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Housing Selection FAQ for Returning Students

Required Residency Intent

What is the Residency Intent?

The Residency Intent Office of Residence Life & Housing know what your plans are for next year. We make decisions based on the number of students who plan to live in Loyola housing, those who plan to live off campus, and those who plan to study abroad. By completing this portion of the application, we understand what kind of communication we need to send you in the future.

What happens if I miss this deadline?

You cannot proceed in the process and will not be able to live with your intended roommates. You may miss the opportunity to live in Loyola housing.

Do I need to complete the Residency Intent if I am studying abroad in the approaching academic year?

Yes! All students MUST complete their Residency Intent. More information about housing options for the following spring semester will be shared with you when you are abroad.

Do I need to complete the Residency Intent if I am going to live off campus?

Yes! All students who plan to move off campus need to complete the Residency Intent and let us know your intention to live off campus. This will also give you the opportunity to select a meal plan if you choose to. Just a reminder that once you move off campus, you will be put on the housing wait list if you wish to return to 91°µÍø housing. Students are pulled from the wait list on a space available basis.

Do I need to complete the Residency Intent if I am currently living off campus and plan to live off campus next year as well?

Yes! We need you to complete the Residency Intent so that we have accurate information for all students. It allows you to select a meal plan if you desire.

Should I complete the Residency Intent if I am planning on pursuing educational opportunities at another school?

If you know you are not returning in the fall please choose "I am transferring and not returning to 91°µÍø in the fall" on the Intent to Live On Campus page. If you are unsure, we encourage you to speak to your family and make the decision that is right for you.  If you choose that you are intending to transfer and later change plans, we are always happy to add you to the housing wait list and place you on a space available basis.

How serious is the housing contract?

The housing contract is a legally binding agreement between the student and the University.  It is important that you read and understand its contents BEFORE you agree to it.  If you agree to the contract and later want to back out, there are penalties that are outlined in the Housing Contract. Please think about your choice carefully.  Click here for the current Housing Contract.

Does everyone in my group have to complete the Residency Intent, or can I just do it for everyone?

Each individual person complete the Residency Intent on their own.  Since you will be updating your emergency contact information, designating a missing person’s contact, selecting a meal plan, and agreeing to your housing contract, this process must be completed by each individual student.

Why do I need to update my emergency contacts, designate a missing person’s contact?

We hope we never need to use your emergency contact information, but if we do, we need it to be accurate. By law we are required to ask you who you want us to contact in the case you go missing.

What should I do if I am unsure if I plan to live off campus?

We have a plan to accommodate as many students as possible, however in fairness to your fellow Loyola students, we encourage you to make a final decision about living off campus prior to the Residency Intent deadline. Additionally, once you designate that you plan to live off campus, you will be placed on the housing wait list and will not be eligible to participate in room selection if your plans change later.  If you select that you intend to live off campus and decide you prefer to live on campus later, please complete a new housing application on RoomRez. 

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Substance-Free Housing

Why do students usually choose to live in substance free housing?

The college life is one full of decisions and choices.  Many students want a community where alcohol and drugs are not a part of the daily life.  The substance free community is an area where residents have made the commitment that alcohol, drugs, and tobacco are not a part of their college experience and commit to not using these substances or inviting others who have chosen to use these into the community.

What if I do not have any roommates? Can I still live in the substance free community?

Yes! We welcome those in full groups of 4 or 6 as well as single individuals and roommate pairs. We will do our best to house everyone in the housing size they desire.

I am not sure if this community is right for me, is there someone I can talk to about it?

Absolutely! We are happy to connect you with a current resident or staff member who can assist you. Please email residencelife@loyola.edu to get connected.

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Global Connections Housing

What if I do not have any roommates?  Can I still participate in the Global Connections Housing program?

Unfortunately, this housing option is only for incomplete groups of 3 or 5. We will do our best to house everyone in the housing size they desire.

How do I apply?

Complete the Global Connections Application pages during Phase One.  All students are required to complete the first page of the application. If you are interested in participating you may be asked additional questions in the housing application.  Applicants will be contacted before the close of Phase 2 regarding the status of their application.

I am not sure if this housing option is right for me, is there someone I can talk to about it?

Absolutely! We are happy to connect you with Garrison Schmitt, Assistant Director for Housing Operations. Please email Garrison Schmitt to get connected.

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Roommate Group Formation

How many people can be in my group?

Groups can be between 2 and 8 people. We encourage you to form roommate groups that best suits your living style.  But, keep in mind that we have a limited number of each apartment size. Please have a backup plan in case the apartment style you desire is no longer available during your selection time slot.

How can I find compatible roommates if I want to form a group?

RoomRez has a roommate search functionn that will allow you to see compatible roommates based on answers to the roommatee questionnaire. Residence LIfe & Housing will also host some roommate socials to allow folks looking to form roommate groups to meet one another.

Who sees what I named my group?

The Office of Residence Life & Housing reviews all information related to group formation including group name.  Please select an appropriate group name but we welcome creative names (our team gets a kick out of them!).

What happens if I sign up with a group and later decide that I don’t want to live with them anymore?

Selecting the right group can be challenging.  We encourage you to make your decision carefully and make sure you are comfortable living with the whole group.  Once you agree to join your group and your group is given a lottery time, you are locked in and cannot go to another group.  Trust us; it is MUCH easier to have tough conversations about things you might be concerned about now rather than waiting to have these conversations when you are living with each other.

There is someone I want to live with, but they are currently on a leave of absence from Loyola. How do I get them in my group?

You can only group with people who are currently active Loyola students OR those that are in a Loyola study abroad program.  Any student who completed their Residency Intent should appear in the roommate search. Any student currently on leave of absence must be "cleared" to return to housing prior to completing their. If your friend has any questions please have them email residencelife@loyola.edu

Can I be in a group with people in class years other than my own?

Yes!  All class years (with the exception of incoming first years) can select to live together.  Please note that your lottery time could be affected by the class years represented in your group.

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Housing Options/Search

Do all housing options cost the same?

Your housing rate does depend on whether you are living in a suite or apartment. For more information, visit the Financial Services, Undergraduate Fees webpage for updated rates.

Which buildingss have rooms that meet the size of my roommate group?

Click here for a visual of buildings and unit capacities.

I am not sure my roommate(s) or I can make it to the housing tours, are floor plans available online?

The Office of Residence Life & Housing would love to offer an accurate floor plan for each space on campus, however at this time, we are not able to do so.

I am a member of the LGBTQPIAA+ community, and the binary system may not meet my needs. What should I do?

Residence Life & Housing is committed to having housing options that meet all student needs. Students can opt into All Gender Housing as a part of the housing application. If you are unsure if this option will meet your individual needs, please reach out to Bern Smith (blsmith2@loyoal.edu).

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Lottery Times

How are lottery times assigned?

Each student is randomly assigned a lottery number that is associated with a lottery time.  Each group will receive an email that lets them know the groups best lottery time.  Each group will have 30 minutes to log into the Housing Portal and select a room.  

I heard that there are ways to get a better lottery time, is that true?

No!  Lottery times are completely random.  Every year students suggest ways to alter the lottery, however a completely random process is the only way to ensure fairness.

I am the group leader but I have class during our allotted selection time, what do I do?

If you are in a roommate group, you can make another member of your group the leader. If you are an individual, contact residencelife@loyola.edu for assistance.

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Contact Us

Residence Life & Housing: 410-617-5081

If you or your student are currently experiencing an emergency, please call Campus Police at 410-617-5911. You may also ask to speak to a member of the Residence Life & Housing On-Call Team.