Housing and Residence Life at Fairfax

1.     Housing Logistics and Financials

①    Housing Application and Deadlines

a.       What are the application deadlines for on-campus housing at the Fairfax campus?

There are no deadlines but priority dates (apply as early as possible). In general, applications for an academic year (fall & spring) open in April, and applications for the spring semester in November. Check Housing Important Dates for more information.

Spring semester application likely has fewer availabilities as the vacancies are made only when there are cancellations due to graduation, leave of absence, etc.

However, they will continue to prioritize MK students transitioning to FFX in the spring, but if our students are interested in living on campus, they should submit their application within the first day after its launch to secure a space.

b.      How can I submit my housing application?

Online application using the Mason Housing Portal

 

c.       Are there any specific requirements or documentation needed for the application process?

There is no documentation required; however, applicants must be enrolled Mason students and have their Mason email credentials as they need them to access the application.

Submit your application as early as possible once it is open.

Some rooms/buildings are open to upper-class or graduate students.

 

②    Move-in Dates and Procedures

a.       When is the official move-in date for students coming from the Korea campus?
Dates are posted on Housing Important Dates. Check it regularly for updates. Mason Korea students may be eligible for early move-in to attend International Undergraduate Student Orientation.

b.      What is the process for checking in and receiving keys or access cards?
Check out the video, What to expect for move-in (new students). Please note that the move-in dates in the video may be outdated.

c.       Are there any specific move-in guidelines or restrictions?

Check out Tips for Incoming and Returning Patriots.

d.      Is there any pickup service from the airport to the FFX campus?

No pickup service sponsored by Mason. We recommend using Uber of Lyft. Note that parking on campus is NOT free. Check Transportation Services at FFX for more information.

 

③    Housing Costs and Payment Information

a.       What is the cost of on-campus housing for the upcoming academic year?

Check Available Housing Types and Cost.

b.      Are there any payment plans or financial aid options available for housing?

Check GMU Payment Plans. $30 setup fee will be charged and paid at the time of the online enrollment.

c.       What is included in the housing fees?

Room (basic room furniture: bed, desk, closet, drawer)

If you live in a suite/apt: living room (sofa and coffee table), kitchen (fridge, stove/oven, dining table and chairs)

Utilities (electricity, water, trash, Wi-Fi, laundry)

d.      Something to consider: Renting a micro-fridge (microwave & fridge combo): Between November and December, they will post information about Spring only rental https://www.myfridgerental.com/schools/george-mason-university/

 

2.      Residential Facilities and Services

①    Room Assignments

a.       What types of housing options are available on the Fairfax campus?

In a bigger category, there are three different types, Traditional Halls (Freshmen Only), Suites, and Apartments and Townhouses.

Typically, Suites include bedrooms, bathrooms, and a living room. Students only share the bathroom and living room with their suitemates.

Check Available Housing Types and Cost for more information.

b.      When will I receive information about my room assignment?

Eligible students engaging in the application early on will be provided a selection date and time a few weeks before the start of the residency term. Those applicants will have an opportunity to log into the housing portal to view options and select a space directly. 

However, this does not apply to all applicants as we’re unable to always provide multiple selection dates and times to various applicants. Depending on their application date, they may be provided a space based on our vacancies with their listed preferences taken into consideration.

c.       Can I request a specific roommate, and if so, how do I go about doing that?

Although the housing office tries to keep groups/friends together this portion is more challenging for spring semester applicants since their vacancies are dependent on fall semester residents and we often do not have entirely vacant spaces (apartment, suites, etc.) that allow for multiple people to live together.

Housing strongly encourages those looking to reside on campus in the spring to apply early on when the application launches. They should also talk with their preferred roommate before completing the application as the application details preferences regarding room types, room styles, roommate/living habits, etc. Lastly, they should connect prior to and during housing selection.

②    Room Amenities and Furnishings

a.       What is provided in the on-campus rooms (e.g., furniture, appliances)?

Bedroom: twin bed, desk/chair, dresser

Community Lounge
Check Resources for more information.

b.      What should I bring with me in terms of bedding, cookware, etc.?

Check What to Bring

 

③    Meal Plans and Dining Services

a.       Can you provide information about meal plans and dining options on campus? Students without a full kitchen (stove, oven, sink, refrigerator) are required to have a GMU Meal Plan. Take a Meal Plan Quiz to find a plan that suits your needs.

                                                              i.      Independence Plans**: Unlimited access to dining halls, one swipe per hour in Simply-to-Go, one swipe per day at The Eaterie, and three guest swipes per semester. Great for students living on-campus without a full kitchen. 

                                                            ii.      Liberty Plans**: Weekly number of dining hall swipes, with the option to use the plan once a day at The Eaterie. Great for students living on-campus without a full kitchen.

                                                          iii.      Patriot Plans**: Purchase a fixed number of meals to be used at dining halls, with the option to use the plan once a day at The Eaterie. Great for students living on campus with a full kitchen or for any off-campus students.

                                                          iv.      Dining Dollars Plan**: Dollar-for-dollar purchasing power in most locations on all three campuses. Great for students living on campus with a full kitchen or any off-campus students.

                                                            v.      Byte Plans: Purchase a fixed number of meals to be used at dining halls, with the option to use the plan once a day at The Eaterie. These plans are exclusively for faculty and staff. 

 

Check Mason Dining for more information.

 

a.       Dining Options on Campus?

Check Where to Eat.

b.      Are there dietary accommodations or special dining programs?

Dietary Options: Dietary Needs Quick Links

Contact the dietitian with allergy or dietary concerns.

Spokin food allergy app: https://www.gmu.edu/news/2023-10/mason-becomes-first-verified-college-spokin-food-allergy-app

 

3.      Residence Life Guidelines

①    Residence Hall Policies  GMU Housing Handbook.pdf

a.       What are the policies and guidelines for residents (e.g., quiet hours, visitor policies)?
Quiet Hours: 10 PM to 8 AM, Sunday-Thursday and Midnight to 10 AM, Friday-Saturday
Alcohol (p. 9)
Drugs (p. 13)
Pets and animals: aquarium of 10 gallons (37.8 L) or less (p. 17)
Guests (and their behavior) (p. 15)

b.      Are there any specific rules for international students?
No, but you should be aware that the police on GMU campus are not security guards, they are real police officers.

②    Safety and Security

a.       What security measures are in place in the residence halls?

Card access to the building: https://housing.gmu.edu/safety

Fire Alarms & Evacuations

Campus Police

Room Inspections for health and safety

b.      Are there resident advisors (RAs) or staff available for support and emergencies?

Yes, they have RAs for each floor or community.

You also have Community Directors for each building/area so get to know them. They are your best resources.

 

4.      Important Process after Check In

①    Student ID at Fairfax https://masoncard.gmu.edu/mason-id/

You can submit your ID phone online https://masoncard.gmu.edu/mason-id/#GetID

Access to services on campus (I.e., fitness center, libraries, shuttles, printers, etc.), meal plan, discount programs on and off campus, and building access.

②    Mail (postal service) at Fairfax https://printandmail.gmu.edu/mail/

Location: The Hub, Lower Level (Fairfax Campus)

All students living on campus are assigned a mailbox number at Mail Hub free of charge. You need to register online or in-person for access to your mailbox number: https://printandmail.gmu.edu/mail/

To retrieve letter mail, go to the Mail Hub counter with Mason ID and mailbox number.

To retrieve packages, you will be given a unique one-time code to open the smart locker your package is in.

5.      Additional Information

①    Community and Activities

a.       What social and community-building activities are organized within the residence halls?

This question is really broad and might not be easy to answer, but they’ve shifted this year to be a bit more student led. So, they’re seeing RAs plan events, everything from TV/movie nights to events focusing on preparing for class registration where we provide TV/movie nights to events focusing on preparing for class registration where we provide some food. Game nights (Kahoot, board games, video games) are also something our staff has done. 

 

b.      Are there opportunities for residents to get involved in residence hall leadership or programming?

They are just starting to get their Resident Hall Association (RHA), back up and running here on the Fairfax campus. It’s been a few years. That is where we will be pushing for residents who want to advocate for their experience and who want to create programming of their own to come and connect. Outside of HRL, students can join the Patriot Activities Council as a volunteer (and apply for paid positions) to do large-scale programming for the campus and HRL supports that group and co-plans some events for residential students.

 

c.       Is there an orientation or welcome program for new residents?

They do have a first-floor meeting to start the year in each of our communities. The other welcome programs are mostly tied to the University’s Preamble events, where our RAs take their residents to those campus traditions.

The Office of International Student Programs will have an orientation and welcome! Look out for that email!

②    Parking on Campus: https://transportation.gmu.edu/parking/

To be able to park on campus, you need a permit OR there are parking garages that you can pay for as you go.

When you purchase your permit, you submit your vehicle’s license plate number and that serves as your permit.

For students living on campus, they may be required to provide proof of their residency status when purchasing a permit. A copy of the student’s housing contract is the preferred method for proof of residency status.

③    Contact Information

a.       How can I reach the Housing and Residence Life department if I have further questions or concerns?  

 

Main Housing and Residence Life Office
Link	https://housing.gmu.edu/about/housing-staff
Hours	9 AM - 5 PM / Monday – Friday
Main Office Number	703-993-2720 *If you have an emergency, please contact emergency services.
Housing Email	housing@gmu.edu
Location	Piedmont / Tidewater Hall Ground Floor

 

Residence Life: student staff supervision, meet with students to address concerns and programming, support.

Community Directors: These staff live in student housing typically over see a building or two or an area, programming in the residence hall, discipline (conduct) meetings.

Residential Services: housing contracts, assignments, and room selection

Facilities: day to day maintenance

Submit workorders: https://housing.gmu.edu/maintenance-request

Housekeeping and Special Projects