Frequently Asked Questions

This page is updated as details are confirmed for the 2017-2018 academic year. 

How do I contact Housing & Residence Life? 

We are located in Anderson Hall on the first floor.  You can contact us by calling 202-885-3370. 

What is the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)? 

The Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that applies to educational agencies and institutions that receive funding under a program administered by the U. S. Department of Education.  FERPA affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. 

When can I check into the residence halls?  How do I check in? 

You can check into the residence halls anytime on or after the specified dates and times for each semester.  Refer to our
move-in webpage for complete information. 

First year students can begin arriving to campus on Saturday, August 19 at 9 a.m.

Returning students may begin arriving to campus on Wednesday, August 23 at 9 a.m.

To check into your hall simply stop by the front desk of your building:

Present a form of government-issued photo identification or your AU One Card for verification. 

Your Desk Receptionist will have you fill out your registration card and sign for your mail key.  Once you have done this, you are checked into your hall and can begin to move in your belongings. 

How do I send packages to my room before I check in? 

To send belongings and packages ahead of time, make sure that they are addressed to your room in the below format, including the
last four digits of your zip code.  Accurate mailing information will ensure your items get to you as soon as possible. 

Legal Name

Residence Hall - Room Number

4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20016-xxxx

For academic year student deliveries,
we cannot begin accepting packages for the Fall 2017 semester until Monday, August 14.  Any delivery attempts prior to this date will be refused for storage space reasons. 

Do you provide cleaning equipment and supplies for residents? 

No, Housing & Residence Life assumes responsibility for cleaning common area and community spaces, but responsibility for student rooms and/or suites remains with the residents of that unit.  We are unable to provide cleaning materials.  Our office and staff do not provide vacuum cleaners or other cleaning supplies for use by students.  In accordance with the
Housing License Agreement, students are expected to return their room to "broom clean" condition upon checking out.  Failure to do so may result in cleaning charges assessed at the time of checkout. 

How many laundry machines are on each floor and how much do they cost? 

Each floor of the residence halls has approximately two-three washers and dryers.  Each wash cycle costs $1.75 and each dry cycle costs $1.75.  On-campus laundry machines operate on
EagleBucks for increased student convenience. 

All washers on campus are energy efficient, front load washers.  For best results, it is suggested that you use high-efficiency liquid detergent to avoid machine issues. 

How does Laundry Alerts work? 

American University students can check the status of all on-campus laundry machines by using the
Laundry Alerts website.  Additionally, you can use the notification option that will send you an e-mail when your laundry is completed. 

Who do I call for issues with laundry? 

Washers on campus are energy efficient, front load washers.  For best results, it is suggested that you use high-efficiency liquid detergent to avoid machine issues.  All service issues with the washers or dryers should be submitted to
Caldwell & Gregory online or called in at 1-800-927-9274.  All card reader issues should be submitted through a 2FIX request to Facilities Management. 

How big are the beds at American University?  Will I need special linens? 

A twin bed with mattress is provided for each resident.  Mattresses fit regular twin sheets.  Extra long beds and mattresses are available for qualifying students who meet a minimum height of 6'3" for the 2017-18 academic year.  To request an extra long bed and mattress, e-mail
housing@american.edu with documentation of your height. 

How can I participate in AU's recycling program? 

Develop a routine in your room by sorting office paper (mixed paper), newspaper, bottles-plastic-cans, and trash.  We recommend at least two containers, one black (lined with clear plastic) and one blue (no liner).  The black container is for trash and the blue container is for office paper (mixed paper).  Newspaper and bottles/plastic cans may be placed into corridor containers as needed.  Smaller "saddle baskets" can be used for those interested in sorting newspaper and bottles/plastic cans in their office or residential room. 

Place used corrugated cardboard next to any recycling station (break down boxes until they are flat).  The cardboard will be taken to a large exterior container by housekeeping. 

Additionally, there are clothes recycling centers located at the outside of each residence hall where students can give away clothes they no longer need or want. 

All of AU's recycled materials are taken to a Materials Recycling Facility (MRF).  At the MRF these materials are sorted, grouped and transported again for reprocessing into usable products. 

Does AU offer summer storage options for students? 

Summer storage is a popular option for students looking for a way to store their belongings while they are at home or abroad.  The UPS Store provides safe and convenient storage for all AU students.  The UPS Store is located on campus and provides in-room delivery when student items are returned in August.  For more information about summer storage, visit the UPS AU Storage website.