Housing FAQs

Is housing guaranteed?{expander}

Due to the residency requirement for newly entering students, on-campus housing is required and guaranteed for incoming students beginning their first year at Sarah Lawrence College, including both first-year and transfer students. Incoming students are still required to submit a housing application in order to receive a housing assignment.

Housing is not guaranteed for returning students. Returning students must complete the housing application process and meet all applicable requirements to be considered for on-campus housing.

How do I request housing?{expander}

Students can request housing through the Housing Portal by navigating to the "Applications & Forms" tab. Available housing applications will be listed there for students to complete and submit.

For returning students, the housing application is not considered complete until both the housing application and the required $450 housing deposit have been received. The housing deposit requirement does not apply to newly entering students.

I have submitted the housing application. What does this mean?{expander}

Submitting a housing application means that you have requested an on-campus housing assignment. A completed application is required before Residential Life can assign you a room.

For returning students, both the housing application and the required $450 housing deposit must be received for the application to be considered complete and in compliance with the housing application requirements.

Submitting an application does not guarantee a housing assignment for returning students.

Can I request a different room than what was assigned or offered?{expander}

Housing assignments and offers are made based on several factors, including the responses provided on the housing application, available housing inventory at the time the application is processed, and, when applicable, approved housing accommodations.

Because assignments are made based on the information and availability at the time of placement, Residential Life cannot guarantee that a specific room, building, room type, or location will be available.

If you have questions or concerns about your assigned room or housing offer, please contact Residential Life via email at ResLife@sarahlawrence.edu.

Can I change my room assignment?{expander}

Students cannot request a room change during the room change freeze at the beginning of the academic year.

For the Fall 2026 semester, the room change freeze ends September 21, 2026. Beginning September 21, students may submit a room change request through the Housing Portal, where the room change request form will become available.

Room change requests are subject to available housing inventory and are not guaranteed.

I want a single. How do I request one?{expander}

Because single rooms are limited, Residential Life cannot guarantee a single room assignment based on preference or request.

Students who require a single room as an accessibility accommodation must complete the accommodations process through Access & Disability Services (ADS). ADS reviews accommodation requests and determines whether an accommodation is appropriate based on the student's individual circumstances.

Residential Life does not review accommodation requests, documentation, or appeals. Students can learn more about the Specialized Housing process here, or by contacting ADS directly at DisabilityServices@sarahlawrence.edu.

Housing Accommodations FAQ

How do I apply for an accommodation?{expander}

Housing accommodations are reviewed and approved by the Office of Access & Disability Services (ADS). Residential Life does not review or approve housing accommodation requests.

Students requesting a housing accommodation should first register with ADS and then complete the required specialized housing accommodation process through their office. Students must also complete the standard Residential Life housing application.

For information about eligibility, required documentation, deadlines, and how to submit a housing accommodation request, please visit the Specialized Housing Requests page on the ADS website.

Questions about the housing accommodation process should be directed to Access & Disability Services at DisabilityServices@sarahlawrence.edu or (914) 395-2235.