Living on campus in the age of COVID-19

This year’s Move-in Week will occur Aug. 18-23, 2020, and needless to say, it will be a lot different this year. First of all, students moving into the on-campus University of Utah housing will be tested for COVID-19 when they arrive for their allotted move-in time. Also, only two people are permitted to help each student with moving in. And of course, we ask that everyone exercises safe social distancing measures and masks will be required indoors.

Questions about move-in? What other housing modifications will be in place for the fall semester? Below are answers to the frequently asked questions about living on campus in the age of COVID-19.

Testing

What kind of test are you using?

The actual test is self-administered and involves a swap of the nasal cavity and throat. Tests will be prioritized by U of U Health and residents should receive results between 24-48 hours. Students are permitted to stay in their individual room until they receive their results but will need to limit their exposure to others during that time.

Can I opt-out of testing?

No. Testing on campus on your move-in day is required. Since tests are a snapshot in time, prior test results will not be accepted.

How often will students be tested?

Students are required to be tested on move-in day at our testing location on campus. Should students develop symptoms or come in contact with someone who tests positive after moving in and throughout the semester, we recommend that students contact their personal care provider. They will also need to fill out the Self-Report Form from Housing and Residential Education (HRE), which can be found at housing.utah.edu/coronavirus. Testing will be available on campus at the Commander’s House in the Fort Douglas area.

What if someone tests positive?

The student should fill out the HRE Self-Report Form on the HRE’s coronavirus webpage. From there, a member of the HRE team will reach out to support that student. The process will begin by moving that student to an isolation space. Students will remain in their isolation space for 10-14 days. For other residents who that student has come in contact with, such as roommates or suite-mates, those students should also fill out the Self-Report Form and begin quarantining in their own space for 10-14 days.

How will quarantine and isolation work?

Isolation occurs in a holding room that is private for that student. Quarantine will take place in their private apartments or suites. HRE staff will provide support daily by delivering meals and other check-ins.

Moving In

When do I move in?

First-year students: On their assigned move-in day on Aug. 18, 19 or 20, during their assigned time. Click here for more information.

Upperclass and graduate students: Sign-up for preferred move-in time on Aug. 21, 22 or 23; here by Aug. 14.

Can family help me move into my dorm?

Yes, a maximum of two family members will be able to assist you to move in. Everyone on campus will be required to wear face coverings, including the student and their friends and family.

Can I change from a double room to a single room?

HRE is currently running a waitlist as all available spaces have been reserved. Room changes are not possible at this time. For immediate or emergent needs that arise during the semester, students should email the HRE main office at info@housing.utah.edu.

What should I bring to campus?

That’s easy—check out the HRE packing list here.

Students should plan to pack light and wait until after they arrive on campus to order large items. It is recommended that students bring cleaning supplies with them to help clean their individual areas.

How do I find out what furniture is in my room?

All bedrooms come furnished with a twin XL bed and mattress, a desk and desk chair, three drawer dresser, and either a built-in closet or a moveable wardrobe.

Guest policy

What is the guest policy?

For the upcoming year, guests are not permitted in residential buildings. Guests are defined as non-HRE residential students. Residents can host other HRE residents in common areas of their buildings, but guests are not permitted in individual apartments or bedrooms. In addition, overnight guests are not permitted for the upcoming academic year.

What common areas in HRE facilities can HRE residents gather in?

Fellow HRE students can gather in study spaces and lounges in found in the various HRE facilities.

Housing Modifications

How will dining work?

There will be reduced or limited seating capacity in HRE dining halls with pick-up and carry-out meal options. A new ordering app—Boost Mobile—is being introduced that will allow students to schedule a time to pick up their meals. Outdoor tables and seating will also be utilized.

Has capacity changed for on-campus housing?

Yes. Our occupancy has changed to better promote physical distancing. We are only offering single and double bedrooms where we previously offered triples or housed three to four students in our Lassonde Lofts.

Can we travel during the online-only period (Sept. 28-Oct. 9) of classes?

We ask that residents not travel during this time, as the idea or purpose behind this “pause” is to minimize possible COVID-19 transmission.

Can we venture off campus in general?

Yes, but as on-campus residents, we have a community responsibility to be mindful of others and how our choices can impact our community. We ask residents to make good choices that minimize virus transmission in our communities.

Is there modified furniture in community areas?

Yes. Furniture may be modified to be more conducive with social distancing.

Can you explain how the online-only instruction period impacts housing?

Housing & dining will remain open during the first online-only period, Sept. 28 to Oct. 9. After Nov. 25, students can either choose to extend their contracts through the online instruction period and the winter break at an additional cost.

This does not apply to students in the Lassonde Studios as that time is included in their housing contract.

Is the amount for housing/meal plan costs adjusted for longer breaks?

Yes. The rates have been adjusted for residence hall areas to reflect the adjustments to the fall academic calendar.

Residential life

What group hall activities are there?

Resident Assistants (RAs) will be living in your area and will reach out right after you move in to provide information on community meetings and other virtual events.

Watch the Facebook Live, recorded on July 29, below.

@theU