Application Process / FAQ

This page provides you with all the information you need to know to apply to live at I-House. Please read through the Frequently Asked Questions listed below to learn more about who is eligible to live at I-House and our application process. It is important to review this information thoroughly before beginning your online application.

Is I-House just for international students?  Can American students apply?

I-House is not just for international students!  Though the majority of our residents are international students, we welcome residents from the US who are interested in living in a community where international exchange and cultural sharing is part of the daily experience.  The diversity of perspectives and experiences is an essential component that makes I-House unique.

Who is eligible to live at I-House?

The following are eligible to live at International House during the Academic Year:

• Graduate and post doctoral students, visiting scholars and researchers, and Education Abroad Reciprocity students.
• Undergraduates who have attained Junior or Senior class standing prior to their period of occupancy.  Please note that undergraduate applicants are only eligible for Double Room accommodations.
• International students who are attending UC Berkeley through University Extension.
• Registered UC Berkeley students as well as those who are affiliated with the Wright Institute, the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute, LBNL and the Graduate Theological Union.  If you are not affiliated with one of these institutions but are interested in living at International House, please contact our Admissions Office to discuss whether an exception can be made.

When should I apply?

• Academic Year – Applications are available online in March for the Academic Year.
• Spring Semester - We begin accepting applications in October for the Spring Semester.
• Summer Sessions – Applications are available online in February for all Summer Sessions.  Reservations for summer groups can be arranged year-round by contacting the Admissions Office at ihres@berkeley.edu.

Apply as early as possible – the earlier the application is submitted, the more likely you are to receive a room offer. We prioritize our applicants based on the application submission date. Late applicants may be placed on a wait list if I-House is full.

How long does it usually take before I hear from Admissions?

After registering and completing Phase 1 of the online application, it can take up to 14 days for Admissions to review and process your application.  Due to the overlap between the Summer Session and Academic Year application periods, we will not begin reviewing applications for the Academic Year until May 1st.  Those applying prior to May 1st will receive a reply no later than May 15th.   Those applying after May 1st can expect a response within 14 days of the date they completed and submitted Phase 1 of the application.

I have a question about my student visa / H-1 status, can I-House Admissions help with that?

The best resource for any questions regarding visas, H-1s, and work eligibility for international students is the Berkeley International Office (BIO).  You can learn more about their services at their website: http://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/ or contact them directly at InternationalOffice@berkeley.edu or by phone at 510.642.2818.

I’m only here for the Fall Semester.  Can I apply for just the Fall?

I-House offers a very limited number of Fall Semester Only contracts.  To qualify, you must provide documentation that you will only be attending UC Berkeley or eligible to live at I-House for the Fall Semester.  As there a limited number of these contracts made available, applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as applications for the upcoming Academic Year are made available.

My stay in Berkeley does not match your semester dates.  Do you accommodate shorter or longer stays?

We realize that not all academic visits match our Academic Calendar.  We do our best to accommodate requests for dates outside our regular semesters, whenever space is available. Please contact the Admissions Office to see if we have space to house you during your visit.

Can you accommodate residents with disabilities?

I-House strives to be accessible and welcoming to all our residents.  Upon request, International House provides reasonable accommodations to those with disabilities. Requests for disability accommodations should be directed to our Manager of Resident Support Services, Maribel Guillermo at chabe@berkeley.edu or phone (510) 642-9480. Such requests must be supported by medical documentation demonstrating the need for the accommodation requested. Each request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please submit requests for accommodation as far in advance as possible, as review/implementation of many types of accommodation takes several weeks.

Do you accept paper applications?

No. We only accept applications submitted through our website.

How does the online application work?  What do I need to apply?

Our application process is completely online. First, you will need to register with our online system.  Once you have done so, you can select an application from those that are currently available. The application for each term is divided into two phases.  During Phase 1 of the application you will need to complete some general questionnaires, upload documents that verify your eligibility to live at I-House, and pay the $35 Application Fee.   You will then receive an email that verifies that you have completed Phase 1.   If you do not receive this email, please return to your application to ensure all steps in Phase 1 are complete.

After your application has been reviewed and approved, you will be given a Tentative Reservation and sent an email with instructions on how to complete Phase 2 of the application and finalize your reservation.  You will be given a deadline by which you need to complete Phase 2.  During Phase 2, you will need to submit additional information regarding Emergency Contacts, upload a current photo, and accept the terms of the Housing Offer.  The final step to completing your reservation is submitting a $1000 prepayment and security deposit.

Please note that the process for Summer Session applications is slightly different.  Additional details can be found on the Summer Sessions page.

Do you require a deposit when booking a reservation?

For the academic year, a $1000 payment is required to complete phase 2 of the application. The $1000 payment consists of a $500 dollar security deposit, which is refunded after you move out, assuming that the room is found in good order and a $500 pre-payment which is applied towards your total Room & Board. The $1000 can be paid online with a Visa or Mastercard.

If you are unable to pay with a Visa or Mastercard, please email our account manager at qcs@berkeley.edu to arrange other payment options.  You may also pay by check, money order, bank or wire transfer, debit card or cash. You can make these payments in person at I-House or send them by mail, with the exception of cash payments which must be paid in person.

How can I pay the application fee?

When beginning your I-House application, we require an application fee payment of $35 which can be paid online either with a Visa or Mastercard.

Who do I contact if I am having technical problems or have other questions regarding my application?

You may contact Admissions via email at ihres@berkeley.edu or by phone at (510) 642-9470.