🏠 Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Parent Guide

🏠 How housing selection works at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MIT has one of the most distinctive housing selection processes in American higher education. All incoming students are required to live on campus as freshmen, and the process begins even before classes start.

Residence Exploration (REX):During the week before classes, newly arrived freshmen take part in REX — a multi-day, dorm-by--. Each of MIT's throws events, dinners, and activities for prospective residents. Freshmen visit as many dorms as they like, get a feel for each community's culture, and then rank their preferences. MIT attempts to match each student to their top-ranked option; the system is designed to maximize fit, not just fill beds. This means freshmen actually get to choose where they live — a process unique among top universities.

Fraternity, Sorority & Independent Living Groups (FSILGs):MIT also has a robust FSILG system. Some freshmen choose to rush and live in an FSILG during or after REX, moving off the main dormitory system.

Upperclass Room Selection:After freshman year, students who remain in on-campus housing participate in room selection each spring. Most dorms run their own internal lotteries, with some variation in process. Students retain their current room by default if they wish, or may enter the room draw to move.

Off-Campus Housing:MIT does not guarantee housing beyond freshman year. Many upperclassmen move to Cambridge or Somerville off-campus apartments, FSILGs, or graduate-student housing.