Housing Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is there a deadline for applying for housing?
  2. Do I have to sign a new Housing Occupancy Agreement for the spring semester?
  3. Is housing available during break?
  4. How likely is it that I'll get my first choice of residence hall?
  5. How can I insure that I get to room with the person of my choice?
  6. How many people are assigned to a room?
  7. When will I find out my room assignment?
  8. Can the Housing Occupancy Agreement be cancelled?
  9. Where do I go to check-in?
  10. What do I need to do if I want to switch rooms/halls? What if my roommate and I don't get along?
  11. When will I get the key/OneCard to my room?
  12. Do the doors to the residence hall get locked at a certain time each night?

Is there a deadline for applying for housing?

No, the housing application is accepted on a rolling basis. 

Do I have to sign a new Housing Occupancy Agreement/Application for the spring semester?

No. The Housing Occupancy Agreement/Application that you sign is for the academic year (fall and spring semesters). When you sign the agreement, you are expected to live in campus housing for the full academic year.

Is housing available during break and vacation times?

The residence halls stay open during the Thanksgiving Break. During the other vacation times, the residence halls are closed students can apply for housing during the winter break, spring break, and summer sessions. 

How likely is it that I'll get my first choice of residence hall?

Since we assign housing based on housing deposit receipt date, the earlier you submit it the more likely you are to be assigned to your first choice residence hall. However, since this may not always be possible, be sure to rank your other choices so that we can place you into a preferred location on campus if your first choice isn't available.

How can I ensure that I get to room with the person of my choice?

As a new student the best strategy is to send your housing deposit in early, both student housing deposits get sent in at the same time, and that both students request each other. While we cannot guarantee that you will be roommates due to potential space limitations, you will be placed together if possible.

How many people are assigned to a room?

Most rooms on our campus are designed for double occupancy, although there are a limited number of both singles and designed triples. Due to the increasing demand for on-campus housing, incoming freshman and transfer students are assigned into expanded occupancy rooms. The expanded occupancy means that a third person is assigned to a double occupancy room. The expanded occupancy assignments are designed as a temporary solution to over-subscription for housing, but can last as long as a semester. Housing and Residential Services and Student Support Services offices work to assist students during this time of adjustment, helping them to develop roommate agreements and to provide advice and support if conflicts arise. Additionally, furniture (bed, mattress, desk and chair, and dresser) is added to the room to best utilize space (although there are only two closets to a room).

When will I find out my room assignment?

Room assignments for new freshmen and transfer students are made during the summer. Housing and Residential Services will notify you in writing in late July or early August of your room assignment and provide you with contact information for your roommate.

Can the Housing Occupancy Agreement be cancelled?

Yes. If for some reason you and your family decide prior to the start of the semester to make alternate plans, you may cancel your Housing Occupancy Agreement. 

Incoming Freshman and/or Transfer students must notify Housing and Residential Services in writing that you wish to cancel your Housing Occupancy Agreement by August 10th. If received after August 10th and before the opening day of the residence halls you will forfeit the $150 deposit and be assessed a $150 cancellation charge.

Returning students must also contact Housing and should refer to the following:

  • April 15 or before: No Penalty
  • April 16 - June 30: $50 cancellation charge and loss of deposit
  • July 1 - July 31: $150 cancellation charge and loss of deposit
  • August 1 - Opening: $250 cancellation charge and loss of deposit

Once you have occupied your room assignment (as defined by the Housing Occupancy Agreement), you may only cancel your room assignment under the terms defined in the Housing Occupancy Agreement Release/Cancellation section of the Housing Occupancy Agreement.

Where do I go to check-in?

When you receive your room assignment in July or August, the letter will include information about move-in dates and will specify a check-in location and directions to the check-in site.

What do I need to do if I want to switch rooms and/or halls? What if my roommate and I don't get along?

While we hope that you and your roommate will work together to establish a healthy roommate relationship, students do occasionally want to change rooms or halls. Once students receive their assignment during the summer, they must wait until the third week of the semester to begin requesting room changes with their Building Director, which are made on a space available basis. Students should see their RA for help if they are having roommate problems to explore their options.

When will I get the key/OneCard to my room?

Resident students will be issued either keys or their OneCard that will operate their room door, depending upon their residence hall assignment. Aubuchon, Russell, Herlihy and Mara Village are all operated by card-access, and the students' OneCard will be programmed to open their suite, room and front doors. Students in the Apartments and Cedar Street House will be issued keys and a OneCard. Returning students will use their same OneCard from the previous academic year(s). Regardless of where they live, students are expected to carry their Fitchburg State OneCard and, if appropriate, their keys with them at all times - as entrance doors to all buildings are kept locked 24 hours a day. Also, to maintain security, students are encouraged to keep their suite and room doors locked at all times.

Do the doors to the residence hall get locked at a certain time each night?

The doors to the residence halls are locked 24 hours a day. Residents of the building are provided with either a front door key/OneCard (depending upon which building they live in) that gives them access to the building, so they can come and go as they please. Students' OneCards only access the front door(s) of the residence halls they are assigned to live in.