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students playing pool in the residence hall

Pierce College Residence Hall Frequently Asked Questions

For complete information on the Pierce College Residence Hall — Center for Global Scholars (CGS) see the Pierce College Residence Hall web pageHousing Agreement, and Community Standards.

How Do I Apply?

Request a housing application through the Housing Application Request Form.

Who is Eligible?

To be eligible to live in CGS, a resident must meet all of the following criteria:

  1. Be at least 18 years of age or older at the time of move in.
  2. Pass a criminal background check.
  3. Be enrolled as a Pierce College student in at least 6 credits per quarter.
  4. Earn a minimum 2.0 grade point average (GPA) each quarter.
  5. Students who fall below the 6-credit minimum at any given time in the quarter will need to meet with the Director of Housing & Residential Life or designee to discuss remaining at CGS.
  6. Previous quarter’s housing charges must be paid in full prior to the start of the next quarter to remain eligible for housing at CGS.

Is There a Deposit?

There is no deposit however, new applicants must pay a $300 application fee. This fee must be paid at the time the student submits their housing application and is non-refundable.

While there is no deposit, students are responsible for any damages to their room beyond normal wear and tear. Students are also responsible for cleaning their room at move out. Room cleaning expectations and procedures are provided before check out. Any damages and cleaning fees will be placed on the student’s Pierce College account and must be paid within 30 days of invoicing.

How Do I Make Housing Payments? When Are Payments Due?

Students can pay their housing payment via the online link provided at the bottom of their quarterly housing invoice or at the Pierce College Cashiers Office. Financial Aid and scholarships can be applied toward payment of the Residence Hall. Payment plans are also available, reach out to the Pierce College Cashiers Office for more information. Any questions pertaining to paying fees should be directed to the Pierce College Cashiers Office.

Do I Need to Move Out During College Breaks?

Students can choose to stay over college break periods for additional fees. For break-related dates and information, see Important Dates on the Pierce College Residence Hall web page.

Where is the Residence Hall Located?

CGS is next to a bus stop and is an 8-minute bus ride or 20-minute bike ride from the Pierce College Fort Steilacoom campus.

When Will I Know My Placement and/or Roommate Information?

Placements are typically made about a month before the designated quarterly move in date. Placements are only considered with completed application, application fee payment, and all requested documentation.

map of double room in residence hall

What Types of Rooms are Available?

CGS is a traditional style residence hall. CGS has single, double and triple rooms. Double rooms are the most common room type. CGS has male, female and gender inclusive rooms. CGS has male, female, and gender neutral community bathrooms. Current room rates can be found on the Pierce College Residence Hall web page. All utilities are included in the room rate.

What Furniture Comes with Each Room?

Twin XL bed (bedding not included), nightstand, wardrobe, dresser, desk and chair, and small personal refrigerator.

What are the Building Amenities?

CGS has a community kitchen, dining room, TV lounge, study room, quiet room, laundry room, outdoor BBQ area/courtyards and bike storage. Dishes, pots/pans, and various other items are available to check out. CGS has a limited supply of bedding available for students to check out during their stay.

What Should I Bring with Me?

Students should bring or purchase upon arriving their own bedding and bathroom supplies, as well as any decorations or items that make their room feel like home.

Where Can I Purchase Food and Supplies?

CGS is very conveniently located within a 5-minute walk to a grocery store, a pharmacy, a Dollar Store, a Starbucks and local restaurants, as well as a 15-minute bus ride to the Lakewood Town Center with a wider variety of stores and restaurants. A number of food delivery services also deliver to CGS, including Uber Eats and Door Dash.

How Do I Access my Room and the Building? Is CGS Safe?

Access to CGS is strictly limited for safety and security purposes. Students have an access key card which gives them 24/7 access to exterior courtyards, exterior building doors and their room.

Is There a Curfew? What Are the Visitation Hours and Guest Policy?

There is no curfew. Each student’s access key card gives them 24/7 access to CGS. Residents may sign in their guests at the Front Desk between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. CGS does not allow overnight guests.

What Are the Community Standards?

To create and uphold an atmosphere conducive to student success, community standards are in place to guide respectful behavior and maintain a productive living/learning environment within CGS. CGS’s Community Standards can be found in the Housing Agreement. All CGS residents and their guests must adhere to Pierce College's Student Code of Conduct.

What Are the Marijuana, Alcohol and Smoking Restrictions?

CGS is a drug and alcohol free environment. Students 21 years old and older can vape or smoke cigarettes in designated smoking areas.

Is Cable Provided?

Cable TV is provided in the TV lounge, but not in individual student rooms. Students can bring their own TVs and use streaming services.

Is Internet Provided?

Each room is equipped with its own Wi-Fi router and a wired connection. There is common area Wi-Fi throughout the building.

Is There Onsite Laundry?

Washers and dryers are provided for student use and included.

How Do I Receive Mail and Packages?

Students are provided a mail key with their key access card at check in. Mail is placed in CGS resident mailboxes and packages can be picked-up between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily by contacting the RA on call.

What Transportation Options Are Available?

There is a bus stop directly outside of the building and across the street. Students can also easily walk or ride a bike to campus. Uber and Lyft are available in Lakewood.

Is There Parking at CGS?

Campus parking is free with a campus parking permit. CGS has a limited number of parking spaces. A quarterly parking charge may be assessed depending on parking demand.

Can I Change Rooms?

Students can request a room change if space is available. Students should contact the Director of Housing and Residential Life if they want to request a room change.

Is the Building Air-Conditioned?

CGS does not have air conditioning in resident rooms. Due to the Pacific Northwest’s mild climate, air conditioning is rarely needed. Students are encouraged to purchase fans if needed.

Are Pets Allowed?

Pets are not allowed. Emotional support animals or service animals need to be requested through Access and Disability Services.