Fall 2020
Frequently Asked Questions
What is happening with on-campus housing?
Consistent with prevailing health and safety recommendations, the University has decided to reduce the density/capacity of its residence halls on the Kingston Campus. We know our actions regarding on-campus housing will have a profound impact on many students who had expected to live on campus. Please continue to check your email, the website, and URI announcements. You can also contact the URI Hotline at 401.874.3082 or HRL Customer Service at 401.874.4151, customerservice@housing.uri.edu, or our chat feature in MyHousing.
Why was my housing assignment canceled?
In order to maintain physical distancing, the university will need to reduce population density in the residence halls, which means the configurations of a portion of our rooms will change to account for fewer occupants.
What is the Transition Assistance Grant?
Returning and transfer students who had fall residence hall assignments who we cannot accommodate will receive a Transition Assistance Grant. These students who continue to be enrolled at URI will receive a $1500 credit to their student account for each of the Fall 2020 and Fall 2021 semesters ($3000 total if continuously enrolled), a 50 meal plan, and free parking for Fall 2020 Semester.
What are my options if I do not live on campus?
There are a number of off campus and near campus options. Please contact the Office of Commuter Affairs. 401.874.2828
How was it determined who was offered housing?
University leadership (e.g. President, Provost and Vice Presidents) who focused on the best possible safe experience for students, based on current health factors and similar practices in higher education
What is the process to request an exception and have on campus housing?
The Appeal for On-Campus Housing Fall 2020 is in MyHousing under Applications and Forms. It is for students who had their fall assignment canceled but living on-campus is essential to their success as a student at URI. Housing accommodations are extremely limited. Appeals will be reviewed by a team of URI staff members who will determine if circumstances necessitate an on-campus housing assignment.
Will I get to keep my roommate and room?
For returning students, we are unable to guarantee that you will receive your original room, roommate(s) and/or building assignment, but we intend to keep students as close to their original request as possible.
Will I get to keep my roommate choices?
For new students, reducing capacity has affected some of our rooms.
Do we have to go through the housing selection process again?
HRL Assignments Team will be assigning students after first year assignments are completed.
Has the University eliminated triples?
Yes, we will be providing students an opportunity to indicate which of the two roommates they would like to keep if assigned to a double. We will attempt to place the third roommate as close as possible on the same floor. If they’re all assigned to singles, we’ll try to keep them nearby to each other.
Can parents of students who have been assigned to a triple write a letter to the school giving permission to keep the triple room assignment?
No, based on current federal and state health guidelines (the underlying reason for reduction of capacity, including triples). If health guidance were to dramatically change (not anticipated anytime soon), we would reconsider, but in most situations we’re removing the extra furniture in previously tripled rooms.
What is the plan for communal bathrooms?
Our Housing and Residentual Life team will communicate the health and safety plans for residential students, including maintaining physical distancing, increased sanitation, limiting the number of students in restrooms, etc. Part of the plan is to decrease the number of residents in certain halls to reduce the number of students using restrooms. We will monitor students’ compliance to help keep the space as safe as possible.