You Belong Here
So much is in store for you at Lesley University! Now that you’ve been accepted, RSVP for our exclusive celebration for new undergraduate and Threshold students for Saturday, April 27.

Living on your own at college is an exciting step. There’s so much to think about as you pack your bags and get ready to settle into your residence hall on campus. We've put together a guide with everything you'll need to prepare, from what sheets to buy, to where you'll eat, do laundry, and socialize. 

  • Cleaning

    Students are responsible for cleaning their own rooms.

    • Students provide cleaning supplies for their own rooms, including vacuum cleaners
    • Residence staff can offer cleaning strategies or answer questions about room cleaning skills
    • Students remove their own trash to the outside bins
    • The university removes bulk trash 6 days a week
    • If students make a mess in public areas, they are expected to clean up after themselves
    • A housekeeper cleans all bathrooms, hallways, lounge, and kitchen every Monday to Friday
    • The housekeeper restocks toilet paper, soap, and paper towels in the bathrooms
    • In the evenings or on the weekends, students are responsible to report vomit, blood, urine, etc. to the staff member on duty as soon as possible
  • Damage Deposit
    • Students pay a $300 security deposit, before the check-in date, to cover possible future damages to the student's room or common areas in the residence hall, beyond normal wear and tear of daily living
    • Additional fees may be charged based on the type of damage, such as chipped paint, broken furniture, stains, or graffiti
    • There may be a full or partial refund of the security deposit after residence life staff complete a damage assessment at the end of the school year, depending on the amount of damage
    • A fee could be charged to one student or all the students in a community
    • Community damage means there was damage in a public area and the person responsible is unknown
    • If there is community damage, the fee is divided among the residents of that building
  • Furniture, Bedding, & Appliances

    Each student will be provided: a single bed, mattress (extra-long twin), desk and chair, dresser, window shades, and wardrobe or closet.

    • Students bring their own: desk lamp, wastebasket, extra-long twin sized sheets, towels, bedspread, and mattress pad (if desired)
    • Due to fire-safety reasons, students may not bring their own mattress or bed
    • Mini refrigerators are permitted in rooms
    • Microwaves are not allowed in Threshold's two residence halls, but are available in the kitchens
    • Students may not replace any of the furniture already in the room with their personal furniture
  • ID Cards
    • A Lesley ID card is issued to all members of our community (students, faculty, and staff), and it is required for access to campus services
    • The ID card is also a convenient CashLynx account that can be used to make purchases on campus (e.g. vending machines) and in some businesses off campus
    • Students who lose their ID card must have it deactivated and replaced within a few hours
    • The public safety office at 34 Mellen Street can help students replace an ID card, for a $25 fee
    • Learn more about the Lesley ID and CashLynx
  • Insurance for Personal Belongings
    • Lesley University assumes no responsibility for loss of or damage to personal property
    • We recommend that students get a personal or family insurance policy for valuable personal property
    • Students must always lock their room doors and carry their keys with them
    • We recommend that students take home valuables during extended breaks from school
  • Keys
    • We give all students a room key and mailbox key when they arrive in the fall
    • If you can't find your key, even after retracing your steps and checking the public safety office, you can request a replacement from residence hall staff
    • It takes 24 hours for a locksmith to make a replacement key
    • While a new key is being made, lock your door, and have your roommate or the public safety office to let you in
    • The cost to replace a room key, mailbox key, and lost ID card is $25 per item
  • Laundry
    • Each residence hall has laundry facilities
    • It costs $1.50 per load to wash and $1.50 per load to dry
    • Machines only take quarters
  • Live-in Residence Hall Staff
    • A Residence Director and three Graduate Resident Assistants live in the residence halls at Threshold
    • Residence hall staff:
      • Work with students to sponsor programs within the residence halls
      • Help students develop a sense of community
      • Are on call for emergencies every night, Monday to Friday, from 7:00 pm–7:00 am and on weekends starting on Friday at 7:00 pm until Monday at 7:00 am
  • Mail & Packages
    • All resident students get a mailbox and key upon check-in in the fall
    • The mail room is located in the basement below the student center
    • The address is:
      Name and Box #
      Lesley University
      38 Mellen Street
      Cambridge, MA 02138–1972
    • Packages that are too large for mailboxes may be picked up during posted hours at the package room, located next to the mailboxes
  • Meals
    • All resident students must subscribe to a plan of 19 meals per week
    • Threshold students take their cooking classes in the residence halls, each with a fully functioning kitchen, but eat with our undergraduate students in our four dining facilities
    • Students sometimes plan activities around cooking in the residence halls, such as spaghetti dinners or baking desserts together
    • When students arrive on campus, they'll learn about our dining options, hours, and locations
  • Medication
    • All students must be able to take medications independently
    • Staff can’t and won’t:  
      • Distribute any medication
      • Remind students to take prescribed medication
      • Obtain medication for a student
      • Help students take medication
  • Moving In/Out
    • Students will receive a mailing with dates for moving in and out of the residence halls, including holiday and other breaks
    • Students aren’t allowed to move in early
    • Students aren’t allowed to return from school breaks early
    • Students aren’t allowed to stay past the move-out date or be in the residence halls when there are no staff members present
  • Parking
    • Students may not keep cars on campus
    • Limited metered spots are available nearby
    • The best way to get around is by walking or by public transportation. We have a good network of buses and subways here
  • Pets & Service Animals
    • No animals are allowed in the residence halls
    • Exceptions for guide dogs will be considered
    • Review the university's Pet and Service Animal Policy
  • Summer Storage
    • There is no summer storage for your personal belongings
    • If a student asks us, we'll provide information about storage space for rent in the area