Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
about Residential Housing

How many residence halls (dorms) does Lawson State has?
Currently, there are two residence halls. They are located on the Birmingham (East) Campus.

Where do I mail my housing application and fee?
You should mail your application and a cashier’s check or money order for the $200 non-refundable application fee to:

Lawson State Community College

Business Affairs Office
3060 Wilson Road
Birmingham, AL 35221

Where may I call to check the status of my application?
The best means of checking is via email at housing@lawsonstate.edu or speaking to the Administrative Assistant in Student Life at 205-929-6352.

Is the $200.00 non- refundable application fee a deposit that has to be paid each year?
The application processing fee is required for all processes associated with your application. It is not a deposit and therefore is not deducted from the cost of the room nor is it refunded at the ended of the year. It is a one-time fee and is not paid again.

If I pay the $200.00 non-refundable application fee, will that guarantee that I will have a room at the residence hall?
No. A room is only secured by registering for twelve hours and paying $2,380 for the cost of room and board

How many credit hours are required per semester to live in the residence hall?
Twelve (12) semester credit hours are required to live in the residence hall. 

Will I have enough funds to cover tuition, fees, and the residence hall costs if I have been awarded a Pell Grant as my only source of funds?
No, current tuition and fees for a full-time student (12 semester hours) is. Room and board for the residence hall is $2,380.00 per semester. (Currently, the maximum amount of Pell grant available to students who qualify for the full amount is $6,495. One-half of this amount ($3,248 for fall and $3,247 for spring semesters) may be used for each semester you are enrolled as a full-time student.) 

What’s included in the residence hall fee?
The residence hall fee includes the room, a semester meal plan (three meals per day—five days per week.) Brunch is available on Saturday and Sunday. (Fall 2021 hours are 11:00 am until 2:00 pm.)

Can I pay for the room without a meal plan?
No. The residence hall fee covers room and board (meals) and cannot be separated.

If I have a friend who is planning to live on campus can we be roommates?
You and your friend should indicate each other’s names as your roommate choice during the application process before move-in. Otherwise, room change opportunities are available with the resident manager during the first two weeks of the semester.

Does my Lawson State scholarship also cover the residence hall fees?
Currently, Lawson State—issued scholarships (academic, performing arts, athletic, athletic support) do not cover the costs of the residence hall fees. Some private (cash-based) scholarships from outside entities may be applied to the residence hall fee. Please check with the agency, company or organization awarding the scholarship.

Is there a loan program available that I can use to assist me with the payment of my residence hall fees?
No. The College does not participate in student loan programs. You may use TouchNet via your MyLawson account. However, you must inform Student Life and the Business Affairs Office of your intent to use TouchNet for housing fees. While TouchNet at least one-half of the cost of housing must be paid before a room assignment may be secured.

What do I have to do to ensure that I have a room in the residence hall?
The residence hall is a very popular living option. You should complete a Housing Application, pay the $200 application fee, and register for classes as soon as possible. After doing so, pay your residence hall fees ($2,380 for the semester).

When will I know that I have secured a room in the residence hall? 
All students who are assigned to a room will receive a printed room assignment packet after having paid residence hall fees. 

Is the $200.00 application fee refundable if I am not placed into the residence hall?
Yes, the application processing fee is refundable only if you attempted to secure a room with full payment and none is available. In such case, you may make a written request to the Director of Housing at housing@lawsonstate.edu if you wish to receive a refund.

What days and holidays are the residence hall closed?
The residence hall is closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Break. A check out schedule is provided to residence hall students at the beginning of the term.

Who do I report a problem to?
Regarding problems with the application or assignment contact the Office of Student Life housing@lawsonstate.edu or 205-789-5411. Initial building concerns (after moving in) should be reported to your resident assistant (RA) or Mr. B.A. Holman, Resident Manager in the residence hall office on the 1st floor. If not resolved you may contact Mr. Cyrus Vance, Dean of Students (cvance@lawsonstate.edu or 205-929-6361).

Is a physical/health screening required to be a housing student?
Yes. You must provide documentation of immunization/shot records AND have a Health Evaluation/Student Health Form completed by a physician. It should NOT be returned with the application. You should bring it with you for move-in if a room has been assigned. Also, please attach a copy of the doctor’s business card or letterhead, as doctor’s names and contact information are not always written clearly.  (ATHLETES: a copy of your athletic physical is NOT sufficient, as the questions asked are not the same as those on the Student Health Form. However, if you plan to have a physical before move-in, you may take the form with you when you go for your physical and ask the doctor to complete it at that time. In any case, it must be submitted at or before move-in.)

Can I use a physical form from my own doctor rather than the Student Health Form provided by the College?
No, the College's Student Health Form must be completed. It has specific questions that must be addressed.

What appliances are allowed in the residence hall?
Each room is permitted to have a small refrigerator and microwave. The mini-fridge size should be no more than 4.5 cu ft. and microwaves are usually 700-watts. Televisions, computers, and radios are also permitted. 

If I am a returning student, when do I secure my dorm room for the next semester?
The term of the contract is 10-month (two semesters) if you enter in the fall. We anticipate your remaining in the spring semester. However, you must register (and pay) for at least twelve hours AND pay your residence hall fees BEFORE leaving for the Christmas break in order to remain in your room. If you wish to break your contract and not live on campus for the spring, you must request a contract termination in writing. There is a 10% cancellation penalty on or before November 28th. The cancellation penalty increases to 15% after this date.

Does the College provide shuttle service from the residence hall to any other campus or part of campus?
The College does not provide shuttle service at this time.

Can I have meals on the Bessemer Campus if I have classes there during breakfast or lunch?
Yes, using a valid student ID card you may eat breakfast or lunch in the Bessemer Campus cafeteria. However, you must request such arrangements with the cafeteria manager on the Birmingham campus at the beginning of the term.

Is there optional housing off-campus if I am not placed in a residence?
Unfortunately, the College does not have an arrangement with any off-campus facilities. However, there are a number of apartments available in the area conveniently located off of Lakeshore Parkway, a five-minute drive from campus.

How do resident students receive mail and packages? 

Please use the following residents’ mailing address to receive mail and packages:

Lawson State Community College

Students pick up Federal Express and UPS packages in the Shipping And Receiving Department which is located in the Facilities Building on the same side of campus as the Residence Hall. 

Updated 08/2021