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Housing Policies

🍺 Alcohol & Drugs

  • Alcohol is permitted only for individuals 21+.
  • Alcohol may be consumed only in private residences, not public campus areas, unless at an MBL-sanctioned event.
  • Illegal drugs are strictly prohibited.
  • Marijuana is not allowed on campus, despite Massachusetts law, because MBL is a federal drug-free workplace.
  • Kegs are prohibited.
  • Dorms/apartments: beer and wine only (no hard alcohol).
  • Certain cottages and houses may allow alcohol on porches and immediate yards.
  • Alcohol must be secured at all times; unsecured alcohol will be confiscated.

🎉 Parties & Gatherings

  • Dorms/apartments: gatherings are not allowed in housing spaces.
  • Any gathering must be:
    • Scheduled in advance
    • Held in designated MBL function space
    • Registered via the Swope front desk or meetingspace@mbl.edu
  • Gatherings must end by 11:00 pm.
  • Hosts are responsible for cleanup and restoring furniture.

🛏️ Guests

  • No unregistered guests are allowed anywhere.
  • All guests require prior approval (minimum 48 hours).
  • Guests may stay no more than two nights per week.
  • Occupancy limits apply (beds + one).
  • Hosts are fully responsible for guest behavior.

Undergraduate Guests (additional rules)

  • Max 2 consecutive nights
  • Request submitted at least one week in advance
  • Approval required from Student Life Coordinator
  • Signed consent from roommates
  • Guest must remain with host at all times
  • Guest/host must sign in and out at Swope

Violations may result in guest removal and host disciplinary action.

🏠 Room & Property Care

  • Residents are responsible for damages beyond normal wear.
  • Do not:
    • Attach items that damage walls
    • Remove furniture or linens
  • Units must be left in original condition.
  • Charges apply for damage or missing items.

🎨 Decorations & Furnishings

  • Decorations are allowed if they:
    • Do not damage walls/ceilings
    • Are not offensive
    • Do not involve hanging fabric from ceilings/walls
  • Furniture must remain in the assigned unit and be returned in original condition.

🔥 Fire Safety

  • No candles, incense, or smoking indoors.
  • Smoking must be 50 feet from buildings.
  • Tampering with fire equipment is prohibited.
  • Evacuate immediately when alarms sound and follow posted instructions.

🔌 Electrical Appliances

Prohibited:

  • Toasters, toaster ovens, hot plates
  • Space heaters, AC units

Permitted:

  • MBL-provided fridge/microwave
  • Hot pots (water only)
  • Fans, irons

🔐 Security & Keys

  • Carry MBL ID at all times.
  • Do not prop doors open.
  • Report suspicious activity to Security (ext. 7217).
  • Weapons are strictly prohibited.
  • Lost keys = $60 replacement fee.

🐾 Pets

  • Pets are not allowed in dorms, apartments, or houses.
  • Some cottages allow pets with prior approval.
  • $250 fee per pet (max 2 pets).
  • Unauthorized pets result in immediate eviction.

📦 Storage & Personal Property

  • No off-season storage provided.
  • Bicycles may not be stored in dormitories. This includes rooms, hallways, and any other common spaces. Information on bike storage can be found here.
  • Items left behind are kept for 10 days only.
  • MBL is not responsible for lost personal items.

🪟 Windows & Screens

  • Screens must not be removed or opened.
  • No hanging items outside windows.
  • Do not enter/exit through windows.
  • Report damage immediately.