Frequently Asked Questions

You can ask to switch rooms or apartments prior to Wednesday, August 19, 2026.  However, once the residence halls are open and students move-in, we will not allow room changes.  We highly recommend that apartment mates talk to one another and set expectations about how they will manage conflict, apartment chores, and lifestyle (bedtimes, study habits, etc.) soon after move-in.  Our Resident Assistants will be available to mediate and facilitate these discussions.

Update cost of living for each type of unit/semester (2025-2026)

• 1BR $5227 per person/per semester ($10,454 academic year
• 2BR(en-suite) $4274 per person/per semester ($8548 academic year)
• 2BR $4180 per person/per semester ($8360 academic year)
• 4BR $3580 per person/per semester ($7160 academic year)

Yes, you may have guests in housing. They must be 18 years of ago or older. They need to be registered and have a valid form of ID (driver’s license, student ID) in order to stay overnight.

For more details please refer to IU South Bend Residence Hall Policies and Procedures: Guest Policy page.

Pets are NOT allowed in River Crossing apartments. Unless, your pet is registered as an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) with the proper documentation. Be sure to contact the Office of Accessible Education Services for more info about this process. sbdss@iusb.edu

There is always a risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus, flu, etc. and certain environments and behaviors will increase that risk. Those who reside in concentrated living areas (apartments, multi-family homes, homes in close proximity to one another, etc.) have an increased likelihood of infection. Our residence halls are apartment style where each resident has their own private bedroom.  Students may need to share a bathroom with one other apartment mate and will share a kitchen and a living room with all apartment mates.  This living arrangement creates a very small group who will live in close proximity and share space which helps limit the risk of infection.  Each apartment has its own HVAC system, which does not connect to other apartments. This also reduces the risk of spread.

The greatest threat however is personal behavior and engaging in activities that increase the risk.  To that end, we have made changes to our policies to help promote the health and safety of our community.  A major change is that non-housing guests, including overnight guests, will not be permitted into residential buildings.  Instead, residents will be able to reserve space to meet with non-housing students in the Community Building.  Additionally, almost all of our services may be provided virtually, foot traffic will be reduced in common areas, and the campus has created a COVID-19-sepcific cleaning plan for public spaces.  Residents will also have to follow the requirements of the Student Commitment Form, including wearing a mask when outside of their apartments.

The most effective way, however, to reduce the risk will be for the residents themselves to make choices that limit their exposure.  We recommend that residents refrain from visiting with many people in close proximity such as bars, restaurants, and other similar large group activities.  We encourage residents to regularly clean their apartments, especially shared spaces such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Yes, you can bring your bike. We highly encourage our resident at River Crossing to get a bike lock to adhere to our bike racks located on campus. Bikes are not allowed to be stored in River Crossing apartments, hallways, patios, or balconies.

Grills are not allowed in River Crossing apartments as it presents a Fire Safety issue. There are outdoor grills that residents can use. Lighter fluid and other grilling supplies are not to be stored in resident apartments.

Yes, there is parking in housing. Make sure to register your car and get your parking tag from parking services. The parking services office is located in Administration Building 112 and can be contacted at parking@iusb.edu.

Yes, there is Wi-Fi in housing. Residents will receive information on how to get connected to the campus network in their move-in packets.