House Draw Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get more information about room draw?
Prior to room draw, your House Advisor will hold an all-house meeting to explain the procedure of room draw, and to address any questions or concerns. You are strongly encouraged to attend this meeting, as this will be your primary opportunity to learn about the room draw process. There will also be an informational booklet handed out at this meeting to give you more specific details.
When does room draw happen?
Generally mid-April. Students will be notified via email with more information in advance.
How are draw number assigned to students?
Each student is randomly assigned a computer–generated room draw number by class year. The lowest number gets first priority in each class. For example, the senior who has room draw number 1 will choose his/her room first. Then, the remaining seniors will draw rooms in sequential order. Juniors will draw next, followed by the sophomore class. Any students who are approved to change houses will draw after their classmates who are currently residents of the house.
How and when will I find out my draw number?
The draw numbers will be posted in the residence hall in which you currently reside. Draw numbers will be posted on Monday, April 11th and a revised list will be posted on Thursday, April 14th following the suite draw.
NOTE: Please be sure to check your class status when the draw numbers are posted. If there is an error, you need to contact the Dean of Studies Office immediately as corrections WILL NOT be made during room draw.
How will I find out what rooms are available?
Your House Advisor will post a list of all available rooms, as well as copies of the house floor plan. If you are interested in looking at different rooms, you will need to contact the current resident(s) of the room in which you are interested. Your House Advisor are not available to show rooms.
What is the process the day of draw?
Draw will occur in the following order:
- House President/House Intern
- Senior class residents presently living in the house, in draw number order.
- Seniors transferring from another house.
- The process repeats for juniors and sophomores.
NOTE: All Student Fellows are assigned rooms before room draw. The House Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer will draw at the top of their respective classes.
EXCEPTION: Medical Single Occupants are to draw when their draw number is called. A single will be held for anyone approved to have a single by the Office of Disability and Support Services.
You are not allowed to draw into rooms designated as LF (Language Fellow), Student Fellow (SF), or first–year (FR).
Upperclassmen are required to sign a contract if they choose to move into a multiple room accommodation (ie: two–room double). This contract states that if one resident decides to move out of the room during the summer, the remaining roommate will be assigned another room during summer room draw. Also, if a roommate leaves during the year, the remaining individual must find a new roommate, or he/she will be relocated by the Office of Residential Life.
At the time of draw you will need to select your meal plan.
What if I decide to study abroad? How will I get a room?
If you are approved to go JYA, you will be sent a letter asking you to complete a housing application for the term that you will be returning to Vassar. In your application, be sure to list your preference of residence hall and if you are requesting a special-interest corridor (wellness or quiet).
If you are JYA in the fall semester, the Office of Residential Life will select a room for you, based on your request. If you are JYA in the spring, you can choose to send a proxy to select a room on your behalf during general room draw. If you do not select a proxy, the house officers in your building will select a room for you.
What are special interest corridors? Is there a separate application process for these rooms?
Any students interested in special interest housing (wellness, quiet) should choose accordingly during draw, based upon availability. There is no separate application process for Special Interest Housing, although residents will be required to sign a contract agreeing to abide by the regulations of the corridor.