Welcome to Gonzaga-FAQs
There are so many things to consider when you think about this life transition. Just a few of these thoughts are what to pack, traveling, and moving your student into a new home. We compiled a list of frequently asked questions to assist you with this experience!
What does my student really need to bring to school?
Necessities
Alarm clock
Bedding
Computer/Laptop, The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences is the only school/college that has specific laptop requirements. Please review the SEAS Laptop Requirements.
Detergent
Dishware: Due to COVID-19, communal kitchen supplies will not be provided for the fall semester. If students plan on eating in the residence hall, they should bring a pot and pan, plates, bowls, and silverware.
Extension cords
Fan
Hangers
Headphones
Laundry basket/bag
Pictures of family and friends
Power strips
School supplies
Seasonal clothing
Shower caddy
Shower shoes
Towels
Toiletries
Extras
Students may have small appliances, such as popcorn poppers, microwaves and irons in the residence halls. However, students may not cook in their rooms using equipment which either produces an open flame (e.g., camp stoves, Bunsen burners) or contains an open coil (e.g., stove burners/hot plate, toasters).
Bed risers: read here about Loft kits, Bunked and Raised Beds
Cable cord
Coffee pot/Keurig
Extra lighting
Furniture
Iron/ironing board
Microwave
Office chair
Plants
Stereo
Tools
Television: Only certain televisions are compatible with the cable services in residence halls. We recommend bringing a major brand such as LG, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba or Visio, 2007 or newer. As streaming TV has become more popular, please keep in mind the following guideline:
- Devices must have 802.1x authentication with WPA2/AES encryption
- Supported devices include: Apple TV, Amazon TV, Roku 2 and 3
- Devices not supported include: Chromecast, Roku Streaming Stick, Roku 1, and Amazon Fire TV Stick
Printers: Personal wireless printers are very common but are not compatible with our wireless network. ITS recommends using the printing services located in the Foley Library, as well as seven other academic buildings across campus.
Landline Phones: Landline phones are available in common areas of residence halls. If you would like a telephone installed in your dorm room, please submit a request by emailing techsupport@gonzaga.edu.
Microsoft Office: All active students can download a copy of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) to use while they are a student at the university. The free copy can be download from the settings menu of Zagmail.
NextGen Tech Bar: Once you are on campus, please stop by the Next Gen Tech Bar in Hemmingson so ITS can help you with any other new fun and exciting technologies on campus. If you have any questions regarding campus technology before you arrive, please feel free to contact our IT Support Center at (509) 313-5550 or email techsupport@gonzaga.edu.
Creature Comforts
Bathrobe
Bike and Bike Lock, Use a heavy-duty U-Lock. Bikes locked with cables or small chains are frequently stolen. Leave as little space as possible in the “U” portion of the lock to minimize space for tools to be inserted.
Camera
Decorations
Poster putty
Removable adhesive strips
Dry erase board
Refrigerator: If a student chooses to furnish his/her own refrigerator, the refrigerator may not draw electricity in excess of 0.5 amps. For ventilation and sanitation purposes, all refrigerators must be located in an open space, outside closets. During the semester break, all refrigerators must be emptied of perishable items to prevent spoilage over the period of the break.
Mattress pad
Sewing kit
Skateboard/scooter
Working attire
Storage boxes
Flashlight
Leave at Home
Pets: Due to health and sanitation issues and the possibility of other’s allergic reaction, pets are NOT permitted in the residence halls at any time. Service animals for individuals with documented disabilities are permitted in accordance with state and federal laws.
Candles
Hot plates/Griddles
Firearms/Weapons
Heaters/Halogen Lamps/Heat Lamps
Portable AC Units
Large furniture items
Gonzaga Outdoors offers many, useful items that are available for rent. Your student can enjoy the outdoors, without sacrificing precious space in his or her residence hall. For a complete list of items available for rent, click here.
How do I subscribe to the Parent and Family Services?
It’s easy! Visit the Parent and Family Orientation registration page here:
Parent and Family Orientation Registration (Registration opens within the month of May)
What does the one-time $125 fee per household cover?
The one-time fee covers services for families throughout their time at GU. It includes membership in our Gonzaga Parent & Family Association/Experience and provides you with printed copies of Gonzaga’s parent and family publications, a monthly parent E-newsletter, and access to a variety of parent and family programs and resources throughout your student’s time at Gonzaga. This fee also offsets the cost of meals, staffing, meeting space (in person and online), and printed materials.
What happens at Parent and Family Orientation?
Here is an example of what our typical itinerary looks like:
Sample Parent and Family Orientation Schedule
Please note: Pets are NOT allowed at Parent and Family Orientation.
Where will I stay during orientation?
Click below for a list of hotels and accommodations for any of your trips to Spokane! You will also find information about lodging, dining, recreation and shopping.
Visit Spokane
What will my student be doing while I am at Parent and Family Orientation?
The goal of New Student Orientation is to provide opportunities for our new Zags to become acclimated to campus and feel comfortable about their new journey in college. Your student will be participating in diverse programming throughout the weekend to meet this goal. We are intentional about students acclimating apart from their families, so trust that our orientation crew is supplying a great welcome experience for your student.
Where should I park during orientation and move-in weekend?
Campus parking is open to all visitors during orientation weekend. Red and Green lots are suggested with overflow parking available at College Hall.
What is the housing assignment process?
The answers to a whole range of housing questions can be found here:
New Student Information
How do the mailing services work at Gonzaga?
Mail Services is located on the south side of the BARC (817 E. DeSmet Ave.).
Regular hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Mail Services is closed on weekends and observes all Gonzaga holidays. Services available include sending/receiving mail via USPS, FEDEX, UPS, and DHL. Students can also receive certified, insured, priority, express, first class, and parcel packages. Stamps, envelopes, bubble wrap, and other shipping materials are also sold here.
Mail must be picked up by students at Mail Services, as there are no deliveries to residence halls or on-campus apartments. ZAGCARD is required to receive mail and packages. Mail services accepts cash, checks, debit/credit (with the exception of American Express and Discover), and Bulldog Bucks. Mail services is equipped to handle International Mail and will assist in finding the best shipping method to meet student needs.
Click here to reserve a mailbox.
In order for your student to successfully receive mail at Gonzaga, the Postal Service requires that all mail have the correct address format.
The format is:
STUDENT NAME
GONZAGA UNIVERSITY MSC #___________
502 E. BOONE AVE.
SPOKANE, WA 99258
Students can start shipping their belongings to mail services starting Aug. 1st prior to school starting.
If you have any questions, you can contact Mail Services at (509) 313-5697.
What is Fall Family Weekend and how does it work?
Fall Family Weekend is an opportunity to reconnect with your student and experience a taste of the Zag life. This year's Fall Family Weekend will be held on campus and in-person Friday, October 7th - Sunday, October 9th, 2022. Registration will open in August! Visit gonzaga.edu/ffw for more information.
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