Rensselaer believes that housing is an important part of the fraternal experience, as living among ones peers helps build community, strengthen friendships and provides a home away from home. That being said, not all fraternities/sororities within our community provide housing. Currently, of our 32 active chapters, 24 of them have a facility on or near campus. Students interested in fraternity/sorority accommodations should make sure to ask their respective fraternity/sorority leadership about housing requirements and cost prior to making plans to live within a fraternity/sorority house.

As part of the Fraternity & Sorority Commons, chapters with houses are permitted to have sophomore residents, provided both chapter meet certain expectations/requirements.

• Chapters wishing to take advantage of this live-off/residential opportunity must be granted the exemption by FSC/Housing.
• Sophomore wishing take advantage of this live-off/residential experience must submit a FSC Housing Waiver Request.

Waiver Request Forms: 

• FSC Housing Waiver - Spring Request
• FSC Housing Waiver - Fall Request 

• Student Living & Learning Housing Application:

  • You are required to complete the Student Living & Learning Housing Application prior to completing the FSC Fall Housing Waiver.

• FSC Member Bursar Billing Agreement:

  • As a second step within the approval process, you are required to complete an FSC Member Bursar Billing Agreement to be eligible for waiver consideration.

• Facility Inspections:

  • Regardless of ownership, Rensselaer, through its partner in Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), inspects all facilities twice a year (both fall and spring active terms) to ensure that houses are safe, conducive to learning, and operating in full compliance with all New York State fire and building codes.

• Dining Plan Availability for Fall, Spring, and Summer Terms:

  • Throughout the fall, spring, and summer terms, a university 5 On-Demand dining plan is available to students living in eligible fraternity/sorority housing.

• Exemption for Summer Live-On Requirement (Arch Pathway):

  • Students who have received an exemption to live within their fraternity/sorority facility during their sophomore year as part of their Arch pathway, and are exempt from the summer live-on requirement, will still be required to carry a 12 On-Demand meal plan for the subsequent summer term.

• Fraternity/Sorority Facility Variations:

  • Fraternity/sorority facilities differ by chapter. Some chapters may provide a full meal plan, while others may not. Some chapters may require members to live in their facility for a specific amount of time, while others do not have such a requirement.

• Fraternity/Sorority Facility Costs:

  • Facility costs vary by chapter and depend on the property style. Costs may include a meal plan and/or additional fees.