College brings exciting times with new dorms, friends, and experiences. With all the excitement, it’s no wonder students want to invite friends and family to see their new dormitories.
However, the global pandemic and other regulations might make it more challenging to host visitors.
Can Non-College Students Visit Dorms?
The answer will vary from university to university. Typically, non-college students are allowed to visit dorm rooms. However, these individuals may not be permitted to stay overnight or for the long term. Each college will differ, so it’s best to check with the administration before making any decisions.
Who Can Visit The Dorms?
Commonly, non-college visitors are allowed in the dorms. However, these individuals may only be permitted to stay for one night. Other campuses will have different rules and regulations. Depending on the campus, you may be able to host guests including:
- Significant Others
- Parents
- Younger & Older Siblings
- Friends
As always, be sure to check with your college campus’s residential staff before making any decisions. You can check your campus’s website or speak with a counselor for information as well.
How Long Can Non-Students Stay In Dorms?
As mentioned earlier, this time frame will depend heavily on the college campus. Some campuses allow visitors to stay up to one month, as long as they have somewhere to sleep within the room.
Other campuses require students to make special requests with the RA’s or administration. These requests might be handled by a committee or board. The time frame of these requests will vary from college to college as well.
When Do Overnight Guests Need To Leave?
As stated earlier, each college campus will have varying rules and regulations. For example, some college campuses define “overnight” between the hours of 3 AM and 7 AM. Other college campuses may have different or similar definitions.
Additionally, some universities may not allow guests to stay overnight for more than three nights in a fourteen-day period. Or, some campuses may only allow a certain number of overnight guests per semester.
As always, these rules and regulations will depend on your college campus. For more information, speak with your residential assistant or a college counselor.
Can a Visitor Move Into My Dorm?
A visitor moving into a college dorm is typically not allowed. Many colleges do not allow visitors to use dorms as permanent living situations. Some campuses allow visitors to stay upwards of a month, but they may still have to leave.
The reason colleges don’t allow visitors to move into the dorms is typically for the safety of the students. Strangers not attending college living in the dorms may be a danger to the students.
If you need to house a guest or visitor for a longer period of time, be sure to speak with your dorm’s resident assistant. Alternatively, you can check your college’s website, speak with a counselor, or check your student handbook.
What Happens If a Non-Student Gets Caught?
The consequences of a non-college student getting caught staying in a dormitory will also vary from location to location. Typically, if a visitor is quiet and respectful, they won’t be bothered by staff or administration.
However, even if a visitor is being respectful, they only are allowed leniency for a few days. Dormitory RA’s and administration commonly ask visitors to seek other living arrangements within three to four days.
Additionally, the repercussions might fall onto the college student instead of the guest. Some campuses will remove students from the dorms if they aren’t following the rules. Other colleges may suspend or even expel students after too many infractions.
For those reasons, it’s best to check with your dormitory’s residential assistant before making any decisions. Alternatively, you can check your college’s website or speak with a counselor for more information.
Has Covid Changed Any Rules?
Covid has changed many rules and regulations across the country. Many colleges and campuses are requiring visitors to undergo a Covid screening before being approved. Other campuses are requiring visitors to have an up-to-date vaccination card.
However, these rules and regulations will vary from campus to campus. For those reasons, it’s best to find out your local campus rules before making any decisions. To do so, you can check your college’s website or speak to a residential assistant.
How do I find Out my Campus Rules?
Each college campus will have different rules, administration, and guidelines. Knowing these rules will help keep you and everyone around you safe. There are many different ways to go about finding these guidelines.
Check Your Colleges Website: Typically, college and university websites will have an FAQ page or update page. You can visit these pages to get updates on Covid regulations or any other information you might need.
Speak With A Counselor: To find out more about your campus’s rules and guidelines, you can try speaking with a counselor. A college counselor will provide you with any and all information you may need.
Speak With Your RA: You can find out more information about your dormitories rules and guidelines by speaking with your RA. Resident Assistants are there to help you with any issues you may have in relation to housing. These individuals may be able to solve your problem on their own or guide you through the steps on how to do so.
Check Your Student Handbook: Although many students may consider their student handbooks a waste of paper, they can be filled with useful information. When in doubt, refer back to your student manual.
These are just a few of the ways you can find out your college campus’s rules and regulations. If you’re still having trouble finding useful information, try speaking with your roommates or classmates.
Can Non-University Students Visit Dorms?
The answer will differ from campus to campus. Commonly, non-college students are allowed to visit and stay in dorm rooms. However, there may be stipulations and guidelines for these individuals. To find out your college’s rules, be sure to speak with your residential assistant or visit their website.