Temporary, Increased Assignments | University at Albany

What is a temporary, increased assignment?

When class size increases beyond the normal capacity of Residential Life’s bed spaces, we use temporary housing to provide housing for all incoming students.

Temporary, increased housing is when a residence hall space has expanded capacity to accommodate one additional resident. For example, a room designed for two people will have its capacity increased to house three people.

Note: Converted lounges are considered normal capacity, not increased housing. A converted lounge is designed to be occupied by three to four students.

In double rooms converted into triple rooms, two of the extra-long twin beds will be bunked and the third may be lofted. The student who selects the top bunk will have a closet to themselves and the other two students will share a closet.

To maximize space, increased rooms will only have two desks, but each student will have their own dresser.

What is the plan for Fall 2024?

Some first-year students (freshmen) will be placed in an increased housing assignment for the Fall 2024 semester.

After the first day of classes, Residential Life staff will immediately begin to identify available spaces. During the second week of classes, as spaces become available, we will start moving students to permanent, normal capacity housing assignments.

Moves are made based on the date of a student’s Housing Application, with the earliest applicants getting moved first.

Is there a discount for increased assignments?

If you are in an increased housing assignment, you will receive a 20% room rate reduction each week until you are offered a normal capacity space.

This discount will be reflected as a credit on your student account. Learn more about room rates, billing and payments.

Once you have a normal capacity housing assignment, your housing bill will be adjusted.

If you are offered a normal capacity housing assignment but agree to remain in your increased assignment, you will forfeit the 20% discount from that point forward.

How can I make the most of my space?

We understand space will be tight. Rooms are evaluated before they are increased or converted to ensure all furnishings will fit into the available space.

Maximize Your Space

There are several creative and safe ways to maximize your space, such as:

Loft beds that aren’t bunked. Note: For your safety, beds can only be lofted or bunked by the University. To request a loft bed, contact your Quad Information Center once you have moved into your room assignment.
Arrange furniture in L formations. This can be done with two beds, two dressers or two desks.
Make use of all flat surfaces, such as the tops of desks and dressers. Use your Microfridge as a nightstand.
Bring storage drawers, shelves or boxes that fit under your bed.
Move your dresser into your closet. Hang shoe organizers inside your closet.

Pack Only What You Need

We encourage students to be judicious in what they bring to campus. Our recommendations include:

Leave winter clothing at home and then swap lighter clothes with warmer clothes when you return home for Fall Break and/or Thanksgiving Break.
Pack only what fits in and on your desk, dresser and half a closet.
Speak with your roommates to avoid bringing the same large items, such as TVs, speakers and fans.
If you have loved ones traveling with you for move-in day, send empty trunks and suitcases back home with them.

None of UAlbany’s residential students — including those with temporary, increased assignments — have access to storage rooms on their floor or in their building.

Visit the Move-in page for additional packing guidance.

Adhere to Safety Rules

All residential students — including those with temporary, increased assignments — must adhere to Residential Life’s safety rules, as outlined in the Housing License.

Please keep the following rules in mind:

Beds can only be lofted or bunked by the University. To request a loft bed, contact your Quad Information Center.
All bunked and lofted beds must have a safety bar installed by the University.
Furniture cannot be elevated using bricks, blocks or other furniture. Cinder blocks and bricks are prohibited inside on-campus housing.
Extension cords and multi-plugs are prohibited. Certain power strips are allowed. Review our Extension Cord & Power Strip Guidelines.
Do not block doors, windows or heating units.

Communicate with Your Roommates

We encourage all residential students to regularly communicate with their roommates to ensure everyone assigned to the room can properly rest and study.

Study space is also available on each Quad and in the University Libraries.

Before and/or after you move in, consider discussing the following with your roommates:

Your daily schedules, including when you expect to be away from the room
When you each typically go to sleep and wake up
How many visitors you’re comfortable having in the room and how often
When you should use headphones for music, TV shows, movies, etc.

Your Resident Assistant (RA) is available to discuss and/or help with roommate issues that arise at any point of the semester.

It’s important to be courteous, considerate and sensitive to the needs and concerns of others. Be sure to:

Keep your space clean and organized.
Discuss issues as they come up, instead of letting them go unresolved.
Be patient and flexible as you negotiate and compromise on sleep, study and social life.
Avoid talking about a roommate behind their back. Be open, honest and respectful.