Towson University Freshman Dorms: Your Guide to Campus Living
Moving into a college dorm is a significant step, marking the beginning of a new chapter filled with independence and learning. Towson University offers a variety of housing options for incoming freshmen. This guide provides essential information to help you navigate the process and make the most of your on-campus living experience.
Housing Application and Assignment
The journey begins with the housing application, accessible through the TU Admissions Portal after submitting your Enrollment Deposit and Form, and activating your NetID. The Incoming Freshman Student Roommate Matching Guide will be available when the process opens on May 5th. This guide will assist you in completing this step within the University Housing Application. Assignments will also be available under View Housing Assignments on Monday, August 11th (adjusted due to university closure).
Gender Inclusive Housing
All housing assignments are made based on legal sex, unless the student requests Gender Inclusive Housing.
Living Learning Communities
You can indicate interest for a Living Learning Community on the Housing Application.
Roommate Information
Once assigned, you'll receive roommate information. Your RA (Resident Assistant) will introduce you to the roommate agreement, helping you and your roommate create shared expectations. Your RA will sit down with the two of you to review what you discussed. Building a good relationship with your roommate is important. You both are likely new to the University and are really wanting to make a great first impression. An important thing to do to make sure you both get along is to set boundaries and rules. When moving in, make sure you take the Roommate Agreement your RA gives you seriously. If there are any disputes or problems that occur later in the semester, it will be good to consult your agreement to make sure you both are following the rules. Although following the rules are important, so is getting to know each other. Going to dinner together every so often is a great way to get to know your roommate and check in with them on how college is going. However, don’t rely on your roommate to be your only friend. Because you will be living together, you will want time with other friends too.
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Accommodation Requests
Students needing accommodations should submit their request through the office of Accessibility and Disability Services.
Important Dates and Deadlines
Keep in mind that the housing application must be completed and submitted by the student before the first day of Fall Classes. Also note that there is a Cancellation Fee (initiated by the University or at student’s request).
Move-In Day
Move-in day can be both exciting and overwhelming. Towson University does its best to make the process as smooth as possible. Students will report to SECU Arena for centralized check-in. Students are required to sign up for a specific 1 hour check-in window between August 20 to August 23. Each student will be able select a move in window between the hours below. to check-in at centralized check-in. Parking for SECU Arena will be in Lot 8.
Move-In Assistance
Our Move-In Crew is here to help make things smooth!
Important Reminders
- Ensure you have your room key.
- "No, U-Haul trucks aren’t allowed. tight, so large trucks block traffic.
What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind)
Knowing what to bring and what to leave behind is crucial for a comfortable and safe dorm experience. We encourage you to bring only the essentials when you move in. It's a good idea to contact your roommates to find out what they plan to bring.
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Essentials
- Television* and Roku device.
- Laptop and accessories (charger, headphones, webcam, etc.).
- Bathroom cleaning supplies.
Prohibited Items
The following items in the categories below are prohibited on campus.
- heads or smoke detectors).
- Pocket knives, knives in a sheath, spears, swords, souvenir weapons, replica firearms, and martial arts weapons.
- aren’t allowed in the residence halls for safety reasons.
Technology
Using a wired connection is always faster than using Wi-Fi. Wireless printers are prohibited. it's one that can be used with a USB cord.
Campus Resources and Services
Towson University offers a wide array of resources and services to support students' academic, personal, and social well-being.
OneCard
The OneCard is the official Towson University ID card. services campus wide. Need to apply for your first OneCard? Moving onto campus can be tricky, but your OneCard can make life much simpler if you know how to use it. It is the key to life on campus, literally. Your OneCard unlocks your dorm building doors for you, gets you into the gym and dining halls, and can also act as a laundry card. You can add money to it through the OneCard portal to use at the Ustore and vending machines around campus. You can also add dining points for meals and use the money on it to print papers at the WEPA stations around campus. You’ll also need it to do late night studying at Cook Library since it lets you into the building after hours. Your OneCard can also come in handy if you like discounts. If you keep your eyes peeled, some area stores and eateries will offer student discounts to those with valid student identification.
Transportation
The Towson University shuttles are a great way to move around campus and the surrounding Baltimore area. These FREE shuttles can be helpful to freshmen looking to enjoy what the city of Towson has to offer, off-campus students trying to get on campus without the cost of a car, and all students maneuvering around a campus that can be difficult to park at. Taking the Gold route can move you around campus quickly as it runs every 30 minutes, seven days a week. Off-campus shuttle routes, which require you to swipe your One Card, can take you to downtown Towson (Tiger in Town), and the nearby areas of Timonium/Cockeysville, Loch Raven, Goucher, Kenilworth, and Rodgers Forge.
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Parking
Students can now purchase their 2025-26 parking permits. Students should purchase a parking permit prior to parking on campus. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. have a resident parking permit and are parked in the designated resident lot. store their vehicles on campus property. declared abandoned and are subject to towing. resident permit are permitted to park in the resident lots overnight.
Dining
dining locations on campus. schedule. To get a good meal in the dining hall, you need to luck out. Depending on the day and time you go, the menu will change. You can look at the menu on the dineoncampus.com/towson, but it isn’t always 100% accurate. Towson currently has two dining halls, in West Village Commons and Newell Hall, that have options for any diet or allergy needs. The best places for food are the retail locations around campus, and a few suggestions are World of Pasta in Patuxent Bistro and Paws Café in the Union. If you want Chick-Fil-A, be prepared for a long line, especially for fries.
Health and Wellness
The Health Center provides health and wellness services for all registered students. Moving onto any college campus for the first time is an adventure full of new experiences, new friends, and new germs. Did you wake up feeling sick? No worries, we’ve got a health center right on campus! The Towson University Health Center is located in Ward & West Hall, right off of University Avenue, next door to the Residence Tower. Walk-ins are allowed depending on availability, but most students who have visited the Health Center would recommend you make an appointment to avoid long wait times. Towson’s Counseling Center has therapists that offer free, confidential short-term individual and group counseling to students for a wide range of concerns. She highlighted the fact that first time students may find themselves snacking or forgetting to eat as they rush between classes. “The whole idea around a healthy lifestyle is balance and consistency,” said Jaime Kaplan, staff psychologist and coordinator of eating disorder services. “The best thing to do for a healthy lifestyle is to change your diet, not go on a diet.
Staying Connected
There are several ways to stay up to date with what’s happening on campus. receive emergency text alerts.
Fitness and Recreation
Towson’s fitness center, inside of Burdick Hall, is a great place to workout in the morning or destress after a long day. the gym has plenty of machines for everyone’s individual workout routine, it also offers a ton group fitness classes that you can do individually or with some friends. These classes are free, and are open at many different times everyday. I have taken a couple yoga classes and cycling classes, which always leave me feeling like I’m getting a great workout. While you can walk into any class, I recommend booking your spot beforehand, that way you are guaranteed a spot in the class. It’s super easy to sign up for a class, just go to TU Campus Rec Portal and select Group Fitness. If you’re looking to stay in shape but feel like using the machines alone at the gym isn’t for you, you’re in luck. Campus Recreation offers group fitness activities regularly for people who would rather eat their least favorite food than try to find space by the weight rack. From Barre to Zumba, and almost everything in between, there is a fitness class for everyone. All you need is a valid Towson OneCard, giving you access to the free classes. It’s also possible to pre-register for classes of your choice, but walk-ins are welcome as well. However, walk-ins should know that they will only be admitted if there is space remaining in the class. Schedules are posted online and around the gym.
Campus Involvement
Towson offers a lot of ways for new students to get involved with campus life. With it’s over 300 clubs and organizations, you are sure to find something that lives up to your dreams. Students can partake in activities that range from academic and professional to Greek life. TU also gives students the opportunity to talk to club members at involvement fairs throughout the academic year. If you don’t find anything that suits your needs, you can start your own club. The best way to start is by finding five friends and a professor willing to advise your new organization. Joining Towson University’s student run publication is easier than ever! to work in a friendly environment while learning the skills of writing, editing and meeting deadlines while experiencing everything Towson University has to offer by covering the latest in News, Arts, Sports, and the Opinion stories around our campus. There are multiple ways to join The Towerlight family. You can visit The Towerlight’s office inside room 309 of the University Union, where we always have paper applications on hand.
Job and Internship Opportunities
Towson University offers a ton of job and internship opportunities on campus each semester. One of the best ways to check out what opportunities the university is offering every semester is by visiting the Part-Time Job and Internship Fair, which will be hosted on Aug. Another way to reach out to employers is through Handshake. Handshake is a service available to all Towson University students which allows you to build an online resumé, and submit applications to multiple employers, all in one place!
Academic Success
Registering for classes can be a stress-inducing time for all students. However, there is an easy, stress-free way to pick your classes and get the schedule you want every semester. The first step is staying up to date with your advisor. By meeting with your academic advisor, you can receive the advice necessary to stay on track with your goals of graduating on time. Once you meet your advisor, take advantage of the Academic Plan option on Towson Online Services (PeopleSoft). This section allows you to lay out your entire academic career at TU, making you fully prepared to pick the classes you want when your registration window opens. Finally, know the exact time your window opens. Have your classes in your enrollment cart beforehand, ensuring that your desired classes do not fill up before you have a chance to register yourself.
Textbook Tips
As someone who has spent too much money on college textbooks, the first step I want to tell you is to wait until your class starts. Many teachers post textbook requirements because they feel required to by their superiors, and then on syllabus day, they tell you that you don’t need the book to succeed in class. Once you learn that you do need the book, there are two primary options. You can utilize the Towson UStore to rent or purchase your books, or you can go to Amazon.com to do the same. I strongly recommend renting over buying, it is more affordable than purchasing and selling back your books and you rarely have a reason to keep your book after the class ends.
Study Habits
One key to getting good grades is scheduling study time. Prioritizing study time to review your work from each class, to keep the content fresh in your mind, helps tremendously in being an active student in class. Sitting closer to the front of the class, raising your hand, and actively engaging with the professor’s lecture will help your grades too. When a teacher notices you trying, they may help you with your grade later. Also, being an active participant will help you absorb information better too. Using an academic planner to keep track of all of your assignments, meetings, tests, and important dates is an important piece to being a successful student, too. An important aspect of studying is your environment. I’m a big nature person, so I usually head to the Glen Arboretum to do my homework. When I’m there, I don’t let myself check social media, or view anything that isn’t directly related to my work. Finding spaces on campus where you can achieve different things, may help you stay focused and productive. Staying in your dorm with distractions can likely make it harder for you to study. Go to the library, go outside and find a quiet bench or secluded, shady tree, go to the Liberal Arts building and find a lounge chair in front of a window. I find that studying in these places helps me complete assignments at a quicker pace, whereas phone usage can drag assignments out for hours.
Choosing a Major
If you’re a freshman in college and don’t have a major, fear not! That is completely normal. My biggest advice is to accept where you are in your life and follow the opportunities that interest you. If you’re confused, think about what you enjoyed doing as a kid. Write a list naming your strengths, weaknesses and what brings you the most joy. Don’t be afraid to join groups that interest you. Towson’s Career Center offers both in-person career counseling, as well as online resources to help you identify your strengths and goals.
Safety on Campus
In the Towerlight’s April 9, 2018 issue, students were reported to feel safer on-campus than off. There are a few ways you can stay safe no matter where you are. There is safety in numbers. Traveling with friends and staying in well lit areas can increase your safety and make you less of a target for crime. If you’re going somewhere alone, stay aware of your surroundings. This may seem to be easier said than done, but it can be as simple as using one headphone instead of two. When on-campus you can find blue lights anywhere you go. They’re visible at night and can be used to get in contact with TUPD if you feel unsafe. Towson also offers the Safer Mobility phone app, which connects to TUPD when you’re on campus.
Sustainable Living
Towson University anticipates being carbon neutral by 2050. has reduced its emissions by over 55% and has a 55% recycling rate. of our accomplishments, we can’t move forward without your help. Bring a reusable water bottle. There are FREE water filling stations all over campus. Just look for the closest one on the Green Map App. If you need more boxes, get them used. Ask your local grocery or department stores surplus boxes. done. Bring your bike to campus and don't forget your helmet. The university has bike racks and bike repair stations throughout campus. Pick up a free LED light bulb. Don’t bother with standard bulbs. wheels when you want them. Feed the compost bin in your residence hall. It loves food scraps and pizza boxes. Keep the temperature in mind. Make sure sensitive items are the last ones in the car and the first ones out. in the heat for too long.
Thrifty Tiger Tips
Be a Thrifty Tiger. and household goods. box store.
Dorm Life Extras
What to Wear
Trying to figure out what to wear for class can feel intimidating. Do you dress up? Is it bad if you dress down? Honestly, the best way to dress, is a combination of both. While the summertime brings hot and humid days, Towson’s buildings don’t hold back on the A/C. Dress appropriately for the weather outside, but bring a sweater or flannel to throw on. Being cold can be a distraction in class. Furthermore, a outfit may look sloppy if you run into someone important, but wearing a super fancy outfit can be very uncomfortable to sit in for long periods of time. My trick? Pick one article of clothing that looks nice, and pair it with another article of clothing that is comfortable. For example, a flannel, a t-shirt, and a nice pair of pants.
Snacks
Stocking up on snacks for your dorm room is super important. You will want to take snacks with you to eat in between classes, and you don’t want to go hungry if the dining hall closes before you make it out of your night class. To start, I recommend bags of popcorn for a warm, salty snack. Bags of trail mix and almonds are great healthy snacks to keep in your backpack for when the day slips away from you and you need a quick pick-me-up. Ramen and any other microwave noodles are perfect for the days you just don’t feel like going to the dining hall for lunch or dinner. Granola bars are perfect for a quick on-the-go breakfast before class. Fruit snacks, rice Krispies treats, and individually packaged cookies are more snack ideas for late night cravings during a long study sesh.
Off-Campus Dining
Want to go out to lunch with some new friends? Are your parents visiting and asking you where they should take you for dinner? Have no fear. Here’s some off-campus dining locations I recommend you try. Nacho Mamas is a great option for a fun environment with friends or to catch up with mom over chips and guac. This is a nice, local option to take out-of-towners who want you to show them the area, too. It’s located right in uptown and right next to the new “Welcome to Towson” mural! Other local, cheap eats include BJ’s Brew Pub (I suggest getting the pizookie!), Nando’s, On The Border, and TGI Fridays all located right near the mall. Atwtaters is just minutes away from campus, near Trader Joe’s and is an adorable little cafe perfect for catching up with friends, grabbing coffee in the drive through, or having a nice muffin for breakfast or warm sandwich for lunch.
Game night
What really matters to you? When I lived in the dorms, our R.A. I recommend doing this! One night in our Tower D, floor 11 suite, my suitemates and I decided to have a game night. One of the girls posted the event to her snapchat story, and quickly the room began flooding with other floor members who wanted to join in. Game night became a tradition, and my floormates and I became very close!
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