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Housing
Frequently Asked Questions
» Frequently Asked Questions
On this page, we provide answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions about housing at Chapman University. If you don’t find the answer to your question below, you can always contact us.
Undergraduate students
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Where is your office located?
The Office of Residence Life and First Year Experience is on the second floor of the Davis Community Center. We are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please also feel free to contact a staff member directly.
How do I apply for housing at Chapman University?
See our Apply for Housing page for instructions.
I am an incoming first-year student and want to live in a specific residence hall. How is housing assigned?
First-year students cannot choose which residence hall tey are assigned to. In order to help first year students build community at Chapman, we assign all first year students according to academic major. We also use your responses on your housing application to match you with your roommates with similar living preferences.
Which residence hall is the best?
Most Chapman students would claim that the hall they are currently living in is the best! See our Housing Options page to learn more about the residence halls on campus.
Can I request to live with a friend?
No, all first year students are placed in on-campus housing according to academic major. We use your responses on your housing application to match you with your roommates with similar living preferences.
Students who continue to live on campus following their first year may select a preferred roommate through the Panther Housing Selection process during the spring semester.
What if I don’t get along with my roommate(s)?
Each room completes a Roommate Agreement at the beginning of the year to establish rules that all roommates agree upon. If at any time the agreement is not being met, please contact your Resident Advisor, who will help you make necessary adjustments.
What do I do if there is something broken, flooded or clogged in my room?
For non-emergencies, please complete an online Facilities Work Request. In an emergency, immediately contact your Resident Advisor, Resident Director, or Public Safety.
What can I bring to the residence halls?
Visit our Moving In page for details on what you should (and should not!) bring with you when living on campus.
I am locked out. What should I do?
If you are locked out of your room/apartment between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, you can contact the Office of Residence Life and First Year Experience in the Davis Community Center.
After business hours (5 p.m. to 10 p.m.), please visit the Residential Support Desk in the Henley Hall basement, or call the Resident Support Line at (657) 373-1200.
During late night (10 p.m. to 8 a.m.) or weekend hours, call Public Safety.I am sick. What should I do?
You can visit the Student Health Center, located at the corner of Sycamore and Glassell.
After business hours, you may go to Sunrise Multispecialist Medical Center. Sunrise is a 24-hour urgent care clinic that does not require appointments. They accept many types of medical insurance, including Chapman's medical coverage.What are the different types of meal plans?
See our Meal Plans page for options. Note that first-year students living in the residence halls are required to purchase a meal plan.
Meal plans are optional for continuing students unless they are residing in Sandhu Residence Center.
Can I change my meal plan?
Yes. If you would like to change your meal plan prior to the start of the semester, you can contact us to do so. All changes during the semester must be made within the first two weeks of the semester.
What is the cost of parking?
Parking is free. However, you do need to register for a complimentary parking permit for your vehicle. Failure to register your vehicle could result in a parking citation and/or your vehicle being towed. You can register for your permit via our Parking Services page.
What if I want to move to a different room in the middle of the semester?
You can work with your Resident Advisor and building manager to explore options for changing your room. Please note that room-change requests should only be submitted after the start of the semester and are accommodated only when space is available.
I need to move off campus. What is the proper procedure?
You must complete a License Release Request Form. All directions must be completed and, if needed, written documentation must also be submitted.
After we have received your request, the Assistant Director will review your request and contact you to explain the next steps.
License releases are not guaranteed and are only approved for special circumstances.
What is my mailing address on campus?
If you live in the residence halls, The K, and Harris apartments:
[Your legal name]
Chapman University
CMB# [Your CMB number]
625 W. Palm
Orange, CA 92866
If you live in the Davis apartments:
[Your legal name]
625 North Grand Apt #[Your apartment number]
Orange, CA 92867
If you live in the Panther Village apartments:
[Your legal name]
3101 W Chapman Avenue Apt #[Your apartment number]
Orange, CA 92868
If you live in the Chapman Grand apartments:
[Your legal name]
915 E Katella # [Your apartment number]
Anaheim, CA 92805
How do I receive packages that are sent to me?
- If you live in the residence halls or Harris Apartments, your packages will be held in either of our package rooms, located in the Davis Community Center (on the first floor) and Sandhu Residence Center (near the Doti Struppa rock wall).
- If you live in The K, your packages will be held in the package room on the first floor of the building. You will receive an email from University Services notifying you of your package arrival and which location you should pick it up from. It generally takes 12 hours from the point that it arrives on campus to be ready for pick up at our package rooms.
- If you live in the Davis Apartments, your mail is processed directly by the U.S. Postal Service and your package will be delivered directly to your door.
- Chapman Grand and Panther Village students will receive their packages at their buildings. They can be picked up from the building office.
Are alcohol and smoking allowed?
Smoking is not allowed on Chapman property at all. Alcohol is only allowed in the rooms of students who are 21 years of age. Please refer to the Student Conduct Code for more information.
Graduate students
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Which graduate and law students are eligible to live in Chapman University apartments?
All graduate and law students should check the Graduate Housing Options page for the latest details.
Are pets allowed?
No. Only service animals are allowed.
Can financial aid cover the cost of my apartment?
Students living off campus
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What kind of options do I have to live off campus?
There are a number of opportunities for off-campus living. Visit our Off-Campus Housing page to get started exploring your options.
When should I start looking for an apartment?
It's never too early to begin learning the market. Track ads and visit neighborhood buildings to prepare yourself for a successful search. We recommend that you begin searching for an apartment in earnest at least 4–6 weeks before your anticipated move-in date. The winter is considered a slow season, while the spring and summer, particularly May through the end of August, get very busy.
What are the neighborhoods in Orange like?
The City of Orange is one of Orange County’s most desirable and historic neighborhoods, not only because of its charm, weather, convenience, and the people who make up the community. It is also a safe place to live.
For demographics and safety statistics:
- Chapman University’s Department of Public Safety
- City of Orange Crime Prevention and Services
What is a guarantor and do I need one?
A guarantor (also known as a co-signer) is someone who is willing to take on the financial liability of your lease if you are unable or unwilling to fulfill it. If you do not meet the income or credit requirements specified by a landlord, a guarantor might be the solution. The guarantor is generally not required to pay anything in order to get you approved; however by agreeing to guarantee you, they are responsible for all terms of your lease. If you are sharing an apartment, it is important to understand that the guarantor is ultimately responsible for the entire lease. Landlords sometimes accept multiple guarantors; however, they are not legally obligated to do so. Internal written agreements with all parties are recommended.
A guarantor does not have to be a relative. Most landlords prefer the guarantor to live in the United States, mainly for easier verification purposes. (Landlords may ask for documents to be notarized if you do not have a guarantor who is employed in the United States.) It is best to prepare your potential guarantor by letting them know what documents will be requested of them. Timing is critical in the California rental market, and your guarantor's cooperation will be important. Guarantors usually do not have to be present at lease signing.
Guarantors may be requested to provide the following information:
- Guarantor application.
- Guarantor agreement.
- Social Security Number and Credit Report (Landlords generally run credit).
- Proof of income showing income requirements or landlord or property management discretion.
- Tax returns (first page and signature).
- Letter of Employment on company letterhead (position, salary and start date).
- CPA letter stating qualifying income.
What are broker fees?
Broker fees are commissions, or finder's fees, which you pay to a broker for locating an apartment. Depending on the relationship between the realty and the owner, apartments may or may not have a fee attached to them.
Can Chapman help me negotiate with landlords/brokers?
No, we do not get involved in any pre- or post-agreement discussions regarding apartments.
Does Chapman investigate the listings in its off-campus housing database?
Chapman University does not investigate, endorse or guarantee the accuracy of the information provided in any listing, the condition of the accommodation or the suitability or performance of either the lister or any prospective tenant. Chapman University shall not be responsible for any loss or damage suffered or incurred by any individual or entity arising out of or relating to the listings. Chapman University shall not be deemed to be a party, and shall have no responsibility or obligation to enforce such agreement.
What do I do if I’m having a conflict with my landlord?
Chapman University’s Office of Community Relations is readily available to help students navigate through conflicts with landlords.
Please contact the Office of Community Relations at:
Phone: (714) 289-2097
Email: neighbors@chapman.eduFollow us on Instagram
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