Incoming First-Year: How to Apply

Housing Contract Dates

Jan 2, 2025 | RIT Housing contracts open

• Incoming first-year students can complete a contract then search and select a roommate. Once the contract is complete, incoming first-year students may begin their search for a roommate.

May 1, 2025 | Admissions deposit and Special Interest Housing deadlines

• Deadline to pay the admissions deposit for Regular Decision admissions.
• Deadline to apply for Special Interest Housing in order to be considered for fall membership. Essays are accepted in the myLife portal.

May 13, 2025 | Deadline to complete an RIT housing contract in order to self-select

• In order to self-select a room during room selection, incoming first-years must complete an RIT housing contract by the determined deadline. This deadline is also for linking with a self-selected roommate. 
• All incoming first-year students coming directly from high school are guaranteed RIT housing. Students who complete a contract after the deadline or do not self-select during room selection will be assigned a room and roommate by the RIT Housing staff.

May 23, 2025 | Deadline for DSO accommodations 

• RIT Housing must receive accommodation approvals by May 23, 2025 from the Disability Services Office in order for those students to be able to participate in the Room Selection process.

There are three ways to search for a roommate in the myLife portal. Before searching for a roommate, keep in mind: 

• Only students who have completed a 2025-2026 RIT housing contract will be available in the pool of available roommates. 
• Sending a request to a student to be a roommate will automatically form a roommate group. If the requested student accepts the request, that student will automatically be joined to the group. 
• The option to delete a group is available throughout the process. 
• A student can return to the portal to search for roommates up until the deadline. As more students complete their RIT housing contracts, the list of available roommates grows. 

Search and Select Roommates Date

May 13, 2025 | Deadline to complete an RIT housing contract in order to self-select

• In order to self-select a room during room selection, incoming First-years must complete an RIT housing contract by the determined deadline. This deadline is also for linking with a self-selected roommate. 
• All incoming first-year students coming directly from high school are guaranteed RIT housing. Students who complete a contract after the deadline or do not self-select during room selection will be assigned a room and roommate by the RIT Housing staff.

To self-select your room, begin by following the instructions below:

• Navigate to the myLife portal when it is your appointment day and time.
• Click on the Housing Application icon
• Select 25-26 academic year
• Click on ROOM SELECTION: ROOM SELECTION will be located on the left menu bar.

  This page will have two filter options – Room Types and Buildings.

  Select specific housing to view spaces

  A list of available bed spaces will populate

  Triples and quads are available again in the residence halls for freshmen who would like to live with more than one roommate.

  Show Room Info link on spaces– provides information on the room including If a student is already assigned to a space the RIT Username and profile will be displayed. Go Back button can be used to return to search.

• ADD TO CART function:

  You can pick up to 5 different selections to add to your cart at a time. Note that there is a 5-minute time limit to have these items in your cart. You can add/remove selections from your cart.

• SELECT A BED SPACE function:

  Navigate to bottom of Room Selection page and select CONTINUE TO SELECT BED SPACE

  Click on drop down box to assign yourself

  Assign roommate at this time if applicable

  Click on SELECT BED SPACE to confirm

• Finalize Room Assignment:

  Must click on MAKE ROOM ASSIGNMENT to finalize selection

• Room Swap Option:
  

  There is an option to change your assignment during the room selection process

  The last day to change your assignment will be 11:59 pm the Sunday after your appointment time.

  This is done on an individual basis

  Navigate to NEXT STEPS

  Drop down box – ROOM SWAP

Any member of your roommate group can assign the group members. Students not in a roommate group – you will assign yourself to a space. Only the student that selects the bed space(s) with receive an email confirmation  All students can view their assignment in My Assignments Under Fall 25-26 Room Assignments.

Select a Room Dates

May 28, 2024 | Room selection appointments are emailed

• Students should check their RIT email for the date and time that they will be able to select their room. Their appointment confirmation email will have details on how to select a room. This appointment is the earliest that they may visit the myLife portal to select a room. Appointments are assigned based on the order in which the student's tuition deposit is paid. Those who paid earlier will have early appointments. Roommates who are grouped will have the same appointment.

June 11 - June 26, 2024 |  Students with appointments can self-select rooms in the myLife portal

• Each student will have a specific date and time to visit the myLife portal and select their room. Students may select a room even if they do not select a roommate.