Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have an individual dorm housing contract?
Individual leasing means that each person is only responsible for their portion of the unit lease or bed
space. If your roommate ends up not coming back for the spring semester, you’re not responsible for
their payment.
What is included in the room and board?
SouthGate’s rent is all-inclusive. Your rent includes: All utilities (water, sewer, trash, and electricity), cable, high-speed ethernet and WIFI access, food, weekly housekeeping, access to all of SouthGate’s amenities, and a wonderful staff that is there to help you anytime you need them.
Do you have a roommate matching system?
Roommates are essential to the freshman experience. SouthGate’s legendary social environment is based on a one-of-a-kind roommate matching program. Through using Facebook, the world’s largest social network, our students have the opportunity to meet and choose someone who fits them best. With our Facebook system and with a roommate they love, all our students arrive more comfortable, excited, and ready to get involved at FSU! SouthGate freshman can all choose their own roommates and can even request to live near their friends from their home town!
When is my room and board due?
Most of our students make room and board payment twice a year, on July 1 and December 1. Some parents and students pay their room and board by installments, which is due the 1st of every month July- April.
How do I pay my room and board?
There are several ways that you can pay your rent. You can:
- Pay with a personal check, money order, or cashier’s check.
- Pay with a credit card in person or over the phone (with a 5% transaction fee).
Do you allow pets?
Pets are not allowed. The only exception is fish!
Is there insurance coverage in the event of a fire, theft or natural causes? Does my lease provide coverage for my belongings?
It is a good idea to get your things put under a parent’s homeowners insurance; SouthGate is not responsible for losses of this kind.
What if I have a change of plans at the end of fall and don't return for the spring semester?
We have a wait list process for the spring semester from which we accept incoming transfer students for the second semester. There are four acceptance dates in the fall and you must make sure that you have requested a release before these dates. If there are enough students coming in, you will be released from your obligations for the spring. If there are not, you are responsible for your room and board for the remainder of the academic year.
What if I need Maintenance in my dorm?
At our Freshman Orientation we will discuss how you should report maintenance issues in your room. Please go to the RA’s at the desk in the dorm lobby and report any problems you have. Most maintenance issues are resolved within 48 hours, unless it is an emergency which is fixed immediately.
What furniture is provided?
All students have their extra-long twin sized bed, desk, desk chair, and an armoire/closet provided for them.
How do I receive mail and packages?
Mail is delivered by our Housing Director daily. Packages are logged by RA’s and delivered to your room at the end of each day. You should expect your packages between 5-9pm.
How close are you to campus?
SouthGate is on sorority row and right across from FSU’s historic east side residence halls. It is a short walk to campus!
What type of parking is available at your community?
SouthGate has parking available for students in a private garage. Spaces are first come, first serve, assigned individually, and limited to half the number of students in the dorm.
What do I need to bring to my dorm freshman year?
While you will receive in your welcome pack a “Things to Bring” sheet that lets you know everything you need to bring to SouthGate and FSU, here’s a basic list you can start from:
- Bedding for an extra-long twin-sized bed
- Toiletries
- Everything you’ll need for your classes
- An alarm clock- can’t be late for class!
- Decorations to make your new room feel like home!
- What is a Resident or Community Advisor?
What kinds of events do you have at SouthGate?
We have numerous events designed to bring students together, encouraging them to make the friends they will take with them for the rest of their college career. One style is large themed get-togethers such as our Mathletes vs. Athletes Social, the CMT BET Hip Hop Hoe Down, or FSU themed parties for tailgates and away football games. Our RA’s also work on individual events for their specific students, such as taking them out in groups to play Frisbee on Landis Green, going for an afternoon at the FSU Reservation, or even taking groups to the FSU gym for cardio and exercise classes. Together these get our kids meeting each other and involved at FSU!
How do your meal plans work?
Each student is required to have a meal plan as part of their dorm package and freshman experience. We strongly encourage our unlimited meal plan because of the social connection our kids get from being able to visit the dining hall and hang out with friends as much as possible. Students do have a choice between 7, 14, and unlimited meals per week, though. The meals are non-transferable and do not roll- over each week.
