USI Residence Life FAQs

Housing & Residence Life FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about:

General Information

Who or what is an RA?
What exactly is a "board plan?" Do I have to purchase one?
Is the housing area safe and secure to live in?
Does financial aid cover the cost of room and board?
What are the phone number and address of the Housing & Residence Life Center?
What should I do if I have a question that isn't covered here?

Q: Who or what is an RA?
A resident assistant (RA) is a student that has lived in housing for some time and has chosen to work to help other residents. RAs are there to assist you in solving any housing problems that you may have. They can assist you with working out roommate conflicts, explaining housing policies and procedures, and providing general information to students. They are the ultimate resource for every student living in housing.

Q: What exactly is a "board plan?" Do I have to purchase one?
A "board plan" is a meal plan. Students who will be living in the Residence Halls (Newman, Governors, O'Bannon or Ruston Hall) are required to purchase a meal plan. Students can choose between the Red, White or Blue Eagle plans outlined in the Housing/Food Service Contract. Students not living in the Residence Halls have the option of purchasing a meal plan, but it is not required.

Q: Is the housing area safe and secure to live in?
Housing is a great place to be. We pride ourselves in the safety provided to the residents. Nearly our entire staff lives on campus and is able to respond to any issue. Resident assistants also do "rounds" in the evenings to ensure the safety and security of the residents and the buildings. In addition the campus security office, the sheriffs department regularly patrols the campus and housing. Overall, USI is a safe environment. However, security and safety of residents is not simply the responsibility of the institution. Much like you would do in your own home, you must practice common safety practices, such as locking your apartment or residence hall room door, keeping all valuables in a safe location, walking in pairs at night, etc. Additionally, reporting any type of suspicious activity to our department of Safety and Security (464-1845) can help to alleviate any potential criminal activity on our campus. Remember, USI Housing is your home away from home, so watch out for yourself, your belongings and your fellow community members.

Q: Does financial aid over the cost of room and board?
Whether or not your financial aid will cover the cost of your room and board depends on the type and amount of financial aid you have been given. Most loans and grants can be applied to room and board. However, scholarships may have restrictions limiting what they may be utilized for. Therefore, be sure you speak with your Financial Aid Counselor and make sure you understand what your financial aid may be used for. The Department of Residence Life has no control over which types of Financial Aid cover housing and boarding costs.

Q: What is the phone number and address of the Housing & Residence Life Center?
Housing & Residence Life Department

839 Pruis Lane

Evansville IN 47712

(812) 468-2000

email: living@usi.edu

Q: What should I do if I have a question that isn't covered here?
Please call the Housing & Residence Life Center at (812) 468-2000 or 1-888-864-8468. A professional Residence Life staff member will be available to speak with you between the hours of 8am-4:30pm Monday through Friday. If you need to contact an individual staff member please view the Residence Life Staff Page, or email living@usi.edu.