The Student Living and Learning Office is excited to welcome the Rensselaer Class of 2027 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: Early to mid-April.

Q: Will I be able to pre-select a roommate?

A: During the housing application process, you will be able to select a preferred roommate/suitemate group. Placement in 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 pre-select a roommate in the application?

A: During the housing application process, you will be able to fill out a Roommate Matching Survey and will be able to search for roommates based on answers to their questions. If you do not pre-select a roommate, you will be assigned a roommate based on your answers to the survey.

Q: Is Gender Inclusive Housing an option for students?

A: Recognizing that single-gender housing may not be appropriate or comfortable for all students, there are a limited number of rooms made available as Gender Inclusive Housing in both the residence halls and apartments, on a space-available basis. Students signing up for these areas will be permitted to have roommates and suitemates that identify across the gender spectrum. You may choose this option in the 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.

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 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 a need of a housing accommodation, 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: When will the housing application close?

A: Please complete your application by a TBD Late-May 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 is on Friday, August 23rd, 2024. 

Q: Can I rent a mini-fridge or microwave?

A: Yes! You may order through our preferred vendor starting now! Please order here before August TBD to guarantee the fridge will be in your room on move-in day.