Housing Resources

This guide is your go-to resource for navigating life in the residence halls at WSSU. From amenities and services to policies and procedures, it’s designed to help Ram Residents feel informed, empowered, and connected as they thrive in a safe and community-centered environment.

The "Roommate(s) and Apartment Mate(s) Bill of Rights"

Each student choosing to live on campus has the right to:

• Sleep undisturbed by your roommate(s) or their guest(s).
• Read and study free from undue interference in your room.
• Free access to your room or apartment without pressure from your roommate(s).
• Be free from fear of intimidation, physical and/or emotional harm.
• Live in a clean room or apartment.
• Expect that roommates and/or apartment mates will respect your personal belongings.
• Host guests when they will not disturb your roommate's or apartment mates' opportunity to sleep or study.
• Expect reasonable cooperation in the use of the residence hall or apartment facilities and a commitment to honor agreed upon procedures.
• Redress of grievances when they arise.

As a resident, you are entitled to many rights while living in our facilities. Four of the most important are:

1. The right to academic pursuit (read and study) free from undue interference or harassment (irrespective of quiet hours):One of the basic purposes of the University is the dissemination and application of knowledge. Unreasonable noise and other distractions inhibit the exercise of this right. The University will consider behavior that attempts to force a roommate to move out of the room or apartment as sufficient grounds for reassigning the offending residents and/or referral for disciplinary action.
2. The right to sleep, the right to one’s personal belongings, the right to free access in an environment in which you can live:Optimum physical conditions are essential as they support, reinforce and provide for positive conditions in which to learn and live.
3. The right for redress of grievance:If the academic and residential communities are to function in the most educationally profitable manner, the right to initiate actions and referrals or impartial and fair adjudication of grievances is held paramount. Administrative or judicial avenues of appeal are available to all students.
4. The right to enjoy yourself:Since students spend the majority of their time in the residence hall on enjoyment pursuits, they should be able to do them in the safest and friendliest environment. Students should not have to be concerned about those making the environment unfriendly, nor should students engage in activities that inhibit or abuse this right.

Upon choosing to live on campus, you agree to abide by a certain set of expectations necessary for the safe, smooth operation of the residence halls, and crucial to the development of an environment conducive to learning. Yet beyond these individual expectations, you also accept a certain degree of responsibility for your community. Specifically, you are asked to voice your objections when others infringe on your rights, to work with staff and other residents to establish the necessary norms and standards for living together, and to assist staff in their efforts to hold residents accountable to those norms and standards they create and accept.

WSSU Housing & Residence Life offers FREE laundry facilities in every residence hall and all HRL-managed off-campus properties. Powered and serviced by Caldwell & Gregory, our machines are high-efficiency and easy to use—just bring your detergent, and you’re good to go.

Whether you're washing your favorite hoodie or prepping outfits for the week, it's important to take care of your clothes and the shared space. From detergent recommendations to best practices for using machines, we’ve got you covered. Be sure to check out the resources below for tips and video guides. 

Caldwell & Gregory Washing Instructions Video

Caldwell & Gregory Drying Instructions Video

Refrigerators

Students living in Atkins, Brown, Martin-Schexnider, Moore, and Wilson Hall do not have refrigerators provided in their student rooms. If residents want to have a refrigerator in their room, they have two options:

Option 1: Students in the indicated halls bringing their own refrigerators (4.0 cubic feet or less) will be required to pay a usage fee of $30 for the academic year. This $30 fee will be applied once students register their refrigerator. Upon registration, students will be issued a sticker that must be placed on the front of the refrigerator. We encourage you to purchase EnergyStar refrigerators.

Option 2: Students may rent a MicroFridge from our partners at Standards for Living. While microwaves are available in common areas for use, students are not allowed to have standalone microwaves in their rooms. In 2011 Housing and Residence Life initiated the rental program through Standards for Living that allowed for an energy star microwave refrigerator combo for students (MicroFridge, TM). This is also the only way students in Atkins, Brown, Martin-Schexnider, Moore, and Wilson can possess a microwave in their room if they so choose. If students rent a MicroFridge from Standards for Living, they will not be assessed the refrigerator usage fee as these units are highly efficient.  For more information on MicroFridge rentals visit the Standards for Living website.

In Covington Hall, each room is provided with a mini-fridge for roommates to share. Microwaves will be available in community common areas for residents’ use. As a consequence, residents cannot bring personal mini-fridges or microwaves to Covington Hall.

Students living in Foundation Heights, Rams Commons, and Gleason-Hairston Terrace Halls have kitchenettes and kitchens with large refrigerators installed by H&RL which are large enough to serve the needs of all students in the suite. Refrigerators take a lot of energy to run and energy costs have been increasing. Students in Foundation Heights, Rams Commons, and Gleason-Hairston Terrace Halls who choose to bring their own personal refrigerator will be required to register their refrigerator for a $80 academic year fee. Students who rent a micro-fridge from Standards for Living will not be required to pay a registration fee as these meet the energy standards established by the university.

Refrigerator registration is NO LONGER REQUIRED! 

Microwaves

Microwaves are only provided in Foundation Heights. Residents in Foundation Heights, Gleason-Hairston Terrace, and Rams Commons are permitted to bring one standalone microwave for the kitchen and kitchenette areas in their apartments. Microwaves should be 1.3 cubic feet or less and no more than 1000 watts (EnergyStar rated). If a resident wishes to have a microwave in their personal bedroom, it must be a micro-fridge unit purchased from our campus partner, Standards for Living website.

Students residing in Atkins Hall, Brown Hall, Covington Hall, Moore Hall, and Wilson Hall are NOT permitted to have standalone microwaves. 

Personal microwaves are not permitted in Covington Hall, as microwaves will be provided in the common areas for residents’ use.

Air fryers, convection ovens, and toaster ovens are prohibited in all residence halls.

As part of our efforts as a University to “Go Green” most of the official university business and notifications will go through email. All students will receive email address upon registering for classes. It is their responsibility to check their email regularly. For traditional mail delivery, students should get a Campus Box at the University Post Office on the ground floor of the Thompson Student Center. Parents can send packages that can be picked up at our Post Office during business hours.

Once you get a campus box your address will be as follows:

Campus Box #####
601 South Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive
Winston-Salem, NC 27110-0001

GradGuard Renters Insurance

WSSU Housing and Residence Life encourages all students to protect their personal belongings with GradGuard Renters Insurance. While the university is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items, GradGuard offers affordable coverage designed specifically for college students living on or off campus.

From electronics and clothing to textbooks and furniture, GradGuard helps cover unexpected events like theft, fire, water damage, and more. It’s peace of mind for just a few dollars a month.

Learn more and enroll at gradguard.com/renters.

The Department of Housing and Residence Life, along with the Department of Police and Public Safety, are passionate about ensuring that the Winston-Salem State University campus community remains safe for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Safety and security on campus is a team effort. You can assist in maintaining a safe campus environment by avoiding risky behaviors. Following are some key safety tips for resident students, non-resident students, employees, and visitors. For additional safety information, please consult the WSSU Annual Security Report, available online from the Department of Public Safety Home Page or in printed form from the Department, the Admissions Office, the Employment Office, or the Library.

• Lock your room at all times, even if you anticipate being gone for just a minute.
• Report lost keys immediately and get replacements. See Guide to On Campus Living,on the policy to get a replacement. 
• Do not leave the room unlocked because you or your roommate have lost the door key.
• Never prop open the building exterior doors.
• Do not let strangers enter a residence hall behind you when you open the door to let yourself
  in the building.
• Be sure that the main entrance to your residence hall or apartment remains locked at all
  Be sure to use the main entrance whenever possible, especially if it is manned or
  monitored. Never let anyone in that you don’t know.
• Make sure to keep your room locked, especially when alone in the room or sleeping.
• If you can, keep all valuable personal items and documents locked away in a drawer or safe
  inside your room or suite.
• If you have a car, only park in a safe, well-lit location and keep it locked at all times.
• Always keep your blinds closed or curtains drawn when changing clothes.
• If you’ve had the windows open while at home, don’t forget to close them before you leave
  the room or apartment.
• When on campus…
  • Stick to well-traveled and well-populated routes when moving around campus. At night, take
    routes that you are fully familiar with and that are well-lit. Many colleges offer night safety
    services such as walking escorts or shuttles for late night travel.
  • Whenever possible, travel with a friend or in a group. Remember, there is safety in numbers.
  • Don’t hesitate to report suspicious persons or activities, or if you feel unsafe.
• WSSU has emergency call boxes across the campus. Familiarize yourself with your school’s emergency system and call box locations so that you know what to do and where to go in case of a sudden emergency. 
• Make an effort to be aware of what is going on around you at all times. In other words, don’t
  wear headphones and play loud music and look up–don’t text or play games on your phone.

For additional safety tips please refer to the WSSU Police & Public Safety web pages. Students should enroll in RAMAlert, our emergency notification system.

The Division of Student Affairs (Student Life) supports and enhances the academic mission of the university by engaging students in innovative co-curricular programs, services, and activities that promote holistic student development and growth.

The Office of Community Standards and Civility strives to promote ethical conduct through personal responsibility, encourages civility and integrity and a sense of community amongst WSSU students.

The Department of Interpersonal Violence Prevention (IVP) is dedicated to creating a safe and non-threatening environment for students on the campus of WSSU.

The Wellness Center promotes healthy living in the students of Winston-Salem State University, while also providing consultation and education on healthy living to the faculty and staff of the university campus.

Career Development Services (CDS) works with students during all phases of the career development process. Career Development Services offers a full range of resources and services to assist you in developing the necessary strategies and skills which will distinguish you as a professional.

University Student Activities & Engagement serves as a guide and resource for Winston-Salem State University Students in creating a rewarding college experience that connects students to their institution and provides them with numerous opportunities to get involved and develop their leadership skills.

All students at the university must carry some form of medical insurance. Insurance is a mandatory fee which is charged to all students registered for six hours or more, unless you are a Distance Learner. If you have medical insurance the fee can be waived. If a student believes they are adequately covered through their parent’s plan they need to provide verification through the Chartis website. Once a student provides his/her insurance information, the provider will determine whether or not you qualify for the waiver. For further information visit the Medical Insurance Requirements page.

The State of North Carolina requires proof of various vaccinations and immunizations for enrollment at their Universities. For more information visit the To Be a Healthy You at WSSU page.

Explore Off-Campus Housing with College Pads

WSSU partners with College Pads to offer students a safe and convenient way to search for off-campus housing. The College Pads Marketplace is a trusted online platform designed specifically for college students, featuring vetted local properties near campus.

Through College Pads, students can:

• Compare listings by price, location, and amenities

• Contact landlords directly

• Read reviews from other students

• Access leasing tips and roommate search tools

Whether you're looking for your first apartment or transitioning from on-campus housing, College Pads helps take the guesswork out of finding a place to live.

Start your search by clicking the button below!