Unique Housing Options for Students
all-gender housing Themed living communities living & learning communities focus floor alcohol-free communities accommodations & special considerations
All-gender housing
Residence Life strives to create safe and welcoming communities where all students are respected and included. We recognize that traditional housing options do not meet all students' needs, in particular regarding a student's gender identity or gender expression. Residence Life offers the following housing options:
- Single-Gender: A floor designated for students of the same gender,
where rooms are shared by roommates of the same gender. - Mixed-Gender: A floor designated for students of any gender,
where rooms are shared by roommates of the same gender. - All-Gender: A floor designated for students of any gender,
where rooms are shared by roommates of any gender.
Residence Halls have the following gender options on at least one floor:
- Bowman-Carter Hall: single-gender
- Dows Hall: single-gender, mixed-gender
- Pauley-Rorem Hall: single-gender, mixed-gender
- Pfeiffer Hall: single-gender, mixed-gender, all-gender
- Tarr Hall: single-gender, mixed-gender
- Merner Hall: single-gender, mixed-gender, all-gender
- Olin Hall: single-gender, mixed-gender, all-gender
- Pfeiffer Hall: mixed-gender, all-gender
- Russell Hall: mixed-gender, all-gender
- Wilch Apartments: mixed-gender, all-gender
- 10th Ave Apartments: mixed-gender, all-gender
Summer Housing Notice: A building's gender offerings may change depending on the needs of the summer students.
Incoming students
After submitting their deposit, incoming students are able to self-identify their opinion on the housing preference from. Students interested in a roommate of a different gender (all-gender room) should contact their Admission counselor or contact Residence Life to explore options.
Returning students
Returning upperclass students have expanded freedom to live with a roommate of their choosing, regardless of the genders involved. This happens during the room selection process.
Caution regarding romantic relationships
Residence Life does not recommend romantic partners, regardless of gender identity, choose to live together. There is a historically high conflict rate in this type of room.
Themed living communities
Themed Living Communities (TLC) are for first-years who share a common interest. This offers a starting topic to bond over and can lead to strong friendships through similar classes or clubs. The student Resident Assistant for the floor is selected with the interest topic in mind. Related student organizations may have a noticeable presence on these floors due to increased membership among the residents. Students indicate interest in a TLC on their housing preference from after submitting their deposit.
Gender Inclusive
The Gender Inclusive community invites students seeking neighbors who are members of or advocates for individuals relating to topics such as gender, sexual orientation, LGBTQIA, and other identities. Students work together to foster a welcoming and supportive space for their neighbors and guests.
Arts
The Arts community invites students who want to explore the role of the arts in their academic careers and how it defines their personal identities. Students share their passion and curiosity for all forms of art.
STEM
The STEM community invites students interested in enrolling in a science, technology, engineering, or medicine major. Students support each other in achieving academic and personal success within these areas and may help each other explore complimentary majors and/or minors.
Living and learning communities
Living & Learning Communities (LLCs) are for upperclass students and serve as a focused program to create an environment where students can dig deeper into a topic, hobby, or cause with their closest peers. Students pick their own topic and a majority of their own neighbors.
Focus floor
The Focus floor is for upperclass and a limited number of first-year students. This floor invites students who value a focused, respectful, and quieter living environment. Neighbors commit to being mindful of how their actions impact neighbors and to helping create a community conducive to study, rest, and personal success. While the floors above and below are not focus floors, Residence Life will do their best to minimize disruptions to the floor.
Alcohol-free communities
First-year floors with students under the age of 21, and other floors with a majority first-year students, are alcohol-free. While year-to-year floor populations can vary, generally the following areas can be expected to be alcohol free unless notified otherwise by Resident Assistant staff:
- All floors in Dows Hall
- All floors in Pauley-Rorem Hall
- All floors in Tarr Hall
- Pfeiffer Hall floors with many first-years
- Bowman-Carter floors with many-first years
Learn about our alcohol policies for students of any age.
Accommodations and special considerations
Requesting special consideration
The Office for Disability Services works with students to request a residential accommodation. Every effort is made to meet students' special needs within our housing system and dining service plan using available alternatives.
Examples of housing-related considerations
Though not an exhaustive list, the most common requests we receive include:
- A residence hall with an elevator
- A residence hall with an accessible washroom
- A room with air condition
- A single bedroom
- Smaller meal plan
- A support cat/dog
Temporary medical conditions
Temporary medical conditions (such as select injuries, surgeries, or illnesses) are likely not considered a disability. However, any student with a temporary condition who may wish to have special consideration is encouraged to contact Residence Life to explore any available options such as a temporary space on a lower floor or in a different building.
Students with temporary medical conditions who wish to explore alternate parking options should refer to Campus Safety's Student Parking Regulations.