Frequently Asked Questions
[Computing] [Residential Dining ] [Residence Life] [University Apartments]
Click on a heading below to expand or collapse its contents.
How do I use my computer in the Residence Halls?
What Is ResNet?
ResNet is a direct connection to the campus network—and therefore, to the Internet—from your residence hall room.
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What Is The Difference Between An Internet Service Provider (ISP) Such As AOL And ResNet?
ResNet access is a direct connection to the campus network, so it does not use a modem or the phone lines. Because of this direct connection, it is also much faster. With ResNet, you get unlimited access time as part of the service. An ISP is dial-in access through a modem. ISP access is a much slower transmission rate and depends on the quality of the phone line you use at the time that you dial into this service, it ties up your phone line while being used, and you occasionally get busy signals when trying to get connected.
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Are All Residence Halls Equipped With ResNet Service?
Yes: ResNet service has been available in all University of Iowa residence halls since January, 2001.
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What Do I Need To Do To Connect To ResNet?
Try to have an ethernet adapter installed in your computer and tested before you arrive. Obtain a 10BaseT ethernet dropcord. These cords are now commonly available at most consumer electronics stores. Setup your computer in your room, plug it into the electrical outlets, connect your ethernet dropcord, and turn it on. Additional instructions are provided at the
ResNet Webpage. If you cannot self-install, look for a member of the ResNet Crew to help you by visiting the ResNet Information Table located in the lobby of your hall for assistance. Information desks will be located in Hillcrest (West Side), Burge or Currier (East Side), and Mayflower (North Side).
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Do I Need An IP Address From ITS?
No. ResNet uses a configuration protocol called DHCP to provide your IP address when you connect. You need to configure your computer to use this method. See the
ResNet Installation Instructions which are appropriate for your computer's operating system.
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How Much Will My ResNet Service Cost?
There is no cost for the service or service activation. There is no charge for installing your ethernet adapter or for the network software. You will be required to purchase an ethernet adapter if your system does not have one. You must also purchase your own category 5 (or 5e), 10BaseT ethernet dropcord. The adapter can be purchased at the IMU Bookstore or at any retail outlet. We recommend the 3Com 10/100 EtherLink adapter.
The ResNet system was designed for the use of a 3-meter patch cable (also referred to as a dropcord). If you choose to use a longer dropcord, the level of service cannot be guaranteed. Category 5 (or 5e), 10BaseT ethernet dropcords are now commonly available at most consumer electronics stores. The University Bookstore at the IMU will carry the dropcord recommended by ITS. (Please note: Splitters or other connection devices should never be used to connect two or more Ethernet cords.)
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What Is An Ethernet Adapter?
It is an expansion card placed in a computer to support the ethernet network protocol across digital communications lines.
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Where Do I Get An Ethernet Adapter or 10BaseT Ethernet Dropcord?
If you are purchasing a new PC, you should order it with an ethernet adapter pre-installed. If you already own a computer and it does not have an ethernet adapter pre-installed, we suggest purchasing a 3Com 10/100 Etherlink adapter. Laptop users can purchase a comparable PCMCIA card. Ethernet adapters are available for purchase through the IMU Bookstore or from local vendors.
The ResNet system was designed for the use of a 3-meter patch cable (also referred to as a dropcord). If you choose to use a longer dropcord, the level of service cannot be guaranteed. Category 5 (or 5e), 10BaseT ethernet dropcords are now commonly available at most consumer electronics stores. The University Bookstore at the IMU will carry the dropcord recommended by ITS. (Please note: Splitters or other connection devices should never be used to connect two or more Ethernet cords.)
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What If I Don't Have A Computer?
If you wish to purchase a computer, go to the PC Demonstration Area at the IMU Bookstore. Orders are placed on line. This allows you to design just the system you want with just the options you need. The University also has a loan program available to finance the purchase. See the
ITS Computer Demo Center web page for more information.
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What Brand Of PC Do You Recommend?
We cannot recommend specific brands. However, The University of Iowa has special relationships with Apple, Dell, and Gateway which provide students with attractive educational pricing and, in some cases, financing options. ITS also provides authorized warranty repair service for these brands. See the
ITS Computer Demo Center web page for more information.
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How Can I Print From My Computer?
For more information on how to print to the ITC Printers, go to the
ITC Printing page to learn how to print from your personal computers to the ITCs.
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What Is The ResNet Policy For Using Internet Music/Audio And Video?
At this time there are no specific polices on using music/audio and video from the Internet, but there are other policies which have an important impact on their use.
The University of Iowa Policy on Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources and
The University of Iowa ResNet Acceptable Use Policy are in place to ensure acceptable use for ALL users of information technology resources. Please read and understand these policies including the sections which apply to music/audio and video file sharing and the sanctions which can be imposed for policy violations.
Many of the internet media-sharing schemes in fact involve file-sharing which has the potential to violate several aspects of the ResNet or University AUP. The University of Iowa ResNet policy prohibits activities that might negatively impact the other users of the campus network. The policy also prohibits ResNet subscribers to engage in activities that consume excessive amounts of bandwidth. One reason for this policy is to ensure an even distribution of network resources (bandwidth) to all users. Music/audio and video servers can consume excessive amounts of bandwidth and monopolize the network. Additionally both the University and ResNet AUPs prohibit participation in illegal activities, including the copying of copyrighted materials.
Any violations of the Acceptable Use Policies can result in the loss of privileges to use ResNet. With these points in mind, please go to the following link for further information about
how you may use these resources.
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How do I get help?
If you have a hardware or software problem with your computer, please call the ITS Help Desk at 384-4357 (4-HELP). They will help you over the phone or you can come to room 2800 University Capitol Centre. Visit their website at
http://helpdesk.its.uiowa.edu/. You can also send any questions via e-mail to:
its-helpdesk@uiowa.edu. If necessary, the Help Desk will escalate the problem to the appropriate ITS support person.
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If I have a guest, can I charge their meal to my I.D.?
Yes. You may use cash, your Hawkeye dollars or you may charge the meal on your student I.D. Students who have a full board plan have 5 additional guest meals per semester and 14-Meal Deals come with 3 additional guest meals per semester. Otherwise, you many not use your board plan or "20 Meal Deal" as this is a contract between the University and the named contract holder. The services and products provided under this contract cannot be sold or transferred to others by the named contract holder.
Residential Dining FAQ Top
How much are guest meal tickets?
Can the public eat at Burge or Hillcrest?
Yes, they can for the price of Breakfast: $6.00, Lunch: & Dinner: $8.00. You can also buy an "any 20" meal pass for $150 at the Contracts & Assignments Office, 4141 Burge Hall. Call (33)5-3009. It is an all-you-care-to-eat system including beverages. (Burge and Hillcrest are open to the public.)
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I have classes at scheduled meal time—is there any way I can eat?
Yes, Burge and Hillcrest Market Places provide continuous service 6:45 am - 8:00 pm Monday - Thursday, 6:45 am - 7:00 pm on Fridays.
Residential Dining FAQ Top
What are the dining room meal times?
I heard you can exchange a meal for a picnic. How does that work?
You need to see the Market Place Manager a minimum of seven (7) days in advance of the picnic date to choose the menu and make "pick-up" arrangements. You will need a group of twenty-five (25) participants. The participants' names need to be turned in two (2) days in advance to the Market Place Manager. Persons in charge of the event need to verify that the participants have a board plan. Participants who do not have a board plan will be charged the prevailing guest meal rate or may use flex dollars.
Residential Dining FAQ Top
I can't make it back during the day for a meal. Is there a way to get a meal to go?
Yes. "On the Go" meals are available Monday-Friday. Pick up a form at the Market Place checkstand or download a form from the Residential Dining Website
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How can I change or cancel my meal plan?
If we want to order food for a floor meeting, how do we do it and where do we get it?
Arrangements for food supplies must be made a minimum of seven (7) days in advance with the Market Place Manager serving your building. Food must be paid for at "pick up" time or before.
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Can we borrow pans and other equipment from Residential Dining?
We loan equipment for residence halls catered events, floor events, and ARH affairs. According to UI policy, we cannot loan equipment for private use. This is a UI policy.
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Can we have seconds on everything?
Board plans are "all you care to eat". However, the food must be eaten in the dining room and not carried out. While we encourage students to sample from the wide variety of available foods, we ask them to choose wisely and to be mindful of waste. Remember "moderation" is the key to a healthy diet.
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The lines are long at the beginning of each semester. How can I avoid standing in line?
That's easy. Continuous service allows you more flexibility. Peak times to avoid large lines are 11:30-12:30 and 5:00-6:00.
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I'd like to be able to tell the Market Place about my likes and dislikes. Is there a way to do that?
Join Dining Advisory Committee, stop by the Market Place Manager's Office at Hillcrest or Burge any time during regular service times or e-mail:
Residential Dining FAQ Top
Is it possible to have a meal at either Burge or Hillcrest Market Place?
Yes. You must present your student I.D. Your student I.D. card will be scanned to confirm that you have a board contract. If you do not have a meal contract or have used all of your meals for the week, you may use Hawkeye dollars or charge the meal. You may also use your "Hawkeye dollars" to eat at either Market Place, IMU, or any of the IMU operated quick service facilities located throughout the campus.
Residential Dining FAQ Top
What happens if I lose my I.D. when meal time comes?
As stated in the Residence Hall Guidebook, dining contract holders must present their valid ID card for admittance to either Burge or Hillcrest Market Place. If your ID card is lost or stolen, you must go to 3 Jessup Hall (hours: 10 - 6, Monday - Friday) for an immediate replacement. After regular business hours and on weekends, if you do not have your ID card, you should report this to the dining room checker and ask for a manager for assistance.
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Can I smoke in the dining room?
Under the Smoke-Free Air Act, smoking is banned on the entire University of Iowa campus beginning July 1, 2008. The use of smoking or smokeless tobacco products is prohibited in residence hall student rooms and in public areas. Public areas include hallways, stairways, elevators, lobbies, lounges, restrooms, etc. Students over 18 years of age may possess and are allowed to store tobacco and legal smoking products but may not use them in the halls or on campus.
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How do I become a Resident Assistant (RA)?
What if I want to change my room?
The best place to start is with your Resident Assistant (RA). Then, you should meet with your Hall Coordinator to put yourself on the list for a room change.
Residence Life FAQ Top
How can I get involved?
You can start right on your floor by participating in activities.You may also take on a leadership role (President, Social Chair, Program Committee) at both the hall and campus level through Associated Residence Halls (ARH).
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Who can help me with my problem?
That depends on your problem. Overall, start with your RA. They can direct you to the best office or person to assist you with your problem. If it's hall-related, contact your hall staff (RA, Hall Coordinator Office). You can also go directly to your 24-hour desk to ask for assistance or the Office of Residence Life - 260 Stanley Hall. If it's academic-related, you can go to the
Academic Advising Office located in the Pomerantz Center.
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What services are offered in my hall?
It will vary from hall to hall. Each complex has a full service 24-hour desk, vending area, laundry services, study and meeting spaces. For specific hall information, go to your hall's 24-hour desk.
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What rights do I have as a resident?
When will I know if I will have an Apartment?
The University Apartments Office attempts to make most apartment assignment notifications at least thirty days in advance of the requested move in date. Students with dependent children will be given priority for Hawkeye Court and Hawkeye Drive apartments if the application is received by May 15 for the academic year, October 15 for spring semester, and March 15 for summer session. After the above deadlines, all other applicants are assigned on the basis of the date of the receipt of application. The earlier we receive an application, the earlier we are able to offer an apartment.
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When will I know my apartment address?
Because it is often necessary to make last minute changes in the availability of a specific unit, we are unable to furnish you with an address prior to your moving in.
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I have small children and would prefer to have an apartment on the first floor. How do I indicate this on my application?
If you have a specific request for a first or second floor apartment, a certain location or area, etc., please write the request on the application under "Additional Requests".
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When will my lease begin and end?
The tenant has a binding agreement from the beginning date printed on the lease agreement to the following June first, except as provided for in the lease terms and conditions.
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Are pets allowed in University Apartments?
As a condition in the lease terms and conditions and for reasons of health, hygiene, and maintenance, pets and livestock are not permitted in or on the University Apartments property, with the exception of fish in an aquarium.
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I do not have a car. Is bus service available?
The University Apartments are served by the
University Cambus. Cambus is a No Fare service that is available to the general public. It is a prepaid system funded in part by student fees. There are three different routes that serve the apartments to different locations on campus.
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How far are the apartments from campus?
The Hawkeye Court and Hawkeye Drive apartments are approximately 1.8 miles from the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, approximately 2 miles from the College of Law, and approximately 2.5 to 3 miles from the Pentacrest (Eastside of campus). Parklawn apartments are approximately 1 miles from the Iowa Memorial Union and less than 2 miles from the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics.
University Apartments FAQ Top
I would like to apply for summer session and for the fall session.
Applicants may only apply for one session at a time. The application will remain active for the entire semester (session) for which you applied unless you cancel that application. If we are unable to accommodate you for the semester you have applied, you must submit a new application for any subsequent semester.
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I would like to have a roommate. Do we both need to fill out an application?
Should I send a deposit or application fee with my application?
Yes. University Apartments requires a $20.00 non-refundable application fee and a $100.00 deposit for your application to be considered.
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Does University Apartments have an e-mail address?
The University Apartments Office e-mail address is
univ-apts@uiowa.edu. Please include your full name, student identification number, mailing address, and telephone number when corresponding with the University Apartments Office.
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What is the square footage of the apartments?
The square footage for the University Apartments are as follows:
Hawkeye Drive-2 bedroom 586 square feet
Hawkeye Court-1 bedroom 521 square feet
Hawkeye Court-2 bedroom 630 square feet
Parklawn-studio apartment 311 square feet
Parklawn-one bedroom 443 square feet
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Will University Apartments assign a roommate to my apartment if I am a single person living in a two bedroom apartment?
How will I be billed for the apartment utilities?
Mid-American Energy will send the utility bill directly to the lease holder of Hawkeye Court and Hawkeye Drive apartments. The utilities are included in Parklawn’s monthly rental fee.
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When do I pay the apartment rent?
University Apartments' rent appears on the University of Iowa bill. The University of Iowa bills are mailed the first working day of each month and are due two weeks after the mailing date.
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What documentation does a faculty/staff member need to provide with their application?
To apply as a faculty or staff member, an appointment form or letter from the University of Iowa employing department with the dates of the appointment is required.
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