Housing Policies
Dorm Room Regulations
Graduate College and Common Area Policies
Dorm Room Regulations
Air Conditioners
Bulletin Boards and White Boards
Carpet Policy
The following guidelines must be observed:
- Carpets must not interfere with the full opening of any regular door or second-egress door. No door may be cut or shaved to allow movement over a carpet.
- Carpets must not be attached to floors. Use of nails, tacks or glue is prohibited
Chin-up Bars
Doors and Screens
Doors and screens may not be removed from their frames. If removed, the occupants will be charged for their reinstallation, replacement or repair.
Evacuation Signs
On the interior side of the room entry door is an evacuation route placard. Anyone found altering, defacing, destroying, removing or covering the placard will be charged for the cost to replace the placard.
Furniture
Every room in the Graduate College comes with a single bed, dresser, desk, closet and bedside table for each student. Students are responsible for the loss of or damage to University property provided for their use, including the furniture in their accommodations. All University property originally in the room must be left in good order. IMPORTANT: Furniture may not be removed from dorm rooms. Students may only remove the mattress from their room. The bed frame can be disassembled and placed under their new bed. At the end of the year, the student is responsible for returning the mattress and bringing the room to its original condition.
Loft Regulations
While loft inspections are conducted to ensure compliance with University regulations, there may be unsafe conditions that are not discovered by a Housing Inspector. The University is not responsible for undisclosed violations or for any future violations. Please note that New Graduate College residents may not have lofts.
The following guidelines must be met:
- Lofts must be freestanding, which means they may not be attached to the walls, floor or ceiling. The owner is liable for all damages.
- Lofts may not exceed the floor area of the beds they replace (maximum size 4 ft. x 8 ft.). At least one third of the room must be clear.
- The occupant must be able to get out of the loft quickly.
- Lofts may not obstruct windows and must be situated to allow rapid egress from the room.
- No wiring may be attached to a loft.
- Lofts may not interfere with smoke detectors/sprinklers.
- Flammable materials such as paneling, curtains and posters may not be attached to or enclose the loft.
- Lofts may not be placed near any heat source.
- Protruding objects such as coat hooks and nails are hazardous and are prohibited.
- When constructing a loft, students should use caution and discretion.
- There must be at least two feet between parallel lofts.
Lofts that do not conform to the above regulations are considered to be in violation and a student is allowed seven days to make alterations for compliance. The loft is then re-evaluated and if it is still found to be unacceptable, it is then removed at the student’s expense.
Any alterations after the initial inspection must be discussed with the Housing Inspection Office before any revisions are made.
All lofts must be removed at the end of each academic year. Lofts left behind are removed at the student’s expense.
Make Yourself at Home, a booklet detailing the basic requirements for loft placement, is available in the MacMillan Building from the Housing Inspectors. Students can refer to the Dorm Furnishing Agency for additional information about lofts.
Paint Policy
- Immediately upon discovery that any portion of any wall has been painted, a $500. fine per student will be issued to each student account. If one occupant accepts sole responsibility for a fine, that occupant will be fined the single fine amount (not the multiplied amount)
- Students will be financially responsible for restoration of the room. Charges will be determined as a function of labor, time and materials. Students will not be permitted to repaint their rooms or contract with anyone to paint their room. The total charge will be divided among the occupants and issued to each student account. If one student accepts sole responsibility that individual will be charged the entire amount.
Refrigerator and Freezer Regulations
- Students are permitted only one refrigerator or only one freezer per occupant.
- Refrigerators/freezers must not exceed 5.2 cu. ft.
- Refrigerators/freezers may not impede the flow of traffic to exits.
- Damaged or spliced cords and any form of improper wiring are unacceptable. All refrigerator/freezer cords must be of adequate size and capacity. They must be plugged directly into a wall outlet, or a heavy-duty extension cord must be used.
- Refrigerators/freezers must be maintained in a safe, clean and sanitary condition.
- Refrigerators/freezers must be located where free air circulation is not restricted. They may not be placed in closets.
- The condenser should be reasonably clean to allow heat dissipation, and the unit should have an underwriter’s label.
- Refrigerators/freezers must have functional gaskets and closing mechanisms.
- Refrigerators/freezers must be capable of maintaining safe temperatures (32˚F to 45˚F for refrigeration and -10˚F to 0˚F for freezing).
- Refrigerators/freezers may not be placed in public areas (such as corridors, lounges, kitchens).
- All refrigerators/freezers are inspected throughout the academic year. Repeated violations result in fines and removal at the owner’s expense.
- Kegerators are prohibited.
NOTE: If you decide to discard your refrigerator/freezer, you must remove the door.
Room Decoration Policy
Pictures, calendars, posters, wall hangings and other decorations may be placed on walls if they are hung vertically and are at least 18 inches from any heat source. Nothing may be hung from the ceiling. Tapestries, posters, fabric items or lights may not be draped from walls but must be installed fast to them. Unframed paper, tapestries, fabric items, plastic or other easily ignitable materials may not be hung near operating fireplaces. At least six inches of space must be left between wall hangings.
All posters must be mounted firmly; however, tape and two-sided adhesives may not be used. Only small nails, pins, thumbtacks, pushpins and easily removable adhesive tape may be used. The use of any adhesive, which is not fully removed, results in a charge for its removal and the painting of the entire affected wall. Heavy objects damage walls, so students should consult the building inspector before attempting to hang a heavy object. If wall damage occurs, the cost of the repair and repainting is charged to the resident(s) responsible. If no one resident claims responsibility for the damage, the entire suite is held financially responsible.
- Nothing may be attached to ceilings since that area is particularly dangerous.
- Oil, kerosene and gas lamps are prohibited and will be confiscated.
- Furniture should not be placed near any heat source, light fixture or working fireplace.
NOTE: For further information on regulations, students should see the fire safety codes.
Room Door
Nothing may be attached to either side of the room entrance door. As the primary means of egress, it must be recognizable as such at all times. A standard message board may be mounted on the wall to either side of the entry door.
The room entry door is a fire-rated door (required per NJ State Fire Code). The room entry door must close and automatically latch so the door does not stay in a partially open position. Propping and/or wedging of the door, or disabling the latching mechanism, is prohibited and a fine will be issued on first offense.
Room Personalization
The physical configuration of dormitories may not be altered. Many room modifications are prohibited because of fire safety regulations (see Fire Safety section). Follow these guidelines before personalizing a room:
- Walls may not be paneled or wallpapered.
- Use only approved poster mount when attaching anything on the walls. The use of any adhesive that is not fully removed results in a charge for its removal and for the painting of the entire wall. Fun-tack adhesive is no longer permitted. Spackling, patching and/or painting is not permitted. If used, the student is liable to be charged for the complete painting/repairing of the affected wall area.
- Cork panels, mirror tiles and two-sided stickums are prohibited.
- Dartboards must be mounted and backed properly so that errant darts do not damage walls. Dartboards may not be hung on doors.
- Nothing may be attached to either side of any door. Message boards may be mounted on the wall to either side of the entry door.
- Beds and lofts may not be located near windows leading to a second egress or near any heat source.
- Any University furniture not in place at the end of the year will be billed as missing (see Student Liability section).
- Ceiling fans, ceiling light fixtures, track lighting, dimmer switches and modified wall receptacles are not permitted.
- Break-glass enclosures on second-egress doors provide security for adjoining rooms. They may be removed by University carpenters only, and the mutual consent of the occupants of any adjoining rooms is required. The maintenance labor charge for removal and reinstallation is $50. Students should call the inspection office (8-3435) for authorization.
- Hot tubs may not be present in dormitories, nor is any form of portable swimming or soaking pool permitted.
Satellite Dishes
Satellite dishes may not be placed on or near or affixed to the outside of any building. Violations result in a fine for the first offense as well as additional fines for subsequent offenses.
Graduate College and Common Area Policies
Alcohol Beverage Policy
Students are expected to be acquainted with and abide by University regulations regarding the use of alcoholic beverages. These regulations are designed to be consistent with the laws of the State of New Jersey, and, in general, prohibit the consumption and serving of alcohol beverages by and to persons under 21 years of age. A complete statement of policy appears in Rights, Rules, Responsibilities. Students are in violation of the alcohol policy under any of the following circumstances:
- Possession of an open container of alcohol, by any student, in common spaces (such as lounges, game rooms, hallways, entryways, dining areas, courtyards)
- Possession of any container of alcohol (open or sealed) in common spaces by students under the age of 21
- Serving, providing or making available alcohol to persons under 21
The aforementioned violations are regarded more seriously if property is damaged or the privacy of others is infringed upon.
The University respects the right to privacy, and its representatives do not enter dormitory rooms in order to enforce this policy without reasonable suspicion that University policies or regulations have been violated. If a violation is determined, all alcohol and equipment used to dispense it are confiscated and not returned.
Common Area Damages
Charges for excessive damages in the common areas of dormitories may be prorated by entry, floor or building in cases where individual responsibility cannot be ascertained. The determination of what constitutes “excessive damages” are the judgment of the Graduate School and the Housing Department. These charges are assessed as a group billing and cannot be individually reduced.
Grill Policy
Possession of or cooking with grills or other portable cookers is prohibited, except under the guidelines established by the Dining Services Cookout Policy. Any grills discovered on the exterior of any building will be confiscated and disposed of immediately.
Guest Policy
Space in University dormitories is made available to regularly enrolled graduate students of Princeton for their personal use, and use of such space cannot be transferred to any other individual. Visitors are allowed in housing throughout the 24-hour day, yet the presence of guests or visitors must not interfere with other residents’ normal activities. Roommates are expected to be sensitive to each other’s need for privacy as well as reasonable about the need for occasional guests or visitors to the room. The University strongly encourages that residents get 48 hours advance consent from and give advance notice to all other roommates before having guests or visitors. In the case of overnight guests or visitors, 48-hour advance consent from all roommates is required. Additionally, extended visits, greater than three days and two nights, are not permitted. Overnight sleeping in common areas of the building is prohibited. Disputes or concerns regarding guests at the Graduate College and Annexes should be brought to the attention of the Community Programs Coordinator or the Manager for Graduate for resolution. The University may deny guest privileges and impose disciplinary action if this policy is abused.
It is expected that guests and/or visitors will show consideration for the property of their peers and of the University. Residents are encouraged to inform guests and/or visitors of all University regulations. Residents are personally responsible for the actions of their guests, including any damages to University property or the property of other residents. Residents are encouraged to accompany their guests at all times in the dormitory. If the guests are other Princeton University students, then the resident and the guests and/or visitors concurrently accept responsibility for their actions.
HIV Policy
The following excerpts are from “Guidelines for Students Regarding HIV Infection.”
Fundamental to Princeton’s response to HIV infection and other chronic illness is the commitment to respect the rights and reasonable concerns of everyone, including those individuals living with these conditions.
Accommodations for Students Living with HIV
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination protect students with disabilities. Under these acts and University policy, HIV infection is considered to be a disability. As with all disabilities, Princeton University will make reasonable accommodations for students living with HIV.
Peers of Students with HIV
Peers of those students who are HIV infected are expected to continue to carry out their academic responsibilities in a normal fashion. Should a student experience fear or anxiety with regard to interacting with a fellow student who is known or perceived to have HIV disease, he or she should contact a member of the Princeton University Health Services staff for information on HIV disease, or the Office of the Dean of the Graduate School for information about accommodating other requests. Students who wish to transfer to another residence to avoid contact with a fellow student who is HIV infected or perceived to be living with HIV do not have a right to such reassignment.
For further information, please refer to the ”Princeton University Policy on HIV Infection“ and the complete “Guidelines for Students Regarding HIV Infection” available through the Office of the Vice Provost for Administration, 3 Nassau Hall, or the chief medical officer and executive director, Princeton University Health Services.
Kitchens
Students should note that cooking is prohibited in dormitory rooms. (See "Fire Safety")
There are three kitchens in the Graduate College for general student use. These kitchens are found in the 4th entry basement, the 9th entry basement and the New Graduate College Common Room.
Annex kitchens are treated as private suite kitchens and Old Graduate College/New Graduate College kitchens are treated as open dormitory kitchens.
Each kitchen has a University-supplied range and refrigerator. The kitchens are maintained by Building Services. If an oven, microwave, range or refrigerator that has been provided by the University is not functioning correctly, students should call the Housing Department at 8-6792. Students may use small heat-producing electrical appliances in open kitchens, provided they are stored only in locked kitchen cabinets whenever they are not in use. Students should remember that all heat-producing electrical appliances are strictly prohibited in student rooms and may not be kept anywhere in dormitories except in locked kitchen cabinets. It is the responsibility of each individual who uses these facilities to clean up the area and wash the utensils used.
Any kitchen found in unsanitary condition may be closed for the duration of the year. Students should remove all items from refrigerators after they are given proper notice from Building Services for refrigerator cleaning as they are cleaned several times a year.
Kitchen Inspection and Cleanliness
The following guidelines must be met:
A primary sanitation concern is in the kitchen areas of dormitories and the Annexes. Thus, kitchen inspections are held several times during the academic year.
The inspectors may request that a kitchen be closed based upon poor sanitation. In order to keep the kitchens open, these steps must be followed:
- The snack kitchens available in the Graduate College were not designed for the preparation of full meals. These kitchens are strictly designed for snack preparation.
- Students are responsible for cleaning any area and utensils they use.
- Student-owned refrigerators may not be kept in lounges or kitchens.
- The outside, top and gaskets of refrigerators should be wiped off frequently. The inside should be cleaned bi-weekly and any spills should be cleaned immediately. Students should not wait for someone else to clean up a spill.
- All refrigerators should have thermometers and the temperature should be maintained at 45˚ F or below, with the freezer regulated between -10˚ F to 0˚ F.
- Freezers should be defrosted when frost buildup grows to 1⁄4 inch.
- Any food stored should be kept off the floor in sealed and marked containers. Students should not store cleaning compounds or other toxic materials with or on shelves above food.
- Utensils that are worn, chipped, pitted or corroded should not be used. Utensils should be washed thoroughly after each use, drained dry and stored to protect them from contamination.
- Refuse should be placed in the appropriate containers. Containers must be covered and lined with plastic bags, which are available from janitors. Containers must be kept clean inside and out.
- Food should be thawed either by placing it in the refrigerator for a few hours, in a plastic bag and running cool water over it or by cooking. Food should never be left out in warm air to thaw since bacteria may thrive in such an environment.
- Personal hygiene is most important when preparing food for others. Students are reminded to always wash their hands and tie their hair back before preparing any food. Anyone with a communicable sore, boil or skin condition should not prepare food.
- Kitchens must be kept sanitary. Annex residents must set up a schedule of duties to keep the kitchen area sanitary in order to safeguard the health of all Annex residents.
Noise
Every Princeton dormitory resident has the right to a reasonably quiet environment, one conducive to study and to the pursuit of his or her other interests.
The University expects all students to respect this right and to be aware of the impact their activities may have on their neighbors. Stereo speakers, for instance, should not be placed in a way that interferes with the activities of others. Normally, audio equipment should be placed away from doors and open windows.
While social gatherings are an essential part of campus life, students who host parties are urged to be considerate of their neighbors. If the Department of Public Safety receives complaints about a loud party, or other noisemaking, prior to midnight on weeknights, or 2:00am on weekends (Friday to Saturday and Saturday to Sunday nights only), Public Safety will ask the hosts to reduce the noise level. After the curfew hour, Public Safety is authorized to end the activity in question.
Residents concerned about excessive noise should themselves contact the person(s) responsible for the noise. If a satisfactory solution is not reached, they should call Public Safety for assistance. All noise complaints are noted by the Department of Public Safety. Especially flagrant and/or repeated violations of this noise policy may result in disciplinary action by the Office of the Dean of the Graduate School.
Posting of Personal Notices
Posters or notices of any kind may only be affixed to bulletin boards in dorm entryways, dining service units, academic and administrative buildings and outdoor kiosks. All materials placed elsewhere (that is, stairwells, hallways, entry walls or doors) are removed.
Respect for Others
Respect for the rights, privileges, and sensibilities of others is essential to preserving the spirit of the community at Princeton. Actions that make the atmosphere intimidating, threatening, or hostile to individuals are therefore regarded as serious offenses. In particular, abusive or harassing behavior, verbal or physical, that demeans, intimidates, threatens, or injures another person because of his or her sex, race, national origin, or personal characteristics or beliefs is subject to University disciplinary sanctions. Examples of personal characteristics or beliefs include but are not limited to sex, sexual orientation, race, national origin, religion, and disability (Rights, Rules, Responsibilities). Dormitory residents should respect the desire of all members of the community for a reasonable degree of privacy. It is expected that residents show consideration for the property of their peers and of the University.
Smoking Policy
Princeton University is committed to providing a healthy, smoke-free living environment for all its students. Further, New Jersey law prohibits smoking in all dormitories/Annexes, including private student rooms and common areas. Accordingly, smoking is not permitted anywhere in Princeton University dormitories/Annexes. Failure to follow the policy will result in disciplinary action.
Student LIability
Students are responsible for any costs that the University incurs in returning the accommodation to its original condition. In the case of suites, all residents of a suite are held responsible unless the responsible individual identifies himself or herself to the Housing Department. Those who damage University property are subject to disciplinary action and fines.
In addition, hosts are expected to be responsible for the behavior of their guests. Damages consequent to a party may be billed to the host, or disciplinary action may ensue.
Students may be held liable for all losses or damages resulting from negligent and/or purposeful acts. Violations of University regulations may result in removal from housing with no financial credit for the unelapsed term of the housing agreement, or in the denial of University housing for future years.
Tents and Outdoor Furniture
Tents, igloos or similar enclosures may not be present inside or on the grounds of any dormitory, without the written permission of the Graduate School and the Housing Office. Hanging seats or hammocks of any kind are prohibited inside and on the grounds of all dormitories. Outdoor furniture may be placed on the grounds only while it is actively being used, as long as it presents not other hazard.
Use of Elevated Exterior Surfaces
Entering upon exterior elevated surfaces is prohibited except in emergencies. This policy specifically prohibits entering any exterior area above the first floor. The practice of "buildering" and climbing on any exterior or elevated wall is prohibited. Exterior elevated areas (fire escapes, roofs, parapets, etc.) of dormitories were not designed for foot traffic or gatherings and are designed to be used as a second means of egress in case of fire.
No items may be placed on a fire escape at any time, under any circumstances. No items, including antennas and wire, lights, banners, etc. may be placed on or affixed to the outside of any building with the exception of the flag of a country..
Violations of this policy result in a fine for the first offense as well as additional fines for subsequent offenses.