Living Guide — Common Areas

Common Areas

Video Equipment 

Michigan Tech reserves the right to install security cameras to monitor entrances and common areas as necessary. Students are not permitted to install any video recording devices in any common area location, including from their room into the hallway.

Kitchenettes

Each of the residence halls has kitchenettes available for you to prepare meals and store cooking supplies. Kitchenettes are places for the hall to gather to host meetings and social events. These places are intended to be enjoyed by all residents. When using the kitchenettes, it is asked that you follow these guidelines:

  • Baking/cooking items should never be left unattended
  • The stove/oven must be turned off immediately after use
  • Mark all items kept in the refrigerator and cabinets with name, room #, and date. These items are being left at your own risk. Residence Education is not responsible for any damaged or missing items you leave in the kitchenette. 
  • Only borrow other residents’ items with permission
  • Dishes may not be left soaking overnight
  • Wipe tables/counters/microwave/stove/oven after each use
  • Always run water when using the garbage disposal
  • Immediately vacuum/mop the floor if something is spilled
  • Do not cut directly on counters or tables; always use a cutting board
  • Do not place hot items on the counters or tables
  • Clean up after yourself and put away all items after usage
  • Broomball brooms may not be cut in the kitchenettes

If you are concerned with the cleanliness of the kitchenette, please advise your resident assistant of your concern. All residents are responsible for the upkeep of their kitchenette and excessive messes may be subject to community damage charges. A maintenance request can be submitted if the kitchenette needs a refill of paper towels or soap. Each kitchenette is equipped with a fire blanket and fire extinguisher. These items may only be used in the event of an emergency. If there is a fire in the kitchenette, call 911 immediately.

Laundry Facilities

Laundry facilities are available in each residence hall and apartment building. Washing machines and dryers are free to use. Please submit a maintenance request to report any broken laundry machines. Overloading of machines that result in damage to laundry equipment may be subject to individual or community damage charges. Clothing and supplies left in the laundry facilities over breaks will be disposed of.

Game Rooms

Recreation areas, located away from study areas and student rooms, are provided in each hall. Noisy activities are restricted to these areas so that residents are not disturbed when studying or resting. Pool, ping-pong, and group games are restricted to these areas. Various kinds of recreational equipment purchased by the residence hall student councils, such as ping-pong paddles, footballs, and basketballs, are available at the reception desk.

Saunas

Saunas are provided in each of the residence halls and Hillside Place. Hours of use are posted in each respective hall. Saunas are for the residents of each hall and their guests. Bathing suits are required in the saunas.

Study Areas

Each residence hall has areas designated for studying. These areas are equipped with tables, chairs, and wireless Internet access. A quiet environment should be observed in these locations at all times to allow for an environment conducive for studying, reading, or completing assignments. Please be considerate when passing through or using these areas.

Quad Core Fitness Centers

The Quad Core Fitness Center (QCFC) is a network of four residence hall fitness centers that are available to members for an additional fee. A QCFC facility is located in each of the four residence halls and contain a variety of equipment. The Quad Core Fitness Centers are open 24 hours a day when the residence halls are open. Building access is restricted during semester breaks when the residence halls are not open for normal business. More information about the Quad Core and membership is available online.