Graduate Housing Allocation

Allocation Information and FAQ

We hope this site will help you understand the allocation process and feel confident that you have made educated decisions in the housing allocation process.

Key Dates Important Webpages Frequently Asked Questions Housing Allocation is now closed

Key Dates: • March 2008 → Fall Assignments Allocation Process web site opens to accept preferences. • May 16, 2008 → Fall Assignments Allocation Process closes – no further changes or withdrawals will be accepted. • May 23, 2008 → Display and email student assignments. • May 23, 2008 → Second Round assignment process begins - students in the Allocation who did not receive an assignment in the first round may enter the Second Round Allocation. • May 30 , 2008 → First round assignments must be accepted or they are automatically denied and a cancellation fee is incurred. Round 2 closes. • June 30, 2008→ Graduate Housing waitlist opens for those not in the Allocation process.

Important Webpages to Consider: MIT Residences: Gives an overview of each building including rent rates, available room types, floorplans, and other information. Graduate Housing Guide: Everything you need to know about getting into housing, being in housing, and leaving housing. Off-Campus Housing: Just in case you do not receive an assignment through the allocation, the Off-Campus Housing office keeps a list of available long-term rental properties as well as short-term listings, guest houses, and temporary accommodations.

Frequently Asked Questions: Q: I didn't enter the Allocation, but I want MIT Housing for the Fall, what should I do? A: The Waiting List for the fall term will open on June 30, 2008. Please return to the Graduate Housing webpage to apply at that time. More information about the waiting list is available online. Q: What are my chances of getting an assignment? A: It depends on how flexible you are, as well as which room types you're interested in. For detailed information, please look at the histograms of entries to this year's lottery plotted against predicted room availability. In Single Housing we are typically able to house all New students. While we traditionally are unable to house all Continuing single students, with the addition of the new Ashdown building, we anticipate being able to house all Continuing students who are somewhat flexible about their room type assignments. Our ability to house New Families fluctuates, but is typically about 85%. Your chances in Family Housing also varies greatly by the building and apartment type you are interested in. We can typically house all student families who are interested in Westgate Efficiencies and 1-bedroom apartments. We house less than 50% of those students who want Eastgate 1-bedroom apartments. Our ability to house families in 2-bedroom families fluctuates greatly as the demand fluctuates. Please see this year's demand histograms for a current look at this year's demand. Q: If I do not get an assignment in the first round of the allocation, will I automatically be entered in the second round? A: No. Once you have received notice that you did not receive an assignment in the first round, you will have to indicate that you want to be in the second round of the allocation. If you do not indicate that you wish to be entered in the second round of the allocation you will not be included. Q: If I decide not to take part in the second round of the allocation, will I still be charged the $250 fee? A: No, you will not be charged a cancellation fee if you were not assigned housing in the first round and you indicated that you do not wish to take part in the second round of the allocation. Q: What if I miss the Allocation or want an assignment during another part of the year? A:  After the lottery, Graduate Housing maintains a first-come, first-served waiting list.  You can apply on-line through the link on our website: http://web.mit.edu/housing/grad/ beginning at 9AM EST on June 30, 2008. Q: Do I need an MIT ID number to apply to the allocation? A: No. Many incoming students have not received their MIT ID number by the time they apply to the allocation. Q: I need housing beginning in May or June. What do I do? A: You will need to apply for a summer on-campus sublicense in order to have housing early in the summer. You'll also need to apply to the allocation for a permanent assignment, but you can assume that you will not be able to move into your permanent room until July or August. Please make arrangements for a summer sublicense well in advance. Q: Are there co-ed apartments? A: There are limited co-ed apartments.  The policies regarding co-ed apartments are subject to policies of the individual buildings. For more information, please go here. Q: How are roommates assigned? A: When you receive your assignment, you will be given a link to a webpage to sign your electronic license agreement.  Upon submitting this agreement you will also be asked a variety of questions regarding your lifestyle and habits.  We try very hard to pair people with similar habits, but it is not always possible. Note: People assigned to the Warehouse, Eastgate, or Westgate will not be presented with the roommate survey because there are no roommates in these buildings. Q: I want to live with my friend.  Can I do that? A: Maybe, if you both receive an assignment to the same building and room type, but you must let us know early in the assignment process.  When you receive your room type assignment, you will be given a link to a webpage to sign your electronic license agreement.  Upon submitting this agreement you will be presented with a page to indicate preferred move-in date and other information.   You should indicate your preferred roommate on this page.  Your preferred roommate must also indicate that he or she wishes to live with you,  either by putting your name on this form, or if he or she already resides in housing, he or she can send email to graduatehousing@mit.edu letting us know that he wishes to live with you. Q: Can I look at a building before I move in? A: You may contact the House Manager of the building to arrange a tour. It may not be possible to see actual rooms if there are no currently vacant rooms.  You can always see the building common spaces.  Contact information for the House Mangers is found on the Residences webpage and pictures of actual rooms are being added to the building webpages linked from the Residences site. Q: Is there parking on campus? A: Yes, you may purchase a parking permit from the parking office. If you do so you will be allocated parking in one lot on campus, typically near your residence hall.  Note that MIT does not recommend that students bring cars to campus.   You will not be able to use your car for traveling around the MIT campus, only for off-campus purposes. For more information, go to the Parking Office website. Q: Where does my mail get delivered? A: Each apartment on campus receives a mailbox, located in the lobby of each building.  There is a full-service post office in the student center that has post office boxes available for rent, if you so desire. For more information on mail services, please go to the Graduate Housing Guide: mail services . It is very important that you do not send your belongings ahead of you. There is no storage space in the buildings for your packages. Q: I’m married, but my spouse won’t be joining me until halfway through the year.  Am I still eligible for family housing? A: You may only live in family housing when your spouse is here with you.  In the meantime, you will have to live in single housing, and join the waiting list for family housing or apply to the November Allocation.  Your spouse may not live with you in single housing, so make sure you plan ahead and apply to move well in advance. Q: I have special needs.  How can I arrange for assistance with housing? A: Fill out the Supplemental Request Form and indicate what accommodation you need in housing.  We will work with you to find the resources needed to ensure a suitable living environment.  The earlier you submit a request for assistance, the more flexible we can be in meeting your needs.

Last Updated May 31, 2008 Help/FAQ • graduatehousing@mit.edu