General FAQs
Am I eligible to live on campus if I am a part-time student?
You must be a full-time, degree-seeking student (as defined by the Academic Code) to be eligible to live on campus.
I am going to be a fifth-year senior next year. Where can I live?
Fifth year undergraduate students, including those in five-year Notre Dame programs such as in the School of Architecture or Reilly dual degree program, are not eligible to participate in residence hall room picks. If fifth year students who have completed four years of a five year Notre Dame undergraduate program (Architecture or Reilly) would like to live in on-campus residence halls, they have three options. First, they are welcome and encouraged to complete a waitlist housing application. The waitlist housing application for the fall semester is typically available in April with a priority submission deadline of late June or early July. Second, these students are also welcome to apply for Resident Assistant positions in the undergraduate residence halls. To learn more information about the hiring timeline and process, please visit our Student Employment webpage on the Resident Assistant position. Finally, unlike other undergraduate students, these fifth year students are eligible to reside in Fischer Graduate Residences, which are two-bedroom apartments located on-campus and managed by Bradley Company. To apply to live in the Fischer Graduate Residences, please complete the Bradley Company "Contact Us" form to submit your inquiry.
What are the housing rates?
Rates can be found on the Student Accounts website.
Can I elect to live in a single room?
Residence halls are a “point of entry” for introduction into the broader University culture, and first-year students are required to live on campus in residence halls with at least one randomly assigned roommate. This practice encourages first-year students to develop a shared sense of responsibility and to cultivate a capacity to live with people of all backgrounds. It also helps students to develop points of connection within their residence hall; to utilize support, help, and resources for themselves and others by consulting with hall staff; to resolve differences; to demonstrate ownership and accountability for their behavior; and to grow as active participants in Christian community. As such, first-year students may not request to live in, and are not allowed to transfer into, single rooms.
Consistent with the continued formation created in residential life, sophomores and juniors, beginning with the incoming class of 2018 (graduating class of 2022), will be required to live on campus. These students can make more choices about their living arrangements, and can select their roommate(s) along with the rooms and sections where they live. Seniors can choose rooms in groups, which can mean picking neighboring rooms together. This allows students to move as a group and to celebrate – and model – the community and friendship they have formed over time at Notre Dame.
The University’s room pick process is a seniority-based lottery system through which current students renew and elect their University housing and room assignments for the following academic year. Room picks are held in the spring semester and students are first allowed to participate in the room pick process during the spring of their first year, when they renew and elect the housing and room assignments that they will enjoy during their sophomore year. Students may also elect to submit an application to float for a single when renewing housing for the following year or semester. Students are first allowed to float for a single during the spring of their first year, when they select their room assignment for their sophomore year.
Students requesting housing accommodations should note that each hall has a limited number of single rooms. Singles are in high demand and are typically reserved for seniors who have chosen to live on-campus, and at times may be available to other upperclass students based on seniority.
The University recognizes the importance of providing reasonable accommodations in its residential life policies and practices where necessary for students with disabilities to use and enjoy the University’s residence halls. Learn more about the Housing Accommodations Process through Sara Bea Accessibility Services here.
What if I have allergies or a medical condition that may affect my living situation?
Students who have a disability or allergies that may affect their living situation should contact Sara Bea Accessibility Services at (574) 631-7157. A request including medical documentation must be submitted to be considered for a housing accommodation. To ensure adequate time to process requests, students should submit supporting documentation by the deadline stated on their particular housing application. After the deadline, requests can only be fulfilled if space becomes available.
Can I change my room assignment?
The University reserves the right to make changes to room assignments. Room changes may not be made during the first three weeks of the semester. Room changes are a means of last resort, only after all parties have made all efforts at resolving the issues. A student-initiated room change is possible only after a lengthy process of mediation and must be accepted and approved by Residential Life in consultation with your rector. Students may request a hall transfers only between semesters (applications available in October) or prior to room picks in April (applications available in February).
I would like more information about my residence hall, when will I hear more?
Each residence hall has a Welcome Weekend committee that sends out information specific to each of the residence halls. They also assist first-year students throughout Welcome Weekend, answering questions, checking in first-year students, and providing a helping hand.
How can I contact my roommate during the summer?
First-year students who complete their housing application and contract will receive their room assignment, along with the name of their roommate(s) and roommate(s) email address(es) in early July. Assigned roommates are encouraged to reach out to one another to begin the process of developing a relationship and planning for the room.
Can I bring a bicycle?
Many students find bicycles useful for navigating the campus. Bicycle racks are provided outside of most buildings and students are encouraged to use the racks to lock up their bikes when not in use. Visit the Notre Dame Security Police (NDSP) website for more information on how to register your bicycle and to learn more about storing your bicycle during the winter.
What are other forms of transportation?
There are local cab services and free public transportation from Transpo. Transpo now offers "The Sweep," a route with pick-up spots around campus (both Notre Dame and St. Mary's); for bus route information and shuttle schedules you may visit Transpo's webite.
How convenient is shopping?
One shopping complex is located approximately six blocks away. Other, larger shopping areas are located approximately five miles away; it is accessible by car or via Transpo Route #7 Notre Dame – U. P. Mall Outbound. Show your Notre Dame I. D. card to the bus driver.