"I’ve lived on campus for two years and am coming back next year.  It is great to be so close to everything – dining halls, classrooms, the rec center.  It’s like a supportive team here – everyone is going through the same things at the same time."
- Kyle, Junior

"I’m friends with all sorts of people that I never would have spoken to in high school.  Living in this hall has taught me to get along with everyone."
- Kim, first year student

Housing Sign-Ups for First Year Students

Out on CampusWelcome to UNH! The Department of Housing always looks forward to welcoming a new group of first-year students and we are excited that you may be among them!

We spend a significant amount of time during the summer months making assignments for the incoming first-year students. The housing assignment is always an area of interest for our students - we hear from many every day that are excited to know where they'll be living and who their roommate(s) will be. We are aware though that this may also be an area of trepidation for our incoming LGBTQ students. We have brainstormed some of the most commonly asked questions. If you have a housing assignment question that you don't see answered, feel free to email us!

amy.whitney@unh.edu
carolyn.ross@unh.edu

About the Housing Process

Q: I am an accepted first-year student and I want to live on campus. How do I sign up?

Through May 1st, you will be able to sign-up for on-campus housing through our website at www.unh.edu/housing. The site will lead you through a log-in process and will then bring you to a secure site that will prompt you for a series of answers regarding your housing and dining preferences.

The site will provide you the opportunity to write in a "Notes" section regarding any circumstances or requests you would like Housing to consider when making assignments. Because the site will not give you an unlimited space for writing, you should use the "Notes" section to give clear and concise information about your situation or needs.

It is important to note that while Housing tries to match the preferences of students, we are not able to make any guarantees.

Q: What is the deadline for signing up for housing ?

In order to be guaranteed housing for the 2006-2007 academic year, you must submit your on-line application and pay your deposit by the deadline of May 1.

Q: I've written in the "Notes" section, now what happens?

As applications are submitted, Carolyn and Amy run reports that allow us to read anything that has been written in the notes section. From there, it really depends on the individual circumstances that are described. It is impossible to give you an exact path that your request takes as each is handled individually.

As mentioned above, we try to match the preferences of students but we are not able to make any guarantees.

While you should provide as much detail as possible (but please write it concisely as you will be limited in the space allowed in the notes section!) there are times when we may need additional information before being able to determine if and how we might be able to help. In that case we will call the student at their home phone number. If you prefer a different method of contact, especially if privacy is a concern, be sure to include an alternative phone number or email address as part of your notes.

Q: I requested a single room. Do you think it's likely I'll get one?

Well, it's hard to say. While most singles are filled by returning students, some single spaces will be available in first-year halls or scattered throughout other halls. There typically not enough singles available for all first-year students who request them. We do encourage you to make that request if it's your preference and explain more about your reason for requesting a single in the notes section. We certainly take need into consideration, although again, we cannot make any promises as availability of single rooms is simply too small to meet the demand.

Q: What buildings do first-year students live-in?

First year students live in almost every residence hall on campus! While there are three halls that house exclusively first-year students (Alexander, Christensen, and Williamson), all other halls are occupied by at least 25% first-years. Regardless of where you are placed, you can count on having other new students who are experiencing similar first-year transition issues. The only hall that does not house first-year students is Mills Hall, a suite-style facility that is available to upper-class students only.

Within the buildings that house our first-year students, they are most often placed in double and built-up triple rooms. A built-up triple is a room that is intended as a double room but during times of over-occupancy is built-up to house three students. Special furniture is placed in those rooms so that space and comfort can be maximized and students are charged a reduced housing rate for the time that they are living in a built-up situation. Our goal is to work with those students over the course of the first semester to provide opportunities to move to double rooms as spaces become available. With about one-third of all first-year students assigned to built-up triples, it is a possibility that you should keep in mind. While built-up triples often sound a bit scary, we actually hear from lots of students who love them and don't want to move out of their built-up triple even when space is available!

Q: I would love to have a LGBTQ friendly roommate. Is that possible?

We would love to try and help you! To get the ball rolling, be sure to include your desire for an LGBTQ friendly roommate in the notes section of your on-line housing application. When we receive information that a student would like an LGBTQ friendly roommate, we will keep track of that request and will pair folks up as best we can. Obviously, the success of this initiative depends on students letting us know that this is their preference. We cannot guarantee that we can pair everyone, but we will certainly try as we learn of students who are interested in such a match.

Q: When will I know where I will be living and who my roommate(s) will be?

Assignments are mailed out in the middle of July and will be sent to you at your permanent address. The assignment letter will include contact information for your roommate(s) and will also provide important dates related to moving in.

Q: What if I have trouble with my roommate or hall environment after I've moved in?

We are committed to working with students who are experiencing roommate conflicts or uncomfortable living situations within their hall. While we are happy to talk with you and help you as best we can, Housing also strongly encourages you to make contact with your Residence Hall Director who can talk with you about your situation and any options that may be appropriate. Your Hall Director is a wonderful resource and ally, in both the good times and the bad, and we hope you will introduce yourself and benefit from that relationship!