By Sophia Raspanti
Thinking of sharing your room with a friend? What about sharing a suite? If you find yourself wondering how roommate groups work, you’re in the right place.
Wait. What’s a Roommate Group?
A roommate group is a group of students that consists of 2-8 people who wish to be assigned together. If you’re planning on creating a group with more than two students (think: suite), you can also assign your preferred roommate, the student with whom you intend to share a bedroom.
Are there any perks to joining a roommate group?
Absolutely! If you are a part of a roommate group, only one student from the group is required to assign housing for the entire group. That means that if all the students in the group have different timeslots, the person with the earliest timeslot can pick housing for everyone. This gives you a better chance to find your preferred location.
Ok, I’m sold. How do I make a roommate group?
While you are filling out your priority housing application, there is a page designated to roommate groups. One person will create a group name and password. This person is designated as the “group leader”. Next, all students wishing to be a part of the group will fill in the group name and password within their application as well. If you’re living in a group with more than 2 people, there is also a box for you to distinguish your preferred roommate as well.
Note: It’s very important to select a group name and password, because this is the only way you and your roommate and suitemates will be linked together. The password is case-sensitive, so check, check, and double-check your submission! Additionally, to assign housing for the group, all members need to have submitted their application by the priority deadline.
My best friend is planning to transfer here. Can I include them in my group?
Unfortunately, incoming transfer students cannot be included in your roommate group. This is because they have not been accepted into the University by the time the priority application closes. Additionally, you may not create a roommate group with incoming first-year students, as they have not been accepted to the university by the housing application deadline and will live in designated first-year residence halls. Finally, due to state and university policy, you may not create a co-ed roommate group.
Wait. I already submitted my application and didn’t add myself to a roommate group. What should I do?
Don’t worry! You can make changes to your roommate group after submitting the housing application. Simply access your application and add (or remove) yourself from your group. You may edit your arrangements up until the room assignment period. Once you’ve been assigned a room, you may no longer make changes.
Room assignments start today! What should I do now?
If you are a part of a roommate group, only one person is needed to assign housing for everyone within the group. This does not necessarily need to be the “group leader”: anyone can do it! Once you’ve found a bedroom and assigned yourself and the other members, you’re good to go!
