New Student Housing Process

To apply for housing as a first-time or transfer student you must follow the steps and requirements below.

Steps to Apply for Housing

1. Pay housing deposit 
   
   If you will be living on campus at Rider, select your term of entry. For example, "Fall - Tuition & Housing ($400)" to make a deposit for tuition and housing.
   
   Already the paid commuter tuition deposit, but you'd like to live on campus? If you have already paid your commuter tuition deposit and would like to live on campus, you may go back to step 6 and choose “Fall- Housing Only ($200)” deposit to make your housing deposit.
   
   * the housing application becomes available to a student three days after depositing
2. Log onto MyRider, select the Applicant tab. Select Submit my housing application
3. Complete the other phases of your housing process in the MyRider Applicant Tab by clicking on the Housing Portal link located under the Steps to Enrolling channel.

Housing Requirements 

To qualify for housing, you must:

• Have paid all your deposits by the deadline
• Be a full-time student
• Be registered for classes

The housing portal is the online housing system that allows students the opportunity to manage all phases of the housing selection process.  Students that have paid the $200 housing deposit by the deadline will be able to log on to their myRider accounts and click the Housing Portal link.

Students that have paid the $200 housing deposit by the deadline will have access to the housing portal.  On the portal students will be able to complete their application, form groups for apartment and suite housing, search for roommates or create roommate pairings for standard housing and select their housing and meal plans.

Students are expected to conduct themselves with integrity and respect at all times during the room selection process. Any attempted manipulation of the room selection process results in fewer housing options for all students and a more stressful experience overall.

All room selections will be completed via the online housing portal.  Students will be able to log on to their myRider accounts and click the Housing Portal link.

Applications will be accepted on the housing portal at any time.  Housing options become limited the longer you wait to apply.

All residential students are required to participate in one of the University’s full meal plans.

Deposits and housing applications will continue to be accepted however you may have limited residence hall choices.

Once you have selected a room assignment, the deposit is not refundable. Students may request a refund before they have selected a standard room assignment. Refund requests are not processed until after room selection has concluded.

Please view our full Cancellation Policy here.

Students will be notified of their room assignment information prior to the start of Fall semester in mid-August. Rider’s room assignment process is based on the following:

• Based on the date we receive your housing deposit. Due to the overwhelming demand for housing, if your housing deposit is not received on time then you run the risk of not having guaranteed housing in the residence halls.

• Academic based learning communities such as BHP and Science; preferences for wellness or first-year experience; group affiliation-athletic teams. (Lincoln)- Suite Style- Upperclassmen.

Students participating in standard room selection are not required to designate a roommate. As part of the housing process, each student is required to complete a roommate matching questionnaire.  This questionnaire is designed to provide students with the opportunity to search for potential roommates based on their online profile.

If you wish not to pair yourself with someone prior to room selection, you may select the space of your choice and the next person looking for a space will have the option to select the open bed in the space that you have chosen.

Incoming students are not able to pair with current students.

Lottery numbers are based on your deposit date.

After students complete an application individual lottery numbers will be emailed to their Rider email account. For specific dates please refer to the Room Selection Process Timeline.

Individual time slots will be emailed to your Rider email account. For specific dates please refer to the Room Selection Process Timeline. Students will also be able to find their lottery numbers and timeslots on the housing portal.

No. Each number is specific to each student.

Students seeking an air conditioner based on a severe medical condition or disability must complete the form Housing/Dining Request for Students with Disabilities or Severe Medical Problems which can be found on the Students Accessibility and Support Services website.

All requests should be submitted on or before May 1st to ensure a timely review prior to the start of room selection.

Students seeking to be exempt from the meal plan based on a severe medical condition or disability must complete the form Housing/Dining Request for Students with Disabilities or Severe Medical Problems which can be found on the Housing Accomodations webpage.

In an effort to provide residence hall security during a time when the residence halls are closed, we have created guidelines for students who remain on campus through vacations. 

Please note the information below and be cautious as you come and go. We ask your cooperation in abiding by these regulations as you have been granted the privilege of staying in the halls when school is not in session.

• Only those students whose names are submitted to Residence Life by a coach, faculty or administrative staff member are permitted to reside on campus during vacations.

• Consumption of alcohol is not permitted, regardless of legal age. THE CAMPUS IS DRY WHEN THE UNIVERSITY IS CLOSED.

• No cooking in student rooms.

• No guests are permitted.

• There will be no mail delivery.

• All students approved to stay will be held financially accountable for any damage in their hall during the vacation. This will include cleaning fees, if necessary.

• All other Social Code regulations remain in effect during this time.

• Doors and windows are to be closed each time you exit the building. PLEASE DO NOT PROP DOORS.

• Call Public Safety (X5029) immediately if you notice strangers in or around the building.

• In the event of a fire alarm, evacuate immediately. Public Safety will respond and instruct you when you may re-enter the building.

Violation of any of these guidelines may result in the immediate revocation of housing privileges.

Winter Break Housing 

• Students enrolled in JTerm may take advantage of the JTerm housing rate.  Housing is available for current residential students registered in JTerm.  Housing is not available for high school students or visiting students.
• Students requesting J-term housing should complete the J-term application available on the Housing Portal via their myRider accounts.
• The University is not liable for any loss of personal property by theft, fire, water or any other cause. Please procure personal insurance, since the University cannot purchase this protection for students.
• Insurance vendor information is also included in the New Student Orientation Information.