Room Change Processes at Cornell
The following process only applies to undergraduate housing. Students living in Hasbrouck Apartments should contact housing@cornell.edu to inquire about room changes.
Room Change - Academic Year 2025-26
The room change application is open during select times of both the fall and spring semesters via the Housing and Dining Portal.
- Fall 2025: September 22-December 1, 2025
- Spring 2026: February 1-May 1, 2026
There is a $100 fee for a completed room change. If you have already submitted an application during the Fall Semester, you will not need to submit a new one for the Spring Semester.
Once room type, building, and roommate preferences have been completed and the application is submitted, students will need to make an appointment with their RHD/HAD to review the request and discuss the situation they are experiencing. The professional staff members will then work with the students on mediation and/or options to address the situation. The submission of the room change application to the Housing team could happen before or after this mitigation.
Once sent to the Housing team, room changes will be offered based on date of submission, situation, preferences, and availability. A room change is never a guarantee.
If we can find a space that meets the student's needs and preferences, we will email an offer. If you do not receive an email with an offer, we have not yet been able to identify a space.
Please see the Directory to reach the Residence Hall Director or House Office staff.
Room Swap - Summer 2025
Students will be able to log into the Housing and Dining Portal 10am June 20 – 10am July 20. The Room Swap allows two students to swap their housing assignments. There is no fee for this process.
There will be a Room Swap link available on the navigation bar on the Housing Portal during this time frame. Students will click the button to select their current booking to get the process started.
Students will then be able to add preferences of what room type they are looking for. The more preferences listed, the better chance of finding someone to swap with.
Students can search for other student preferences during this process to find a match for a potential swap. To finalize a swap three steps are required:
- A swap must be requested
- The swap must be accepted by the recipient
- The requestor of the swap must accept
A room swap is not guaranteed. Participating by listing preferences does not require students to complete a swap nor does it require a student to agree to a swap request from another student.