About Triples

All incoming freshmen who apply to live on-campus by application deadlines are guaranteed housing. However, because of the heavy demand for on-campus housing, it is necessary for the University to initially assign some students to tripled housing. Assignment in a tripled room is intended to be a temporary arrangement. Students in tripled rooms will be offered a permanent space based on availability within the building and the student’s priority (based on deposit date) as soon as permanent spaces are identified. We consider all three students in a tripled room as permanent residents, so no one student is regarded as the "extra" person. Historically, most students assigned to a tripled housing room are offered a permanent space before the end of the Fall Semester. However, there have been years when we have ended the Fall semester with students still in triple rooms.

Financial Rebate

We understand that being in a triple can be a burden on some. Students who are tripled could each receive up to a $1000 credit to their University Account. Credits will be given in two $500 increments on September 15th and November 1st.

Resources

In an effort to assist tripled students through this experience, they will receive information with their room assignment before arriving on campus. Students will be given detailed information about what to expect as part of a tripled room, applicable refunds, furniture removal if one person moves, and how to get along with multiple roommates. Certain programming within the residence halls is tailored for students living in tripled housing. This programming is designed to take a proactive approach, with in-hall activities that support and educate residents on how to maximize their tripled housing living experience. In addition, the office of Residential Life and Housing are always available to help mediate any issues that may arise. Spaces have been identified in each of the buildings for “quiet study” to ensure that residents have a quiet, comfortable place to focus on their academics.

Living in a Triple and "De-tripling"

The office of Residential Life and Housing staff in each building work with our Associate Director of Operations to facilitate the de-tripling process. As a result, it is important that tripled students keep in touch with their Resident Assistant and Residence Director if there are problems. Students in tripled rooms will be given priority for vacancies in the building where they reside. Students may request to remain in their building or be assigned to another building if spaces are available. We use deposit date as the main factor in determining priority for the de-tripling process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who's assigned to these rooms? Why was I chosen?
Freshmen. In the past, two in every ten freshman students will be living in triples. These are the last rooms we assign, so the freshmen in these rooms are among the last new students confirmed by the University to receive on-campus housing. Assignments are made based on housing deposit date.

How long will I be assigned to a triple room?
Our first priority will be to get all students moved to a permanent space as soon as possible. Unfortunately, we can only go as fast as when spaces become available. Historically, most students assigned to a tripled housing room are offered a permanent space before the end of the Fall Semester. However, there have been years when we have ended the Fall semester with students in triple rooms.

What extra furniture is in my triple room?
There are three loftable beds (bunking can be requested) two desks, and two chairs. There will be two wardrobes in the room, and another wardrobe in the shared common room. There are four under the bed dresser drawers. It is important that furniture is equally shared by all roommates. Resident Assistants can assist in determining the equal distribution of all furniture to ensure that all residents have fair access to the space. No additional furniture is available for the room.

Will the furniture be removed when one of the roommates is reassigned?
Yes. Staff will work as quickly as possible to remove the additional bed and wardrobe.

Is one student designated to have the specific furniture?
All three roommates should talk about how to share the furniture and space. It is important that furniture is equally shared by all roommates. Resident Assistants can assist in determining the equal distribution of all furniture to ensure that all residents have fair access to the space. Planning this in advance by talking with roommates will start your experience smoothly. Students with questions or concerns can speak with their Resident Assistant. What should I do if I am the first person to arrive in the room? As mentioned above, the furniture should be divided equally. No one student should have the advantage over his/her roommates. It is a good idea to wait until all roommates have arrived before beds and furniture are set up.

Can we move the furniture around?
Most of the furniture can be moved to suit the needs and creativity of the residents of that room, provided it does not block the path of egress in the room. Also, consider where the internet, electrical outlets, and cable connections are located when rearranging furniture.

Are there three Ethernet connections?
There are multiple Ethernet connections in all rooms and all of our residence halls are set up for wireless networking. In some rooms an extra-long Ethernet cable may be necessary. Since not all connections are in the same location, it is not possible to give all residents the exact locations of the connections. We have found that fewer and fewer students use an Ethernet connection as a wireless connection is readily available.

Won't it be cramped in the room with all that furniture?
Room set-up will be tight, although the rooms were evaluated before their conversion to triples as to how well furnishings would fit in the available space. Storage space is limited to the wardrobes and under the beds. There are not storage rooms elsewhere on the floor or in the building.

Here are some creative, yet safe ways of arranging furnishings in order to save space and maximize the amount of open floor space:

• Bunk an unbunked bed
• Make an 'L' formation with two beds, or dressers or desks
• Use your refrigerator as a nightstand
• Make use of all flat surfaces (tops of desks, dressers, refrigerators, wardrobes, etc.)
• Bring storage drawers or boxes that fit under your bed or under the sinks in the common area of the suite.

Each student should restrict the items he/she brings to campus, particularly by leaving least essential items (e.g., winter clothing) at home. A practical rule of thumb would be to restrict your possessions to what fits in/on your desk, dresser and one-third of a small closet. Hanging space for clothing will be particularly limited. Roommates are strongly encouraged to speak with one another prior to move-in day and to ensure that unnecessary duplications (e.g. TV, stereo, fan, refrigerator, curtains) are avoided. Families who travel to campus for move-in day should plan to take back home with them items such as empty trunks and suitcases.

How will I be notified when my room is de-tripled?
All three students will be notified via email that there room is being de-tripled. The student who will be moving will coordinate the move to their permanent location with their Resident Director.

Can we decide to stay permanently tripled?
Yes! Last year we had almost a third of the rooms that decided to stay permanently tripled because they enjoyed living together. All three roommates would need to sign a “permanent triple agreement” and return it to our office. Students who form a permanent triple will continue to receive the room discount until all rooms for that gender have been de-tripled.

What is the difference between a temporary triple and a three capacity room?
A triple is a temporary assignment where three people are living in a space that normally houses two people. A three capacity room was designed and built for three residents. A three capacity room is larger, and is not part of the temporary housing. Three capacity rooms do not get de-tripled.