Resident Directors (RDs) are full-time professional staff members who live within the residential communities and oversee the daily operations of the residence halls. RDs are responsible for supporting students, fostering community engagement, addressing student concerns, coordinating hall initiatives and events, and maintaining a safe and positive living environment. Resident Directors also supervise and mentor the Resident Assistant (RA) staff.

Resident Assistants (RAs) are carefully selected and trained student leaders who live within the residence halls and serve as a primary resource for residential students. RAs assist with community development, peer support, student engagement, policy education, and crisis response. They are committed to helping students successfully transition to campus life, build meaningful relationships, navigate challenges, and become connected members of the HPU community.

Together, the Residence Life staff strives to create residential communities where students feel supported, valued, encouraged, and connected throughout their college experience.

For new students, a one-time, non-refundable housing maintenance fee of $200 and a tuition deposit of $100 are required before a residence hall room assignment can be made. Once both payments have been received, the Residence Life staff will begin the housing assignment process.

Howard Payne University makes every effort to honor roommate requests whenever possible; however, roommate requests are not guaranteed. Housing assignments are based on availability, application completion date, and overall housing needs.

2026–2027 Housing Plans & Rates

Howard Payne University offers a variety of residential living options designed to support community, connection, personal growth, and student success. Residence halls and apartment communities provide students with opportunities to build meaningful relationships, become engaged in campus life, and enjoy convenient access to campus resources and activities.

All housing rates are listed per resident, per semester.

Veda Hodge Hall

Women’s Residence Hall

$2,700 — Standard Double Room

A double-occupancy room designed to encourage community, connection, and shared living experiences. Residents share a suite-style restroom with two additional students in the adjoining room.

$3,700 — Private Room | Limited Availability

A single-occupancy room ideal for students seeking additional privacy while still enjoying a connected residential experience. Residents have a private bedroom and share a suite-style restroom with one student in an adjacent private room.

$4,500 — Private Plus Room | Limited Availability

An upgraded single-occupancy living space designed for comfort, privacy, and convenience. Each room includes:

• Private restroom
• Full-size bed
• Nightstand
• Seating area
• Mini refrigerator/microwave combo
• Dining table
• Desk and chair
• Double closet
• Two two-drawer chests

Private and Private Plus room assignments are based on availability.

Jennings Hall

Men’s Residence Hall

$2,500 — Standard Double Room

A traditional double-occupancy room designed to promote community and connection within a residential environment. Jennings Hall features community-style restrooms and encourages student involvement, leadership, and campus engagement.

Private Room Option — Additional $1,000 | Limited Availability

A single-occupancy room option for students seeking additional privacy while remaining connected to the residential community.

Private room assignments are based on availability.

Taylor Hall

Men’s Residence Hall

$2,350 — Standard Double Room

A traditional double-occupancy room offering an affordable and community-focused residential experience. Taylor Hall features community-style restrooms and provides students with opportunities to build friendships and become actively involved in campus life.

Private Room Option — Additional $1,000 | Limited Availability

A single-occupancy room option for students seeking additional privacy while remaining connected to the residential community.

Private room assignments are based on availability.

Newbury Place Apartments

Upperclassmen Apartment Community

Newbury Place Apartments feature two-bedroom, two-bathroom units that accommodate up to four residents. Apartments are available to both male and female students; however, apartment units are single-gender, and male and female students are not assigned within the same apartment.

Apartments are not furnished. Residents are responsible for furnishing the living areas and bedrooms. Each apartment includes the following appliances:

• Refrigerator
• Stove
• Microwave
• Dishwasher
• Washer and dryer

Utilities included:

• Electricity
• Water
• Wireless internet
• Cable television

Newbury Place Apartments also feature a community gazebo with lounge seating and are conveniently located near the University’s outdoor recreation area, including:

• Pickleball courts
• Basketball courts
• Rock climbing wall
• Open grassy recreation and gathering spaces

Occupancy Options

2 Residents (Private Bedrooms)

• $5,600 per resident, per semester
• $800 deposit per resident

3 Residents (One Private Bedroom + One Shared Bedroom)

• Private bedroom: $5,600 per semester + $800 deposit
• Shared bedroom: $2,800 per resident, per semester + $400 deposit each

4 Residents (Two Residents Per Bedroom)

• $2,800 per resident, per semester
• $400 deposit per resident

Apartment application opening and closing dates are announced each semester. Students approved for apartment housing must submit the required deposit by the designated deadline to secure placement.

Housing Comparison Chart

*Apartment units are single-gender, and male and female students are not assigned to the same apartment.

Residence Hall Amenities

Howard Payne University residence halls are designed to provide students with comfortable living spaces, opportunities for community connection, and convenient access to campus resources. Residence hall amenities include:

• Laundry facilities in each residence hall at no additional cost
• Mobile laundry app access allowing students to start and stop machines, monitor cycle status, and view machine availability
• Community study and lounge spaces
• Lobby areas with televisions and seating
• Pool tables and/or ping pong tables
• Microwaves available on each residential floor
• Wireless internet access throughout residential areas

Veda Hodge Hall also features a community kitchen area available for use by all residents.

Dining services at Howard Payne University are designed to provide students with convenient, flexible, and community-centered meal options that support busy academic schedules and campus involvement. Whether students live in a residence hall, apartment, duplex, or off campus, meal plan options are available to fit a variety of needs and lifestyles.

Students living in University residence halls are required to purchase Meal Plan #1, #2, or #3. Students living in apartments, duplexes, or off campus may choose from any available meal plan option.

Meal plans include a combination of:

• Weekly meal swipes for use in the University dining hall
• Jacket Bucks, which may be used at Fambrough’s and other participating on-campus dining locations
• Stinger Bucks, which may be used at a variety of participating local restaurants and dining establishments

Meal Plan Options for Students Living in Residence Halls

Meal Plan #1 — $2,995 per semester

• Unlimited meals per week
• $100 in Jacket Bucks
• $125 in Stinger Bucks

Ideal for students who want maximum flexibility and unlimited access to campus dining throughout the week.

Meal Plan #2 — $2,900 per semester

• 15 meals per week
• $150 in Jacket Bucks
• $125 in Stinger Bucks

A balanced option that combines regular dining hall access with additional flexibility for on-campus dining purchases.

Meal Plan #3 — $2,825 per semester

• 12 meals per week
• $200 in Jacket Bucks
• $125 in Stinger Bucks

A flexible dining option for students who prefer fewer dining hall meals while maximizing additional campus dining choices.

Meal Plan Options for Students Living in Apartments, Duplexes, or Off-Campus

Students living in apartments, duplexes, or off campus may select from any available meal plan option based on their dining preferences and campus involvement.

Meal Plan #1 — $2,995 per semester

• Unlimited meals per week
• $100 in Jacket Bucks
• $125 in Stinger Bucks

Meal Plan #2 — $2,900 per semester

• 15 meals per week
• $150 in Jacket Bucks
• $125 in Stinger Bucks

Meal Plan #3 — $2,825 per semester

• 12 meals per week
• $200 in Jacket Bucks
• $125 in Stinger Bucks

Meal Plan #4 — $1,495 per semester

• 5 meals per week
• $250 in Stinger Bucks

A great option for students who primarily cook at home while still wanting convenient access to campus dining throughout the week.

Meal Plan #5 — $795 per semester

• 3 meals per week
• $150 in Stinger Bucks

Designed for students seeking occasional dining hall access with additional flexibility for meals and snacks throughout the week.

Meal Plan #6 — $550 per semester

• 2 meals per week
• $100 in Stinger Bucks

A light-use meal plan option that provides occasional dining hall access along with added dining flexibility.

Dining Services & Account Access

Howard Payne University dining services are provided through Sodexo, offering students a variety of dining options and meal experiences across campus.

Students may review meal plan information, dining hours, balances, and account activity through the Student Dining Portal.

Click here to view information from Sodexo, HPU’s dining services provider.

Click here to access the Student Dining Portal to check your balance or add money to your account.

Residence halls close during designated University breaks and holidays, including:

• Thanksgiving Break
• Christmas Break
• Spring Break

Students are responsible for making off-campus housing arrangements during residence hall closure periods if they choose to remain in the Brownwood area.

Specific residence hall closing and reopening dates, checkout expectations, and break housing procedures are communicated to students prior to each University break period. Students are expected to properly check out of their residence hall rooms before leaving campus for an extended break.

Students living in Newbury Place Apartments may remain in their apartments during University breaks in accordance with their housing agreement and University policies.

Howard Payne University strongly encourages students and families to consider purchasing renter’s insurance coverage for personal belongings and liability protection while living in University housing. In some cases, coverage may also be available through a family homeowner’s insurance policy. Students and families should contact their insurance provider to review available coverage options and policy details.

While reasonable precautions are taken to maintain a safe and secure residential environment, Howard Payne University is not responsible for loss, theft, damage to personal property, or personal injury resulting from fire, water, theft, vandalism, power outages, weather-related events, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Students are encouraged to take personal responsibility for securing valuables and maintaining appropriate insurance coverage based on their individual needs.

Families interested in learning more about renters’ insurance options may review independent third-party resources and insurance providers for additional information. Howard Payne University does not endorse or partner with any specific insurance company or third-party service.

Howard Payne University residence halls are designed to provide students with a comfortable, connected, and welcoming living environment. Residence hall rooms and community spaces are equipped to support both academic success and student life while encouraging students to personalize their space and make it feel like home.

Furnishings and amenities may vary depending on room type and residence hall assignment.

Residence Hall Furnishings

Standard Double Rooms

Standard double rooms are furnished with:

• Two Twin XL beds
• Two desks
• Two desk chairs
• Two three-drawer chests

Private Rooms

Private rooms are furnished with:

• One Twin XL bed
• One desk
• One desk chair
• One three-drawer chest

Private Plus Rooms (Veda Hodge Hall Only)

Private Plus rooms are furnished with:

• One full-size bed
• Nightstand
• Seating area
• Dining table
• Desk and chair
• Double closet
• Two two-drawer chests
• Mini refrigerator/microwave combo
• Private restroom

Residence Hall Amenities

Each residence hall includes:

• Laundry facilities available at no additional cost
• Mobile laundry app access allowing students to start and stop machines, monitor laundry status, and view machine availability
• Community study and lounge spaces
• Lobby areas with televisions and seating
• Pool tables and/or ping pong tables
• Wireless internet access
• Microwaves available on residential floors

Veda Hodge Hall also features a community kitchen area available for resident use.

Recommended Items to Bring

The following items are commonly brought by residential students to help create a comfortable and personalized living space. Individual needs and preferences vary, and students are not expected to bring every item listed below.

Bedding

Twin XL mattresses measure 36” x 80”. Students in standard double rooms and private rooms should bring:

• Twin XL sheets
• Comforter or blanket
• Pillows
• Mattress pad or mattress topper

Personal & Room Items

• Towels and washcloths
• Personal care and hygiene items
• Laundry supplies
• School supplies
• Laptop, tablet, and chargers
• Television, gaming system, or streaming device
• Hair dryer or electric hair styling tools
• Small fan
• Carpet or rug
• Curtains with tension rods only
• Blackout shades
• Additional lighting (lamps or LED strip lights)
• Noise machines or noise-canceling headphones
• Surge protectors or multi-plug adapters
• Small refrigerator (maximum height of 36”)
• Iron
• Storage and organizational items
• 3M Command Strips for hanging decorations and wall décor
• Electric blanket with automatic shut-off and UL or ETL safety certification
• Coffee maker with an internal heating element and/or automatic shut-off functionality

Students are encouraged to personalize their rooms while being mindful of shared living spaces and community standards.

Helpful Move-In Tips

• Coordinate with your roommate before purchasing shared items such as televisions, rugs, refrigerators, or décor
• Storage space is limited, so students are encouraged to pack intentionally
• Consider under-bed storage containers or organizational products to maximize space
• Label personal belongings and electronics
• Bring extra charging cables and power strips for electronics and study spaces
• Review prohibited items before arriving on campus
• Wait to purchase additional room items until after move-in and room setup, when possible

Items Not Permitted in Residence Halls

For safety and facility protection, the following items are not permitted:

• Personal microwaves
• Cooking appliances with open flames or exposed heating elements, including:
  • Toasters
  • Hot plates
  • Air fryers
  • Electric skillets
  • Rice cookers
  • Pressure cookers
  • Indoor grills
• Space heaters
• Candles or open-flame items
• Cinderblocks
• Nails, screws, foam adhesives, or sticky adhesives that may damage walls
• Pets

Students living in apartment or duplex housing at Howard Payne University are encouraged to plan ahead and coordinate with roommates when purchasing shared items and furnishings. Apartment and duplex spaces are not furnished, and residents are responsible for providing their own bedroom, living room, dining, and kitchen furnishings unless otherwise noted.

The following lists are intended to help students prepare for move-in and create a comfortable living environment. Individual needs and preferences may vary.

Newbury Place Apartments

Newbury Place Apartments are two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment units designed to accommodate up to four residents.

Each apartment includes:

• Refrigerator
• Stove
• Microwave
• Dishwasher
• Washer and dryer
• Wireless internet
• Cable television access

Furniture is not provided in Newbury Place Apartments.

Smith Bell Duplexes

Smith Bell Duplexes are reserved exclusively for Part-Time Graduate Employees and provide a more independent residential living environment.

Each duplex unit includes:

• One shared bedroom
• One bathroom
• Shared living space for two residents
• Refrigerator
• Stove
• Microwave
• Dishwasher

Each duplex is shared by two Part-Time Graduate Employees who share the bedroom, bathroom, and common living spaces within the unit.

Furniture is not provided in the duplexes. Residents are responsible for furnishing all bedroom and living spaces.

Residents living in the duplexes have access to laundry facilities within the residence halls:

• Veda Hodge Hall for female residents
• Jennings Hall for male residents

Helpful Apartment & Duplex Living Tips

• Coordinate with roommates before purchasing shared furniture or appliances
• Measure spaces before purchasing large furniture items
• Plan for limited storage space
• Bring surge protectors and extension cords designed for residential use
• Label personal belongings and shared items when appropriate
• Review University housing policies regarding permitted and prohibited items before move-in

Wireless internet access is available throughout all Howard Payne University residential communities, including residence halls, apartments, duplexes, and common areas. Students may connect personal devices such as laptops, tablets, smart televisions, gaming systems, and smartphones to the residential wireless network.

Students should ensure their devices are wireless-capable and updated prior to arriving on campus.

For students who prefer or require a wired connection for gaming systems, streaming, or other devices, Ethernet access is also available within residential rooms. Students may use a personal Ethernet switch to connect multiple devices within the same room or living space.

Personal wireless routers are not permitted within University housing, as they may interfere with campus network performance and connectivity.

Information regarding wireless internet access, device connection instructions, network support, and technology resources is available through the HPU Gateway under: Menu → IT Services

Students experiencing connectivity or technology-related issues may contact the HPU Information Technology Services team for assistance.