In addition to residence halls available for incoming freshman, RIT offers Special interest housing. Special interest housing (SIH) are houses for students who want to live around others that share common interests. The relationships with faculty, upperclassmen, and alumni are what makes SIH special. There are currently 7 special interest houses at RIT located on specific floors in the residence halls.
The 7 houses are: Art house, Photo house, Unity house, House of General Science, International house, Computer Science house, Engineering house.
Each offers different amenities, events, community and experience. Check out this website for detailed information on each.
Application Process
- SIH Members are selected based on an initial written application process. It is not on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Applications are due by May 1 in order to be considered for fall membership.
- Current SIH members are actively involved in the selection of new members with assistance from their Residential Life administrative advisor, Housing Operations staff, and academic advisor.
- Once, accepted students can either opt for a random roommate, or choose a roommate of their choice, who has also been accepted in the same SIH.
Membership dues
All house members are expected to pay dues to support house activities and purchase supplies for the extra on-floor amenities available. Dues range from $45 to $105 per year depending on the house.
Special Interest Housing is a great way to get more involved on campus. You can also be apart of these groups even if you choose not to live there. Members who choose to live elsewhere (and who still can to be part of the SIH community) can still apply as an off-floor member and be an active part of the interest group.