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Residential Living and Learning
Where Living Meets Learning
At East Texas A&M, your living experience goes beyond the ordinary – it’s about creating a home that fuels your academic journey. We pride ourselves on offering more than just a place to stay; we provide an environment where personal growth and learning intertwine.
Our Mission
Residential Living and Learning (RLL) is an integral part of the University experience; creating safe, supportive, welcoming communities that foster personal and academic growth.
Meet our Team
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to college?
Residents are encouraged to personalize and make their room a “home away from home.” Please keep in mind that you will be rooming with another student and space is limited. Suggested items to bring are:
- Bedding (mattress cover, sheets, pillows, comforter)
- Towels and washcloths
- Shower caddy, shower shoes/flip flops
- Toiletries, tissues, toilet paper (TP provided in Phase III)
- Cleaning supplies (for room and bathroom), small vacuum
- Small microwave (under 700W), mini-fridge (max 2 amps/ 4 cubic feet), coffee pot
- TV (small/medium size)
- Alarm clock
- First-aid, flash light, batteries
- Computer, printer, surge protector
- Office/school supplies, backpack
- Small fan, lamp
- Clothes (nice outfit for interviews, speaker events, & career fair)
- Laundry bag or basket, hangers, detergent
- Umbrella, rain wear
- Prescriptions, Insurance Card, Family Physician’s phone number
- Trash can and liners
- Posters, pictures, room decor, tension rod for curtains
- Cards, Dominoes & other games
What size are the beds on campus?
Pride Rock-XL Twin
Whitley-XL Twin
Phase III-XL Twin
Phase II-XL Twin
New Pride- Twin
F-Halls-Twin
Prairie Crossing-Full
What items should I leave at home?
- Weapons (even for hunting purposes)
- Candles, incense, potpourri pots, oil lamps, wax burners, candle warmers
- Multi-plug adapters
- Fireworks
- Extension Cords
- Electric blanket/space heaters
- Electric balance/hover boards
- Motorized scooters (unless it can be left outside)
- String Lights
- Pets (one 10 gallon tank with fish allowed)
- Hotplates (other appliances with exposed heating elements)
- Toasters, toaster ovens, rice cookers, crock pots, deep fryers
- Traffic signs
- Wireless router
- Drugs, alcohol, drug paraphernalia, shot glasses, etc
- Halogen Lamps
- Refrigerators more than 2 amps and/or 4 cubic feet in size
- Microwaves over 700W
- Coffee pots that are not single serve and/or do not automatically shut off
- Any other type of appliance not listed
Who will be responsible for me during my stay at A&M Commerce?
Personal responsibility is one of the most important lessons that can be learned at college. All students are considered adults and will be treated accordingly by all University staff. Residential Living and Learning will strive to connect students to the many resources available for a student to accomplish their goals. Students must take an active part in their academic and personal success by letting our staff know if they need assistance in a particular area.
Is a room or residence hall change possible?
If a resident is interested in living in another room or building on campus, they are welcome to use the Room Swap function in the housing application until mid-August. After that, the Waitlist opens in the myLeo housing portal and residents can put their name on one waitlist. If a spot becomes available in the desired hall, we will contact the student on the waitlist.
If students have a roommate or facility concern, they should contact their hall staff for assistance instead of using the waitlist to move.
Who is responsible for my property?
Although precautions are taken to maintain adequate security, the University cannot assume responsibility for the loss of or damage (due to water leaks, fire, theft, etc.) to student possessions. Students or their parents are encouraged to carry appropriate insurance to cover such losses. Residents are encouraged to keep doors closed and locked with the room key in their possession. Other suggestions for protecting valuables include having a lock box, engraving name, etc., on items of value, not leaving money or jewelry out in the open, and promptly reporting maintenance concerns.
What is the visitation policy?
Guests are defined as any person who does not live within the same assigned space. This includes other students/residents, or non- students. Residents are permitted to host guests within their assigned space, and should follow the guides listed below:
1. Hosts are responsible for the behavior of their guest(s) at all times and are obligated to inform their guest(s) of all University and Residential Living and Learning Community Standards. Violation of any policy/procedure by a guest may result in disciplinary action being taken against both the guest and host
2. Guests must be escorted by their host at all times. This includes but is not limited to: entering and exiting the building; the usage of bathrooms (buildings with common area restrooms); as well as leaving guests along within residence hall. Guests found without their host will be escorted out of the building;
3. Overnight guests must secure the permission of the roommate within 72 hours prior to the guests’ arrival, and are only permitted to stay two consecutive or nonconsecutive days within a 15 day period.
4. Cohabitation is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to: keeping clothing and other personal effects within the room, sleeping overnight in the assigned space on a regular basis and usage of the restroom facilities as if they resided within the room.
Extension or suspension of visitation privileges for an individual, a floor or an entire residence hall may be issued by RLL with just cause.
What safety measures are taken in the residence halls?
Security Precautions:
- The A&M-Commerce University Police Department regularly patrols the entire campus, including residence hall areas.
- The hall desk staff are available to assist residents 24 hours a day in the traditional-style halls and from 10am-10pm each day in the apartments.
- There are fire, theft, weather and other procedures in place for the safety of the residents. These procedures are explained to the residents and are included in the Residence Life Handbook.
Are there any special meal plan requirements for beginning undergraduate students?
Yes, because A&M-Commerce is committed to its students and believes that it is responsible for the physical, mental, and emotional well being of every student, the University requires all single, beginning undergraduate students living on campus are required to purchase a designated meal plan for first-year students for the full academic year. However, this policy only applies to students who are starting college the same year as their date of graduation from high school, and are choosing to live on campus. Second year students who live on campus are also required to choose from one of the two designated meal plans. Meal plans are optional for other classifications. Meal plans are sold for the entire academic year (fall and spring), and are not transferable to another student.
How do I get my service animal or emotional support animal approved to live in the halls?
Students with a service animal or emotional support animal are required to contact Student Disability Services to get the animal approved before the animal is brought into the residence halls. Students may start the process by emailing [email protected].
Do I need approval to move off campus during the semester?
All housing and meal plans contracts are for both Fall and Spring terms, therefore students must submit a Contract Release Request if they wish to cancel the contract. Due to the nature of the contracts, a majority of requests are denied, therefore, students should not make alternate plans to live off campus until they have received an approved request. The Contract Release Request can be found under Other Apps in the myLeo housing portal.
Is there a policy regarding commuters?
A Commuter Authorization Request will be honored if a first year student is living with a parent or legal guardian within a 50 mile or less than one hour drive time from campus. The Commuter Authorization Request is located on the myLeo housing portal under Other Applications.
Are wireless routers allowed in the halls?
What are the dimensions of the living spaces available?
Here is a list of the dimensions of the on-campus housing buildings: Room Dimensions by Halls.
Contact Us
- Residential Living and Learning
- 903.886.5797
- 903.886.5794
- [email protected]
- Halladay Student Services Building, Suite 100
- 1809 Lee St. Commerce, TX 75428
- P.O. Box 3011
- Commerce, TX 75429-3011