Frequently Asked Questions

What is a residential college?
As you probably already have heard mentioned, Ripon College is a residential college. What that means in very simple terms is that all students, except those who are married or living with immediate family in the Ripon area, live on campus while they attend the College. With the majority of students on campus, Ripon College can be a true community comprising students who live, socialize and study together. Any exceptions must be petitioned through the Director of Residence Life.

How are roommates assigned? When will I find out who I will be rooming with?
Roommates are assigned based on the information you provided on your housing application under "Compatibility Preferences." The answers to questions such as “Do you need to have absolute quiet to study?” (and the others that were listed) will help to pair you with a roommate who has a similar living style to your own. The building or type of room in which you are placed will be determined partially by when you got your housing information and room deposit in to the office. Those who got their information in early will get their first preference of rooms, whereas those who waited until the end may not get their first preference. You should expect to receive your rooming assignments by mail in mid-to late July.

Are there smoke-free living areas?
All residence halls are smoke-free. Smoking is allowed only is designated areas outside of residence halls on select porches and patios.

Where do first-year students live?
All First-Year Men live in either Middle Scott or East Scott. First-Year Women can live in Tri-Dorms (Shaler, Evans, or Wright), Johnson Hall, or East Scott. Middle Scott and Tri-Dorms have a either traditional double rooms or suites. Johnson and East Scott have traditional double rooms. Suites consist of two bedrooms, separated by a common room. As students indicate their preferences for double rooms or suites, they should consider carefully which type of environment would best fit their social and study skills.

What is included in the residence hall room?
Every residence hall room has one bed, desk and closet space for each resident. All students have their own voicemail and a network hook-up for a computer.

Students are allowed to bring appliances such as microwaves, small refrigerators, televisions, stereos and computers to campus. However, students must take into consideration that they must not overload electrical circuits by the use of too many electrical appliances. Please note that air conditioners, space heaters and hallogen lamps are not allowed in residence hall rooms.

When can I move into my residence hall room?
The residence halls will be open for first-year and transfer students on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2007. They will be open for returning students on Monday, Aug. 20, 2007.

Can I move in early?
It is important that you make every effort to not arrive on campus prior to your assigned move-in day. However, if you are flying in or have some special circumstances that require early arrival consideration, you must call the Office of Residence Life well in advance to get approval to do so (920-748-8146). A per-night fee may be charged to your student account for doing so.

What is the difference between bunking and lofting?
Bunking beds refers to stacking one on top of another. Lofting involves building a structure to support the bed above the ground. If students would like to bunk their beds and will be living in Tri-Dorms, Johnson or East Scott, metal extenders are needed in order to do so. The Physical Plant Department will need to come into the room to bunk them. A request for this can be made at check-in. There are a limited number of supplies for this available, so it is first-come, first-served. For those living in Middle Scott, no additional parts are needed. Please ask a residence life staff member to assist in this process.

If students would like a loft, it is necessary that they rent one from the College's loft provider, CampusLofts Inc. A link to the CampusLofts webpage is located on the left.

Students are allowed to have small aquarium fish in the residence halls.
No other pets are allowed.

What sort of security does Ripon have?
A contract security company is on duty every night from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. They do rounds of the campus and can be contacted to provide an escort from campus buildings to the residence halls. In addition, there is at least one student staff member on duty every night who does rounds of the area for which they are responsible. There are also three Residence Hall Directors who each are responsible for an area of campus. One Hall Director is on duty each night from 8 p.m. until 7 a.m. the next morning. There are phone numbers posted in the buildings that provide access to all of these people.

In addition, Ripon utilizes a key card access system in all of the buildings in which students are housed. This is done in an effort to ensure that only Ripon College students have access to the residence halls during the day and only building residents have access at night.

Do I need an insurance policy to cover my belongings in the residence halls?
The College assumes no responsibility for damage, loss or theft of the personal belongings of students. This includes personal articles damaged or lost in washers and dryers. You should check your parents’ home insurance policy to request information regarding coverage while attending the College.