Life at St. Norbert College

Where will I live when I come to St. Norbert?
You will live in a college dormitory. The English as a Second Language (ESL) staff will ask the Office of Residential Education and Housing to reserve a dormitory room for you as soon as you tell us you have a visa and you have plans to come to St. Norbert College. We do not offer home stays and we cannot help you find off-campus housing. In 2009-10, the average cost of a double room in a dormitory will be about $480 per month ($120 per week).*

St. Norbert College has 12 dormitories, several apartment buildings and many houses. You will probably live in one of the dormitories. The Office of Residential Education and Housing assigns a dormitory room to each student. Most dormitory rooms are double rooms, so you will probably have a roommate. Your roommate will be American or from a country different from your home country. Single rooms are usually not available during fall semester. Single rooms may be available during the spring semester.

To learn more about the living options at St. Norbert College visit the office of residential education and housing's living options web page.

Each dormitory building has a "residence hall director" and several "residence hall assistants" (RAs). There is an RA on each floor to help with any problems you may have.

All residence halls have coin-operated clothes washers and dryers, small kitchens, recreation rooms, and study rooms. All rooms have internet connections for computers. Many students bring their own computers to campus. Dormitories and all other buildings are heated in the winter; some dormitories do not have air conditioning in the summer. More housing information may be found at on the office of residential education and housing web site.

>> view the dormitory policies

  * In the summer a college dormitory (double) room costs about $45 each week.

Where will I eat?
If you live in a college dormitory, you will have to purchase a college meal plan. Most international students purchase the "Silver Plan." In 2009-10 school year, the "Silver Meal Plan" will cost about $400 each month, or $100 each week. Students who have the "Silver Plan" are not required to eat meals in the cafeteria. Students may use their "meal dollars" in the college cafeteria, at "Phil's," our on-campus restaurant in the Campus Center, and in vending machines located across the campus. There is no refund if you do not use your meal plan. Meal plan contract.

Please view the dining services web site for more information on meal plans and to view current dining menus.

Where will I live?
ESL students live in St. Norbert College residence halls (dormitories). There are 12 residence halls and two students usually share a room. Your roommate might be an American student or another international student. Single rooms are not available from August to December, but may be available spring semester and summer.

Where will I eat?
Students living in residence halls are required to have a college meal plan. Older students who live off campus are not required to have a meal plan, but may purchase one. In the summer and during holidays, food service may not offer full meal plans. Students may choose limited meal plans, prepare meals in residence hall kitchens or eat at local restaurants. Food service information may be found on the dining services web site.

Can I get a job on campus?
Students who plan to study for four or more months can apply for a job on campus; however jobs are not always available. The U.S. immigration laws generally prohibit off-campus employment. For information about campus jobs, visit the financial aid web site.

What is the weather like?
In Wisconsin you will enjoy all four seasons. Summers are warm and pleasant; most classrooms are air-conditioned. Winters bring snow and cold temperatures; all buildings are heated. For local weather information, visit www.snc.edu/go/weather.

Should I bring winter clothes?
Winter weather is from late November to early April. Bring or plan to buy sweaters, jackets, jeans, and winter boots or durable shoes. Most students dress very casually on campus. We encourage you to pack light and bring only one suitcase.

What else should I bring?
Bring your laptop computer and international driver's license if you have them. For special events bring examples of traditional clothes from your country. You may also choose to bring a swim suit for summer weather. Remember to pack family keepsakes and souvenirs to show other students your culture.

Are computers and other services available?
ESL students can use all college computer labs. All residence hall rooms have internet access for personal computers. Some college buildings have wireless internet access. ESL students can also use the college health center, exercise facilities, library and other college resources. Some activities require additional fees.

Should I buy health insurance?
Do not buy major medical insurance in your country. ESL students are automatically registered for the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities medical insurance provided through St. Norbert College. No exceptions are allowed. The cost is about $65 per month. Medical insurance pays 80 percent of most hospital expenses and 100 percent of the college's health center expenses.

Can I meet an American family?
If you plan to study in the ESL program longer than eight weeks, we will help you find an American friendship family. Students do no live with their friendship family. Families usually invite students to join in family activities once or twice a month.

How can I get involved during my time at St. Norbert?
The Office of Leadership, Service and Engagement offers many clubs and organizations for students to get involved with. Getting involved puts students on the path to creating life-long friendships, developing leaderships skills and serving others. These are skills that will add quality and balance to your life while you are at St. Norbert College and for the rest of your life. To explore student organizations and leadership opportunities at St. Norbert, visit the student organizations web page.