Housing Q&A
What is the university’s housing policy?
All admitted students are eligible for LAU housing. Space, however, is limited, so students who want to live on either campus must apply. See Applying for housing for more information about the application process and Housing fees for the cost of housing.
How are rooms assigned?
The residence hall supervisor is responsible for all room assignments. To the extent that it is possible, students’ preferences for roommate and room type are taken into consideration.
Available spaces are allocated to students based on following:
- Priority 1: Returning students: They have priority in room assignments
- Priority 2: Transfer students: After the returning students, transfer students are assigned.
- Priority 3: First-year students: Eligibility for housing is determined on a first-come, first served basis.
Can I choose my roommate?
Yes, usually. If you and a friend wish to room together, you should both indicate this on your housing application. The residence hall supervisors will try to accommodate your preference. If you don’t have a roommate in mind, let the supervisors know about your interests and lifestyle so that they can select a suitable roommate.
What is the difference between Type A, Type B and Type C in Byblos?
Type A:
A fully furnished (28 m2) bedroom with its own bathroom and balcony, sharing the floor kitchen (Common Room). It also contains a small TV and a refrigerator.
Type B:
A two bedroom apartment (84m2) housing 4 students. Each apartment is consisted of two Type A rooms (double), sharing a living room and a fully equipped kitchenette.
Type C:
A two bedroom apartment (120m2) housing 4 students. Each apartment is consisted of two Type A rooms (double), sharing a large living/dining room and a fully equipped kitchenette. It also contains a washer/dryer.
Is the Byblos hall coed?
No! The hall is divided into two wings: one for female students and another for male students. Male and female students can meet in the lounge.
When do the residence halls open and close for the semester?
The residence halls open two days before classes begin and close two days after finals. For medical students, the Byblos dorms open two days before the start of their classes and remain through the end of their academic year.
What meal plan options are available?
There are no meal plans available in the halls. However, there is one main cafeteria on each campus that caters to different tastes through a diverse menu. You can also order delivery from the surrounding restaurants and snacks.
What should I bring?
- Towels and bath accessories
- Hairdryer
- Kitchenware (plate, mug, pan, pot, utensils…)
- Cleaning supplies (mop, broom…)
- Toilet paper
- Kettle
- Computer
- Shaver
- Detergents (laundry and dishwashing)
- Kleenex
- Hangers
Do not bring:
- Arguileh
- Toaster
- Flammables
- Candles, incense
- Gas stove
- Halogen lamp
- Heater
- Iron
What are the curfew hours?
The outer doors of the residence halls are open from 6:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. daily, except for Friday and Saturday nights when the closing time is 2 a.m. If you wish to be exempted from the curfew, you are required to submit a permission of outstay form. This form must be signed by the parent or legal guardian in person and submitted to the residence hall supervisor.
How is security managed in the residence halls?
All the entrances of the residence halls are controlled 24 hours a day by security guards, and the common areas (hallways, lounges, common rooms, elevators, parking) are monitored by closed-circuit television (CCTV). A resident assistant is always on call in the hall, and a night attendant is available in the evenings.
To avoid theft of your personal belongings, you should never leave the door of your room open or unlocked, even if you’re only stepping out briefly.
What can be done if I don’t like my room assignment?
You should know that while every effort will be made to reassign you to another space, we cannot guarantee re-assignment.
If roommates have differences, can room assignments be changed?
If you have difficulties with your roommate, you should first discuss the problem with him/her and attempt to reach an amicable compromise, keeping in mind that everyone has his/her own lifestyle and values. If the attempt to resolve the problem fails, ask the residence hall supervisor for assistance. If, ultimately, you find that you and your roommate are not compatible, efforts will be made to re-assign rooms.
How often are rooms cleaned?
The housekeeping ladies will clean your room weekly and the public areas daily. Nevertheless, you are expected to keep your room, corridors, kitchens, and common areas reasonably neat and clean at all times.
Can I make phone calls from my room?
For on-campus calls, dial the four-digit room extension number and for off-campus calls (local or international), you can use the prepaid card “Kalam,” available at local shops.
Where can I do my laundry?
Washers and dryers are available in all residence halls; you must provide your own cleaning supplies.
Are we allowed to bring guests to stay overnight?
As a policy, all guests must leave the dorm premises by 10 p.m. If you wish to receive an overnight guest, you must secure the approval of the residence hall supervisor at least 24 hours in advance.