Ithaca College is a residential campus with a three-year on campus residency requirement. You are required to live on campus for your first-year, sophomore, and junior years.
Welcome to IC!
You are an important member of our residential community and we are glad you joined us on campus!
Find Where You'll Thrive
First-year students are typically placed in The Quads, Terraces, or East Tower, where our theme-based living communities help create a strong sense of belonging from day one.
New transfer students join the broader campus community in The Quads, Terraces, West Tower, or available spaces in Circle and Garden Apartments.
On-Campus Living Expectation
First-Year Students
Housing assignments are set up over the summer after you sign your Housing Agreement and submit your housing preferences.
As a new first-year student, you will be part of our theme-based living program.
The specific housing designated for first-years (areas of campus, room types, and the number of available spaces) varies each year.
Transfer Students
New incoming transfer students typically live with other upper year IC students in traditional double rooms and our RLCs including our Transfer Community. If there are any remaining single rooms or spaces in shared apartments, these are available as well.
The specific housing designated for transfers (areas of campus, room types, and the number of available spaces) varies each year. New transfer students who believe they may be exempt from living on campus (according to the criteria outlined in the residence/off-campus policy) should contact the Office of Residential Life.
Setting Up Your Housing
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Each year at the start of the housing selection process, you will be auto-prompted to sign your housing agreement. If you are under 18 at the time, a co-signature of a parent or legal guardian will also be required.
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Submit your housing preferences on the Housing Portal by selecting the "Housing Selection" menu item. The first time you select this button, you will be auto-prompted to submit your preferences. This will include updating emergency contact information and privacy settings, answering several roommate matching questions, Theme and RLC rankings, and room type preference (such as a double room).
This step must be completed before you may create a roommate group or accept/decline a roommate invitation.
You may revise your preferences on the Housing Portal as well by selecting the "Update Preferences" button. -
It is common to worry that that you and your roommate will not be compatible. Finding someone who is a "perfect match" before finalizing your housing preferences or roommate request may feel overwhelming. Do not worry! The simple fact is that the majority of students in our residence halls get along with their roommate(s) regardless of how they became roommates.
The process of finding a roommate can be a great way to meet other Ithaca College students and expand your group of friends. Sharing your roommate matching questions or connecting on social media may spark friendships even if you don't become roommates.
Having things in common with your roommate may seem important, but having differences can often make a roommate relationship even more rewarding. Talk together about living habits and things that are important to each of you to help set the foundation for a positive experience. No one is perfect and all shared living situations involve compromise.
Roommate Search Resources
- Meet your future classmates on the ZeeMee app, see what’s happening at IC, and get the inside scoop from current students. You can also take the roommate quiz to determine your compatibility with other IC ZeeMee users, and directly message your top “matches” to see about possibly rooming together.
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Ithaca College has an open housing policy under which you may choose to live with a student of the same or a different gender identity. If you are interested in living with a person of another gender you may do so through creating a roommate/apartment-mate group or by letting us know on your housing preferences.
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We offer several housing accommodation processes if you have a specific need when setting up your housing. Learn more about each process and submit requests on our Special Accommodations page.
Helpful Resources
The Housing Portal
Most housing processes are conducted through the Housing Portal – accessed through HomerConnect.
Students may also complete their Room Condition Report (RCR) or Apartment Condition Report (ACR) on the Housing Portal.
Make Your Room Feel Like Home
From laundry and linens to Wi-Fi and mail, we’ve got everything you need to settle in and stay connected. Explore essential services, amenities, and helpful tips to personalize your space and prepare for college living with confidence.
Ready, Set, Move-In!
Get all the details you need for a smooth arrival at IC. From move-in dates and times to what to expect on the big day, we’re here to help you start your campus journey with confidence.
Your Room, Your Responsibility
From decorating do's and don’ts to essential safety checks, this guide helps you make your space feel like home—safely and within college guidelines. Know what’s allowed, what’s not, and how to avoid common violations throughout the year.
Start Strong with Your Roommate
Sharing a room means sharing a space and experience. Connect early, communicate openly, and use our Roommate Agreement to set clear expectations. Your RA is here to support a smooth transition into shared living.