Mary Baldwin College
MBC Home Housing
Mary Baldwin College

Services for New Students

Housing Application Process
Room Assignment
Checklist of Items to Bring
Frequently Asked Questions

Housing Application Process for New Freshmen and Transfers

Congratulations on your admission to Mary Baldwin College! Please take the first step in making MBC your new home by submitting a housing application. The online application takes only a few minutes to fill out and will greatly assist us in making a housing and roommate assignment that is just right for you.

We make every effort to take your roommate requests and housing preferences into consideration. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to give everyone their first choice.

Submit Your Housing Application

Room Assignment Information

We make housing assignments during the month of June and send official housing assignment notifications via e-mail the second week of July.

Please note that we must reserve the right to make changes to your housing and/or roommate assignment up until you arrive and check in. This does not happen very often, and every effort will be made to minimize inconvenience. But, circumstances sometimes dictate that we make changes in order to accommodate special housing programs and/ or individual needs. If this happens, you will receive notification again by e-mail with a new room assignment and/or roommate indicated.

If you need to request special accommodations due to a medical need, please contact the director of housing to discuss your individual situation.

If you are a former Mary Baldwin student who is returning to the college after time away (leave or absence, study abroad, etc.), please contact the director of housing to discuss your housing needs.

 

Checklist of Items to Bring
 
How is my room furnished?
Most freshmen and transfer students are assigned to Spencer or Woodson Residence Halls.  The rooms in these halls are furnished with the following items:

  • Single bed with a standard size mattress **
  • Desk and desk chair
  • Built-in closet
  • Built-in chest of drawers
  • Sink and mirror
  • Window covering (blinds)

** Some bed frames have the capability to be bunked (wooden bed frames only).

If you are considering bringing additional furniture, we suggest that you discuss with your roommate(s) how much and what type of extra furniture is desired to avoid duplication and to accommodate space constraints. Also, please be advised that all college-issued furniture must remain in the room. Furniture may not be taken off-site to be stored.

What do I need to bring?

Room Supplies                                              
Bedding (pillow, comforter and sheets) 
Towels                                                   
Area rug                                                                
Storage crates/tubs                                                
Desk and/or floor lamp                                          
Posters                                                                  
Trash can                                                              
Shower caddy                                                       
Hangers                                                                 
Iron and ironing board                                                     
Cleaning and laundry supplies                                 
Dry erase board                                                          
Plates and bowls                                                    
Cups and mugs                                                      
Eating utensils                                                        
Fan                                                                       
Plants                                                                    
                                                                               
Electronics
Alarm clock
UL approved surge protectors (15amps/125volts) (check packaging for UL approved notation)
UL approved extension cords (16-18 gauge) (check packaging for UL approved notation)
Telephone
Stereo
Television (cable ready)
Computer
Plastic sleeve protector (for cords under rugs)

Miscellaneous
Backpack
School supplies
Sewing kit
First aid kit
Flashlight with extra batteries
Umbrella
Lap desk
Camera and film

 

For safety reasons, please do NOT bring the following items:

  • Small cooking appliances with open heating elements (examples include – hot plates, toaster ovens, George Forman grills, electric oil fryers) and gas/propane cooking equipment
  • Window air-conditioning units
  • Microwaves **
  • Refrigerators over 4 cubic feet
  • Candles, incense, or oil lamps
  • Pets other than fish
  • Lamps with halogen bulbs
  • Christmas and/or holiday lights of any kind
  • Cinder blocks or other make-shift bed lofting devices
  • Weapons of any kind including ornamental knives, guns, and swords

** The “Microfridge” microwave/refrigerator combination appliance is the ONLY college approved microwave allowed in the residence halls. The reason is that these units have a unique feature that automatically turns off the power to the refrigerator while the microwave is in use therefore reducing electrical demand. More information on these units, including pricing and rental agreements, can be found on the Microfridge page. Note that microwaves are provided in the common area kitchens in the residence halls. 

Again, it is recommended that you carefully discuss with your roommate(s) prior to your arrival the items that will be needed for the room in order to avoid duplication and to accommodate any space constraints.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the amenities in the residence halls?

  • Common area lounges for study, small group meetings, and programming. Recent upgrades include the addition of new furniture and large flat-screen TVs in designated lounges
  • Laundry rooms with washers and dryers that are provided free of charge (no coins needed)
  • Common area kitchens equipped with microwaves, refrigerators, and stoves
  • Vending areas for drinks and snacks
  • Housekeeping of residence hall common areas including hall bathrooms
  • Vacuum cleaners for use by students
  • In-room network data, cable TV, and telephone connections
  • Wi-Fi access in Woodson, King, Hilltop, Memorial, McClung, and Spencer residence halls

Outside of my room, is there any storage available?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate any storage of personal belongings in the residence halls. You should plan to store your luggage and or boxes in your room or have your family take them back home for you. Storage is also not available over the summer between academic years.   

How safe are my belongings in the residence hall?  Should I have personal property insurance?
The exterior doors to all residence halls remain locked 24 hours a day. Only residents of the building have a key to enter and all guests are to be signed-in and escorted throughout the building. However, your room and its contents are only as safe as you allow them to be. This means that you should always lock your room door, never allow strangers in the building, or give others your building or room key.

The college is not responsible for the loss or damage of personal property. As MBC’s insurance policy does not provide coverage, you are strongly encouraged to investigate your own coverage. This can usually be obtained through a family member’s homeowner’s insurance policy.

When can I arrive?
Move-in day for freshmen and transfer students is Thursday, August 23, 2007. The move-in schedule is facilitated by the Office of Admissions.

What if I do not like my room or roommate?
We will make every effort to work with you! We have a variety of staff members available to assist you with your concerns. Probably the most important person for you to know is your Resident Assistant or RA. This is a student leader who lives on your floor with you who serves as a friend, counselor, and resource and referral person. Your RA can be instrumental in getting you the help you need. 

However, not every situation can be easily resolved. As long as you follow procedures, we allow residents to change rooms or roommates freely. However, we ask that students wait two weeks into the fall semester to do this, so that residence hall occupancy and vacancies can be confirmed. Additionally, we ask that you follow procedures to make these types of changes. Finally, of course we can offer you only what we have available.