FAQ: Housing for Spring 2021

Students will be expected to wear masks in building public areas (lounges, kitchens, laundry rooms, hallways, and stairwells). Students are not expected to wear masks in their own bedroom or suite/apartment common area (when alone or only with their roommate) or designated bathroom. While in the company of students other than their roommate, students are expected to wear masks and maintain social distancing.  See the COVID Operational Plan for additional information.

Students are to follow guidance about the size of group gatherings and the recommended space between self and others in all areas. There are some common spaces where use is limited to one person at a time due to the size of the space and the inability to social distance within them (e.g., elevators, small laundry rooms, small kitchens). Signs are posted in areas with specific expectations. See the COVID Operational Plan for additional information.

Residential students will only have fob access to their own hall and may not enter other housing buildings. As described in the COVID Operational Plan, there will be a phased approach to guests in College housing. Initially, students’ ability to host and visit students in other buildings will be restricted. See the COVID Operational Plan for additional information.

In Operational Levels 1 and 2, students may host guests.  The total number present may not exceed double the room or suite/apartment occupancy (i.e., in a double, four people can be present) or five people, whichever is lower. See the COVID Operational Plan for additional information.

Residential students are not permitted to host non-student guests or Lafayette students who are not approved to access campus.  See the COVID-19 addendum to the Student Handbook and the COVID Operational Plan for additional information.

Specific bathrooms will be designated for use by each residential cohort. Similar to a household, limiting the individuals in this space reduces risk of infection to/from students. In addition, based on the size of the residential cohort and restroom configuration, occupancy in bathrooms may be limited. Signs will be posted with specific expectations.

Students who live in proximity and share common living spaces are considered a cohort.  Examples of cohorts include: individual off-campus houses and apartments, Fisher or Watson Court apartments, residence hall wings or floors, and small buildings (e.g. Greek chapter house, Mckelvy House).  

The policies in the COVID-19 addendum to the Student Handbook and the COVID Operational Plan apply to all students, including those living in private and College-owned off-campus houses and apartments.

Yes, including the wearing of masks, social distancing, no cross-visitation between buildings, no visitors, and limitations on student guests. There is more information in the COVID-19 addendum to the Student Handbook and the COVID Operational Plan.

The custodial team will clean residential common spaces on a scheduled basis consistent with CDC and other public health guidelines. Common spaces include hall bathrooms, building kitchens, lounges, hallways, stairwells, and elevators. Unchanged is students’ responsibility for cleaning their own bedrooms, apartments, en-suite bathrooms, and other private spaces. Students are responsible for bringing appropriate cleaning supplies. It is recommended that roommates/suitemates devise a plan for cleaning/sanitizing.

Read the full explanation of quarantine procedures.

Read the full explanation of isolation procedures.

The Move-in appointment scheduler is no longer available through MyHousing.  The College has contracted a third party to administer testing and therefore it is preferable to keep your already scheduled appointment.  If extenuating circumstances exist, please email the Office of Residence Life at reslife@lafayette.edu.  We will try to accommodate but there is no guarantee an adjustment can be made.

Check-in will take place at Pfenning Alumni Center.  Following the COVID arrival test, you will be directed to pick up your room key.  Specific instructions about the check-in procedure will be emailed to you several days prior to your scheduled appointment.

Up to two adult family members may accompany you to campus.  Once your belongings are brought into your room, your move in helpers should depart from the residence hall.  For a complete list of expectations, see Health & Safety Guidelines for Move-in.

As part of the College’s comprehensive health strategy, students will be required to order and submit a pre-arrival COVID test and be tested at arrival prior to receiving their room keys and moving into housing. Read details about the pre-arrival testing process.

While awaiting results of the arrival COVID test, students are expected to “soft quarantine.”  This expectation extends until all occupants of the room/unit have received testing results.  Students should stay in their own rooms/floors, refrain from hosting other students in their rooms, and limit interactions with those not part of their residential cohort.  See the Spring 2021 Arrival Expectations.

In addition to our regular packing list, see suggestions from students on campus in the fall of What to Bring for Spring 2021.  

The Health Center will contact you with instructions about when you are cleared to come to campus and how to arrange your arrival.