Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I live on-campus instead of off-campus?

Living on-campus provides increased access to academic support resources, a supportive learning environment, and increased interaction with other students and faculty.

How do I apply for on-campus housing?

You can apply online, the same time that you apply for admission to IWCC at www.iwcc.edu or by printing off a housing application, from the IWCC website and returning it to: IWCC Department of Residence Life, 2400 College Road, Council Bluffs, IA, 51503. You may also contact the Residence Life Office at 712-388-7695 to request an application be mailed to you. HINT: Make every effort to submit your housing application as early as possible, as we fill up quickly.

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When do I receive my Lease Contract?

Typically lease contracts are mailed out in groupings, beginning early to mid Spring. 

How do I indicate my housing facility choice?

When you receive your lease contract, you will rank your housing choices.
Hint: If you only put down one housing facility, you will only be considered for that facility. We suggest that you rank all of the housing choices according to your preference. This will give you a better chance of receiving on campus housing.
*Please understand that housing is done on a first come first serve basis and we cannot guarantee your housing preferences.

What happens after I submit my lease contract?

Allow approximately 3 - 4 weeks for your lease contract to be processed at which time you will receive notification via postal mail confirming on campus housing. Receiving your notification signifies that your space at IWCC has been confirmed and guaranteed. Information regarding move-in, room assignment, and roommate assignment will be mailed to your permanent address by July 31, 2008.

Is there a security deposit?

Yes, your $200.00 security deposit is submitted with your lease contract. Please note that there is a deadline to submit your security deposit and lease contract. You will need to thoroughly read all of the information mailed to you in your lease contract packet, as you will find your submission deadline for your contract in this information.

When is my security deposit refunded?

Security deposits are refunded after the contracted term has expired and any room damages, fines, or charges to your IWCC account have been subtracted. Security deposits are NOT refunded if the term of the lease contract is not fulfilled. If you have renewed your contract for the 2008-2009 school year, your deposit will roll over.

What if I move out before my lease term ends?

If you move out before the lease term ending date of May 17, 2008, you will be financially responsible until your space is filled by a new resident. Once your space is filled, you will receive a refund. Your security deposit will also be forfeited if you do not fulfill your lease term.

What if I decide not to move in and cancel my contract?

All cancellations need to be submitted to the housing office in writing. This can be done in an email, fax, or regular mail. To receive your security deposit refund, you must submit your written cancellation by July 1st for the Fall  term and November 1st for the Spring  term. If you cancel after these deadlines, your security deposit will not be refunded.

When are housing payments due?

Fall 2007 housing payments are due on August 1, 2007 and Spring 2008 housing payments are due on December 12, 2007.

If I am a registered sex offender, can I live on campus?

No. Iowa law does not allow registered sex offenders to live within 2000 feet of a licensed day care center. IWCC has a licensed day care center on campus, therefore registered sex offenders are not allowed to live in on-campus housing

I have received a notice that I am on a waiting list for housing. What does this mean?

Receiving a notice that you are on the waiting list means that all of the housing facilities are full and we cannot offer a space to you at this time. Once a cancellation occurs and a space becomes available for you, we will notify you immediately. Again, make every effort to submit your housing application as early as possible, as we fill up quickly.

Is a meal plan required to live in the Residence Hall and Reiver Suites?

Yes, meal plans are required to live in either the Residence Hall or Reiver Suites. You have the option of a 12 meal per week plan or a 17 meal per week plan. Apartment residents have the option to purchase a meal plan, however they are not required.

Can only second year students or above live in the Apartments?

Priority is given to second year students or above, with a satisfactory academic standing and satisfactory disciplinary record. First year students will be given the opportunity to live in the Apartments after all attempts to fill with second year students are exhausted.

When will I know my room and roommate assignment?

Please do not call in advance as we will attempt to have all room and roommate assignments mailed by July 31st.

Can I request a roommate?

Yes, you can request a roommate. Roommate requests are made on your roommate preference questionnaire, which is mailed with your lease contract. All roommate requests must be mutual or we will not be able to grant your request. *Please keep in mind that while we try to honor your roommate requests, we cannot guarantee all requests.

When can I move in?

The scheduled move in date for the 2008-2009 term is August 15, 2008. You will receive more information in your move in packet, which is mailed by July 31, 2008.

Can I move in early?

No. We ask that you adhere to the date.  If you have special concern, please contact the IWCC Department of Residence Life at 712-388-7695.

Are all of the on-campus housing facilities air conditioned?

Yes, all of our housing facilities are air conditioned.

What size are the beds?

All of the beds are extra long, twin size.

What are the room sizes in the housing facilities?

Residence Hall rooms are 10’ x 17 ½’
Reiver Suites bedrooms are 10’4 x 11’9 and common area is 9’ x 21’
Apartment bedrooms are 11’ x 9’ and living room is 11’9 x 12’

What utilities are included in my housing fees?

Gas, heat, water, electricity, Internet, cable T.V., and telephone (including voice mail). You will need to provide a telephone.

What if my roommate and I do not get along?

It is normal in any relationship or friendship to have a disagreement or argument. Often times sitting down with your Resident Assistant can help residents learn to voice irritations and frustrations they might have. Your Resident Assistant can also assist in revising your roommate agreement, so the living situation may improve. We recommend that students work on their roommate situations and practice good communication with one another so that they learn how to work out their differences.

What is the smoking policy in housing?

IWCC campus is smoke-free. The consumptions or use of any type of tobacco based products insides or outside IWCC facilities is strictly prohibited. The State of Iowa has passed a “Smoke-Free Air” bill that prohibits smoking in any enclosed facilities, parking lots, and cars on IWCC property. This includes Residence Life Facilities. If you or your guest are found smoking in your room or outside of a Residence Life Facility, you will be assessed a administrative fee and may be subject to disciplinary actions.

Are pets allowed in campus housing?

Residents may have fish for pets provided the tank does not exceed 10 gallons in size. All other pets are prohibited and may not visit or stay in the room or apartments for any period of time.
Residents found responsible for violating the pet policy are subject to immediate billing for cleaning charges as well as judicial sanctioning.

What will my mailing address be?

REIVER SUITES: Your Name, 2400 College Road, Your Suite Number, Council Bluffs, IA 51503

RESIDENCE HALL: Your Name, 2800 College Road, Your Room Number, Council Bluffs, IA 51503

APARTMENTS: Your Name, 2600 College Road, Your Apt. Number, Council Bluffs, IA 51503

Do I need a parking permit to park at IWCC?

All motor vehicles operated by persons living on campus must be properly registered with the College. Contact the Residence Life Department for information regarding vehicle registration and to obtain a parking permit. Parking or driving on grass or sidewalks is prohibited. Residence Life Students may receive parking stickers on move-in day. Housing Students can ONLY park in their facility parking lot. 

All vehicles without a valid permit are subject to tow at the owners expense. IWCC is not responsible for any loss, theft or damage to any vehicle entering, exiting or parked in the parking lot.

How do I obtain an access card for campus housing?

To gain access into the Reiver Suites and Residence Hall, you will need to have an IWCC Student I.D. Card. You can obtain your I.D. Card from the IWCC IT Department in Fremont Hall. Please bring your IWCC Student I.D. Card with you at move in, as you will then be given access and a housing sticker to adhere to your card. Student I.D. Cards can also be obtained during orientation sessions.

How do I get to IWCC?

If you are coming from the West, take Kanesville Blvd / US-6 to College Road. At the stoplight take a right onto College Road and the take the first right into the IWCC Campus. If you are coming from I-80, take the US-6 exit- EXIT 8- toward COUNCIL BLUFFS / OAKLAND. Turn west on Kanesville Blvd / US-6. At the stoplight, you will take a left onto College Road. Take the first right into the IWCC Campus. Once inside the campus, you will do the following: Residence Hall: Take your first right and go down the hill. (5 story brick building). Apartments: Take the first left and the complex will be on top of the hill Reiver Suites: At the second stop sign, take a left.

Map and Directions

What is a Resident Assistant?

A Resident Assistant, better known as an RA, is a student member of the Iowa Western Community College staff who resides in the building with the residents. RA’s have many roles – they are responsible for educational and social programming, for acting as a resource person, for enforcing rules and regulations, as well as being friends. RA’s are there to assist you during move-in and throughout the year.

What furniture is provided in my room?

Desk and Chair (in Residence Hall and Suites only)
Dresser, twin bed and mattress
Dining room table and chairs (Apartments only)
All beds are extra long twin size
Stove and refrigerator (Apartments only)

What do I need to bring?

The following are some items that we suggest you bring along:
Bedding: Extra long twin sheets, mattress pad, blanket, pillows and pillow cases
Toiletries: Bath towels, washcloths, toothbrush holder, soap dish, shower caddy, bathrobe, shower shoes, and bathroom tissue (Suites and Apartments only).
Laundry: Laundry basket, detergent, fabric softer, and quarters for the machines.
Entertainment: T.V. with cable cord, DVD player or VCR, alarm clock, and extension cord.
Food: Mini refrigerator (Suites and Residence Hall only) 4.3 cubic feet and smaller, microwave (1.3 cubic feet or smaller), coffee pot, silverware, kitchenware (Apartments only) plates, utensils, cups, bowls, napkins, paper towels, dish towels, and dish soap.
Communication: Telephone with cord.
Computer: Although it is not a necessity, the majority of our students choose to bring a personal computer with them to college. Computer labs are located around campus as well as the Reiver Suites and Residence Hall. Residents bringing their own computer will need to bring along an Ethernet cable.
School items: Backpack, desk lamp, stamps, dictionary, calculator, printer paper

What should I NOT bring?

Halogen lights, weapons, including firearms of any kind (including air soft and paintball guns), fireworks, candles, incense, large nails, pets, waterbeds, lofts, alcoholic beverages, empty alcohol containers, posters or room décor with alcohol or drug advertisements, open coil appliances (toasters, hot plates, etc.)

Things to know about your room:

• When you arrive you will have been assigned to a room / bedroom
• Please let an R.A. know if you need assistance in lofting your bed.
• Although you have been assigned a room and roommates, this information may change, as roommates may cancel or not attend the college. We will update you as we learn of these events.

I received my housing confirmation letter, why didn't I get my first choice?

Unfortunately not everyone will receive their first choice (facility) because we have begun a waiting list. 

Can I move in mid term?

Yes, depending on availability.  If space is available, you would be able to move-in mid term. 

Does IWCC offer family or married housing?

No, IWCC Residence Life does not offer family or married housing. The Residence Life Rules and Regulations do not permit cohabitation. Children under the age of 16 or not permitted to visit the Residence Life Facilities unless accompanied by a parent and are not permitted to spend the night under any circumstance.