Frequently Asked Questions
This page will be updated as new information becomes available.
Indiana University South Bend
Office of Housing and Residential Life
Frequently Asked Questions
Application Process
How do I apply for student housing?
We are currently accepting applications for the 2008-2009 year.
You must complete a student housing application and submit with a $25 non-refundable application fee and $200 deposit to the IUSB Bursar Office. Applications are available on our website http://www.housing.iusb.edu.
What are the eligibility requirements to live in campus housing?
To be eligible single students must be enrolled for a minimum of 12 credits as an undergraduate student or 8 credits as a graduate student; meet IU South Bend immunization requirements; and, be in good standing with the Bursar Office and Judicial Affairs.
Can I apply for housing online?
No. To download and print an application, go http://www.housing.iusb.edu/apply
Applications must be printed, filled out, and submitted with payment to the University Bursar Office. Payments can be made in person at the University Bursar window on the First Floor of the Administration Building, or sent by mail to:
Indiana University South Bend
1700 Mishawaka Ave.
P.O. Box 7111
South Bend, IN 46634-7111
How will I know that my application has been processed?
Once the payments are processed, the Bursar Office will forward the application to the Office of Housing and Residential Life. If we are able to offer you a space, you will receive an email from Office of Housing and Residential Life with a PDF file of their housing contract attached. You will need to print, read, sign, and return the housing contract to our office. Contracts must be returned by the stated deadline to secure your room.
Housing contracts can be returned by fax to 574-520-5806, or by mail to:
Indiana University South Bend
Office of Housing and Residential Life
1700 Mishawaka Ave.
P.O. Box 7111
South Bend, IN 46634-7111
Housing Contract Information
I need to cancel my housing contract. How do I cancel?
Your request to cancel your housing contract must be submitted, in writing, to the Office of Housing and Residential Life. Requests may be submitted by email to live@iusb.edu or to our office at 110 Community Building. Residents are responsible for financial obligations as outlined in the terms and conditions of the contract.
If I cancel my contract, will I get my deposit back?
If a Fall 2008 housing contract has been signed and the request to cancel is received after June 1, 2008 but before move-in, the deposit will not be returned. After June 1, the $200 deposit serves as the cancellation fee. Please review the housing contract for cancellation terms and conditions after move-in.
I want to live in housing but do not plan to live on campus for the spring semester, is it possible to sign a contract for the fall semester only?
You must sign a housing contract for the Academic year (August 20, 2008 to May 14, 2009) or an Academic year plus Summer (August 20, 2008 to August 15, 2009). If spaces are available in Spring 2009, new residents will be offered a contract for the remainder of the term. If you will graduate, are participating in a study abroad program or will not be a student at IU South Bend during the spring semester, you must complete a cancellation request and check-out procedures established by the Office of Housing and Residential Life. Residents who will continue as IU South Bend students are responsible for the terms and conditions of the housing contract.
Payment and costs
What is the cost?
(Rates listed are per student)
| Apartment Type | Academic Year (August to May) | 12 Month (Academic Year plus Summer) |
| 4 Bed / 2 Bath | $5000 | $5500 |
| 2 Bed / 2 Bath | $6000 | $6600 |
| 1 Bed / 1 Bath | $7500 | $8250 |
Do I send any money with the housing contract?
No. Your housing charges will be billed at a later date.
How will I be billed for housing charges?
Charges will be applied to the student’s campus Bursar Office account along with tuition and other fees. Charges for student housing will not be paid monthly through the housing office.
Are payment plans available for campus housing?
Charges can be paid as a lump sum at the beginning of the academic term, along with tuition, or on a payment schedule as outlined in the Bursar Office billing statement. Payment plans are available through the University Bursar’s Office for all charges to the university student account, including housing. For information, students can contact the Bursar’s Office directly by phone 574-520-4253 or visit the IUSB Bursar Services website at http://www.iusb.edu/~bursarsb/. Click “Payment Plan Options” on the list on the left side.
Does my Financial Aid cover campus housing?
Since each student’s financial aid package is different, you will need to contact the IUSB Financial Aid office. You can reach the Financial Aid Office by phone at 574-520-4357.
Apartment Amenities/Information
What type of apartments are available? What is the square footage of the apartments?
There are three types of apartments – one bedroom, one bath; two bedrooms, two baths; and four bedrooms, two baths. The one bedroom apartments are 478 square feet. The two bedroom apartments are 731 square feet and the four bedroom apartments are 1,058 square feet. Apartment floor plans are available on our website at http://housing.iusb.edu
What utilities are included in the cost?
Heat, Air Conditioning, water, cable TV, Internet are included in the rent.
Are apartments furnished?
Yes. Each apartment includes the following:
Kitchen: Stove/Oven, Microwave, Refrigerator, Dishwasher, Dining peninsula with kitchen stools
Living Room: Love seat, Chair, Coffee table, End table, Entertainment unit, Window treatments, Carpeting
Each Bedroom: Twin mattress (extra long 80”) and bed frame, Desk and hutch, Desk chair, Dresser with lockable drawer, Closet, Window blinds, Carpeting
Restroom: Mirror, Shower Rod
What will I need to bring for my apartment?
Kitchen items, such as dishes, cookware, small appliances and other amenities such as sheets and towels must be provided by students.
For a list of what to bring (or what not to bring) to campus, please visit http://housing.iusb.edu and click on the “Moving Information” tab.
Will I need to bring a shower curtain and shower hooks?
Yes. Shower rods are provided, but students will need to bring shower curtains and hooks. Student in 4 bedroom units should coordinate with roommates when possible.
What is the bed mattress size?
The standard residence mattress is 36” x 78.” Bed linens are not provided.
What kind of cable TV is in my apartment?
IU South Bend provides cable television for each apartment living room and bedroom at no additional charge. Residents must provide coaxial cables. For a complete cable TV listing, see the Residential Living Handbook located at http://housing.iusb.edu
Will parking be available?
Residents wish to register a vehicle will be issued a residential parking pass. The River Crossing Campus Apartments, Lot R, will be your assigned lot. The permit will also allow residents to park on the main campus weekdays between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. and anytime on weekends. For more information, contact Parking Services at 574-520-5528.
Do I need a car to get to campus?
No. The main campus, classes, the Library and the Student Activities Center are within a short walk across the pedestrian bridge.
Will meal plans be available?
No. Each student will be responsible for their own meals. Each apartment includes a kitchen. Some dining services are available on campus — the Grille is located in the Administration Building, the Courtside Café is in the Student Activities Center, and there is a café in Northside Hall. Menu items include freshly made hamburgers, baked potatoes, salads, sandwiches, soups, wraps, smoothies and much more.
Can I connect to the Internet from my apartment and room?
All residences have Internet service provided by the IU South Bend network. Visit http://getconnected.iu.edu contact the IU South Bend help desk at 574-520-5555 for more information. Residents are responsible for providing network cables.
Can I remove furnishings from my room or apartment?
No. All University-provided furnishing must remain fully-assembled and in the apartment.
Roommates/Guests
Can I request a specific roommate?
Yes. You may fill in a roommate request on your housing application. While we will attempt to meet your request, roommate requests are not guaranteed. For Fall 2008, roommate requests and signed contracts must be received no later than July 15 to be considered. If you don’t have a roommate, we will randomly assign you with another student.
Why didn’t I get my requested roommate?
It may not have been a mutual request or your requested roommate may not have a signed contract at the time your assignment was made.
Can students choose to share a one bedroom apartment with another student to help with the cost?
No. Each bedroom is single occupancy. A one bedroom apartment can house only one student, a two bedroom apartment can house only two students and a four bedroom apartment can house only four students. Housing rates are per student and each student must sign an individual housing contract.
Is campus housing co-ed?
Buildings are co-ed but apartments are single-gender.
What can I do if I have roommate problems?
HRL encourages open communication between residents. Your resident assistant is an excellent resource. There will be no room changes until after the first 3 weeks of classes each semester.
How do I request a room change?
Room change request forms will be available in the Office of Housing and Residential Life at the end of the 3rd week of class.
General Information
Are there handicapped accessible apartments?
Yes, ADA compliant apartments are available. Service animals will be allowed. Special accommodations must be submitted to Disability Support Services who will forward the request to Housing and Residential Life.
What is in the community building?
The community building has a fitness room, coin-operated laundry, mailboxes, housing offices, vending, study rooms, computer lab and a large event room with a television.
What fitness and recreational activities are available?
In addition to the fitness room in the community building, students may participate in a number of organized recreational sports programs at the Student Activities Center. The large 100,000 square foot fitness center has a weight room, a basketball court, racquetball courts, aerobics room, walking and running track, and a ping pong and pool table area. In addition, campus housing includes recreational fields, walking paths and bicycle trails.
Can I see an apartment?
Yes. 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom model apartments are available for tours. For more information, please visit http://www.housing.iusb.edu/live-tour .
Do I need to clean my apartment and room?
Your room and apartment is your responsibility. Vacuum cleaners are available. We encourage you to clean your room on a regular basis. HRL and Facilities Management staff will conduct monthly health and safety inspections.
Is phone service available in campus housing?
Apartments are not equipped with land-line phones. Hallway and community building phones may be used to access local, campus and emergency numbers.
How is campus housing managed?
The Office of Housing and Residential Life oversees campus housing. The office is responsible for tours, matching roommates, contracts, housing policies, resident’s conduct, procedures, maintenance, safety and programming events. The staff includes three full time housing staff, eight student resident assistants and community building desk staff.
Policies
Where can I find information about residential policies?
Visit our website at http://housing.iusb.edu. Click on the “Apartment Living” tab and “Residential Living Handbook” to view all residential living policies.
Will there be weekday or weekend curfews?
No, however the campus asks that residents be respectful of roommates and neighbors.
Will pets be allowed?
No. Non-carnivorous fish in a 10-gallon or less fish tank are permitted.
Is smoking allowed in campus housing?
No. IU South Bend is a tobacco-free campus. All tobacco products are prohibited on campus, including student housing.
What is the policy regarding drinking?
Alcohol is prohibited on the IU South Bend campus, including campus housing.
Do I have to live in campus housing?
No one is required to live in campus housing.
Can I stay in my room/apartment over breaks?
Residents are allowed to stay in campus housing over breaks. Residents must follow proper HRL break registration processes.
Security/Wellness
How safe is campus housing?
IU South Bend campus police will provide protection to residents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The university employs 12 police officers and 10 security officers. Resident Assistants will be living on-site. The complex has emergency telephones and lighting. Students will be given key cards to access their building and apartment. In addition, each bedroom has a keyed entry.
Is there a campus escort program?
The Campus Police department provides safety escorts to vehicles or campus buildings 24 hours a day by calling 574-520-4239.
Do I need to purchase property insurance?
The University assumes no responsibility for any accident, injury, loss or damage to persons, nor any theft, loss or damage to personal belongingness in or on campus property. Residents should confirm family homeowner policy information and/or obtain insurance to cover personal property.
Where can I go if I am ill?
If you are injured or ill you should visit the Health and Wellness Center, Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Appointments are preferred and can be scheduled by calling 574-520-5557. For emergencies, call 911.
Dates and General Information
When do I move-in?
For Fall 2008, move-in begins Wednesday, August 20. Move-in for new Spring 2009 residents begins January 7, 2009. For more information about move-in visit our website.
When do I move-out?
Academic year contracts end May 8, 2009. Academic plus summer contracts end August 15, 2009. Residents must complete Housing and Residential Life check-out procedures. For more important housing dates visit: http://housing.iusb.edu/living/ and click “Important Dates.”
When do classes begin?
Fall 2008 classes begin August 25, 2008. Spring 2009 classes begin January 12, 2009.
Where is campus housing in relation to the rest of the campus?
The housing site is on 26.5 acres on the south side of the St. Joseph River. A 600 foot pedestrian bridge over the river connects the housing site to the rest of the campus. The bridge was completed in the fall of 2006.
Can I ship my belongings to campus housing prior to move-in?
No. Shipments or mail cannot be sent to campus housing prior to move-in. The post office will not be delivering mail for residents prior to move-in. After move-in, residents should include Building and Apartment number in their address to ensure proper mail delivery.
Can I see an apartment?
Yes. A schedule for touring a model 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom apartment is available at
http://www.housing.iusb.edu/live-tour/.
