Tips for keeping your residence hall room safe and clean during extended breaks

As students prepare to leave campus for long weekends, Thanksgiving and Winter Break, taking a few minutes to prepare your residence hall room can help keep your space clean, safe and comfortable while you’re away.

Before heading home for winter break, students should complete the residence hall closing checklist and take steps to reduce moisture, maintain airflow and prevent issues from developing while their room is unoccupied. Students are able to remain in their assigned space during Thanksgiving but if you choose to travel, we encourage you to take the follow steps as well:

What to do before you leave

• Clean your room and remove food, trash and recycling. Be sure to clean out food from refrigerators and microwaves.
• Close and lock all windows and keep blinds or window shades open.
• Set your room temperature within the range indicated on the thermostat information posted on the back of your room door or on OHIO’s HVAC webpage.
• Keep air vents open and unobstructed to maintain proper airflow.
• Remove wet items from the room and avoid leaving damp towels, clothing or other wet materials where they cannot properly dry.

Help keep your space dry and healthy

Mold and mildew can grow in warm, humid environments. Moisture control, good airflow and regular housekeeping are key to limiting their growth.

Throughout the year, students should:

• Report leaks, water issues or excess moisture promptly.
• Keep windows closed during heating and cooling seasons.
• Run the air conditioning fan on auto/continuous to help maintain airflow and reduce condensation.
• Use bath exhaust fans when showering and leave them running for an additional 10 to 15 minutes afterward.
• Clean up spills promptly and regularly clean floors, counters, refrigerators and other areas where food or moisture may accumulate.
• Avoid hanging wet towels or other items in areas where moisture can become trapped.

Reporting an issue
If you notice water, a leak, excess moisture, mold or mildew, or another concern in your residence hall room, contact Facilities Management immediately at 740-593-2911 to submit a work order. Facilities Management is available 24/7 and prioritizes reported concerns for a same-day response, and no later than 24 hours.

When Facilities Management responds to a reported concern, staff will assess the area, investigate potential mechanical or building issues, clean impacted areas and make necessary repairs. 

Housing and Residence Life can also work with students who have ongoing concerns and, when appropriate, provide options for temporary or permanent relocation. Call 740-593-4090 to learn more.

Facilities Management will conduct routine maintenance and safety inspections in residence halls during long breaks. Students should also be aware that planned or unplanned power outages may occur during breaks and could affect belongings left plugged in.

For questions or assistance, contact Housing and Residence Life at 740-593-4090 or housing@ohio.edu.