10 Things to Keep in Mind When Applying for Housing

Work closely with your parents/guardians to make the housing choices that are right for you. The requests you make on your contract will help determine your housing so please fill it out completely and thoroughly.
Submit your housing contract as soon as possible. Assignments are made based on the date contracts are received. This means that students with earlier contract dates are more likely to receive their requested assignment. Keep in mind however that no assignments are guaranteed. Be sure to read through the Terms of Agreement prior to submitting your Housing Contract. All Housing Contracts must be submitted on-line. For complete information on how to submit a Housing Contract, please click here.
Be sure that your housing deposit is paid. No assignment will be made until the deposit is paid, regardless of the contract date. If you have deposited $250 to confirm your enrollment as a Resident Student at RMU, then your housing deposit is paid. Deposits may be paid on-line through E-Pay when you submit your Housing Contract or by credit card by calling 412-397-2450. If you are unsure if you have paid this deposit, please feel free to contact Residence Life to confirm your deposit status.
If you are requesting a particular roommate, be sure that he/she has also requested you on his/her contract. He/she must also have paid a housing deposit in order for any assignment to be made. Keep in mind that the earlier you both submit contracts and deposits, the more likely we will be able to accommodate your requests.
If you have been working with an athletic coach during your enrollment process, he/she may be requesting that Residence Life house you with a fellow teammate. Be sure to check with your coach to ensure that you are aware of his/her expectations of team members. Keep in mind that student requests will be considered before requests made by the coaching staff.
When a specific roommate is not requested, roommates are paired based on academic major and roommate questionnaires where possible. Students who are requesting a “random” roommate are advised to complete a roommate questionnaire on-line at www.rmu.edu/residencelife (Click on Future Students and then Roommate Questionnaire). These surveys are not required for housing but are offered as an opportunity for students to have more input into their roommate assignment. Please note that roommate questionnaires received after June 1st may not be able to be fully considered as the assignment process will already be in progress. Keep in mind that these surveys, although helpful in pairing roommates, are not a guarantee for a perfect living situation. You will need to communicate effectively and keep an open mind throughout your roommate relationship. Residence Life is also here to help should you need advice or assistance in establishing a healthy living situation. Please keep in mind that no attempt will be made to honor requests for roommates based on race, religion, or disability.
Specific information regarding buildings which house first year students is available on-line. There are a number of options available to first year students including traditional, suite-style, and quiet study housing facilities. Again, assignments are made based on contract date so please be sure to turn in your contract as soon as possible. To view this information, please click here.
Meal plan information is available on-line. Please note that first year students must choose either the Revolutionary plan or the Patriot plan. If you submit your Housing Contract with another meal plan selected, Residence Life will automatically default you to the Patriot plan. To view the meal plan information, please click here.
Once housing assignments have been made, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to make changes. Please be sure that you submit any information regarding special requests or housing preferences with your housing contract. Remember, once you arrive on campus and get settled, there will be a room change period which will allow you to make changes to room with some of the new friends you will make here at RMU!
Assignment letters will be sent on a rolling basis beginning in mid-July. This letter will contain helpful information about move-in dates and times, your building assignment and contact information for your roommate(s).