Office of Housing and Residence Life
235 Kryzsko Commons (507.457.5305)
Email: reslife@winona.edu
Housing
The Office of Housing and Residence Life provides a comprehensive variety of residential opportunities to WSU students with an equal focus on the following areas: student learning, outstanding service, leadership development, and facilitation of a positive sense of community and connection to WSU. The University does not offer a residential experience at the WSU-Rochester campus. See the WSU-Rochester section for information about housing as it relates to the Rochester campus.
On-Campus Housing
WSU offers more than a place to sleep and study. WSU offers a total living and learning environment that supports our academic mission and promotes leadership and community development. Students enjoy a quality residential experience filled with activities and programs that extend learning beyond the classroom to include (1) recreational and social pastimes with friends from across the country and around the world and (2) abundant opportunities to expand their intellectual horizons and hone their leadership skills.
At WSU, we believe that living on campus should be a special and rewarding part of a student’s education. The Housing and Residence Life staff members devote their time to providing resources, services, and programs to ensure a stimulating and supportive atmosphere for every student.
Throughout the school year, every residence hall sponsors high-quality programs that complement classroom learning and encourage leadership and citizenship. The programs - many of which are organized by hall residents - touch on different areas such as inclusion, career development, intellectual and creative enrichment, social and recreational activities, community service, and other issues important to students.
A full-time hall director resides in each residence hall; the majority of our hall directors hold master’s degrees in fields related to education. Hall directors provide supervision and leadership, working with a team of upper-division resident assistants (RAs) to create a comfortable, secure, and supportive environment for all students.
Residence Hall Council and Resident Assistants
In each hall, a Residence Hall Council offers opportunities for students to develop a variety of leadership and management skills. Comprised of students elected to various leadership positions by their fellow residents, the council is responsible for organizing the hall’s educational and social activities and for encouraging students to take ownership of their hall. Council members attend regional and national conferences devoted to student leadership and host leadership conferences on campus. First-year students are strongly encouraged to get involved with their hall council; new students may also find their leadership niche by running for one of the six Freshman Senator positions in the WSU Student Senate.
A well-trained and responsive team of RAs plays a key leadership role in the daily life of each hall. Selected through a comprehensive application process, these upper-division students serve as peer advisors for residents, organize educational activities, and encourage participation in hall and campus activities.
Residence Halls
Twelve residence halls allow WSU to house approximately 2,500 students. See the campus maps for names and locations of residence halls. For a description of each hall and the different options, students should request a copy of the Residence Life Viewbook or visit the Residence Life website.
While the specific housing options vary within each facility, students can expect to find the following in every WSU residence hall:
- A room fully furnished and wired for laptop computers, local telephone service, and hook-up for cable TV with 80 available channels. Students have the option to purchase premium channels from a local cable provider.
- A laser printer at the hall reception desk for students’ use.
- Areas conducive to group study.
- TV lounges in each hall; each lounge has big screen TVs and lots of comfortable furniture.
- Kitchen facilities for preparing a snack or light meal; vending machines are available for those times when hunger strikes at odd hours.
- Laundry rooms equipped with Laundryview technology. This technology lets students know what machines are available and alerts them when their laundry is complete. Laundry is free for students living in the residence halls.
- Sports equipment, kitchen supplies, and games that students can borrow.
- A secure environment. Campus security monitors the halls throughout the day and conducts “check-ins” for everyone after 11 pm Residence hall staff and campus security work diligently with students to create a safe community.
Note: The “Purple Pass” can be used like an internal campus debit card to purchase goods and services throughout the campus. Visit the cashiers at the Warrior Hub (209 Maxwell Hall) to deposit money into your Purple Pass account. A minimum deposit of $10 is required.
West Campus House Interest Communities
West Campus living offers students a unique educational opportunity in a residential setting where community, experience and exploration are celebrated. Students living in Lourdes, Tau and Maria Halls are given the opportunity to engage with faculty, staff and students through the Residential House System, House Interest Communities and the West Campus classes. West Campus is the home of six houses: Eridanus, Pyxis, Octans, Hydra, Vela, and Volans. Each house hosts community events, participates in House Competitions and has a House Interest Community. Members of the House Interest Communities organize events and activities based on a topic through a one credit Topics Seminar (EL 201). In this class, students discuss issues and organize events under the facilitation of a faculty instructor and community mentor. The House Interest Communities for 2016-2017 are: Leadership, Outdoor Adventure, Health and Wellness, Global Awareness and Career Explorations. Students can also propose new topics each year.
University Apartments at East Lake
University Apartments at East Lake is located at the corner of Franklin and Sarnia Streets. The complex consists of 100 apartment units, housing a total of 360 students. Most of the apartments are 4-bedroom/2-bath units that accommodate four students; some are 2-bedroom/2-bath units that accommodate four students, and a few are 1-bedroom/1-bath units that accommodate two students. All the apartments are fully furnished (including washer and dryer); the housing fee includes all utilities except long distance telephone service.
Applying for Housing
Students must first apply for admission to Winona State University. WSU is an early application school, and on-campus space is allocated based on the date of the student’s application. Therefore, it is important for applicants to return the housing application as early as possible. The application process is as easy as 1-2-3:
- Apply for admission to WSU early in the senior year of high school. The housing packet will be sent to you following your letter of acceptance from WSU.
- Promptly complete the housing application/agreement. It is recommended that you complete the application as early as possible, but not later than March 1 to guarantee a space in the residence halls.
- Submit a $250 pre-payment ($50 non-refundable application fee) on or before March 1 to confirm your space on campus.
Note: Residence Hall space is allocated by the date WSU receives your completed housing agreement/application and payment. For first-year and transfer students for fall, $200 of the advance payment is refundable if the Housing Office receives the student’s written refund request on or before June 15. The $50 application fee is not refundable.
Payment for Housing and Dining Services
Payment for residence hall and meal plan is made on a semester basis. See Tuition & Fees for an estimated total of the minimum expenses for undergraduate students. View current room and board rates.
Off-Campus Housing Referral Service
The Office of Housing and Residence Life (235 Kryzsko Commons) provides an Off-Campus Referral Service, which consists of listings provided by the landlords of apartments and other rental options. Information is available at the office during business hours or view the online off-campus housing list.
WSU makes no representation as to the kind, quality, or quantity of facilities listed by the landlords. The University also does not control any changes to the information; cost and availability are subject to change by the landlords. WSU assumes no liability arising from relationships between students and landlords as a result of these listings. All questions should be addressed to the landlords.
The University does not own nor does it operate housing facilities specifically for married students. To apply for subsidized housing, students should contact the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Winona, 165 E. 4th St., Winona, MN 55987.
Campus Dining
Campus dining at WSU is an exciting and nutritious experience. WSU has two dining halls on campus, the Jack Kane Dining Center, located in Kryzsko Commons, and the Lourdes Café, located on the West Campus. The Jack Kane Dining Center provides an atmosphere that complements fine dining. The area hosts an upper-level mezzanine as well as a lower-level with a private dining area. The Lourdes Dining Hall, located on the main floor of Lourdes Hall, provides additional convenience for the students living on the West Campus. (See the WSU-Rochester section for information about dining options for the Rochester campus.)
Students who are on a meal plan may use their student ID cards in either dining location. In addition to the two dining halls, students have the option of eating in the Kryzsko Commons Food Court (known as the Smaug) or the Lourdes Hall Snack Shop. See Campus Card Services in the Student Life section for more information regarding purchasing meals with student ID cards.
Meal Plan advantages include:
- All you care to eat: Unlimited portions available on all items except premium entrees.
- Grab & Go Lunches and Dinners: Available for students with work or class schedules that conflict with meal times.
WSU offers a choice of three meal plans: 19, 14, 10, or 7 meals per week. In addition, each meal plan includes cash credit (Kryzsko Kash) to make purchases in the “Smaug” or at convenience stores on the main and west campuses. Changes to decrease the number of meals in your meal plan can only be made during the first week of classes each semester. You may increase the number of meals in your meal plan at any time. Meal plan changes can be made at the Office of Housing and Residence Life (235 Kryzsko Commons).
The Dining Committee, comprised of students and staff from Housing and Dining services, provides input and suggestions to enhance WSU’s campus dining experience.
Employment Opportunities
Campus dining also provides employment opportunities; it is one of the largest student employers on campus. Students who are interested in on-campus employment should contact the Campus Dining Office (220 Kryzsko Commons).
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