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Facts and Frequently Asked

Questions

FAQ

For Students

Roommates and the Legendary Social Atmosphere

Roommates are essential to the college experience. SouthGate’s reimagined social environment is based on a one-of-a-kind roommate matching program. Using our Facebook group, SouthGate residents can meet and choose their own roommate. With our Facebook program leading to a preferred roommate, all SouthGate students arrive more comfortable, excited, and ready to be involved! SouthGate is defined by supporting academic triumph, university involvement, and building bonds – that all starts from the very beginning stages of finding a roommate.

SouthGate Meal Plans and their Social Connection

SouthGate’s enrollment can include a meal plan, which is highly recommended. Students have a better opportunity to meet friends and a dining atmosphere encourages friendships, which is why we suggest the unlimited meal plan when choosing to enroll at SouthGate. We understand how important the connection between meals and social success are, which is why we support the unlimited meal plan by making the difference between the unlimited and the 200 meals per semester a mere $100 difference. Don’t just think about meals when choosing a plan, think about residents building connections. The social experience of our residents encourages college acclimation and success. 

Payments and Making a Commitment

SouthGate’s flexible payment options includes installment or semester options. The Semester payments are the most popular choice, as that allows the student to use loans, grants, or scholarships. These plans can be found in our Orientation Pack, along with more information. If you have not yet received an Orientation Pack, please reach out to the office so we can provide you with one. To secure a space in the dorm for the upcoming school year, you will need to complete the online enrollment process. Don’t worry, we’ll be there to help each step of the way.

FAQ

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 room and board is all-inclusive. This provides full coverage for the utilities of water, sewer, trash, and electricity, high-speed ethernet and WIFI access; a meal plan in our dining hall; weekly housekeeping; access to SouthGate’s amenities; and a team of Resident Advisors to help 24/7.

When is my room and board due?

Your room and board payment due dates are determined by the payment plan you choose in June. All families make their first payment on July 1st. Families on the semester payment plan pay by semester on July 1st and December 1st. Families on the installment payment plan make 10 monthly payments July 1st-April 1st.

How do I pay my room and board?

We accept payment via check, money order, or through our online portal. The online portal accepts e-checks, debit, and credit card payments. There are bank fees associated with any card payments.

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?

SouthGate requires tenant liability for every resident. All students will be auto enrolled in a policy from a third-party tenant liability coverage for a small fee. If you would prefer to provide your own policy, you can do so. The third-party policy does not cover personal items, however if you choose to get your own policy, you can ensure that your items will be protected. Please reach out to the office for the requirements of your policy if you are interested in providing your own.

What if I have a change of plans at the end of fall and don't return for the spring semester?

SouthGate keeps a wait list for the spring semester, as often there are people interested in becoming residents. If you are interested in being released for the spring semester, please notify the office as soon as possible. We will work down our wait list based on any residents looking to be released. If there is enough incoming interest, we can assist you in a release. If there are not, you do remain responsible for your enrollment fees for the remainder of the enrollment period/academic year.

What if I need Maintenance in my dorm?

We will cover this and many additional aspects of SouthGate life at Orientation. Please check in with the Resident Advisor desk in the dorm lobby to report any issues you may be facing. Most maintenance issues are able to be resolved within 24-48 hours.

What furniture is provided?

All students are provided an extra-long twin size mattress and frame, desk, chair, and stack-able dressers. There is one armoire in each room for the students to share as well. Furniture measurements:

  • Mattress: 25-inch clearance under the bed
  • Desk: 47-inch wide, 24-inch deep, 30-inch high
  • Dresser
    • Stacked 32-inch wide, 16-inch deep, 40-inch high
    • Unstacked is 32-inch wide, 16-inch deep, 20-inch high
  • Air Conditioning Unit: 42-inch wide, 32-inch high from top of A/C to floor, 16 ¼-inch high from bottom of A/C to floor, 41-inch high from windowsill to floor”
  • Overall Room: 11x20 feet
   

How do I receive mail and packages?

Mail is delivered to mailboxes daily. Packages are logged by Resident Advisors into our Amazon package system. It will send a text message to the resident informing them of the package’s arrival. Please note that Tallahassee mail service runs slower than many other areas, due to the population of students. If you have any time sensitive mail, we recommend sending it further in advance than you would expect or to send it with expedited shipping.

How close are you to campus?

SouthGate is on sorority row and directly across from Florida State University’s historic South Gate, making it a quick walk to FSU. SouthGate is a quick 5-10 minute drive to other colleges.

What do I need to bring to my dorm at move in?

While you will receive all of the information you need about what to bring in your Welcome Pack, we love when residents are excited to move in and want to get a jump-start! Here is a basic list to get you going:

  • Bedding for an Extra-Long Twin Mattress
  • Toiletries
  • School Supplies
  • An Alarm Clock
  • Laptop, Phone, Tech Cords
  • Decorations to make your new room feel like home!

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 is a Resident or Community Advisor?

These are students who lived in the dorm previously and are now dedicating their time to help our current residents make a successful transition from home to college. Our RA/CA are our community role models, live in the building, and are responsible for a group of students they encourage, counsel, and educate throughout their SouthGate college experience.

What kind of events do you have at SouthGate?

All semester long, we have weekly events that encourage students to build relationships that will last throughout their college years and beyond. Some of our most popular events are Mathletes vs. Athletes, Casino Night, and tailgates for away games. Our Resident Advisors also build events designed for their specific student group. These smaller-scale events may be playing Frisbee on Landis Green, going for an afternoon FSU Reservation, or local community events, such as First Friday. Together, these events work to encourage friendship and getting involved.

What if I don't have a guarantor?

No Guarantor? No Problem, we offer Leap as an option! Leap is a quick and easy process that fills in for a guarantor or parent co-signer. Leap's application is free online and takes around 5 minutes to complete. You will get a conditional decision within 30 minutes during normal business hours. Click here to apply or contact the office for more information.

Are leases for families with children available?

Yes. Southgate’s policy is included here for family occupants with a child(ren) under the age of eighteen (18) who is domiciled with (i) at least one parent, legal guardian, or another person having legal custody of the child under the age of eighteen, or (ii) the designee of such parent or other person having such custody, with written permission of such parent or other person. For family households with children, all household members age eighteen (18) or older must: (A) complete an application, and (B) sign the lease as a Resident. For family households with children under the age of eighteen (18), at least two (2) people will be permitted to occupy a single bedroom. If a family household with children under the age of eighteen (18) requires additional occupancy per bedroom, additional occupants may be allowed on a case-by-case basis based on factors including, but not limited to, the size of the bedroom(s) and unit, age of the children, configuration of the unit, any physical limitations of Southgate Campus Centre, and local occupancy codes. If the child occupant reaches eighteen (18) years of age during the term of the lease, the lease will be allowed to complete its term, but renewal will only be offered in compliance with the occupancy policy as stated. Child occupants who are under twenty-four (24) months at the time the lease is signed will not be counted under the occupancy policy for purposes of maximum occupancy but will be counted for subsequent leases if they reach the age of twenty-four (24) months during the term of the lease. The Landlord has the right to lease any empty bedroom(s). Families should contact the office directly regarding the application for family households, as this process varies from individual leasing and the required forms are not all available electronically.

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