Living in PAU Hostels: Rules, Rights, and Responsibilities

Posted by: Dr Singh
Category: Hostel Life
Read Time: 12 minutes

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Introduction

Hostel life is often the best memory of your university years—new friendships, independence, late-night study sessions, and shared laughter. But hostel living also comes with responsibilities and rules that ensure everyone's safety, comfort, and studies are protected. This guide explains everything you need to know about hostel life at PAU.

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Hostel Eligibility

Who Can Live in Hostels?

✓ Regular undergraduate and postgraduate students on PAU's rolls
✓ In-service postgraduate students coming from outstation for M.Sc./Ph.D.
✓ International postgraduate students (in International Hostel)

✗ NOT eligible:

• Students whose parents live in Ludhiana
• In-service students receiving house rent allowance
• Students who have completed their degree program

Duration of Hostel Stay

You can stay for:

• The normal duration of your program
• Bachelor's (4-year): Up to 4 years
• Master's: Up to 2 years
• Ph.D.: Up to 3 years
• No hostel beyond the normal program duration

Exception: If you fail a course and must repeat the semester, that extra semester doesn't count as extra hostel time beyond the normal maximum.

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Getting Hostel Accommodation

Room Allotment Process

Eligibility for allocation:

1. First-come, first-serve (after merit-based seniority consideration)
2. Postgraduates get priority over undergraduates
3. Outstanding merit in sports/co-curricular activities gets preference
4. 75% of spaces go to merit-based students
5. 25% go to students excelling in sports/activities

How Allotment Works

Step 1: Application

• Submit hostel application during specified window
• Include required documents
• Pay any prescribed fees

Step 2: Merit List

• University releases merit list based on academic performance
• Additional consideration for sports/activities
• Names announced publicly

Step 3: Allocation

• You must be personally present at allotment
• Room number assigned to you on the spot
• You cannot choose your room (assigned by administration)
• Roommates usually from same academic level

Step 4: Room Handover

• Receive room keys
• Get list of hostel items provided
• Sign agreement form
• Move in on specified date

Important: Physical Presence Required

You MUST be physically present during allotment. Casual allocation doesn't happen. If you miss allotment:

• Your slot may be given to someone else
• You lose your hostel opportunity for that semester
• No exceptions (except in rare administrative circumstances)

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Your Hostel Room

What's Provided?

Standard furniture in your room:

• One chair
• One table
• One cot (bed)
• Subject to availability (some may not be provided if hostel is full)

You're responsible for:

• The condition of provided furniture
• Any damage (accidental or intentional)
• Returning items in good condition when you leave

What Happens to Damage?

If you damage furniture:

• You pay for repair costs
• Assessment done by hostel staff
• Cost deducted from your hostel fund or charged separately
• If damage is intentional, stricter penalties apply

Room Maintenance Responsibilities

You must:

• Keep your room clean daily
• Not deface walls, doors, or furniture
• Not remove electric fittings from walls
• Not remove the cot/charpoy
• Report damage to hostel staff immediately

You should NOT:

• Drill holes in walls
• Paint over hostel walls
• Stick permanent posters
• Block ventilation or windows
• Keep unauthorized items

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Room Changes

Can You Change Rooms?

After general allotment: Room changes are usually NOT permitted

If you need a change:

• Request from Hostel Warden (not permission automatically granted)
• Valid reasons: Medical emergency, safety issue, harassment
• Both students involved must be willing
• May result in hostel seat cancellation if rules violated

Don't try to:

• Move to another room without permission (violation)
• Switch with someone without Warden approval
• Occupy a room not allocated to you (can result in expulsion)

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Hostel Timings

Your hostel has specific gate/entry timings. These vary by season and gender.

Girls' Hostel Timings

Season	Closing Time
Winter (Nov 1 - Feb 28)	7:00 PM
Summer (Mar 1 - Oct 31)	8:00 PM

Boys' Hostel Timings

Season	Closing Time
Winter (Nov 1 - Feb 28)	9:00 PM
Summer (Mar 1 - Oct 31)	10:00 PM

What This Means

After hostel closing time:

• No new students can enter
• Hostel gates are locked
• Emergency entry only with Warden permission
• Late entries logged and recorded

If you want to stay out later:

• Request leave from Hostel Warden in advance
• For night outs, must inform Warden
• Emergency situations only extend without permission

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Night Roll-Call

What is Roll-Call?

A mandatory check-in at night:

• Block Prefect or Warden takes attendance
• Verifies all students are present in hostel

Roll-Call Timings

• Winter: 7:30 PM
• Summer: 8:00 PM

Your Responsibilities

You must:

• Be in your room at roll-call time
• Present yourself for attendance
• Not be absent without leave

If absent without leave:

• Fine imposed (amount varies)
• Fine list posted on notice board monthly
• Repeated absences can lead to expulsion

After Roll-Call

Important rule: No one leaves after roll-call

If emergency arises:

• Must inform Hostel Warden or Assistant Warden
• Get written/verbal permission
• Log out and in with hostel staff
• Emergency only (not for casual outings)

Absence for whole night without permission:

• Treated as serious misconduct
• Heavy penalty or expulsion from hostel
• May affect conduct probation status

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Leave from Hostel

Getting Hostel Leave

Leave is different from class leave:

• College leave ≠ Hostel leave (you need both)
• Must request both separately

How to Get Leave

Step 1: Request from Warden

• Submit leave form to Hostel Warden
• Specify dates and reason
• Get written approval

Step 2: Inform Your Room

• Tell your roommate you'll be absent
• Lock your valuables
• Leave contact information

Step 3: Check-Out and Check-In

• Officially inform hostel staff when leaving
• Report back when returning
• Sign the leave register

Types of Leave

Overnight leave:

• For leaving hostel at night for emergency
• Requires Warden permission
• Report back next day

Multi-day leave:

• For vacation or home visit
• Request in advance
• Parent/guardian approval recommended

Semester break:

• Hostel typically closes during break
• You must vacate your room
• All items returned or stored

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Vacating Your Room

When You Must Leave

• End of semester (during breaks)
• At Warden's request (renovation, etc.)
• End of your program
• If expelled/rusticated

The Checkout Process

Before leaving:

1. Clean your room thoroughly
2. Return all hostel items (furniture, utensils, etc.)
3. Pay all dues and fines
4. Get "No Due Certificate" from Warden
5. Hand over room keys to Hostel Supervisor/Clerk

Responsibilities:

• You personally hand over room charge to Supervisor/Clerk
• Get receipt/confirmation
• Any loss or damage is YOUR responsibility
• You may be charged for missing items

Fees and Dues

Before you leave, you must clear:

• Hostel accommodation fees
• Mess dues (food charges)
• Canteen dues
• Any fines imposed
• Breakage charges (if applicable)

If you don't clear dues:

• Your semester registration may be blocked
• Your degree/certificate can be withheld
• You cannot get a "No Due Certificate"

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Hostel Funds

What Are Hostel Funds?

Common room fund:

• Collected per semester from all residents
• Used for newspaper, magazines, indoor games, prizes
• Managed by Common Room Secretary and Joint Secretary

Utensils/crockery/breakage fund:

• Collected annually from all residents
• Used for repairs, replacements, maintenance
• Managed by Director of Students' Welfare

How Funds Are Used

Common room fund purchases:

• Newspapers, magazines, literature
• Indoor games and sports equipment
• Prize money for hostel competitions
• Decorations and furniture for common areas

Utensils/breakage fund purchases:

• Purchase of new crockery and utensils
• Repair of hostel items
• Celebration of festivals
• Other miscellaneous maintenance

How Much to Pay?

Amounts vary and are announced annually. Check with your Dean's office for:

• Common room fund per semester
• Utensils/breakage fund per year
• Payment deadline
• What's included in fund costs

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Mess (Dining)

Mess is Mandatory

Every hostel resident MUST join the mess:

• No exceptions for dietary preferences initially
• You can request accommodations (vegetarian/dietary restrictions)
• Mess provides meals at controlled cost
• Shared responsibility for food quality

Mess Charges

• Collected by Dean with semester fees
• Fixed monthly or semester charge
• Varies based on meal plan (usually 2-3 meals daily)
• Check hostel notice board for exact amounts

Using the Mess

Rules in dining hall:

• Be properly dressed (formal attire expected)
• No loud behavior or disturbance
• Keep dining area clean
• Respect mess workers and staff
• Return trays and utensils after eating

Dining Hall Behavior

Expected conduct:

• Courteous to other residents
• Respectful to mess staff and workers
• No politics or heated discussions
• Help maintain cleanliness
• Report issues to Warden

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Hostel Discipline & Rules

Core Rules of Hostel Living

✓ DO:

• Maintain perfect discipline
• Create congenial study atmosphere
• Be courteous to all residents and staff
• Report problems to Warden
• Keep common areas clean
• Return borrowed items
• Pay all dues on time

✗ DON'T:

• Engage in ragging or teasing
• Make excessive noise or disturbance
• Use abusive language
• Deface walls or hostel property
• Keep prohibited items
• Keep guests without permission
• Tamper with electricity or fixtures
• Cross lawns or damage landscaping

Prohibited Items in Hostels

Strictly forbidden:

• Firearms and lethal weapons
• Alcohol and intoxicants of any kind
• Explosives or dangerous substances
• Poisons
• Narcotics or illegal drugs

Consequence: Immediate expulsion from hostel and potential university action

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Electricity Rules

Bulb Wattage Limit

• Maximum 60-watt bulb allowed in rooms
• This reduces fire hazard and electricity consumption
• Higher wattage results in fines

Prohibited Electrical Items

NOT allowed in rooms:

• Electric heaters
• Electric rods (immersion heaters)
• Electric ovens
• High-power appliances
• Unauthorized electrical equipment

Consequence:

• Rs. 500/- fine
• Equipment confiscated
• Repeated offense = stricter action

Electricity Safety

You must:

• Switch off lights/fans when not in use
• Not tamper with electrical fittings
• Report electrical problems to electrician
• Not hang anything on wires or fittings

For repairs: Contact hostel electrician (don't DIY)

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Cleanliness & Maintenance

Room Cleanliness

Daily:

• Sweep your room
• Dispose of trash properly
• Keep bed neat
• Organize belongings

Weekly:

• Thorough cleaning
• Change bed sheets
• Clean under furniture
• Wipe windows

Common Areas

You share responsibility for:

• Hallways and corridors
• Bathrooms and toilets
• Wash basins
• Staircases
• Common room

Everyone must:

• Use designated trash bins
• Not block hallways with items
• Keep bathrooms clean
• Respect shared spaces

Bathroom Etiquette

For toilets:

• Pull chain gently after use
• Flush properly (cistern must be full)
• Don't throw paper, datans, or materials (causes blockage)
• Use water from tap if cistern is out of order
• Keep toilet clean for next person

For wash basins:

• Don't block with sand or debris
• Keep clean after use
• Close taps firmly
• Report blockages to hostel staff

Lawn and Landscaping

Residents must:

• Avoid crossing lawns
• Not tamper with hedges or fences
• Show responsibility for flowers and plants
• Not cycle or ride vehicles on lawns/verandahs
• Report damage to Warden

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Guests in Hostels

Family Guests

Parents, siblings, and close family:

• Get prior written permission from Warden
• Limited to exceptional circumstances
• Guest stays in hostel guest room
• Usually allowed for 1-2 days
• You must be present during their stay

Guests NOT Allowed

Lady guests in boys' hostels: NOT permitted
Male guests in girls' hostels: NOT permitted

Guest Registration

When guest arrives:

1. Guest signs guest register with your signature
2. Name, relation, dates entered
3. Hostel staff notified
4. Guest accommodated in guest room
5. You escort guest on checkout

Unauthorized Guests

If you keep guest without permission or harbor expelled students:

• You can be expelled from hostel on spot inquiry
• Warden has authority to expel immediately
• No appeals or second chances for this violation

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Ragging: Zero Tolerance

What is Ragging?

Ragging includes:

• Teasing or taunting new students
• Forcing participation in activities
• Physical or psychological humiliation
• Name-calling or abuse
• Forced labor or unreasonable tasks
• Any intimidation

University Policy: STRICTLY PROHIBITED

PAU has zero tolerance for ragging.

Consequences include:

• Suspension from hostel
• Suspension from college
• Rustication (1-4 semesters)
• Expulsion from university
• Fine up to Rs. 25,000
• Criminal proceedings

If You're Ragged

• Report immediately to Warden or Director of Students' Welfare
• File formal complaint in writing
• Provide names and details
• Your complaint will be investigated
• Action taken against perpetrators

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Hostel Discipline Violations & Punishments

Minor Violations

Warning and/or fine up to Rs. 1,000:

• Arriving late (not regularly)
• Minor disruption
• Violation of electricity rules
• Small damage to property
• First-time minor infractions

Fine deposited in:

• Hostel Fund Account
• Intimation sent to Director of Students' Welfare and Dean

Serious Violations

Expulsion from hostel:

• Fighting or factional fights
• Repeated misconduct
• Serious disruption
• Threatening staff
• Keeping prohibited items

Expulsion from hostel AND university:

• Possession of weapons or alcohol
• Serious violence
• Sexual harassment
• Repeated violations after warnings

Four-Wheeler Violations

Rule: No four-wheelers (cars, motorcycles) allowed in hostel

If violated:

• Vehicle may be seized
• Heavy fine imposed
• Hostel seat cancelled
• Vehicle only returned after payment

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Your Rights as a Hostel Resident

• Right to safety in hostel premises
• Right to privacy in your room
• Right to quiet study environment
• Right to fair treatment by hostel staff
• Right to appeal hostel decisions
• Right to lodge complaints against unfair treatment

Voicing Complaints

If you have issues:

1. Talk to your Hostel Warden
2. If unresolved, contact Director of Students' Welfare
3. If still unresolved, submit written complaint to Dean
4. Can appeal to Vice Chancellor in extreme cases

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I keep my parents' car in hostel parking?
A: No. No four-wheelers in hostel premises. Parking fine and hostel seat cancellation.

Q: What if my roommate is difficult?
A: Talk to Warden about mediation. Room change only in exceptional cases.

Q: Can I cook in my room?
A: No. Electricity restrictions include cooking appliances. Use mess.

Q: What happens if I leave without clearing dues?
A: Your degree/certificate is withheld. You cannot get "No Due Certificate."

Q: Can I keep overnight guests?
A: Only family with Warden's written permission.

Q: What if hostel facilities are inadequate?
A: Report to Warden. If not addressed, escalate to Director of Students' Welfare.

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Key Takeaways

• Hostel is a privilege, not a right—follow all rules
• Physical presence required at room allotment
• Night roll-call is mandatory
• No absences at night without permission
• Clear all dues before leaving
• Ragging will result in expulsion
• Electricity and prohibited items violations have serious consequences
• Treat hostel property like your own
• Respect roommates and hostel staff
• Report issues immediately to Warden

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For Hostel Issues:

• Hostel Warden: First point of contact
• Assistant Warden: If Warden unavailable
• Director of Students' Welfare: For major issues
• Dean of College: For appeals and serious matters

Disclaimer: This is a simplified guide based on PAU's official Semester & Hostel Rules 2025-26. For complete information, refer to official documents or contact the Director of Students' Welfare.

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Last Updated: October 2025