Housing Selection FAQ for Returning Students

• Required Intent to Return Phase
• Substance-Free Housing
• Global Connections Housing
• Roommate Group Formation
• Housing Options/Housing Search
• Lottery Times

Required Intent to Return Phase

What is Intent to Return?

This phase lets the Office of Residence Life & Housing know what your plans are for next year. We make decisions based on the number of students who plan to live in Loyola housing, those who plan to live off campus, and those who plan to study abroad. By completing this phase, we understand what kind of communication we need to send you in the future.

What happens if I miss this deadline?

You cannot proceed in the process and will not be able to live with your intended roommates. You may miss the opportunity to live in Loyola housing.  You need to complete this phase and all others on time!

Do I need to complete this phase if I am studying abroad in the approaching academic year?

Yes! All students MUST complete this phase. More information about housing options for the following spring semester will be shared with you when you are abroad.

Do I need to complete this phase if I am going to live off campus?

Yes! All students who plan to move off campus need to complete this phase and let us know your intention to live off campus. This will also give you the opportunity to select a meal plan if you choose to. Just a reminder that once you move off campus, you will be put on the housing wait list if you wish to return to Loyola housing. Students are pulled from the wait list on a space available basis.

Do I need to complete this phase if I am currently living off campus and plan to live off campus next year as well?

Yes! We need you to complete this phase so that we have accurate information for all students. It allows you to select a meal plan if you desire.

Should I complete this phase if I am planning on pursuing other educational opportunities at another school?

Since you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of $600 in order to select housing, we strongly encourage you to consider how definite your plans are.  If you know you are not returning in the fall please choose "I am transferring and not returning to Loyola in the fall" on the Intent to Live On Campus page. If you are unsure but are worried about paying the $600 deposit knowing you will not be refunded if you decide to leave Loyola, we encourage you to speak to your family and make the decision that is right for you.  If you decide to not complete this phase and later want to live on campus, we are always happy to add you to the housing wait list and place you on a space available basis.

How serious is the housing contract?

The housing contract is a legally binding agreement between the student and the University.  It is important that you read and understand its contents BEFORE you agree to it.  If you agree to the contract and later want to back out, there are penalties that are outlined in the Housing Contract. Please think about your choice carefully.  Click here for the current Housing Contract.

Does everyone in my group have to complete this phase, or can I just do it for everyone?

Each individual person complete this phase on their own.  Since you will be updating your emergency contact information, designating a missing person’s contact, selecting a meal plan, paying your deposit, and agreeing to your housing contract, this process must be completed by each individual student.

Why do I need to update my emergency contacts, designate a missing person’s contact and sign up for my meal plan?

We hope we never need to use your emergency contact information, but if we do, we need it to be accurate. By law we are required to ask you who you want us to contact in the case you go missing.  We have you sign up for your meal plan during this phase because it is the only phase where each individual student is logging onto the portal.

What should I do if I am unsure if I plan to live off campus?

We have a plan to accommodate as many students as possible, however in fairness to your fellow Loyola students, we encourage you to make a final decision about living off campus prior to the Phase 1 deadline.  Please keep in mind that once you pay your $600 deposit, it is non-refundable. Additionally, it is important to note that once you move off campus and you wish to return to on campus housing, you will be placed on the housing wait list and will not be eligible to participate in room selection.  If you opt to go through Phase One with the intent of living off campus and decide you prefer to live on campus, please complete a new housing application on RoomRez. 

Do I have to select my meal plan before Phase 1?

Yes!  This year we have incorporated meal plan selection into the housing selection process so it is easier for all students.  You can make changes to the meal plan until the advertised deadline by returning to the portal, selecting meal plan change form under Current Assignment Forms, and changing your selection.  If you have any questions about the meal plan, or want more information, please visit Loyola Dining or email Dining Services. 

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Substance-Free Housing

Why do students usually choose to live in substance free housing?

The college life is one full of decisions and choices.  Many students want a community where alcohol and drugs are not a part of the daily life.  The substance free community is an area where residents have made the commitment that alcohol, drugs, and tobacco are not a part of their college experience and commit to not using these substances or inviting others who have chosen to use these into the community.

What if I do not have any roommates? Can I still live in the substance free community?

Yes! We welcome those in full groups of 4 or 6 as well as single individuals and roommate pairs. We will do our best to house everyone in the housing size they desire.

I am not sure if this community is right for me, is there someone I can talk to about it?

Absolutely! We are happy to connect you with a current resident or staff member who can assist you. Please email residencelife@loyola.edu to get connected.

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Global Connections Housing

What if I do not have any roommates?  Can I still participate in the Global Connections Housing program?

Unfortunately, this housing option is only for incomplete groups of 3 or 5. We will do our best to house everyone in the housing size they desire.

How do I apply?

Complete the Global Connections Application pages during Phase One.  All students are required to complete the first page of the application. If you are interested in participating you may be asked additional questions in the housing application.  Applicants will be contacted before the close of Phase 2 regarding the status of their application.

I am not sure if this housing option is right for me, is there someone I can talk to about it?

Absolutely! We are happy to connect you with Garrison Schmitt, Assistant Director for Housing Operations. Please email Garrison Schmitt to get connected.

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Roommate Group Formation

How many people can be in my group?

Groups can be 2, 4, 6, or 8. We encourage you to form roommate groups that best suits your living style.  But, keep in mind that we have a limited number of each apartment size. Please have a backup plan in case the apartment style you desire is no longer available during your selection time slot.

Do I have to make a group or can I just go “random”?

In order to select housing, you must be part of a group.  Residence Life & Housing will host roommate socials so you can find a group and give opportunities to put up a roommate request online. We encourage you to take part in these processes so you can have a say in where you live.

Help!  I am in a group and need another member OR am a single needing a group!

Don’t worry! You can use the roommate search features in the RoomRez portal.

Who sees what I named my group?

The Office of Residence Life & Housing reviews all information related to group formation including group name.  Please select an appropriate group name.

What happens if I sign up with a group and later decide that I don’t want to live with them anymore?

Selecting the right group can be challenging.  We encourage you to make your decision carefully and make sure you are comfortable living with the whole group.  Once you agree to join your group and your group is given a lottery time, you are locked in and cannot go to another group.  Trust us; it is MUCH easier to have tough conversations about things you might be concerned about now rather than waiting to have these conversations when you are living with each other.

What happens if there are not enough rooms for the size group I want to live with?

Every year we have to reconfigure groups once lottery times come out.  Last year we had to reconfigure dozens of groups of rising sophomores who wanted to be in a group of 6 so it is important that you have a backup plan in case your group is told you need to reconfigure.  Please know that we will contact you as soon as possible to let you know if you need to reconfigure, and we will assist you in making a new group.

There is someone I want to live with, but they are currently on a leave of absence from Loyola. How do I get them in my group?

You can only group with people who are currently active Loyola students OR those that are in a Loyola study abroad program.  Any student who completed Phase One should appear in the roommate search. Any student currently on leave of absence must be "cleared" to return to housing prior to starting Phase One. If your friend has any questions please have them email Garrison Schmitt. 

Can I be in a group with people in class years other than my own?

Yes!  All class years (with the exception of incoming first years) can select to live together.  Please note that your lottery time could be affected by the class years represented in your group.

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Housing Options/Search

Do all housing options cost the same?

Your housing rate does depend on whether you are living in a suite or apartment. For more information, visit the Financial Services, Undergraduate Fees webpage for updated rates.

Which rooms on campus can I select if I am in a group of 2 (or 4 or 6 or 8)?

Click here for a visual of buildings and roommate group capacities.

I am not sure my roommate(s) or I can make it to the housing tours, are floor plans available online?

The Office of Residence Life & Housing would love to offer an accurate floor plan for each space on campus, however at this time, we are not able to do so.

I am a member of the LGBTQPIA+ community, and the binary system may not meet my needs. What should I do?

Residence Life & Housing is committed to working with students on a case-by-case basis to support them and work to meet their housing needs. Please contact Stepf Richie Diaz at sdiaz@loyola.edu or email lgbtqservices@loyola.edu.

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Lottery Times

How are lottery times assigned?

Each student is randomly assigned a lottery number that is associated with a lottery time.  Each group will receive an email that lets them know the groups best lottery time.  Each group will have 15 minutes to log into the Housing Portal and select a room.  10 groups will be selecting at the same time.

I heard that there are ways to get a better lottery time, is that true?

No!  Lottery times are completely random.  Every year students suggest ways to alter the lottery, however a completely random process is the only way to ensure fairness.

I am the group leader but I have class during our allotted selection time, what do I do?

You can send an email to Garrison Schmitt, Assistant Director for Housing Operations and request that another member of your group be deemed the leader, and they will select on behalf of your group. The Office of Residence Life & Housing cannot grant permission to miss class for housing selection.

What order do groups elect rooms?

Rising seniors will select first, rising juniors will select next and finally, rising sophomores will select.

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