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Accepted Applicants

International House is thrilled that you have decided to join the exciting International House community during your time in New York! We hope that all of our admitted applicants are eager to meet fellow resident members from all over the world and become active in our community.

This page details the next steps for you to take after receiving your acceptance letter and other important information to know before your arrival to the House.

After Acceptance

Upon acceptance to International House, you will have 10 days to submit your $1,400 room reservation deposit and secure your spot at the House. If payment is not completed within 10 days of receiving your notice of acceptance, your room will be forfeited and it is possible we will not have another room for you to stay in.

Once your $1,400 deposit has been submitted, you have 10 days to cancel your stay without penalty should any issues arise.

Once payment has been made, confirm your arrival date and complete sign your Resident Membership Agreement via the application portal.

I-House will begin charging room fees beginning on the check in date you submitted in your application. You are not allowed to change this arrival date unless it is permitted. This request must be done in writing at least 4 weeks prior to arrival to be considered. Changes are subject to approval by the Admissions Office.
Check-out dates are tentatively set for the last day of the Academic Year. If you plan to stay after the date listed, you will be able to apply to do so later in the Academic Year; if you plan to leave earlier than the date listed, please advise the Admissions Office as the Early Departure Policy applies.

What to Bring

What not to Bring

South rooms include a full size bed, desk, chair, dresser, bookcase, lamp, linens, blanket, pillow and towel.
North rooms
come furnished with the above, in addition to a dining table and chairs, stove/oven and refrigerator.

  • Kitchen items including dishes, silverware, pots & pans, cooking utensils, etc.
  • Bathroom rug
  • Area rug for your room
  • Broom/Mop and other cleaning supplies
  • Hair dryer
  • Extra bedding & towels
  • Hangers
  • Surge protector
  • Voltage converter
  • Personal toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.)
  • Decorative items to personalize your room
  • Mini refrigerator 
  • Fan or air conditioner
      Although I-House rooms are not air conditioned, residents are permitted to buy their own air conditioners (5000-7000 BTUs). The units must be approved and installed and removed by I-House Facilities staff (additional fees apply). Air conditioners are available to rent from I-House Facilities.
    You may purchase many of these items locally. We recommend you prioritize your needs to avoid bringing unnecessary items, as space in your room will quickly fill up!

    Prohibited items such as:

    • Pets of any kind
    • Smoke- or vapor- producing devices
    • Flammable items (heaters, candles, incense, halogen lamps)
    • Furniture of any kind not already provided by I-House
    • Dangerous items such as weapons or explosives
    • Mattress (exceptions granted by Facilities Management for documented medical reasons with at least 5 days prior notice)
    You may also choose to not bring the following items, which can be borrowed at I-House:
    • Vacuum cleaner
    • Clothing irons (for use in the laundry room)
    Residents at an Ice Cream Social
    Ice Cream Social, 2019.

    Arrival Procedures

    1. Arrive at your scheduled time.
    2. Present a photo ID to verify your identity.
    3. Retrieve a luggage cart, place your belongings on it and leave it in the care of the Claremont Desk Attendant.
    4. Visit Bursar Services on the 1st floor (Open Mon.-Fri. 9am to 7pm.)
      • Sign Resident Membership Agreement if you have not done so via the portal already.
      • Make payment of your full semester charges: your room fees, security deposit, dining fees, and any other applicable additional fees.
      • Receive your I-House ID card and key(s).
    5. Retrieve your belongings from the Claremont Desk Attendant and go to your room.
    6. Complete the Room Inventory Sheet (found on the desk in your room) and submit it to the Facilities Department located on the A floor near the Claremont reception desk.
      If you arrive when Bursar Services is closed (Saturday, Sunday, holidays, or after business hours) you will receive a temporary ID and key valid for 3 business days.  You must visit Bursar Services within 3 business days to complete the steps above. After 3 business days your temporary key will expire. There are no exceptions to this rule.

      Arrival FAQs

      Can I change my arrival date?

      March 15, 2023

      Arrival dates can only be edited once a room reservation deposit has been submitted. Arrival date changes must be made 30 days in advance and are subject to approval based on occupancy by the Admissions Committee. It is possible that we may not be able to accommodate changes of up to five days, as arrival date changes are permitted based upon room availability. Incoming residents may only make one change to their arrival date, and residents that change their arrival date more than once might incur a penalty fee.

      When can I check in after arriving in New York?

      February 3, 2023

      Check-in for new arrivals is Monday-Friday between 2:00pm-7:00pm, or Saturday between 9:00am-3:00pm with the Bursar.

      If you are anticipating arriving after business hours or on a Sunday, the Claremont Avenue desk is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and will provide you with a temporary ID that is valid for 3 days until you are able to formally complete check-in with the Bursar.

      What is the check-in process like upon arrival to I-House?

      March 15, 2023

      See the Accepted Applicants page for more information regarding our arrival procedure.

      Can I bring a guest to help me move in?

      February 3, 2023

      Yes, you may bring a guest to help you move in. 

      What happens if my plans change and I do not arrive on my arrival date?

      March 15, 2023

      If you do not arrive on your arrival date and you have not notified us in advance, we will cancel your reservation and you will forfeit the $600 room reservation payment.

      Upon arrival, what payment is due?

      March 15, 2023

      Upon arrival, residents will visit the Bursar Office to pay for their rent, dining fees, and any other additional fees for one semester or the length of their stay, whichever is shorter.

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      Financial Aid

      I-House is proud to offer need-based financial aid to Residents to assist with expenses during the Academic Year. These opportunities are made possible through the generous support of corporations, foundations and individuals such as alumni and trustees. These gifts ensure that International House is able to maintain the exceptional geographic, cultural and economic diversity that is central to the mission.
      Awards range from $1,000 for one semester to full room fees for the Academic Year. There are a variety of funds available each with different criteria.
      Click the “Learn more about financial aid” button below to find the fund for you and the details regarding the application.

      FAQs

      My arrival date has changed since I was admitted. Can I change it?

      October 10, 2023

      I-House will begin charging room fees beginning on the check in date you submitted in your application. You are not allowed to change this arrival date unless it is permitted. This request must be done in writing to the Admissions Office at least 4 weeks prior to arrival to be considered. Changes are subject to approval by the Admissions Office and are not guaranteed.

      When will I know my room number? 

      October 10, 2023

      We cannot confirm the exact room number before your arrival as room assignments are subject to change. We do guarantee the room type indicated in the acceptance letter.

      How do you decide what room I get? 

      October 10, 2023

      We make every effort to accommodate your room preferences indicated on your application based on availability on your arrival date and the ranking you provided on your application. You will receive an e-mail confirmation within one week of receipt of the $600 Room Reservation Payment and your arrival date.

      I was admitted for a room that was not my first choice. Why? Can I request a different room before checking in?

      October 10, 2023

      I-House receives many applications from applicants on many different schedules. If you were assigned a room that was not your first choice, it is likely because we do not have any of those room types available for the duration of your arrival and departure dates.

      We do not accept room change requests prior to arrival; however, upon check-in, you may go to the Admissions Office and submit a room change request form. Room changes requested this way are reviewed in the order they are received, and only when a room becomes available due to resident departure will we be able to provide a room change. Residents can also swap rooms with other residents, eliminating the need to wait for a current resident to vacate their room.

      Please note that room changes are never permitted during the summer term.

      Are the rooms at I-House furnished?

      October 10, 2023

      Please view our Amenities and Rates page for details on what items each room type is furnished with. NO ADDITIONAL OUTSIDE FURNITURE MAY BE BROUGHT INTO I-HOUSE.

      Do I-House North rooms come furnished with kitchen utensils (pots, pans, silverware, etc)?

      March 15, 2023

      No, I-House North rooms do not come furnished with kitchen utensils; these must be purchased by the resident.

      What fees should I expect upon arrival?

      October 10, 2023

      Full Payment is due upon arrival. When you arrive, you will be required to pay the following:

      1. The balance of the refundable Security Deposit (equivalent to one month's room fees) which will be returned to you after your departure provided all outstanding charges have been paid and the room is left clean and in good condition.
      2. Room Fees from the date of your scheduled arrival through your scheduled departure date.
      3. Meal plan charges.

      Do I need to be vaccinated against Covid-19?

      June 6, 2023

      As of June 2023, all residents are encouraged to be vaccinated against COVID-19, but it is no longer required for admission.

      Are pets allowed? Service or Support Animals?

      October 10, 2023

      Pets are not permitted at International House.

      For details on service or support animals at I-House, please view our Disability Accommodations Policy.

      Is smoking permitted? 

      October 10, 2023

      International House is a 100% smoke-free facility. Please view our No Smoking Policy for more information.

      How long are the I-House terms? 

      March 15, 2023

      The Summer Term begins May 13, 2023 and ends August 14, 2023. For incoming summer residents, we will try to accommodate arrivals before May 13th, however we are not obligated to do so. If summer residents wish to stay beyond August 14 2023, they may do so by requesting an Extension via the application portal. Requests to extend made in writing or in-person will not be processed.

       

      The Academic Year begins September 1, 2023, and ends on May 17, 2024.

      What happens if I have to cancel my room? 

      March 15, 2023

      You may cancel your room prior to arrival on the application portal using the Cancel My Application/Early Departure link under the menu tab. If you notify us prior to your cancel by date written in your admittance email, you will receive a full refund of the $600 room reservation payment. Less than 30 days notice and the full $600 is forfeited.  We will not process cancellations until the form on the application portal has been submitted. There will be no exceptions.

      My departure date has changed since I was admitted. Can I change it?

      October 10, 2023

      Check-out dates are tentatively set for the last day of the Academic Year. If you plan to stay after the date listed, you will be able to apply to do so later in the Academic Year; if you plan to leave earlier than the date listed, please advise the Admissions Office as the Early Departure Policy applies.

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      Important Policies

      As a Resident at I-House, you are not a tenant and International House is not a landlord. You are a member of a community devoted to a mission. Community life is different than living independently—each Resident Member has duties and responsibilities to others in the community. Understanding and respect for community norms and practices, along with some degree of compromise in the face of individual desires, is required.

      Admissions Policies

      Alcohol and Illegal Drugs Policy

      Code of Conduct

      Disability Accommodations Policy

      Disciplinary Process Policy

      Guest Policy

      Information Technology Usage Policy

      No Smoking Policy

      Non-Discrimination Policy

      Sexual Misconduct Policy