Housing Lottery FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions about the Housing Lottery System
PLEASE NOTE: The FAQs listed below apply only to current students. All new students will submit an application and a deposit but will be placed by the Office of Residence Life.
How Do I Apply and Submit My Deposit for Housing?
Visit the Apply for Housing webpage and complete the application through eRezLife. You may make your deposit through Self-Service. You may also view the presentation that is emailed to current students with housing selection information.
When Are My Housing Application and Deposit Due?
For Fall 2021, applications and deposits for current students are due by April 6 at 12 PM.
How Does the Housing Selection Process Work?
Once you apply and submit your deposit, the Office of Residence Life will place everyone who submitted by the deadline in a tier. A tier is based on the number of semesters you have lived on campus and the number of your completed credits. Once all students have been placed in a tier, they are randomly ranked within 12 tiers using computer software. Using the information on housing applications and the random rankings, the Office of Residence Life will create housing assignments.
Can I Choose Who I Want to Live With?
Current students must name who they want to live with on their housing applications. The Office of Residence Life will use mutual requests only when placing students. You must provide first and last names. For example, if you are in Tier 1 and you want to live in the apartments with your friend, Jane Doe who is in Tier 3, this will be fine. The Office will honor the request of anyone listed on the person with the Tier 1 selection’s application. Please note that only those who have met all deadlines are able to be placed during the initial housing selection rounds.
Is My Housing Deposit Refundable?
No. All housing deposits are non-refundable.
What Room/Building Options are Available to Me?
All students beyond their first year may live in any of the three residence halls (based on availability). When completing the housing application, students will rank their building preferences, along with room type preference (double, single, triple). Please note that there are no guarantees that students will receive their first preference. Due to COVID-19, room options may change and fewer rooms may become available based on City of Philadelphia guidelines and how the virus progresses. The Office of Residence Life will keep students informed so that they are aware of any changes.
Which Meal Plan Should I Choose?
All students in St. Joseph Hall and Stevenson Lane Residence are required to have a meal plan. Garden Residence meal plans are optional. Current students may choose from a range of meal plan options, which can be found on the Room and Board Rates webpage.
How Much Does Housing Cost?
Please visit Room and Board Rates to view rates for the upcoming year. Depending on individual situations including financial aid and scholarships, some students' costs may be different from others. Students should review their Self-Service accounts to be sure of their account status. The Office of Residence Life does not have access to students' financial accounts and therefore cannot advise on costs for those choosing to live on campus.
For more information, please contact Residence Life at reslife@holyfamily.edu.