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A student sits on the floor of her dorm room with a record player and a colorful selection of records

All of the details you need to know to call Occidental “home”!

Whether you’re joining Occidental as a first-year or transfer student, our Residential Education and Housing Services (REHS) team is here to make your on-campus experience safe, comfortable, and enriching.

This page will guide you through housing options, the application process, accommodation requests, and what to expect when you receive your assignment and move in.

Housing Options

At Occidental, you won’t select a specific residence hall yourself. Instead, you’ll share your living preferences—such as room type, lifestyle habits, and roommate interests—in your housing application. The Residential Education and Housing Services (REHS) team uses this information to pair you with a roommate and place you in a hall or apartment that’s the best fit for you.

Transfer students aren’t required to live on campus, but we hope you’ll join us in the Occidental residential community. Off-campus housing resources are available if you need them.

Complete Your Housing Application

Once you’ve explored your housing options, your next step is to complete the housing application through eRezLife. Before applying, make sure you’ve activated your oxy.edu account and can log in using your Oxy credentials. Note: Room type and roommate preferences are not guaranteed—you’ll be assigned based on availability at the time placements are made.

Steps to Apply

  1. Log in to eRezLife using your oxy.edu credentials.
  2. Select “My Housing Profile” and confirm your information.
  3. Return to the toolbar and choose “Housing Overview” → “Apply Now” to open the Fall 2026 Housing Application.
  4. Complete and submit the form, reviewing all Terms & Conditions and the housing license agreement.
  5. If requesting a preferred roommate, navigate to “Roommate Groups”, create a group name, and enter your roommate’s Oxy email. All group members will receive an email to confirm.

Need help logging in? Contact Information Technology Services (ITS) at helpdesk@oxy.edu or (323) 259-2880 during business hours.

Housing Accommodations

If you require housing accommodations due to a documented medical or psychological condition, complete that step next.

  1. Review the housing accommodations policy.
  2. Submit the housing accommodation request.

Requests submitted after the deadline will be placed on a waitlist and filled as space becomes available.

Occidental students bring boxes into the residence hall on move in day

Get Ready for Move-In

Move-in day is one of the best days of the year! Visit the Move-In Guide to find arrival schedules, what to pack, and tips for settling into campus life.

New Student Housing FAQs

Yes. Living on campus is a core part of the Occidental experience. Students starting their first year in College at Occidental are required to live in College housing for their first three years, with a limited number of approved exceptions. Some juniors and seniors live off campus (including in Greek or theme houses), but the majority of students live on campus all four years. Details about the residency requirement and exemption process are available on the Housing website.

New transfer students aren't required to live on campus, but we hope you’ll join us in the Occidental residential community. Off-campus housing resources are available if you need them.

After you submit your housing application, Residential Education and Housing Services (REHS) matches roommate(s) using the lifestyle preferences and housing questions you provide. To help create a good match, complete the application on your own and answer honestly.
 

Room assignments and roommate information are emailed to new students before arrival and orientation. This happens in January for students starting in spring and in August for students starting in the fall semester. Once you receive your assignment, you’re welcome to reach out and introduce yourself to your roommate(s).

Each room includes a twin XL bed and mattress, desk and chair, dresser, shared closet space, and a microfridge and microwave. Most students bring basic bedding, towels, a fan, toiletries, and a few items to make the space feel like home. Some items—like open-flame appliances, personal furniture, and certain high-heat devices—aren’t allowed in the halls. For a detailed list of what’s provided, what to bring, and what to leave at home, visit the Move-In Guide.
 

Early move-in is only available to students who are part of approved campus programs that require arrival before the standard move-in date (such as certain athletic teams, International Student Orientation, or other pre-semester programs). If you’re eligible for early arrival, you’ll receive specific instructions directly from the department coordinating your program.

All other students should plan to move in on the standard move-in day, as individual early move-in requests cannot be accommodated.

Office of Admission
Collins House

1600 Campus Road
Los Angeles, CA 90041