Interim Housing

The Department of Residence (DOR) at Iowa State University believes that living on campus is an integral part of the educational process. Sometimes the demand for housing exceeds the availability of standard space. The most typical reasons for this are:

When this happens, students are assigned to live in interim accommodations within the residence halls.

What is interim housing?

Residence hall dens are used for interim housing. These dens are located in traditional style buildings in the Richardson Court, Union Drive and Towers areas. Interim housing accommodations are spacious, comfortable places to live. Most dens are substantially larger than other residence hall rooms. Each den will be set up to accommodate two students. All dens are:

What is the cost for interim housing?

All interim housing accommodations are billed at the double room rate for the building in which they are located. Please view our rates page for specific rate information.

Who will be assigned to interim housing?

Assignments are based on the student’s contract date, preferences and the availability of space. Students assigned to interim housing will include new and continuing students, typically with contracts after June 1.

When will I find out if I have been assigned to interim housing?

Assignments to interim housing will begin the last week in July. Once an assignment is made it is immediately available for you to view in AccessPlus (A+). We will also email you and send you a postcard via US Mail.

How long will I live in interim housing?

Our goal is to reassign you out of interim housing as soon as possible so that you can get settled and the dens can be returned to community use. Reassignments will happen as soon as vacancies are confirmed with some residents being reassigned prior to their arrival to campus. Depending on the demand for on-campus housing, it is possible that you may remain in interim housing throughout the fall semester. All residents will be relocated out of interim housing prior to the start of the spring semester.

How are reassignments made?

Prior to opening, residents will be assigned to vacancies that become available based on the date of their contract. An email notification will be sent once the reassignment is made. You should also review A+ frequently.

When you arrive to check-in, we strongly suggest that, prior to unpacking your car, you go to your check-in location to verify that you have not been reassigned.

At check-in, you will receive information about the reassignment process. Once we have confirmed our arrivals, A+ will be open September 8-11 – exclusively for residents in interim housing to view and select available vacancies. Once you have selected a new assignment, you will follow the usual check-in/out process. On September 12, A+ will become available for all students.

Depending on the availability of space, residents who have not yet selected a new assignment on A+ may be contacted in late-September regarding additional assignment processes and may be required to move to a space not of their choosing.

Can students assigned to interim housing cancel their contracts?

While we know interim housing is no one’s first choice, the contract states, “I understand that this contract is for a space only. Specific assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis... As such, an assignment within my preferences cannot be guaranteed.” Cancellations based on interim assignments are not permitted.

Once I am reassigned, will there be anyone available to help me move?

The DOR will provide a vehicle/ driver to relocate residents who have been reassigned to a different building. You will need to be set up an appointment and be packed and ready to move when the truck arrives. More information about this process will be available to you at check-in.

Can I choose my roommate(s)?

While roommates requests cannot be guaranteed, the chances of having the request honored are increased if the request is mutual (i.e. you both request each other) and you are all eligible for the same type of housing. If we are able to assign you and your roommate together in interim housing, there is no guarantee you will be reassigned together.