The First-Year Assignment Process

How to Apply

Incoming first-year students apply for housing online through a Web-based application. Instructions for accessing and completing the first-year housing application are provided to students in a brochure included in each student's admissions packet distributed by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. It is important for students to read carefully the instructions for completing the application and to complete the form with thoroughness and accuracy.

• provide personal contact information
• provide emergency contact information
• complete a brief questionnaire concerning their living and study habits

Important: We cannot guarantee roommate or hall mate requests. Since the room assignment process begins on June 25, we cannot honor roommate or hall mate requests after that date. We do not consider suite mate requests.

How the Rooms Are Assigned

First-year assignments are made on the basis of matriculation fee payment dates:

• Students who submit their matriculation fees by May 1 will receive first priority for room assignments. Within this group, room assignments will be determined by a random selection procedure.
   
  
• Students who submit their matriculation fees after May 1 will receive second priority for room assignments. For this group, the order of room assignment will be determined by date of receipt of matriculation fee.

Roommate and hallmate requests are considered if the requests are mutual. Vanderbilt uses a "pull-up" system for considering roommate/hallmate requests: the student higher in the assignment order "pulls up" the student lower in the assignment order to be his or her roommate/hallmate.

Students are assigned to rooms in the traditional first-year residence halls as long as rooms are available. When first-year enrollment exceeds the capacity of the first-year residence hall system, students are assigned to alternative accommodations (such as study rooms on residential floors in first-year or upperclass halls or in other spaces available on campus.) for a few weeks, for a semester, or for the entire first year. Admission to the University does not guarantee assignment to a particular building or type of room.

First-year housing assignments are mailed from the Office of Housing and Residential Education on or about August 1. Each student's specific room assignment, phone number, and mail box number are included. When applicable, the roommate's name and address are also provided. To safeguard students' privacy, housing assignment information is not available by phone.

Admission to the University does not guarantee assignment to a particular type of room. Room assignments are made without regard to race, creed, or national origin.

First-year students seeking suitable furnishings or accommodations for the 2008-09 academic year due to disabilities, medical or psychological conditions or for some other reason should contact the Office of Housing Assignments at (615) 322-2591 or ResEd@vanderbilt.edu. Students will be asked to complete a request form and provide supporting documentation from medical professionals.

Note: The University population is fluid, and demand for housing may change considerably in a relatively short time. It may be necessary to house students in alternative accommodations (such as study rooms on the residential floors) for a few weeks, for a semester, or for the entire first year.

Room Changes