πŸ­πŸ‘»πŸŽƒ October 7, 2025 πŸŽƒπŸ‘»πŸ­

We know it's been hot!

We hope we're nearing cooler days!


Use a Fan Strategically: Position a fan near a window to help draw in cooler air during the evening or early morning. Alternatively, face the fan outward to push hot air out during the hottest part of the day.


Create a Cross-Breeze: If possible, open windows on opposite sides of the room (or in the hall) to create a cross-breeze. This will help circulate fresh air and keep the room cooler.


Block Direct Sunlight: Close blinds or curtains during the day to block out the sun’s heat. Blackout curtains are especially effective at reducing heat.


Cool Down Bedding: Sleep with lightweight, breathable bedding like cotton. For an extra cooling effect, place your sheets in the freezer for a few minutes before bed.


Damp Cloth with Fan: Hang a damp cloth in front of a fan. The air passing through the cloth will be cooler, creating a makeshift air conditioner.


Turn Off Electronics: Unplug electronics when not in use, as they generate heat. Avoid using heat-producing devices like laptops and lamps near where you sleep or relax.


Cool Showers: Take cool showers throughout the day to lower your body temperature.


Stay Hydrated: Drinking cold water helps keep your body cool and reduces the overall feeling of heat in the room.


Invest in Cooling Products: Consider getting a cooling gel pillow, a cooling fan, or an evaporative cooler, which uses water to cool the air.


Sleep Low: Heat rises, so if possible, sleep lower to the ground (like on a mattress on the floor) to stay cooler at night.


Need a place to cool down? The following spaces have Air Conditioning:


The Recreation Center

Dante Hall

1928 Pub

Dryden Hall

Upcoming RHA Events!

Make S’mores with RHA πŸ”₯πŸš’πŸ§‘β€πŸš’

Learn and ask questions about fire safety in the residence halls, enter a raffle for fire safe lights, surge protectors, blankets


Tuesday October 7

5:30-7:30 pm

Beach volleyball courts


This event is sponsored by your student enhancement fee!

Bring your friends and join RHA for MarioKart and other Switch Games in Dryden Hall!


Sunday, October 19

(mid-term break)

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Dryden Hall


Campus Housing

Questions about Upcoming Breaks & Housing?


Thanksgiving Break Fall 2025


Winter Break - Fall 2025 Closing

  • Residence Halls close on Friday December 12, 2025 at 12pm
  • Residents can apply to stay late or the entire Christmas winter break for an additional cost ($50/night). The Winter Break housing application will be available on your Housing Portal beginning November 14, 2025.
  • Limited dining options are available and meal plans are not active during Christmas/Winter Break (re-start for dinner on Sunday January 4th 2026 for dinner).
  • 25-26 Dining Hours At-A-Glance 
  • More Dining Information can be found on the Gael Dining Website Here
  • Residence Halls re-open January 4th at 9:00am
  • Students returning for January 2026 & Spring 2026 are able to keep their items in their rooms
  • Students will not be permitted to access residence hall rooms during Winter Break


January Term 2026

Did you know we offer Xfinity On Campus to residential students?


 TV sets are able to be plugged directly into the wall and then be sure to perform an auto channel scan (from the setup menu of your TV) You should use the remote that came with your TV. There is no need for an individual cable box in your room.


For XFinity On Campus Streaming Log into 

https://xfinityoncampus.com/ with your SMC Email ID and single sign-on password. You can also download the XFinity Stream App to watch from most devices!


Facilities Services Work Order Requests

  • To submit a maintenance request please select Open a Ticket and the appropriate service from the catalog. For example: Maintenance and Plumbing
  • Select the green Request Service button to enter your request.
  • Enter your request by submitting the requested fields. Please be sure to select the blue button at the bottom of the screen to complete your request. 


Residential Reference Guide


ο»ΏThis guide informs residents of Residential Experience & Campus Housing policies and procedures and provides detailed information on day-to-day living in the halls. As a resident, utilize this guide as a handbook to maximize your residential experience.



ο»ΏYou can access the Residential Reference Guide online.

LOCKED OUT?

WHO TO CONTACT


* Contact your roommate/suite mates first*


Monday - Friday

8:30 AM - 4:30 PM | Campus Housing Office | Bottom Floor of Augustine

4:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Campus Safety | 925-631-4282

8:30 PM - 8:30 AM | Residential Advisor


Saturday-Sunday

Residential Advisor OR Campus Safety (925-631-4282)


There is no charge for your first lockout | Any subsequent lockouts are $25.00

Post Office Hours

(Fall 2025)


Monday - Friday

10:00am till 4:00pm


Saturday 11am till 3pm

(starting 09/06/25)

no retail service only package pick up


Closed Sunday


Campus Dining Options

Oliver Hall


Monday-Friday

Breakfast: 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Lunch: 11 AM - 2:00 PM

Dinner: 4:45 PM - 8 PM

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Saturday & Sunday

Brunch: 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM

Dinner: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM


Sunday - Thursday

Late Night: 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM


Cafe Louis

(Coffee Shop)


Monday-Friday

7:30 AM - 7:00 PM

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Saturday

8:00 AM - 1:00 PM


Sunday

12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

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The Pub


Monday-Friday

Lunch: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

No Alcohol

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Wednesday - Saturday

Full Service: 4:30 - 9:30 PM


Everyday App


With the Everyday app, you can:

  • Order what you want and have it ready when you want it at Cafe Louis.
  • Order with your dining dollars by connecting your campus meal plans.
  • Add your preferred payment methods, including contactless payment options.
  • View Oliver Hall menus.


Looking ahead to Midterm Break Dining Hours


Oliver Hall

Thursday, October 16 - Sunday October 19

Brunch: 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM

Dinner: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

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We love that you're using the green boxes!


As a reminder, green boxes should be returned to their designated collection receptacles outside of Oliver Hall or outside of Cafe Louis. Green boxes should not be left on trash cans.


Please make sure to remove any remaining food out of your green boxes before returning!

Need to talk? Need medical assistance? TimelyCare is always available!


Who can use TimelyCare? Any enrolled undergraduate or graduate student.


What services are available?

β€’ MedicalNow - 24/7, on-demand medical care.

β€’ TalkNow - 24/7, on-demand emotional support.

β€’ Scheduled Counseling - Select the day, time, and mental health provider

of your choice. (12 visits per year)

β€’ Scheduled Medical - Select the day, time, and medical provider of your choice.

β€’ And more!


How much does a visit cost? TimelyCare services are available at no additional cost to students.

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Need to get in touch?

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Office of Residential Experience | reslife@stmarys-ca.edu | 925-631-4236


Campus Housing | housing@stmarys-ca.edu | 925-631-4241

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