Frequently Asked Questions
How does University Housing calculate the date and time for me to log in and select my space?
The order in which the Open Space Selection participants get to select their space online is determined by a random lottery system. Students in groups of 3 or more will select their space first followed by students in groups of 2 or fewer. Every student within the same roommate group will receive the same day and time to participate in Open Space Selection. These assignments will go out on February 7.
How will I know when to log in and select my space?
You will receive an e-mail to your SIUE e-mail on February 7 with the assigned date and time that corresponds to when you can log in. You can log in at that time (or anytime after within your process time frame) and select your space. This only applies to Open Space Selection.
How does University Housing calculate the date and time for me to log in and select my space?
The day and time for Open Space Selection is based on seniority.
Where are private bedrooms available?
Private bedrooms are available in Evergreen Hall and Cougar Village. All types of space are based on availability. Evergreen Hall has 73% private bedrooms. Private bedrooms are in all Evergreen suites and apartments. Evergreen Hall studios are also private units. Deluxe Private bedrooms are available in the upperclass wings of the first-year resident halls. In Cougar Village, both private and deluxe private bedrooms are available. Private bedrooms are designed for one person and are smaller in size. Deluxe private bedrooms are shared bedrooms that are converted to private space. Any shared bedroom in Cougar Village can be converted to a deluxe private. To upgrade your space in Cougar Village from a shared bedroom to a deluxe private, please call the Central Housing Office at 618-650-3931 once you have selected your room. This is a great way to enjoy extra space and fewer roommates.
What methods of payment are accepted?
A $200 advance payment is required to complete the online Returning Resident Application. You can pay via eCheck (electronic check or ACH) or credit card (there is a fee on credit/debit payments) online when completing the Returning Resident Application. You can also pay via cash or check in the Bursar's Office. Print out the Summary page at the end of the online Application for Space and turn it in with your $200 to the Bursar.
How do I apply for Summer 2025?
If you are only interested in applying for summer (and not fall-spring), log in at www.siue.edu/housing/apply and select the Summer 2025 Application. The summer application deadline is May 1, 2025. May Term is considered part of the summer application. The Summer 2025 Application will be available TBD.
What housing is available in the summer?
University Housing offers summer housing in limited locations throughout Cougar Village. Students who stay on campus during the summer semester are required to relocate to the 'cluster' of apartments in Cougar Village.
Is housing available for the May term?
Yes, housing is available for the May term. May term is considered part of the summer housing application. Most students with a current spring assignment, will stay in their spring assignment and pay accordingly for the May term. Students can apply for May term housing by completing the summer application.
Why do I have to pay the $200 before I select my space?
University payment policies and an online process have driven us to require the online $200 payment at the beginning of the process. However, if you no longer need University Housing after you select your space, you can cancel in writing by May 1, 2025, and your $200 will be credited to your student account.
What is gender-inclusive housing?
Gender-inclusive housing is housing where members of a different gender live together in a living unit/apartment. This option is only offered to upperclass students in our upperclass living communities. Students can select if they would like gender-inclusive housing when completing the online Application for Space.
A group of mutual roommate requests must fill the living unit/apartment and leave no open spaces. If a group of students requesting gender-neutral housing is unable to fill a living unit/apartment, the request for gender-inclusive housing will be denied and residents will reside in "traditional" single-gender housing.
How can I find a roommate?
Students are able to use the housing application to search for other students looking for roommates. The roommate search function will close on the Returning Resident Application priority deadline: Friday, January 31 at 11:59 PM.
What is a roommate group and how does that work?
Students who have submitted their Returning Resident application and wish to pick their roommate will need to create a roommate group. This can be done by logging into the Housing Portal and forming a group within the application. You can search for roommates by username, suggested roommates and profiles. Roommate requests can be sent and have to be accepted and then verified by the roommate group leader.
What happens if my roommates and I get split up during Open Space Selection?
Don’t panic. We advise you to reserve any available space even if you have to split up. Then you can put your request on our Wish List in the Central Housing Office.
What is the Wish List?
The Wish List is where we list all of the requests students make as they come through the Reservation Process. If your first choice is unavailable, it is in your best interest to reserve any available space and then put your “first choice” on the Wish List. You will have to come into the Central Housing Office to sign up on the Wish List.
Can I make changes to my room selection?
Yes. Changes can be made until the Open Space Selection process closes. After the Open Space Selection process has closed, residents can come to the office and fill out the Wish List if changes are requested.
How do I cancel my reservation?
There is no penalty and your $200 will be refunded if you cancel in writing on or before May 1, 2025. Visit our cancellation information webpage for more details.
I want to participate in the Open Space Selection Process and select a space in Evergreen Hall. Can a new University Housing resident be one of my roommates?
Yes. You can request a new resident as one of your roommates, but they must complete the new student housing application by Friday, January 31 and the roommate requests must be mutual. Both students (current resident and new resident) must email housing@siue.edu with the roommate request by January 31 (please include the student's name and ID number). The request is dependent on space availability.
What can I do if I miss the deadlines for participating in the Reservation Process?
If you do not complete the online Returning Resident Application, pay the $200 advance payment, and select your space before the priority deadline, you still have the opportunity to request space in University Housing next year. As soon as the deadline for the reservation process closes, you can submit a housing application for the following academic year with the $200 advance payment.
Can you explain Cougar Village “homesteading?”
It is the opportunity for current Cougar Village residents to reserve the space they currently live in by themselves, with one or more of their current roommates, other University Housing residents, or a new Housing resident. Residents who wish to switch from a shared space to a private space or from a private space to a shared space cannot participate in this process. If you wish to “homestead” in Cougar Village, complete the online Application for Space form and $200 advance payment by January 31, 2025. If a current resident is homesteading and wishes to request a new resident, both students (current resident and new resident) must email housing@siue.edu with the roommate request by January 31 (please include the student's name and ID number). It is dependent on space availability.
Can you explain Evergreen Hall “homesteading?”
It is the opportunity for current Evergreen Hall residents to reserve a non-specific space by themselves, with one or more of their current roommates, other University Housing residents, or a new housing resident. This means residents can reserve their current type of space, i.e. 4 4-person suite, but they cannot reserve a specific unit. Residents who wish to switch from a shared space to a private space or from a private space to a shared space cannot participate in this process. If you wish to “homestead” in Evergreen Hall, complete the online Application for Space form and $200 advance payment by January 31, 2025.
I live in Cougar Village, can I homestead and bring in a new University Housing resident as one of my roommates?
Yes! In Cougar Village you can bring a new resident into your apartment. The new resident will need to complete a new student housing application and pay the $125 payment by January 31, 2025, and also mutually request you as a roommate. Both students (current resident and new resident) must email housing@siue.edu with the roommate request by January 31 (please include the student's name and ID number). The request is dependent on space availability.
I live in Evergreen Hall, can I homestead and bring in a new University Housing resident as one of my roommates?
Yes! In Evergreen Hall you can bring a new resident into your apartment. The new resident will need to complete a new student housing application and pay the $125 payment by January 31, 2025, and also mutually request you as a roommate. Both students (current resident and new resident) must email housing@siue.edu with the roommate request by January 31 (please include the student's name and ID number). The request is dependent on space availability.
I live in family housing. Does this apply to me?
No, family residents will go through a separate process to reserve their space in University Housing for fall 2025. Be on the lookout for information to come out in spring about how to reserve your family housing apartment.
