Residential Life & Explorations
Residential Information
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of housing?
Please check the "Rates and Amenities" tab for all rate information.
Can I ship my belongings to the College before my arrival?
Yes. Items can be sent to the College on or after two weeks prior to the fall semester starting to the following address:
Student Name
Student Mail Box Number
1000 Holt Avenue
Winter Park, FL 32789
There should be no other information on the label. It will be at Facilities Receiving when you arrive on campus.
What if I have a housing request based on medical, psychological or disability-related needs? The Office of Residential Life & Explorations is committed to achieving access and does not discriminate against persons with disabilities. For more specific information, review the Housing Accommodation Guidelines.
What type of furniture does Rollins College provide?
Rooms are furnished with a dresser, closet or wardrobe, bed, desk and desk chair for each assigned occupant and a trash can and recycling bin for each room. These items cannot be removed from the room.
Who will clean the student rooms?
Before check-in, the Facilities Management Housekeeping Staff will clean each room. After a student moves in, each resident is responsible for keeping his or her room clean.
Are window blinds provided?
Yes, each window has an installed horizontal blind.
What is the size of a room?
Due to the unique nature of our facilities, we do not have a standard room size. Below, however, is a listing of the typical room size.
Building Type Dimensions
| Elizabeth | Single | 9' x16' | |||||||||||
| Standard Triple | 13' x 17' | ||||||||||||
| Triple | 16' x 17' | ||||||||||||
| Ward | Double | 17' x 12' | |||||||||||
| Single | 8' x 16' | ||||||||||||
| Triple | 11' x 25' | ||||||||||||
| Rex Beach | Double | 15' x 12 | |||||||||||
| Single | 8' x 10' |
Does Rollins offer a moving and storage service?
Yes, the only company we endorse is Rollins Moving Services. Visit the Rollins Moving Services webpage or contact them at movingservices@rollins.edu for more information.
What are the size of the mattresses in the residence halls?
All mattresses, for student comfort, are extra-long twins, measuring 80"x36" (with the exception of the full-size mattresses that are featured in Lakeside Neighborhood).
Where can residents do laundry? What is the cost?
Each residence hall has a laundry room. Laundry machines have been provided at no additional cost.
Who is responsible for the residence halls?
The Office of Residential Life & Explorations is responsible for the overall operations of the residence hall system, including housing assignments, programming, hall opening, hall closing, etc. The Office of Facilities Management is responsible for the maintenance and housekeeping for our buildings. The Office of Residential Life & Explorations works closely with the Facilities Services to provide students with a comfortable living-learning environment.
Does the College insure a resident's personal belongings?
No. The College is not liable for damages to or theft/loss of personal property, for the failure or interruption of utilities, or for injury to persons. Students must provide their own personal property insurance or ensure they are covered under their parent's homeowner's insurance policy. The College will not issue refunds for the failure or interruptions of utilities. For your convenience, National Student Services, Inc. is the premier student personal property insurance provider in the United States. To get started, visit the National Student Services website or view the National Student Services brochure.
When do the residence halls open and close?
Please check out the Residential Life calendar.
Are room changes permitted?
Yes, following the first two weeks of each semester room changes are permitted. Residents, however, first must speak with their roommate and Resident Assistant or House Manager about their concerns. Typically the staff member can assist the residents by mediating and helping the students communicate with each other. If the problem persists or is deemed irreconcilable by staff, then the student may come to the Office of Residential Life to complete a room change form. A change will be approved only if housing vacancies warrant.
What types of safety and security measures are provided in/around the residence halls?
All residence hall exterior doors are locked 24 hours a day. Students are always encouraged to lock their room doors. Room/hallway smoke detectors and building fire alarm systems help to ensure the safety of our residents. Campus Security routinely patrols campus and common living areas within the residence halls. Campus Security can be contacted 24 hours a day at 407.646.2999.
What do students do in the event of a hurricane that requires sheltering?
Rollins College does not provide shelter for residential students during hurricanes. All residential students are required to complete a hurricane preparedness plan prior to moving into their residence hall. Please see the Campus Safety website for up-to-date information.
Does Rollins have Gender Neutral Housing?
Gender neutral housing is defined as a housing option in which two or more students mutually agree to share a multiple-occupancy apartment, regardless of sex or gender identity or expression. This practice allows students to base roommate choices solely on compatibility, unrestricted by sex.
- Students may request a roommate of any sex/gender during housing selection.
- All students in the roommate group must request to "match" one another during the specified roommate selection period, as per the roommate request process.
- Gender neutral roommate groups must be able to fill the room/apartment to full capacity.
- Students will not be required to reveal their reasons for opting to live in gender neutral housing; however, this option is not intended for romantic couples.
- Students will not be assigned to gender neutral room/apartments without request.
- Students who select gender neutral housing but would like to move will be offered options through Residential Life's room change procedure.
- Once an room/apartment is designated as gender neutral, that space will remain gender neutral as long as all residents continue to occupy the space during the current academic year.
In case of a vacancy:
- The roommates left behind may pull in any new roommate- including a roommate of the same or opposite sex. All students in the space have to approve the new roommate.
- The Office of Residential Life & Explorations will attempt to place students in the apartment who are interested in living in a gender neutral space.
- If the above options are not possible, the Office of Residential Life & Explorations reserves the right to split and relocate the group in order to create single-sex groups.
Is there still a residency requirement?
Rollins has temporarily relaxed our residency requirement for most students. Students living in their Residential Organization Hall or are Resident Assistants are not eligible for a Housing Exemption. Students who wish to live off-campus and are approved will have their residency requirement waived. Students interested in returning to live on campus following this year should go through the housing sign-up process in subsequent years.
Can I still get housing on campus?
Increased enrollment over the past few years and a higher-than-expected number of current students who applied for on-campus housing have caused this unique housing challenge. We are committed to providing solutions for those who wish to live on campus. If returning students have questions about housing, they can contact RLE at 407.646.2649 or rle@rollins.edu.
I understand that if I’m approved for the special housing exemption, I’m not required to live on campus during my remaining time at Rollins. Do I have the option of returning to live on campus?
Students interested in returning to live on campus following this year should go through the returning student housing process in subsequent years.
I'm interested in off-campus housing. What are my options?
Go to the College Pads app in Okta for the latest information on off-campus housing.
I don't know if I can afford to live off-campus; what do I do?
Students should check with Financial Aid to see how their aid can be used living off campus. Parent loans and other aid may be available. Please contact finaid@rollins.edu or call 407-646-1863.
What about my financial aid package? Will it change?
Students can check with the Financial Aid office to see how their aid package may change depending on their specific situation and housing choice. Please contact finaid@rollins.edu or call 407-646-1863.
Returning Student Housing Selection FAQs
Why are we changing the existing process?
The College has committed to a 3-year live-on requirement; however, we recognize the need for flexibility as we balance the increased demand for housing with the number of available spaces. At Rollins, we firmly believe that a liberal arts education is enhanced with a residential experience. Through this updated process, we can determine who lives on campus in a way that is fair and timely, thus permitting RLE to communicate early with those who will not be living on campus so alternative arrangements can be made.
Are seniors barred from living on campus next year?
No. Res. Life & Explorations’ goal is to provide housing to any student who wants to live on campus. Students who want to live on campus must complete the Housing Application that will be available in early spring.
Are seniors being given less priority for on-campus housing?
Seniors who apply and are approved for on-campus housing will be the first to select a space on campus.
Does the College guarantee housing for four years?
While the college has never had enough beds to guarantee housing for all four years, we acknowledge that some of you believed that you had that opportunity.
Why is GPA no longer being considered in the Returning Student Housing Selection process?
To be in line with nationwide best practices, GPA should not be a factor when determining where a student gets to live on campus. In alignment with nationwide best practices, GPA will not be a factor when determining where a student gets to live on campus. In addition, RLE staff has met with student leaders who also believed that GPA should not determine where students could live on campus.
What are the different rankings for a bed on campus and room type?
There are two different ranking processes.
- The first determines whether you are eligible for a bed on-campus (does not impact where you are placed on campus). If the number of housing requests is equal or less than the number of beds, all students who submitted a housing application will be moved to the room selection stage. If there are more requests than available beds, we will use the following ranking system to determine eligibility (with priority within each academic group given to Alfond Scholars and Diversity Scholars, as these scholarships require on-campus living):
- Sophomores
- Juniors
- Seniors (seniors will be further ranked by application submission date/time)
- All students who are not guaranteed housing will be able to add themselves to a housing waitlist and will be contacted after selection is complete, if there are any remaining beds.
- To ensure that students with higher seniority retain priority for selecting where they live on campus, for room type selection, the priority ranking is:
- Seniors
- Juniors
- Sophomores
- Students who want to live on campus must complete the Housing Application that will be available in early spring. Seniors who apply and are approved for on-campus housing will be the first to select a space on campus.
If I have less than 4 people in my roommate group, can I still participate in the 4-person Lakeside Housing Selection process?
No. Matched roommate groups can only participate in the room selection process if the total number of students in the group matches the number of beds in the assignment. If you want to participate in the 4-person Lakeside Housing Selection process, you must have four people in your roommate group.
What room types will be available for selection?
Since matched roommate groups must match the number of beds, it is important to know how many roommates you will need. We foresee having options for groups 5, 4, 2 and 1. We recommend students start trying to find future roommates that fit these group numbers. However, if you do not have any intended roommates, you can participate in the final stage of room selection (General Selection) individually and without needing matched roommates.
I don’t have enough roommates in my matched roommate group. How do I find more roommates?
Residential Life & Explorations will host multiple roommate matching events students can attend to find roommates. Matched roommate groups can only participate in a room selection process if the total number of students in the group matches the number of beds in the assignment.
Are ADA accommodations being considered for the Returning Student Housing Selection process?
Yes! Accessibility Services will open the ADA Housing Accommodations Request in mid-January. Once a student submits an accommodation request, they will also need to submit RLE’s Housing Application form. An ADA accommodation does not necessarily guarantee a bed on-campus but provides accommodation for a specific room type based on a medical need (Ex. private room with community bathroom, etc.). Requests for eligibility to live on campus as accommodation will be granted only in unusual circumstances, will require proof of a barrier due to medical necessity, and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
I am a rising senior, and I am worried about not getting a bed on campus. What do I do?
All students who would like to live on campus should submit a Returning Student Housing application to determine if they will receive a bed on campus. Please note it is RLE’s goal to house all students who submit a Housing Application. We are exploring a variety of housing configurations to ensure this is possible. If a student is not guaranteed a bed, they will have the option to submit a request for the housing waitlist.
How do I know if I am able to live on-campus?
After submitting your Returning Student Housing application, the ranking process will be conducted to determine which students will be eligible to live on campus. Students will receive notification that they will or will not be able to live on campus through their Rollins email. RLE aims to complete this process earlier than previous years so students can make plans accordingly.
What should I do if my preferred roommate is not guaranteed to live on campus, but I am?
In this scenario you have a couple of options, since living with your preferred roommate is not going to be possible (at least initially). You are welcome to find new preferred roommates who are guaranteed housing since you will be able to match with these students. You are also welcome to submit an exemption request and live off campus with the roommate of your choice. Lastly, you can choose to not participate in selection and add yourself to the housing waitlist alongside your initial preferred roommate. If beds are available, we will reach out to you and your preferred roommate.
If I am part of a Residential Organization and want to live in my organization’s assigned hall next year, do I still need to participate in the returning student housing selection process?
If you are a student who is a part of an organization with an assigned hall on campus and want to live in your hall, you still need to submit the Returning Student Housing application. However, the Residential Organization selection process will be a separate process that will be initiated by your organization and will occur before Returning Student Housing Selection.
Will there be opportunities to ask questions or learn more?
Yes! It is RLE’s goal to be able to answer all questions and support students through the change. RLE will offer open houses to answer all questions, organize consultation appointments to advise individuals or groups on their specific housing setup, table at the Campus Center, and more. As always, feel free to reach out to us with questions via email rle@rollins.edu or phone at 407-646-2649. Our goal remains to house all students who want to live on campus and follow the housing process/timeline.
Rates, Amenities & What to Bring
Housing Rates
2024-2025
| Housing Options | Fall Term | Spring Term | Amount Total | ||||||||
| Single Room | $6,365 | $6,365 | $12,730 | ||||||||
| Double Room | $5,115 | $5,115 | $10,230 | ||||||||
| Standard Triple | $3,900 | $3,900 | $7,800 | ||||||||
| Triple | $4,425 | $4,425 | $8,850 | ||||||||
| Sutton 2-Person Apartment Double Room | $5,810 | $5,810 | $11,620 | ||||||||
| Sutton 3-Person Apartment Double Room | $5,390 | $5,390 | $10,780 | ||||||||
| Sutton 3-Person Apartment Single Room | $6640 | $6640 | $13,280 | ||||||||
| Sutton 5-Person Apartment A Triple Room | $4,420 | $4,420 | $8,840 | ||||||||
| Sutton 5-Person Apartment B Double Room | $4,820 | $4,820 | $9,640 | ||||||||
| Lakeside 2-Person Apartment Double Room | $6,000 | $6,000 | $12,000 | ||||||||
| Lakeside 4-Person Apartment Double Room | $6,365 | $6,365 | $12,730 | ||||||||
| Lakeside 4-Person Apartment Single Room | $6,915 | $6,915 | $13,830 | ||||||||
| Lakeside 5-Person Apartment Double Room | $5,500 | $5,500 | $11,000 | ||||||||
| Lakeside 5-Person Apartment Single Room | $6,500 | $6,500 | $13,000 |
Click here for 2023-2024 Housing Rates.
Amenities
- Cooking: Kitchen facilities for limited cooking are available in most residence halls.
- Bed Linens: For added comfort, all mattresses (with the exception of the full-size mattresses that are featured in Lakeside Neighborhood) are "extra-long" twin size (36" x 80").
- Lofts: Most furniture provided in the residence hall rooms is loftable; however, Residential Life staff members are not allowed to loft the furniture for you. Additionally, all furniture will need to remain in the room during the year.
- Lounge Spaces: Lounges are furnished for students and their guests.
- Room Furniture: Each room is furnished with a bed, desk, desk chair, dresser, wardrobe/closet, trash can and recycling bin. Students are responsible for maintaining all room furnishings in check-in condition and all furniture must remain within the room.
- Security: All residence halls are locked 24 hours a day. Students should not prop doors or lend keys/IDs to non-students. Lost or stolen keys and IDs should be reported immediately to the Office of Residential Life. There is a fee to replace keys and IDs.
- Washers and Dryers: For your convenience, laundry machines are provided at no additional cost.
- Wireless Internet: Wireless internet is available in all residence halls at no additional cost.
Below is a list of suggested items to bring for your room on campus. Your actual needs may differ from the list below. Be sure to contact your roommate to arrange who will be what of the larger items in the room.
Furnishings Provided for Each Resident: Extra-long bed, dresser, desk, desk chair, closet or wardrobe, and blinds.
What to Bring
Bed & Bath Items:
- Sheets/pillowcases (Bring extra-long sheets) or full-size (Lakeside Neighborhood only)
- Comforter
- Blanket
- Pillow(s)
- Towels & washcloths
- Shower tote
- Wastebasket
- Toiletries
- Shower shoes
- Bathrobe
- For added comfort, all mattresses (with the exception of single room mattresses in Lakeside Neighborhood) are "extra-long" twin size (36" x 80").
Students living in doubles and triples who want to add some privacy in their rooms can purchase a Campus Canopy for their beds. For more information on Campus Canopies click HERE.
The Basics:
- Backpack
- School supplies
- Drawer organizer
- Bulletin or Dry Erase Board
- Posters
- Hangers
- Copies of prescriptions (medications & glasses)
- Umbrella/raincoat
- Cleaning supplies
- Extra glasses/contacts
- Your personal identification documents (originals required for new hire paperwork if you plan to work on or off campus)
Electronics & Housewares
- Desk lamp
- Fan
- A surge protector (UL approved)
- Flashlight/batteries
- TV
- Computer
- Refrigerator (4.0 cu. ft. or less)
- Microwave (1.0 cu. ft. or less)
- Coffee maker (with automatic shutoff)
- Plates (1 or 2)
- Cup and flatware (1 or 2 sets)
- Iron or Steamer (with automatic shutoff)
- Laundry bag or basket
- Laundry detergent-- HE (high-efficiency) type liquid detergent is specifically formulated for the front load washers.
You can ship belongings to the College, as long as they are timed to arrive no earlier than two weeks prior to the start of the fall semester. Send the items to the following address:
Your Name
Mail Box Number
1000 Holt Ave.
Winter Park, FL 32789
Decorations
Go to Decorations in the Guide to Residence Hall Living for information on apartment, room and window decoration guidlines in the residence halls.
What Not to Bring
Go to Prohibited Items in the Guide to Residence Hall Living to find out what items are not permitted in the residence halls.
Appeal Processes, Policy & Facilities Service Requests
Appeal Processes
Information about RLE Appeal Processes and link to the Appeal Submission form-RLE Appeal Process Descriptions
Policy
Below are links to various resources concerning our policies. Any additional questions can be addressed to the Office of Residential Life.
Guide to Residence Hall Living
Facilities Service Requests
Infomation about Indoor Air Quality-Indoor Air Quality
Maintenance staff members are assigned to each residence hall and are under the direction of Facilities Services. These individuals are a vital part of the residence hall community and perform a variety of daily functions to help maintain a safe, comfortable, functional, living and learning environment for residents.
The maintenance staff is responsible for maintaining/fixing the following:
- Lights/light fixtures
- Plumbing
- AC/heat
- Smoke detectors
- Electrical
- Appliances
- Doors
- Locks
- Windows
- Blinds
To report a maintenance issue, submit a request for service ticket.