The Student Living and Learning Office is excited to welcome the Rensselaer Class of 2029 to campus this fall! As we approach the release of the Housing Application for incoming students, we have cultivated a number of frequently asked questions and answers regarding First-Year housing below.
Q: When will the Housing Application be open?
A: The Housing Application opens each year for incoming First-Year students in early April. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the Housing application will open to the Class of 2029 on April 7, 2025.
Q: Will I be able to pre-select a roommate?
A: Yes. During the housing application process, you will be able to select a preferred roommate/suitemate group through a roommate preference function. Please know that placement with your preferred roommate/suitemate group is not guaranteed; however, the staff in the Student Living and Learning Office will do their very best to match preferred roommates/suitemates.
Q: What if I do not have a pre-selected roommate or my preferred roommate request cannot be fulfilled?
A: Within the Housing Application, you will be asked to fill out a roommate matching survey. This survey will ask you a number of questions regarding your lifestyle preferences. Using these responses, you will be able to search for roommates based on the answers they provided to their questions. If you are unable to find a roommate yourself using these responses, you will be assigned a roommate based on your answers to the survey.
Q: Is Gender Inclusive Housing an option for students?
A: We recognize that single-gender housing may not be appropriate or comfortable for all students. To accommodate for this, a limited number of rooms are made available as Gender Inclusive Housing in both the residence halls and apartments. Gender Inclusive Housing areas will allow students to have roommates and suitemates that identify across the gender spectrum without consideration of legal sex. You may choose this option in the housing application.
Note that Gender Inclusive Housing is only open to students indicating interest in it on their housing application. If you are interested in Gender Inclusive Housing and have a preferred roommate, make sure that they are open to Gender Inclusive Housing and indicate so on their housing application.
Q: What housing options will be available to first-year students?
A: As a part of CLASS: Clustered Learning, Advocacy, and Support for Students—the student experience at Rensselaer—students live with others from their cohort. This optimizes your transition by maximizing social opportunities via the living and learning experience. A list of first-year residence halls can be found here. Please know the first-year halls for the 2025-2026 academic year are still being finalized and are subject to change.
Q: How do I learn more about the amenities and features of each residence hall?
A: The Student Living and Learning website provides amenity information about each of our halls, including furniture (and dimensions), air conditioning (if available), hall carpeting, elevators, laundry, in-suite kitchens (for apartments), and the nearest dining hall.
Q: What are my options if I have a medical condition or unique situation that will require a special housing accommodation?
A: If you are in need of housing accommodations, please complete the Housing Accommodation Form. Please note that you will be asked to provide medical documentation for cases of medical conditions.
Q: What are Special Interest Housing communities, and can first-year students enroll in these communities?
A: Special Interest Housing communities offer the opportunity to extend the classroom learning experience to a living environment shared with other students with similar interests and passions. For more information, visit the Student Living and Learning website.
Q: Is there a deadline for completing the housing application?
A: Yes. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the Housing Application will close for incoming First-Year students on May 31, 2025. Please complete your application by this date to ensure the best chance to be assigned your preferred housing. Students who do not complete the application by this date will still receive a housing assignment, but they may miss the opportunity to be placed with preferred roommates/suitemates or in a preferred residence hall.
Q: What should I bring?
A: We encourage you to bring pictures, posters, etc., that will make your room comfortable and an expression of who you are. We will release a comprehensive packing list this summer. In the meantime, please see our list of prohibited items.
Q: Will I be required to have a meal plan?
A: All first-year students will be required to have the unlimited meal plan.
Q: When will I be notified of my room assignment?
A: Students will be notified in late June/early July via their RPI email of their building, room, and roommate/suitemate assignment.
Q: Am I able to bring a car to campus?
A: First-year students may not bring a car to campus and will not be able to purchase a parking pass.
Q: When is move-in?
A: Move-in for Fall 2025 is currently TBD.
Q: Can I rent a mini-fridge or microwave?
A: Yes! You may order through our preferred vendor starting now! Place your order as soon as possible to guarantee the fridge will be in your room on move-in day. Please order here.