I am an incoming student, how do I apply for housing?

Am I allowed to live off-campus?

The University requires all first-year students to live on campus, in a University residence hall, unless they are residing at home.

Upperclassmen may choose to live off-campus. During the application period, they may decline their housing application for the upcoming academic year with no penalties. Once a housing contract is signed, the student must come to our offices and sign off; there are penalties associated with breaking the housing contract. Our offices are located within the Main Building, suite 305.

Am I eligible to live on campus if I am a part-time student?

You must be a full-time, degree-seeking student (as defined by the Academic Code) to be eligible to live on-campus.

Who is housed in the residence halls?

Undergraduate students live in one of 29 single sex residence halls; 15 halls house male students and 14 halls house female students.

What do the residence halls look like?

Each residence hall is unique. Refer to residence hall links which provide information, photos, and a brief history of each hall.

What are the housing rates?

Rates and deposit information may be found on the Student Accounts website at http://studentaccounts.nd.edu/rates/.

Is there a waiting list?

Incoming transfer students, students who take a leave of absence, students who withdraw from the University, or students who currently live off-campus and are considering moving back on campus are placed on a waiting list for housing and are placed as space becomes available. Prior to the beginning of the academic year, these assignments may be very last minute; we encourage you to remain flexible with your housing plans for as long as possible if you want to live on campus. To place yourself on the waiting list, go to inside.nd.edu, then click on HOME UNDER THE DOME in the RESIDENCE LIFE AND HOUSING box on the STUDENT LIFE TAB using Internet Exploer 5.0 or Netscape 7.0. There, you will find links for undergraduate and graduate housing.

Can I request to be assigned to a specific residence hall, room, or roommate?

We will not honor requests for special housing arrangements unless there is a medical need that requires an accommodation. Incoming first-year room assignments are randomly generated by computer. The process helps to accomplish social and geographic diversification within all the residence halls.

For upperclassmen, room picks provide an opportunity to pick a room and roommate(s) for the upcoming academic year. Room picks are done throughout the month of April; contact your Rector for information about your hall’s room pick process.

What if I have allergies or a medical condition that may affect my living situation?

A request must be submitted in writing to the Office of Residence Life and Housing. The request must include medical documentation describing the condition and the necessity for the special request. Click here for our mailing address and fax number. Requests must be received in our office by mid June in order to receive consideration. Requests are reviewed but not guaranteed. After assignments have been released, requests can only be fulfilled if space becomes available.

When will I receive my housing assignment?

Incoming first-year students should receive their housing assignments by mid to late July. Your residence hall’s orientation committee will also contact you in August with specific information about that hall. For additional information about halls and housing assignments click here.

Can I change my room assignment?

The University reserves the right to make changes to room assignments. Room changes may not be made during the first three weeks of the semester. Room changes are a means of last resort, only after all parties have made all efforts at resolving the issues. A student-initiated room change is possible only after a lengthy process of mediation and must be accepted and approved by the Office of Residence Life and Housing in consultation with your Rector. Students may request inter-hall transfers only between semesters (forms available in November) or prior to room picks in April (forms available in March).

I would like more information about my residence hall, when will I hear more?

Each residence hall has a freshmen orientation committee that sends out information specific to each of the residence halls. They also assist first-year students throughout Orientation Weekend, answering questions, checking in first-year students, and providing a helping hand. Refer to our residence hall links which provide information, photos, and a brief history of each hall.

How can I contact my roommate during the summer?

Contact information for first-year students is sent along with the housing contract and room assignments in mid to late July . There will be information about your room assignment along with your roommate(s) name and his/her e-mail address.

Can I get the room dimensions to my room?

Unfortunately we do not have room dimensions available.

I want to buy a rug, what size should I buy?

If you plan to purchase a rug for your room, we recommend an 8x10 or 9x12. Either size will cover a majority of the open area of the floor and still be easy to roll up and take home at the end of the year.

I want to build a loft for my room, what should I do?

If you are considering building a loft, we strongly recommend you wait until you receive information for your hall before making plans. Some halls do not allow first-year students to build lofts and other halls may be fully outfitted with modular furniture which makes lofting a bed very easy.

What type of furniture is in the room?

Each room is outfitted with a student desk, a desk chair, a bed, and a wardrobe unit. Refer to our residence halls; the photos that are available can be extremely helpful in getting a feel for what rooms look like. Visit sites for more than just one hall; there are many great storage and decorating ideas.

What size is my bed?

Most beds are extra-long twin (an 80” mattress).

When can I move in?

A listing of important housing dates can be found on our website.

Can I arrive earlier than the move in date?

There are specific dates and times listed on the link. If you need to arrive early due to placement testing, band tryouts, or for an organized activity, confirm with that department or group to verify you are on their early arrival list. If there are extenuating circumstances that require an early move in, please e-mail our office at orlh@nd.edu and your request will be reviewed.

Can I ship my belongings so they arrive before I do?

If you are having items shipped, make sure they are scheduled to arrive AFTER you check-in. There is no secure area to store packages or shipments that arrive prior to the beginning of the year.

If you are shipping UPS, they may be willing to hold the packages for you at the UPS distribution center located near the South Bend Regional Airport.

What is my mailing address?

You can determine your mailing address by reviewing the appropriate way to address your mail.

Can I bring my pet?

Animals of any kind are prohibited in University owned housing facilities at all times. This policy extends to guests who may also wish to bring pets. The only exception is non-carnivorous freshwater fish in an aquarium (up to 30 gallons).

Is a telephone included in the room?

No telephone is included with your room. However, you have the option of purchasing "Opt-in Phone Service" within the first 4 weeks of the semester. If you choose this option, you must provide your own phone, provided it is not a 2.4 GHz cordless phone (this frequency will disrupt the University's wireless network). There will also be one or more "house phones" in the dorms for all residents to use. Additional information regarding phone service can be found at the Office of Telecommunications website.

What about long-distance service?

Long distance services will not be provided by the University. You can use prepaid calling cards on your dorm's "house phone". If you have purchased the "Opt-in Phone Service", you can use a prepaid calling card or your own long distance plan. Please refer to the Office of Telecommunications website for more information.

Can I install a satellite dish in my room?

Can I get insurance to cover the loss of personal property?

Your parent’s homeowner’s insurance may cover your belongings. If that is not an option, consider purchasing renter’s insurance to protect your possessions. For more information, visit our link at http://orlh.nd.edu/housing/undergraduate/general/insurance.htm.

Can I bring my car?

No first-year student living on campus may possess or rent an automobile unless authorized to do so by the Associate Vice President for Residence Life.

All upperclassmen may have a car; the car must be registered with Notre Dame Security Police (NDSP). Visit their website at http://www.nd.edu/~ndspd/ for more information.

Is parking available?

Yes, there are parking lots designated for student use and are patrolled by Notre Dame Security Police (NDSP). Visit their website at http://www.nd.edu/~ndspd for more information.

Can I bring a bicycle?

Many students find bicycles useful for navigating the campus. Bicycle racks are provided outside of most buildings and students are encouraged to use the racks to lock up their bikes when not in use. Visit the NDSP website for more information on how to register your bicycle.

Is there bicycle storage during the winter?

Visit the NDSP website for more information on how to store your bicycle.

What are other forms of transportation?

There are local cab services and free public transportation from Transpo. Transpo now offers "The Sweep", a route that has pick-up spots around campus (both ND and St. Mary's); for bus route information and shuttle schedules you may visit Transpo's webite or the information desk at LaFortune Center.

How convenient is shopping?

One shopping complex is located approximately six blocks away. Other, larger shopping areas are located approximately five miles away; it is accessible by car or via Transpo Route #7 Notre Dame – U. P. Mall Outbound. Show your Notre Dame I. D. card to the bus driver.

What should I bring with me?

A checklist of what to bring (and what not to bring) can be found here. You can also find this checklist, as well as an outline of campus life and residence hall links by visiting, our incoming student link.