Humidity can cause mold and mildew to develop in the residence halls/apartments. The combination of North Carolina’s high relative humidity and thermostats set incorrectly can cause the moisture to condense inside the residence halls and create an environment that can foster mold and mildew growth.

To help prevent the growth of mold and mildew in your hall, it is essential that you do the following:

  • Report any water problems (leaks behind a toilet or under sinks, dripping faucets, wet carpet, leak from a ceiling, moisture under tiles, drips heard behind the air intake cover, etc.) immediately by submitting a FIXIT request.
  • If a bath exhaust fan is provided in your living space, be sure to turn the fan on when showering.
  • Clean your space regularly, including your shower liner.
  • Never allow water to sit on soft surfaces (carpets, towels, sheets, etc) for long periods of time.
  • During the summer months never set thermostats below 72 degrees; during winter months never set thermostats above 68 degrees.
  • Do not leave wet towels laying around.
  • Do not prop exterior doors and keep windows closed.
  • Do not open windows while heating or cooling units are operating. This will cause condensation and may contribute to mold growth.
  • If you see mold or mildew in the building, submit a FIXIT request.

Tips for Allergy Sufferers

North Carolina’s location, coupled with the trees on campus can cause issues for those sensitive to pollen and other allergens and even for some that may have never suffered from allergies before. If you experience sensitivity, as with all health concerns, please seek the assistance of Student Health Services and/or your health care provider. Below are also some suggestions to help cope during the high pollen seasons in this area.

  1. If medication has been prescribed to reduce your sensitivity, follow the instructions of your doctor and/or medical personnel.
  2. Track the pollen count at www.pollen.com and on the days that the count is “high” try to stay indoors as much as possible.
  3. Keep windows and exterior doors closed to reduce the number of allergens entering your apartment or residence hall room.
  4. Vacuum and dust regularly to reduce the number of allergens that may have hitchhiked into your space on you or your roommate’s shoes or clothes.
  5. If you find you are extremely sensitive, you may want to invest in a HEPA Filter vacuum to capture as many allergens as possible.
  6. Avoid tossing your book bag or the clothes worn outside on your bed to prevent spreading allergens to your sleeping area.
  7. Consider showering and washing your hair before going to bed to also avoid introducing allergens to your bed linens.
  8. Additionally, if you remain highly sensitive to allergens, you may consider investing in an air purifier for your area to remove as many allergens as possible from the air.

When students perceive there is excess humidity in their rooms, they sometimes request air quality tests. Physical Plant will first do a visual inspection of the room. If students still wish to have an air quality test done, the university can perform the test. If issues are found, Physical Plant will take steps to rectify them. If no issues are found, the student will be responsible for the cost of the air quality test.