FAQS

Roommates and the Legendary Social Atmosphere

Roommates are essential to the college experience. SouthGate’s legendary social environment is based on a one-of-a-kind roommate matching program. 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 program, and with a roommate they love, all our students arrive more comfortable, excited, and ready to get involved! SouthGate residents can all choose their own roommates and can even request to live near their friends from high school! SouthGate is defined by a great social atmosphere, academic achievement, and a successful transition into the college environment. The friendships and experiences our students take away will be with them at Florida State for the rest of their college career.

SouthGate Meal Plans and their Social Connection

A meal plan in a dorm atmosphere is ideal for all students. As part of the room and board package, SouthGate strongly encourages the unlimited meal plan. We believe all students have a better opportunity to hang out with friends, meet more people, and get more involved when they have unlimited access to the social center of SouthGate, the dining hall! We support this package through making the savings between unlimited meals and 200 meals per semester only $100.00 per semester.  Try not to think just about food when choosing a meal plan at SouthGate, the social experience our students develop during their time here is much more important.

Payments and Making a Commitment

Our flexible payment options include the advanced payment plan, the semester payment option, allowing you to use loans, grants, or scholarships (most common), or the installment payment plan breaking everything down with your monthly bills. All of these plans are broken down in our Orientation Pack. If you do not already have one, make sure to call us so we can get one to you! To secure your student’s space in the dorm for the upcoming school year, you will need to complete the online enrollment process. We will help you with every step along the way!

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. It includes: All utilities (water, sewer, trash, and electricity), 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?

SouthGate’s legendary social environment is based on a one-of-a-kind roommate matching program. 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 program and with a roommate they love, all our students arrive more comfortable, excited, and ready to get involved! SouthGate residents can all choose their own roommates and can even request to live near their friends from high school!

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 advanced payment plan pay the reduced room and board costs all at once. 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?

There are several ways to pay for the dorm. You can pay by check or make an online payment through the resident portal!

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 renters 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 program for the spring semester from which we accept incoming students for the second semester. You must make us aware of your need to be released for the spring semester before the winter break. 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 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 stack-able dressers provided for them.

How do I receive mail and packages?

Mail is delivered to student mailboxes daily. Packages are logged by RA’s into our Amazon package system. It will send a text message letting students know that the package has arrived. Please note that Tallahassee mail service runs slower than normal. If you want your student to receive mail on time, you may want to send it with expedited shipping.

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

While you will receive in your welcome pack a “Things to Bring” sheet that lets you know everything you need to bring to SouthGate, here’s a basic list you can start from:

• Bedding for an extra-long twin-sized bed
• Toiletries
• School supplies
• An alarm clock- can't be late for class!
• 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 and decided they wanted to work, helping them make a successful transition into the college environment. RA’s/CA’s are role models in the community and are responsible for a certain number of students who they encourage, counsel, and educate on all the traditions of college. Our RA’s/CA’s are here to help students get the best start to their college careers.

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 Casino Night, or tailgates for 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 to the FSU Reservation, or taking groups to local community events such as First Friday. Together these get our students meeting each other and 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.