Residence Life

We are often asked about what residents should bring with them when they come to campus. So, we have created a list of suggested items—what to bring and to leave at home—to help you while you pack. Given the limited closet, dresser, and floor space, we strongly encourage students to refrain from bringing all winter clothes and large items until you arrive and see how you want to make the best use of your space. Please click on the following link for a checklist of what your student should bring with him or her (and what to leave at home) when joining the Fisk University on-campus family.

• What to Bring
• Hotel List

If you have any additional questions concerning what to bring to campus, please don’t hesitate to contact the Residential Life staff.

For new students, roommate assignments are made during the summer prior to fall term enrollment, after the Office of Residence Life and Campus Services receives your Housing Form and Roommate Questionnaire, which are part of the New Student Enrollment Packet. We ask that students (not parents) complete these forms carefully and honestly so that the Residence Life Staff has the best information possible in order to select your roommate. If you already know with whom you would like to room, simply indicate that person's name and information on the housing/roommate forms. In order to be assigned to a specific roommate, you must both request each other on the forms. Assignments are usually mailed in late July.

Returning students are asked to select their roommates, as appropriate, during the Room Lottery selection process in the spring. Please indicate on the housing forms the names of the student(s) with whom you will room and your room preferences.

If your roommate leaves the University or graduates, a new roommate will be assigned to you unless you identify a student with whom you would like to room. If you remain as a single occupant in a room, you may be charged the single room rate rather than the double room rate.

• Is it possible for my student to stay with me when I visit or during weekend trips home?
  • We understand students may occasionally go home or visit others on weekends. To ensure their safety, the university requires parents to submit an overnight consent form, acknowledging that they are aware of their student's absence during the specified times.
• Do Freshman students have a curfew?
  • Yes, freshmen have a curfew of midnight Sunday through Thursday and 2:00 am Friday and Saturday. This policy is in place to promote safety and support academic success at Fisk University.
• What is the cost of doing laundry on campus?
  • On-campus laundry facilities are free for students residing in the residence hall.
• Will dining services be available to students during the Fall and Thanksgiving Break?
  • Dining services operate on a brunch schedule during university closures and breaks (except for the winter break).

• ALL Residence Halls close on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 5:00 pm.
• Students can check out the residence halls on or before the closure date.

• First Day of Class: Monday, August 18, 2025
• Opening Convocation: Thursday, August 21, 2025
• Fall Break: October 13, 2025- October 14, 2025
• Homecoming: November 2, 2025 – November 8, 2025
• Winter Break Closure: Wednesday, December 10, 2025