bell, Assistant Dean, Student Engagement at S.Bell@chatham.edu.
  • Athletics Early Move-in: Women's Volleyball and Men's and Women's Soccer, Team Members – Thursday, August 15th  | 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. You will receive more information via email regarding key pickup. Please be in touch with your athletic coach for additional information about your arrival to campus.
  • Athletics Early Move-in: Men's and Women's Cross Country Team Members – Friday, August 16th  | 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. –You will receive more information via email regarding key pickup. Please be in touch with your athletic coach for additional information about your arrival to campus.
  • Chatham Choir Move-in – Thursday, August 22nd | 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. – Pick-up key at Carriage House. Any questions regarding your move-in should be directed to Stacey Brett Davern, Director of Choral Activities at S.Davern@chatham.edu
Any student who is authorized for early arrival as one of the group members above will be notified by the Office of Residence Life or their program coordinator/coach.

Amenities, Services, & Other Resources

Click this link to watch a video that provides more information about the MicroFridge program. Students who would like a refrigerator or microwave in their room must rent a MicroFridge unit. These combined units use less energy and have built-in safety features to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents. Units are delivered to your room prior to your move-in and are picked up after you move out. Students are not permitted to bring their own units from home. Each MicroFridge costs around $200.00 to rent for the year and there is an option to buy for those interested. When making your rental decision, be reminded that each residence hall has either a community kitchen or kitchenette. Students residing in the apartments do not need to rent a MicroFridge as your apartment comes equipped with a kitchen that includes a refrigerator. We suggest talking to your roommate as we only allow one MicroFridge Unit per two students in the room. Details can be found here. 

If purchasing linens, we recommend students purchase twin extra-long sheets to ensure they fit your residence hall bed. These linens can be purchased any major retailer, but Chatham also has a linen service provider who many students utilized this past year to purchase their residence hall linens.

The Office of Residence Life provides a list of recommended and prohibited items for all students. Due to safety reasons, certain items and actions are not permitted in any of the residence halls or apartments on-campus. The list can be found online here.

Furniture & Setup: All residence halls rooms and apartments are furnished. Residence Hall rooms included a student bed, desk and chair, and dresser (residents either have their own closet or share one with their roommates). Apartments bedrooms come furnished with a bed, desk, and dresser (sometimes a desk or two are located in the living room, and residents either have their own closet or share one with their roommates). The apartments also come equipped with a couch, dining room table and chairs, and a coffee table. Each apartment also has a living room, kitchen (equipped with a stove, sink, apartment refrigerator), and a bathroom. Residents in apartments are responsible for providing other amenities for shared spaces like the kitchen and bathroom, such as pots, pans, plates, kitchen appliances other than the stove and fridge (i.e., microwave, etc.), toilet paper, and cleaning supplies. University-provided furniture cannot be removed from student residence hall rooms or apartments. A list of prohibited items for residence halls and apartments can be found online by clicking here.

Heating & Air Conditioning: All residence halls and apartments have heat. Facilities usually turn on the heat at a set point in October or November when we have a number of consistently cold days. The heat in buildings is also often regulated by outside temperatures. Air Conditioning is not available in the following residence halls and apartments: Dilworth Hall, Fickes Hall, Rea House, Laughlin House, Woodland Hall, Chatham Apartments, Chung Apartments, Linzer Apartments, and Pelletreau Apartments. Residents are not permitted to bring or install their own air conditioning. Only students approved through the Medical Accommodation Process are allowed to have air conditioners installed in their room. If a student is approved, the university will provide and install the Air Conditioner in the student's individual bedroom. Further information about the Medical Accommodation Process can be found online by clicking here.

Laundry: Each residence hall and apartment complex comes equipped with laundry facilities at no cost. Laundry Rooms are located on each floor in Woodland. Laundry for the apartments, Fickes Hall, Dilworth Hall, Rea House, and Laughlin House are located in the basement or on the first floor. Students sign up for laundry time slots by clicking on the following link. Outside contractors manage the maintenance and upkeep of laundry facilities. If you experience any issues with laundry, please submit a maintenance request.

Utilities: All utilities, including heat, water, electricity, and WiFi, are included in all on-campus residence hall rooms and apartments.

Community Kitchens: All residence halls (Dilworth Hall, Fickes Hall, Rea House, Laughlin House, and Woodland Hall) have community kitchens or kitchenettes in each building. All apartments come equipped with a full kitchen. The kitchen is used strictly by the residents in that apartment and any of their guests that they permit to use it with the permission of roommates. Community kitchens are cleaned by housekeeping, but apartment kitchens are expected to be maintained by the residents of that apartment.

Cleaning: Residence Halls community areas, such as bathrooms, hallways, lounges, community kitchen, and other spaces, are generally cleaned Monday through Friday by Facilities Management. Any residents who have a semi-private bathroom in their residence hall room are responsible for cleaning this space themselves. Residents in the apartments are responsible for cleaning their individual apartments.

Internet: All residence halls and apartments come equipped with WiFi access. If you experience any WiFi issues, please submit a work order directly to the IT HelpDesk by clicking here or call 412-365-1112.

Maintenance and Upkeep: All residence hall and apartment maintenance and upkeep are managed by Facilities Management. Facilities prioritizes maintenance requests on the severity of the issue, which means some maintenance requests may take 7-to-10 business days (and in some cases) longer to be addressed. All urgent emergency requests, such as critical plumbing issues or leaks, will be addressed urgently. For emergency requests, please contact Public Safety (412-365-1230) or the Residence Life On-Call (412-951-0003) to report the issue and they will give you immediate directions. Maintenance requests are received and monitored during regular business hours. Residence Life will connect with residents regarding a timeline for repairs that may take longer to address. 

Live-In Staff: Chatham University has undergraduate and professional live-in staff that are available 24/7 to assist on-campus residents in the event of an emergency. Public Safety also provides 24/7 emergency support. Information about our emergency support services can be found online by clicking here.