Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the advantages of living on campus?

A. The main advantage is living just a three-minute walk from campus, which provides easy access to classes and other college facilities. The complex offers apartment-style living, with a private, locking bedroom for each person, a full kitchen and bath in each suite, and an active community.

Q. What is the cost?

A. The four-bedroom suites will cost $2,800-3,700* per student per semester. This includes utilities, Time Warner Cable basic/standard service, and Road Runner Hi-Speed Internet access.
*Prices are subject to change.

Q. What kinds of things are available for residents?

A. The college provides Internet access to all bedrooms; proximity to college facilities such as the library, pool, and fitness center; van transportation for activities and errands; and recreational activities for residents. The college has made all facilities smoke free, drug free, and alcohol free.

Q. What about telephone and cable?

A. Basic cable and Internet service is included in the rent price.  We are currently working with Time-Warner to provide phone service for a fee for students who need a land-line.  Currently the majority of our students only use cell phones.

Q. How will my roommates be chosen?

A. After you meet all of the criteria to be eligible to live in campus housing, you will be asked to fill out an online roommate survey.  This survey requests information on your preferences, and asks for names of specific people with whom you would like to be matched in the room assignment process. We cannot guarantee that you will room with those you request.

Q. How safe are the residence halls?

A. Each apartment and individual bedroom is key-entry.  The residence halls use a swipe-card entry system and are locked 24-hours each day.  Public Safety officers work with the residential life staff to provide a safe and secure environment.  Additionally, security cameras are in each building,

Q. What should I do if I have a special housing need?

A. If a student has a medical, psychological or learning need, our office will work with you to best meet your needs.  Please contact Carolyn Boone, Coordinator of Access and Equity Services at 607-844-8222 Ext. 4283.  Once you have provided appropriate documentation, we will try to meet your accommodation request.  Additionally, there is a special request form to indicate any medical, dietary, or other needs.

Q. How do I get my mail?

A. Mailboxes for each apartment are in the lobby of each building.  UPS, Federal Express and large mail packages are delivered to our main office in Tioga Hall.

Q. Where do I eat?

A. Each apartment has a full kitchen including refrigerator/freezer, stove/oven and microwaves (Tompkins and Cortland halls do not have microwaves.)  As of Fall 2009, there will be a meal plan required for all residential students. 

Q. Am I allowed to have a car on campus?

A. All students are allowed to have cars on campus.  There are parking lots outside of the residence halls for residential students.  All cars must be registered with the Office of Residence Life and parking guidelines are strictly enforced.

Q. How do I get around if I don’t have a car?

A. Both Ithaca and Cortland have bus service and routes which come to TC3 once or twice per day.  Also, the Residential Life staff offers van shuttles to local services each week and programs to local spots.

Q. Where do I do my laundry?

A. There are laundry facilities provided in each of the buildings.  In Tompkins and Cortland halls, there are laundry rooms in the basements; in all other halls, laundry facilities are on each floor.  There are coin-operated and swipe card operated washers and dryers in each building.

Q. Can I move out of the residence halls if I need to?

A. The residence hall license is an academic year contract.  Students can only be released from the contract with the written permission of the Director of Residence Life.  Releases are typically only granted when students are graduating, for documented medical reasons, or activation for military duty.  If students withdraw from the college for any reason other than graduation, they are released from their contract, but will forfeit their housing deposit.