Description The Housing Accommodations process is currently administered by the Office of Disability Services. This process is intended to provide special consideration in housing for students with medical conditions and disabilities. This process is not intended to address requests pertaining to religious preferences, or the residential dining and residency requirement for first-year and sophomore students. In order to be considered for a housing accommodation, students MUST submit all requests with supporting medical documentation by the respective deadlines: Matriculating First-Year Students: Click here for the Office of Disability Services. Pre-Draw Housing Accommodations Application: Applications will be available December 4th, 2024 and due Monday, January 22nd, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. While applications for housing changes based on unanticipated medical needs will be considered after these deadlines, any changes are subject to availability of appropriate housing. Students are not obligated to accept the Housing Accommodations assignment offered, however a subsequent offer will not be made. Students who do not accept the contract should plan to participate in the on campus room draw process. Accordion Guidelines for Housing Accommodations The University is committed to the fairness of the housing accommodations process, and adhere to several principles and guidelines in making placements. Rooms larger than a two-room double will not be made available during the housing accommodations process. Please note that per Rights, Rules, Responsibilities, students “are expected to be honest and straightforward in their official dealings with University processes, activities, and personnel.” Any student found providing inaccurate or misleading information to gain an advantage in on-campus housing will face disciplinary action. Common Housing Requests The following list contains the most common housing requests, and how they are typically handled. This list is not exhaustive. Actual assignments may vary based upon the availability of appropriate housing, as well as the documented need: ASTHMA / ENVIRONMENTAL ALLERGIES AND FOOD ALLERGIES: Specific Assignments: Students with asthma or other respiratory conditions and environmental allergies typically have their needs met by being in uncarpeted, low occupancy room. The needs of students with food allergies are typically supported through Campus Dining’s residential dining program, rather than through a housing request. Private Kitchens: Due to limited numbers of private or limited-access kitchens on campus, access to these spaces cannot be guaranteed. The needs of students with food allergies are typically supported through Campus Dining’s residential dining program rather than housing requests. Air Conditioning: Students requesting air conditioning should be aware that dormitory regulations do not permit students to bring or install their own units. A/C is not guaranteed in undergraduate dormitories, as our facilities and infrastructure limit the ability to provide it to all students. Medical authorities have determined that air conditioners do not have any advantages in reducing air borne allergens over HEPA filters. However, based upon a student’s specific diagnosis, ODS, in consultation with University Health Services (UHS), will evaluate possible accommodations for a student’s medical condition. Please visit the Air Conditioning Alternatives page for additional information. OTHER MEDICAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS: Private or Semi-private Bathrooms: Due to limited numbers of private or semi-private bathrooms on campus, the assignment of rooms with these features cannot be guaranteed. Single Rooms: Princeton University makes available many spaces (libraries, study rooms, and resources such as the Accessibility Center for quiet, reduced distraction, or private study. Requests for single rooms due to a learning disability and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are not typically supported through housing requests. Students who feel that they may have a learning disability are encouraged, but not required, to contact the Office of Disability Services. [email protected] Additional policies and procedures regarding accommodations can be found on the Inclusive Princeton website. Air Conditioner Alternatives Keep windows closed overnight, early mornings, and on windy days. University administrators have identified a product that does not require electricity, and has a good track record of reducing pollen and other allergens from entering through an open window: Adjustable Window Screen In addition to changing the filter on your HEPA filter regularly, consider using a washable microfiber duster at least once a week on all surfaces: Microfiber Hand Duster In addition to windows, pollen and other allergens are carried into indoor spaces by people, primarily on clothing and in hair. This is why pillows can become vectors of allergens unless you use a dust cover and wash pillow cases frequently. It is a good idea to talk with any roommates to make sure they are aware of your needs and can also exercise care in taking measures to minimize carrying pollen into the room. For example, if you or your roommate goes for a run outside, then rests in your room for a bit before showering, you are likely to deposit outdoor pollen and dust indoors. Going directly to shower after spending a lot of time outdoors is recommended. As a cooling solution that is compliant with our electrical code, we have found this portable cooler to be helpful: Portable Air Cooler It is always a good idea to double check with housing to make sure that any fans, dehumidifiers, or other air cleaning equipment is compliant with dormitory regulations: Policies Medical Accommodation Waitlist Process The Accommodation Waitlist process is intended for students with medical conditions and disabilities who missed the initial pre-draw process and were unable to self-select a room that meets their needs during room draw. The Accommodations Waitlist process begins on May 31st. In order to be considered in the first round of waitlist placements students must submit their Accommodations Waitlist request and supporting documentation before June 30th. Complete the accommodations request form on Accommodate and submit the required supporting documentation from a licensed clinician to ODS. The request will be reviewed by the ODS and, if approved, students will be prioritized for a re-assignment to a space that meets their approved accommodations. Please note that any assignment or re-assignment due to an approval during the Accommodations Waitlist process is not guaranteed and subject to availability. Related links Medical Accommodation Application Service and Assistance Animals policy