FAQs for Parents

Welcome! We understand that bringing your children to college can be a challenging experience for parents. However, you can rest assured that your students will be living in residential communities that are designed to help them make a smooth transition to the college experience.

Residential living here at UVa-Wise consists of a variety of comfortable, convenient, and economical environments where the personal growth of the students is just as important as their physical comfort.

What does my student need to bring to campus for his/her room? There is some freedom as to what your student brings for his/her room. Here are a few suggestions for you:

• bed sheets (twin extra-long), blanket, and pillow
• jacket, raincoat, and umbrella
• clothes hangers
• cleaning supplies (reality check! Housekeepers do not go into student rooms so you are on your own to clean)
• telephone & answering machine
• alarm clock
• toiletries
• laundry supplies
• toilet paper (for suites and apartments)
• fan (if you residence hal does not have air conditioning)
• school supplies
• Optional Items include, but are not limited to: small refrigerator (under 32 inches tall & wide), microwave (under 800 watts), computer, television

What does my student need to leave at home? Here is a list of items that are prohibited on campus:

• air conditioners
• candles/incense
• empty alcohol bottles/cans or other alcohol paraphernalia
• extension cords (only power strips with rest buttons are allowed)
• exterior radio aerials
• gas/charcoal grills
• George Foreman grills
• halogen lamps
• heaters - open coil
• holiday lights
• hunting bows/rifles
• illegal drugs/narcotics/drug related paraphernalia
• kegs of beer
• pets other than fish
• toaster ovens
• weapons (knives with blades 3 inches or smaller are allowed)

Does the College rent out any furnishings? Yes. Students may rent a MicroFridge unit (microwave/refrigerator combo) for $75 per semester. Also, residents may rent a loft kit, which allowes you to raise your bed and maximize room space, for $75 per academic year. Once charged, the fees for the MicroFridge and loft kit are non-refundable.

What is furnished in the residence hall rooms? All bedrooms have a desk & chair, closet/wardrobe, chest, bed/mattress, and blinds.

Does the first-year residency requirement extend for the entire academic year? Yes. All first-year students who live on-campus must remain on-campus for both the fall and spring semesters. Students are not eligible to buy out of heir housing agreement until their second year.

Can my student move in to his/her room early? Only students with College-sponsored responsibilities (e.g. athletics, marching band, employment, etc.) will be allowed to move in to teir room before the published move-in date.

Can my student stay on-campus during breaks? The residence halls close for Fall Break, Thanksgiving, Spring Break, and between semesters. Students living on-campus may not return to the residence halls during these periods of time. If a student has a special circumstance, he/she can request to stay on-campus (for a pre-determined daily fee) by contacting the Director of Residence Life.

Does my student have to have a meal plan if he/she lives on-campus? Yes. All students living in Culbertson, Henson. Martha Randolph, and McCraray must have a 19-meal plan. Students living in Thompson, Asbury, the Townhouses, or the Houses have the option of choosing a 12 or 19-meal plan.

How do I get mail to my student? Each student is issued a campus mailbox when they get to campus. The mailroom is located on the 4 th floor of the Slemp Student Center . When mailing a letter or package they should be addressed in the following way:

Student's Name

UVa-Wise

1 College Avenue ; Box ____

Wise , VA 24293

Can my student call long distance from his/her room? Long distance plans are not provided by the College. Most students utilize calling cards or cellular phones in order to make long distance calls. Landline access is available in the student rooms for local calls but phones are not provided.

Are cable and internet provided in my student's room? Yes! Each room/apartment/suite is equipped with cable (approximately 70 channels) and high-speed internet access. Special cable packages can be purchased at the student's expense through the local cable company

Does my student need a computer in his/her room? This is a decision you as a family must make. There are computer labs located in the library and academic facilities. Each residence hall room is fitted with ethernet access for both residents if they do bring a personal computer.

If my student does not get along with his/her roommate(s), can he/she change rooms? Room changes are allowed, but there is a two-week freeze at the beginning of each semester. This allows students to get past initial jitters and settle in with a new roommate. If a student wants to change rooms after the freeze period ends, they must inform their RA and the Student Affairs Office

If my student is having a difficult time with something (classes, roommate, etc), is there a resource nearby to assist them? Yes. Each residential community is equipped with a group of student leaders called Resident Advisors. These students are trained todeal with the issues of college life and are a great resource for your student.

Are there alcohol and tobacco-free living environments on-campus? Both our our first-year residence halls (McCraray & Culbertson are alcohol-free facilities. All of our facilities are tobacco free (this includes smokeless tobacco) and individuals must be at least 20 feet from all UVa-Wise buildings if they wish to use tobacco products.

Can my student bring a vehicle on-campus? If so, where will he/she park? Yes. Students of all classifications are allowed to have a vehicle on-campus. Most parking lots are designated by classification and upperclassmen lots are closer to the campus than freshman lots. However, all lots are within walking distance.

My student will not have a car on-campus? Is there transportation available? Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI), located in Blountville, TN (phone: 423-325-6000) is approximately 75 minutes from campus. There are Greyhound Bus Stations in Bristol, TN & Kingsport, TN that are 70-90 minutes from campus.

Are there laundry facilities located on-campus? Yes. Laundry facilities are located in McCraray, Culbertson, Henson, Asbury, the Townhouses, and the Houses. Both the washers and the dryers require $1 in quarters per load. Detergent and softener may also be purchased from dispensers. Students may use their CAVS card to access the laundry machines as well. For refunds, students need to contact the laundry vendor (a contact number is posted on the machines).

Additional questions? Please contact the Office of Housing and Residence Life by calling (276)328-0215 or emailing jhl6n@uvawise.edu.