Lyman FAQ
We're happy to receive constructive criticism and thoughtful commentary. Thanks to Jason Wong for the FAQ answers when this page was first created. Last updated spring of 2008.
Apartment Basics:
How big is my apartment? How big is my bedroom?The apartments are approximately 575 square feet. The bedrooms are about 9 feet X 11 feet.
What does "furnished" mean?
"Furnished" means just the furniture and major appliances; it does not mean things like pots, pans, dishes, microwaves, phones, sheets, or pillows. In other words, you should bring all of the really homey stuff which will make an apartment your home. They do, however, come with blinds, so don't worry about window covers.
Your bedroom has a twin extra long bed, a desk and chair, a dresser, and a bookcase.
The living room/dining room has a table with two chairs, a couch, a cushioned chair, a coffee table, and one bookcase. The kitchen has an apartment-sized refrigerator, stovetop and oven, and garbage disposal.
Can I bring more furniture?
Yes, but very little. Many students have no trouble adding extra bookcases, but bringing anything bigger for the common areas, like extra chairs or sofas, should be done after you have had a chance to speak to your roommate. However, because there is NO storage space, Maintenance will not remove any Lyman furniture. You have to store your unwanted Lyman furniture off-campus at your own expense. If you choose to store furniture keep in mind that you are responsible for returning it in good condition when you check out; if you store furniture from any common area, your roommates must agree that it's ok, since it is their furniture as well.
What utilities are included in my housing cost?
Your housing fee includes all utilities - electricity, water, trash, and recycling. That being said, please do try to "live green" and conserve water and electricity!
Is Lyman heated or air-conditioned?
The apartments do have heating, but do not have air-conditioning.
When can I find out my apartment assignment?
To find out about your apartment assignment, call the Lyman office at (650) 736-9995.
What is my mailing address?
You receive US MAIL in a postal box, the address for which is EXACTLY as follows:
(Your Name)
Apartment _____
121 Campus Drive
Lyman Residences
Stanford, CA 94305
Anything not addressed like this may be delayed or sent back because the Postal Service computer recognizes only "121 Campus Drive" when it first sorts the local mail.
Where is my apartment's mailbox?
All mailboxes for students in Building 1 and 3 are in the Mail Room, which is in Building 2.
How are boxes and other packages delivered to Lyman Residences?
Packages sent through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) are delivered to your apartment's mailbox. If it is too big to fit in your box, you will receive a yellow slip from the Kindly Postal Elves telling you to pick it up at the post office in White Plaza.
Because your address is not permanent until you pick up the keys--there are always last minute assignment changes as we try to accommodate everyone--you should do one of two things: 1) have your friends and relatives ship your belongings after you have arrived, or 2) ship your belongings with a carrier which will not deliver your boxes, until you have signed for your keys and phoned them with delivery information. Your packages will be delivered directly to your apartment.
I'm not going to be home when my packages arrive. Can the Lyman Office sign for them?
Sorry, the Lyman Office cannot accept your packages. It's not that we don't like you or want to help you, it's that there is not nearly enough room, and we can't afford to be liable for anything lost or broken.
Can I know my roommate(s) name in advance?
Nope. We know it would be nice to chat about who is bringing the microwave, we can't let you know who you're rooming with until you get here because the apartment assignments are likely to change as people walk into and drop out of campus housing--so you may not be living with the person whose name you got when you called--and students have not yet chosen what information the university can release as public. We don't have home phone numbers or other contact vitals to give you even if we wanted to.
Can I have my own phone?
Each bedroom has a jack capable of having a separate line with its own number, though you can also share your phone with your roommate, as it's automatically configured.
Can I set up the phone before I arrive?
The service will be automatically set up. In every on-campus residence, Stanford provides basic phone service with call waiting, including a telephone, and a network connection with multiple IP addresses. This service is billed through your housing bill, and is called the Telecom Fee. See the Telephone Services site for more details.
How do I use my phone?
Dial the last 5 digits of any phone number within the Stanford network, or dial 9 to exit the Stanford network before dialing an external number. Calls to numbers outside the (650) area code require a "1" at the beginning, so you'll dial 9-1-(area code) 7-digit number.
Can I get cable TV?
Yes. You can learn more about cable TV options on the IT cable website and from the cable TV FAQs. See the price listing.
Is my apartment wired for internet access? How do I hook my computer up to the SUNet?
Yes, your room is wired with an ethernet jack, so you can surf the web from your bed. In addition, most residences (including Lyman) have wireless network access now. Your internet connection is part of the Telecom Fee that you will be billed each term.
What if I want to access the network with both my desktop and laptop?
You can register more than one computer on the network without an additional fee.
I don't own a computer. Are there public computer rooms in Lyman?
Lyman has one computer room which is located in Building 2 with Macs and PCs, a laser printer, and various software. Printing will be charged to the University Debit Card System; to print from your computer while connected to the Stanford network, see the Residential Computing page and click on "Printing" on the menu. If you have any problems or questions, you can contact the RCC (lyman-rcc at stanford dot edu).
Do I need a parking permit?
Yes, you need to purchase a West Residences parking sticker. The stickers are available at the Transportation Programs Office at 855 Serra St., telephone (650) 723-9362. Vehicles parked in the Lyman parking lots without a parking sticker are subject to frequent and expensive ticketing by Stanford Police. See the Parking and Transportation's Permit Prices Page. Permits can now be ordered online, but you'll need to allow time for the permit to be mailed.
If someone visits me in Lyman, where can he/she park?
There are metered parking spots next to the tennis court across from Lyman. Daily parking passes can also be purchased at the Transportation Office.
Where do I do laundry?
Laundry room is located in Building 2. Laundry is included in the housing fee, so you don't even have to bother with feeding quarters into the machines! Be considerate and remove your laundry when it's done; abandoned laundry is likely to be moved from the machines by your impatient neighbors. Please keep the laundry room tidy by cleaning up any detergent you may spill, throwing away dryer lint in the trashcan provided, and removing your laundry in a timely manner when it is done. The laundry room also contains a large sink, a table for folding your clothes, and a vending machine with snacks.
Where do I put mail for the previous occupant?
There a forwarding mail box in the Mail Room, so put anything that's not for you into the box. Please label your mailbox inside the box with your name.
Where do I check in?
Check in at the Elliot Program Center. Lyman residences Building 1 and Building 3 are located in the west side of the University, on 121 Campus Drive.
How do I check in?
If you are properly registered and there are no holds on your account, just show us a photo ID and sign the check-in roster so that we can give you your key. We'll give you a whole packet of useful information to help you get started.
When can I check in?
You can check in on whatever day you signed up for on your application. If you can't remember what you signed up for, phone the Lyman Office during business hours, which are 8 am - noon, at (650) 736-9995. If you are unable to check in when you arrive, Community Housing Services maintains a very nice list of local motels, but there is a printed list on the Lyman Office door.
I'm here now. Can I check in early?
Unfortunately, we can't let you in earlier than the date you put on your application. Housing is very scarce, and we have a ridiculously tight cleaning and maintenance schedule to which we can make very few changes. The only petitions we even consider are from people who have a medical condition which would make their stay in a hotel difficult; we'd need a note from your doctor verifying this. If the petition were granted by the Powers That Be, you would be charged about $30 per day for every day before your original move-date. If you need a place to stay, ask around at your department, do some sofa surfing at your friends' and relatives', or book one of the many local hotels and motels.
I couldn't get a flight. Can I check in late?
Late, well, that's less of a problem. If you are going to be late, we need that in writing so that we don't give away your space to someone else. In this case, call the Lyman Office at (650) 736-9995.
I've been to my new apartment or have called in to get my assignment and want a different one. Can I be reassigned?
Well, it depends. Generally speaking, there are only two reasons the Lyman Office Staff will consider reassigning you:
In both cases, whether or not you can be reassigned depends on the availability of an apartment which would meet your needs; for example, if there aresimply no more apartments in the same residence code you received in the lottery that are off the ground floor, we will not be able to move you. If you are in a group, changing assignments is much more complicated, and it's not something we do lightly.If you are not in a group and have discovered a long-lost friend who has the same kind of housing you do (e.g., 2-bedroom, male), have not yet moved in, and want to room together, we will consider rearranging the assignments. Please contact the Lyman office.
We will not even consider moving you for the following reasons, just out of basic fairness and maintenance issues, so don't even ask:
Where?
Where are the closest shuttle bus stops?
There is a SLAC/Shopping Express/Midnight Express stop in front of the Lyman Residences by Campus Drive. The closest A-line (California Ave., Shopping Center, Escondido Village, and Medical Center) is by the corner of Serra St. and Via Ortega. The closest B-line is on Santa Teresa Rd. near to the Tressider Union or Terman. You can get schedules on any of the shuttles at Tressider, at the Transportation Programs Office at 855 Serra, or on the Marguerite website.
Where can I get a bike? Do I need to register it?
There is a Campus Bike Shop, and several bike shops in the local area. Please register your bike...it's your only chance of getting it back if it is stolen, and we have bike theft epidemics at the beginnings and endings of quarters, when people get careless. Also, California law requires that you register your bicycle. The Transportation Office occasionally gives free headlights to students who register their bike!
Where can I get my car registered?
The closest branch of the California Department of Motor Vehicles is at 595 Showers Drive in Mountain View, which is about 1 block south of the intersection of El Camino and San Antonio Shopping Center. Make your life easier and call for an appointment.
Where can I buy things for my apartment?
There is a list of local shopping areas and the sorts of stores in them on our Shopping at Stanford Page.
Where can I buy food?
We know that grad students get grouchy when they're not well fed. See the Shopping at Stanford Page.
Where can I sign up for a board plan?
If you don't cook and prefer a board plan, you can sign up for one at the Dining Services website.
Where do I pay my bill?
Stanford offers several payment methods (including online via Automatic Clearinghouse, free, and credit card, 2.75% charge). Details are available at the Financial Activities website. If you wish to pay your bill in person, visit the Cashier's Office during business hours, or drop a check in the drop box outside the office.
Where can I get a course guide and time schedule?
Bring your student ID to the campus bookstore for Time Schedule in which the times and locations of your classes will be listed, and a Course Guide, a huge tome of departmental requirements and courses offered. You can also see a list of courses on Axess.
Where do I get my ID?
Go to the ID Office at 632 Serra St between the hours of 8 a.m.-5 p.m. to pick up your ID. You can find out anything you need to know about obtaining or replacing your ID card on the Campus Card website. Still have questions? Call the ID office at 728-CARD.
Where can I play sports?
The Stanford Athletics website gives information about participating in PE classes, club sports, and intramurals, as well as watching varsity sports games. It also gives information on most athletics facilities, though some are listed here.
Facilities on campus include:
Maintenance and Cleaning:
The apartment is kind of grungy and dusty. How can I get it cleaned?
You're responsible for doing your own cleaning during the year because hey, this isn't a dorm, but if something looks dirty when you move in, contact the Lyman office.
Something is broken in my apartment. How do I get it fixed?
Is it an emergency, like the toilet is not working or your key broke in the lock? Phone 5-1602, the emergency maintenance line.
To report non-urgent repairs, fill an online Fix-It Request.
The ceiling lightbulb just went dead. What now?
Just put in a work order to replace any burnt-out fluorescent lightbulbs and Maintenance will take care of it.
The garbage disposal is not working, but it was fine a minute ago. What now?
Before you panic over a sink that looks hopelessly jammed, look at the bottom or back side of the disposal motor under the sink. Press the reset button, then try the switch again. If that doesn't work, contactMaintenance.
Ants, Ants, Ants! There are ants all over my apartment. How do I get rid of them?
The ants have lived on this spot since before Lyman was built, and they consider this their piece of real estate. They acknowledge our presence only insofar as we provide them with all sorts of tasty snacks. Phone 5-1602. This is the Emergency Facilities line, and they can let you know when they can send someone to spray.
My apartment is a disaster area. Where can I borrow a vacuum?
The office has a vacuum you can use for 30 minutes during office hours.
Lyman Policies:
I'm locked out of my apartment. How can I get back in?
First, knock or phone and get your roommate to let you in! Embarrassment is quicker than coming to the office, and cheaper than after-hours service. The residence staff do NOT have any keys to your apartment.
If you are locked out during business hours, come to the Elliot Program Center.
After the Lyman office is closed, if the Graduate Community Center is open, an after-hours lockout call is free. From any campus phone, call 5-1602 (from a non-campus phone, that's 650-725-1602). After hours, the cost for a lock-out is $250.
GCC open hours are:
Friday, 8 a.m. – Saturday, 1 a.m.
Saturday, 8 a.m. – Sunday, 1 a.m.
Sunday, 8 a.m. – 12 midnight
I lost my keys, and they're not coming back. Can I get another apartment key?
Don't lose your keys -- ok, too late. It will cost you. If you lose your apartment key, the apartment must be re-keyed (no exceptions), and you will be charged a lot of money. In other words, key amnesia becomes expensive--hang onto those keys!
I'm having a guest from out of town stay with me. Can I get a spare key?
You are provided with two keys which access the building, your apartment, and your mailbox, so you can allow your guest to use your spare key. It's a very, very good idea to ask your roommate(s) if you can have a guest because they may be having The Week From Hell; you don't want to make each other miserable and angry, and you don't want them to call campus security because some strange guy in a towel walked out of the bathroom. Besides, if you and your guest make them even more miserable when they're stressed, they will probably return the favor.
What are the quiet hours?
If you make so much noise that you shake the building(s) or make someone's apartment unlivable, very likely someone will ask you to quiet down no matter what time it is, but the official quiet hours begin at 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and at 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. There is no official ending to quiet hours in the morning, but use some sense--if you are vacuuming at 7 a.m. or playing midnight volleyball, some of your neighbors will be ticked off!
For those of you whose peace and quiet has been shattered by a neighbor playing Green Day at volume 10...Lyman is full of thoughtful, considerate people, so when you encounter someone who is having a lapse in good judgment, politely ask them to turn it down...and if that doesn't work or you think you are too angry to be polite, contact the police. Things don't usually get this bad, so reserve the legal solution until after you've spoken to the offender. You should also contact the residence dean if talking to your neighbor does not solve the problem.
I want to practice a musical instrument. How do I sign up for the music room?
Your apartment key will open the music room, which is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The music room is located in Building 2. Sorry, non-Lyman people cannot get keys.
How do I get into the lounges?
Your apartment key will open the TV Room, and the Small Lounge next to the Computer Room.
Can I reserve the large lounge? What about the barbecue grills?
The large lounge in Building 2 or the "Atrium" can be booked for private functions or events. To reserve the Atrium, contact the Lyman Office to see if the date you want is available, then come to the office to fill out the reservation form. On the business day before your event, come to the office to pick up a key. When you're done, return the key through the office mail slot in one of those handy key envelopes located below the mail slot. Sorry, the Atrium can only be reserved two weeks in advance and cannot be booked by people who don't live in Lyman. It is a residence space, mostly for CA sponsored events. The barbecue grills outside the Atrium are on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved; please share.
University Policies:
What if my roommate smokes and wants to do it in the apartment?
Well...Stanford has a no-smoking policy...and that means no smoking in the apartments, anywhere the smoke will drift into apartments, on the landings, on the stairs, under the balconies...ummm, basically, you can't smoke anywhere in or near the buildings. You also can't smoke at Lyman's events, whether they are inside or outside. If you're a habitual offender, you could lose your University Housing Privileges, and if you smoke in your apartment, even if your roommate doesn't mind, be prepared to get a big bill for the cost of removing the smell of tobacco smoke from carpeting, draperies, paint, and furnishings in your apartment.
I have a pet tarantula at home and I really want to bring her. Can I have a pet?
Sorry, the Residence Agreement you signed prohibits furry, fishy, feathery or scaly housemates; the little brown ants who might invade your apartment do not count. If Facilities, Maintenance, or a nosy neighbor discovers your pet and reports it to the Lyman Office, you will get the Nasty Pet Letter, which will tell you that you have to find it another home by a certain date or face a very high fine for every day it stays with you past the deadline. We hate doing this, so please don't make us.
I can't see a thing in my apartment because it's dark. Are halogen lamps really banned???
Afraid so. Halogen lamps have been implicated in a couple of campus fires in Undergrad Land, so they have been banned campus-wide in a compassionate effort to keep grad students safe, though in the dark.
Don't Ask (questions we will not answer and why)
Do not askSome of you out there think size matters enormously, but we all know that what you do with what you have is far more important than actual inches or centimeters. If you are planning what to bring based on cubic measurements rather than on an item's utility, I am gravely concerned for your state of mind. Surrender now to the fact that there are some things in grad school over which you have no control, and you will graduate with less Grad School Damage and with your ego more or less intact.Do not ask to be put in a "big" apartment.
See my reply to the size question above, and please consider the following very carefully: