If you did not get the roommate you listed on your application it was for one of the following reasons:

• You are in different Focus programs, which are in different buildings.
• You did not mutually request each other.
• Your application information conflicted with your request (one or both of you asked for a single room, in addition to having a roommate request, etc.)
• Your roommate has decided not to attend Duke.

If you are concerned about who you were placed with, please consider the following:

Our assignments process is both random, and based on a non-discrimination policy. The questions we ask are designed to sort students into generally compatible categories, but beyond these questions, the process is random. While no one can guarantee a “perfect roommate” assignment, we have found that answers to the roommate matching questions provide a reasonable starting point for establishing a relationship from which students can develop a mutually rewarding roommate experience.

If, after trying to work out a reasonable living situation with your roommate (through conversations with your RA, RC, and roommate) you still feel unhappy, you may apply for reassignment. We ask that you try living with your roommate before requesting reassignment. You may contact us if you have questions about this.

Assignments to various buildings are random, with the exception of Focus program participants. You’ll note that the application does not ask for your preference about AC or non-AC; this is intentional. While it will likely be hot on move-in day, within the first few weeks the temperatures will drop. We recommend bringing some fans if you’re assigned to a non-AC space. Non-AC buildings have AC in the lounge areas.

If you have a medical need for air-conditioning, you will need approval from Student Health to have a window air-conditioning unit installed in your room. Students without this approval may not install AC units. Information on applying for special medical housing is available here.

Students already approved for AC were not necessarily placed in Blackwell, Bell Tower, or Randolph, the AC’d buildings. If you have an approval and are placed in a non-AC room, an AC unit will be installed and your Bursar bill will be appropriately charged for the expense of having the AC. Only students who must have Central AC for medical reasons are guaranteed a spot in Blackwell, Bell Tower, or Randolph. You will be contacted shortly by our office about the AC-unit installation.

If you have concerns about the cost of an air-conditioned space, please contact Financial Aid. Our office relies on their expertise to help students with financial needs. Reassignments will not be made based on alleged financial need.

Because assignments are done randomly, and because student interest in various room sizes changes from year to year, some students may be placed in room sizes they did not request. We do everything we can to meet preferences, but it isn’t always possible. Please note that the application specifically only asks if you have a preference for a single or for a triple - we do not ask if students have preferences to live in double rooms. If you have concerns about the cost of your assignment, please contact Financial Aid. Our office relies on their expertise to help students with financial needs. Reassignments will not be made based on alleged financial need.

If you feel that you are still interested a different room size, you may request reassignment. Reassignment requests will be accepted through July 5, 2009. Reassignments will be made on a space available basis. The outcome of this process will be available on July 15th.

We get lots of questions this time of year about the rooms people are assigned to. The buildings and room options on East Campus vary due to the architecture of the buildings - there really is no way to describe each room. We cannot provide the square footage or dimensions of rooms - you’ll have to wait until you get here to know that information. Planning out your room with your roommate can be a great get-to-know you activity! (FYI - we do not make floor plans available for safety reasons.  The plans that some groups have posted in Facebook are old and may not be accurate.)

In the meantime, we can tell you what will be in your room when you get here. Room furnishings for each resident include a chest of drawers, bed and XL mattress, closet or wardrobe, mirror, study desk, bookcase or shelving, and a desk chair.

Additional furnishings may be added by the resident(s) - all residents must agree on additional furnishings. We recommend you work with your new roommate(s) to determine who will bring what.

Interested in having a loft? Be sure to review the loft policy before making any decisions!