Questions and Answers

2008-2009 Residence Hall Room Assignment Process For Current Residents

This is an exciting time to be on the Illinois State University campus with the number of renovation and construction projects in progress. However, the planned demolition of Dunn-Barton and Walker Halls while Manchester Hall is being renovated has resulted in a one-year reduction of residence hall space that has prompted a review of the residence hall room assignment process.

The pieces of the occupancy picture for fall semester 2008 have to come together in such a way that in order to ensure there is enough space for freshmen and sophomore students who are required to live on campus, it was necessary to revamp the room assignment process. This revision significantly impacts upper level residents who would like to live in the residence halls next year. We hope the following information will answer any questions you may have about the room assignment process.

Q: I am a freshman this year. Because of changes in the room assignment process due to the Long Range Housing and Dining plan, can I live off-campus next year?

A:  The On-Campus Housing Policy which requires first- and second-year students to live in the residence halls is still in effect. Students who think their circumstances may warrant an exception may apply for an exemption to the policy. Refer to the Rights and Responsibilities section of our web site for information about the policy and the exemption request process (http://www.housing.ilstu.edu/rights_responsibilities/exemption.shtml).
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Q: Why do freshmen and sophomores get priority over everybody else?

A: While we know that residence hall living benefits students of all ages and class levels, it is especially important for freshmen and sophomores. The University requires students who have been out of high school for less than two years and have fewer than 60 credit hours to reside in University residence halls. In order for students to fulfill that requirement, we needed to ensure that space is available for them.
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Q:  I will be a junior next year but my brother/sister will only be a sophomore.  Can I live on campus with him/her?

A:  Because you are an upper level student, we cannot guarantee that space will be available for you. You may submit an on line application which we will keep on file through the summer. If space becomes available we will make offers to students based on when we received their on line application.

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Q: I’ve lived on campus my first three years at ISU. Can I stay for my senior year?

A:  We are happy that you enjoyed residence hall living for three years. Because of changes in the room assignment process due to the Long Range Housing and Dining plan, we cannot guarantee that space will be available for you, as a senior. You may submit an on line application which we will keep on file through the summer. If space becomes available we will make offers to students based on when we received their on line application.
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Q:  I will be a senior next year and only need housing for one semester. Can I live in the halls for fall semester only?

A:  We cannot guarantee that residence hall space will be available for you and other upper level students. You may submit an on line application which we will keep on file through the summer. If space becomes available we will make offers to students based on when we received their on line application.
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Q:  Is it more expensive to live off-campus?

A:  We understand that finances are a concern for both on- and off-campus students. We recommend that you contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss your financial concerns and possible options. We also recommend a comprehensive search of off-campus housing options to see which best matches your financial situation. A listing of off-campus property managers is available on the “Off-Campus Services” section of the Dean of Students web site, http://www.deanofstudents.ilstu.edu/help/offcampus_housing/index.shtml. You may also want to check out the Vidette which typically contains numerous ads for off-campus apartments.
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Q: Will my financial aid cover living off-campus?

A: We urge you contact the Financial Aid Office (ph: 438-2231) as soon as possible to discuss your questions concerning financial aid. Information concerning off-campus living and financial aid is included in the “FAQ” on the Financial Aid Office’s web site (http://www.financialaid.ilstu.edu/faq/faq.aspx?fID=LF20070024).
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Q:  What if I work on campus and need to live on campus?

A: You are urged to submit an on line application as soon as possible and to explain your situation in the space provided on that form. If space becomes available, we will make offers to students based on when we received their on line application. Please keep in mind that, although living on campus may be more convenient, very few jobs require it.
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Q: How can I find out about off-campus apartments?

A: A listing of off-campus property managers is available on the “Off-Campus Services” section of the Dean of Students web site, http://www.deanofstudents.ilstu.edu/help/offcampus_housing/index.shtml. You may also want to check out the Vidette which typically contains numerous ads for off-campus apartments.
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