Campus Living

Live the Full Graceland Experience

When you ask someone about their time in college, the first things they mention typically aren’t the classes they took or the books they read, but the friendships they made and the adventures they had. That’s why, at Graceland, we strongly believe living on campus is an important part of your college experience. At our Lamoni campus, every floor of our residence halls is designated as a different “house,” each with its own name, symbol, colors and traditions. But there is one thing every house has in common: they’re all built around our guiding principle of inclusion — a value we take seriously and have worked hard to support since we opened our doors in 1895.

Housing FAQs

It’s common to have questions about where you’ll live, what to bring (and not bring!), what your schedule will be like and more. Luckily, we’ve got answers.

• When will I find out my housing assignment?

  Placement of new students begins in June. You will receive notice in your Graceland email account. Your housing information will become visible in MyGraceland under MyHouse information in early July.

• How do I request a roommate?

  Both halves of a roommate pair need to request each other through the online housing request form. Type “online housing request” in the search box. We will do our best to place roommate pairs together if the requests are submitted prior to the last Early Orientation Day (early June).

• When will I get my student ID?

  New students will have their ID photo taken during designated hours. ID cards are distributed once students arrive on campus on their scheduled move-in day.

• Is there a shuttle service between Graceland and the airport?

  No. Graceland students and staff frequently travel between the Kansas City Airport and Des Moines Airport. PLEASE NOTE: if plane tickets may need to be purchased for the day prior to a student’s scheduled move-in day. Families may need to factor in a hotel night’s stay before the residence halls open.

• Are there specific items that are not allowed in the residence hall rooms?

  Candles, incense, toasters, ovens, hotplates, firearms and ammunition, weapons, fireworks, halogen lamps, alcohol containers, illegal drugs and paraphernalia, e-cigarettes, hover boards and wireless routers are not allowed in the Residence Halls for safety reasons.

• What furniture is provided in the residence hall rooms?

  A standard 2 person room comes equipped with 2 beds, 2 dressers, 2 wardrobes and 2 desks with chairs.

• My student plans to have a couch in her/his room. What are the room dimensions?

  Room dimensions vary depending on the building and room classification (i.e. two person, semi-private or private). Graceland’s residence hall rooms are slightly larger than the average US residence hall room at roughly 14’x20’. Lofting kits may be rented from the company Graceland has partnered with to provide safe, sturdy lofting hardware. www.collegeproducts.com/store/gu

• How does a student get to live in the Small & Thomas Apartments?

  Upperclassmen must apply to live in the apartments by mid-March, for the following academic year. Priority is given to seniors, then juniors. Students are ranked using a merit based system that takes into account the students disciplinary record, GPA, and academic credit hours earned.

• What kind of insurance does my student need to protect his/her computer, stereo, and other personal possessions?

  Graceland does not require students to have property or renter’s insurance but it is highly recommended. Some homeowner’s insurance policies cover a college student’s personal belongings when they are away at college for a small increase.

• Are there storage facilities available on campus to store some of my student’s belongings? What about off campus storage?

  There is limited student storage space in the basement of some Residence Halls. Graceland cannot guarantee the safety of your student’s belongings. Furniture and carpets are not permitted to be stored. Off campus storage is available at local storage units.

• What if my student has a concern about housing or a special housing need?

  Any housing concerns can be addressed in the Residence Life Office in the Newcom or by calling 641-784-5107. All accommodations are completed through Diana Jones in the Student Disability Services office.

• What if my student doesn’t like their roommate?

  If your student is having problems with his/her roommate, have them talk face-to-face with their roommate and explain what is bothering them. If they are unable to work out their differences, have them see their House President and/or Residence Hall Director for assistance.

• How will my student select housing next year?

  Returning students will participate in a room draw during the spring semester. Seniors will be given preference of rooms, followed by juniors, and then sophomores.

• May students stay in residence halls during vacations?

  Residence halls are closed over the winter holiday break. Students may arrange to stay in the residence halls over the Thanksgiving and Spring Breaks for a fee. However, food service is not available. Thanksgiving and End of Semester Breaks the halls will close at 9:00 a.m. on the day following the last day of class. During spring break, the halls will close at 6 p.m. on the same day that classes end for break.

• Can my student bring a car?

  Yes. Students may have vehicles on campus as long as it is properly registered with the university. A Parking permit may be purchased for $50.00 a year in the Student Life Office.

• How does a student appeal a parking fine?

  Appeals can be submitted through the online from located on My Graceland. Fines must be appealed within a week of the issue of the ticket. The Senate parking committee will notify students of a hearing date and their decision via campus mail.

• Can my student live off-campus?

  Residence hall living is required of all full-time students unless approved by the Residence Life Office. Students with Senior status may apply to live off campus by mid-March for the following academic year. Some students are exempt from the On Campus Living Policy. They are students who are 23 years of age or older, married students, students with legal dependents living with them, military veterans, and students who live with their parents within 25 miles from the University.

• How can my student change their house membership?

  A house change request form is available in the Residence Life Office.

• How does my student get something fixed in their room?

  The online Work Request Form can be found in MyGraceland. Students can fill out the form at their convenience and Facility Services will respond. A direct call may be made to the Facility Services Office by dialing 641-784-5191.

• What does my student do if they have a problem with their MyGraceland login and password, wireless internet or cable TV?

  Report these problems to ITS by calling 641-784-5167 during business hours.

• How does my student appeal visitation or noise violations?

  Appeals will be accepted in the Residence Life Office within one week of the violation.

• How does a student report stolen property?

  The Dean of Student’s Office receives the online theft reports completed in MyGraceland under the Student tab. Their office will assist you in filling out a report of stolen property if needed. Information will be distributed to Residence Hall Directors and others who may be able to assist.

• Where is Lost and Found located?

  Student Help Desk in the Newcom Student Union