Solving Problems

If you find yourself with a residential challenge that is difficult to resolve, consult your housemasters. Here are a few common problems—and possible solutions.

Changes in partnership/family status
Medical issues
Room & roommate problems

Changes in partnership/family status

My spouse has moved away to take a new job. Now I have to move out of family housing. Where can I go?

Owing to the extreme demand for family housing, students cannot remain in family housing when their partners or families no longer live with them on a full-time basis.
If there is a change in your family status, please inform us right away. If possible, we will try to accommodate you on campus in single housing. If you prefer to live off-campus, the regular termination policies apply.

Learn more about living off campus.
Explore on-campus housing options.
Read about policies related to moving out.

My spouse will be coming to live here.

If you live in single housing and your status changes from single to family, it is possible to terminate your assignment early. Depending on when you want to move out, additional rent responsibility and fees may apply. You can apply for family housing through the allocation or by entering your name on the waiting list, depending on the time of year. Please note that family housing is extremely limited and a transfer directly from single housing at the time you request is highly unlikely.

Read about policies related to moving out.
Find out about options for family housing.
Explore the possibilities of off-campus housing.

I want to move out and move in with my significant other.

The same policies apply to you as to married students (see above question). However, if you are moving out to move in with your significant other, you must provide documentation that proves you are in a long-term, committed relationship.

Read about policies related to moving out.
Find out about your on-campus housing options.
Explore the possibilities of off-campus housing.

Medical issues

I am withdrawing and taking medical leave.

If you withdraw or take medical leave, you will no longer be eligible for housing. Depending on the time of year, additional rent responsibility and fees may apply. Please contact the Graduate Housing Office as soon as you know that you are leaving to determine what policies apply to you.

Consult housing policies and procedures.
Review termination policies.

What happens if I go on medical leave and am no longer registered?

You must be a full-time registered graduate student to retain your housing.
If you go on medical leave, you are no longer eligible to remain in housing. You will need to give 30 days notice and fill out a termination form online. You must also provide a letter or email from your doctor, the Dean, or your department to verify that you are going on medical leave.

We do registration checks throughout the year, but it is your responsibility to inform the Graduate Housing Office that you are going on medical leave and to give your 30-days notice. If we find that you are not registered and have not contacted us, we will give you thirty days notice, then rent your room to another student.

Consult housing policies and procedures.
Review termination policies.

Room and roommate problems

I have a problem with my roommate.

• Deal with the issue immediately. Don’t let the situation grow until it becomes unsolvable. 
• Try discussing the matter with the house government representative on your floor. Sometimes it helps to talk to someone. At other times, a little intervention helps.
• If you are still unsuccessful in resolving the issue, go to your housemasters. They are experienced in resolving roommate problems.
• Consider mediation. Mediation@MIT offers confidential consultations about difficult conversations, difficult people, and ways to handle a dispute or conflict.
• If you cannot resolve the issue, think about transferring to another room or another residence.

Learn about the transfer process.
Read about procedures regarding roommates.
Consult housing policies and procedures.

I have a problem with my room.

• If it is a maintenance issue, like heat or water, start by submitting an online repair slip.
• If this doesn’t fix the problem, contact your house manager directly.
• Problem still not resolved? Contact the Graduate Housing Office.

Learn about the housing transfer process.
Read about procedures regarding roommates.
Consult housing policies and procedures.

What if I see a rodent in the building?

• If you see mice or roaches, tell the building manager immediately. Although all buildings adhere to regular extermination schedules, the manager will take further measures if there is still a bug or rodent problem.
• Always put garbage in the trashcans, make sure food is in sealed containers, and keep kitchen areas clean.

Learn more about MIT and pest control. 

I’m concerned about bedbugs. What do I need to know?

• Bedbugs can be brought into a residence on clothing, suitcases, or used furniture. 
• They live in mattresses and dark crevices in furniture and walls. 
• Bedbugs tend to bite at night while people sleep, but are not known to carry disease or actually hurt anyone.

Find out how to deal with bedbugs.