Residence hall with an M-branded fanny pack hanging on a bed and sparkling lights in the background

Gender Open Housing

Safe, inclusive, and supportive living

Gender Open Housing aims to provide an option for students who would feel more comfortable living with someone outside of their designated sex and/or someone with similar gender identity. There is no cost associated with this option, and students are only assigned to Gender Open spaces if they request it on their housing application.

Our team is devoted to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive living experience for all University of Minnesota students. By offering this housing option, we are helping to create an environment that achieves these goals and acknowledges the diverse needs of our students.

Contact Housing & Residential Life at 612-624-2994 or housing.umn.edu/contact for more information and to connect with members of our team who developed Gender Open Housing plans. The Gender and Sexuality Center for Queer and Trans Life also helps students develop a Gender Open Housing plan that meets their needs.

Locations

Gender Open spaces are available in the following buldings. Other spaces will be made available based on the feedback of students and the renovation of our facilities. If you want to live in Gender Open Housing in a building that is not listed, contact Housing & Residential Life for assistance. 

All students within Gender Open Housing will have access to single-user bathrooms.

Roommates

Students interested in a Gender Open Housing assignment can select to be assigned with someone whose gender identity is different from theirs on the housing application. Students who select this option will be assigned together based on the rest of the application preferences.

In the spring, all students with a housing application are invited to participate in our Roommate Search tool where they can connect with potential roommates. This tool allows students to share more details about their interests and hobbies and then provides a list of potential matches based on their answers. Students who find a successful match, can update their housing application with their new roommates information. All roommate requests must be mutual.  

If your roommate cancels their contract

Don't worry. Depending on the time of year, you will have the opportunity to choose a new roommate. If your roommate cancels after we have assigned you, housing will assign a roommate who also selected Gender Open Housing on their application. If you are no longer interested in Gender Open Housing, please contact Housing & Residential Life at 612-624-2994 or housing.umn.edu/contact to be moved to a non-Gender Open Housing space.

Roommate concerns

To help students establish an effective and successful partnership, we encourage all residents to participate in a Roommate Success Plan with their Community Advisor. Housing & Residential Life staff members are available to assist with mediating conflicts. Our initial strategy is to have roommates discuss issues that create conflict or discomfort.

How to Apply

New prospective students interested in Gender Open Housing should indicate they would like to receive more information about Gender Open Housing on their application and indicate they are open to living with individuals whose gender identity is different from their own. Students who select this option and are assigned to a shared living space will be assigned with another student who also selected this option.

Current residents who are interested in living in a Gender Open space for the following academic year can reserve a space during Room Sign-up.

Thinking about Living Learning Communities (LLC’s)? The Lavender House LLC in Comstock Hall has dedicated Gender Open spaces for new and returning students. Please see the Requirements for each LLC to learn more about the options for Gender Open Housing options available. 

Contact Housing & Residential Life at 612-624-2994 or housing.umn.edu/contact for more information and to connect with members of our team who developed Gender Open Housing plans. The Gender and Sexuality Center for Queer and Trans Life also helps students develop a Gender Open Housing plan that meets their needs.

Two students studying together with laptops.
Apply
Don't wait. Applying early for housing puts you in a better position to get one of your preferred assignments.
Student holding a backpack and heading to class
Room Sign-Up (Returning Students)
Exclusive access for returning students to select their own space and roommates.
Smiling student in sharp focus, sitting with a group.
Living Learning Communities
Connect with other students in one of over 30 programs.