Residence Hall Rules and Regulations

Listed below are the rules and regulations that all contracted residents and their guests are expected to uphold when choosing to live in Indiana University housing. These standards are designed to create and maintain an environment of academic achievement, comfort, respect, and safety for all who live in and visit the residence halls and apartments. These standards are in addition to university-wide standards expected of all Indiana University students, as outlined in the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct, hereafter referred to as "the Code." Violations of the Code and/or these IU Housing Rules & Regulations may result in university student conduct charges.

A. Housing Contract, Agreements, and Occupancy List

1. Residents are responsible for adhering to their IU Housing Contract, roommate, community floor, living learning community, and other shared space agreements.
2. Residents living in 3rd and Union, Campus View, Tulip Tree, and University East must complete the Housing-Occupant Door Access Request Form, which is available on One.IU, before checking into the apartment. Residents must submit a list of all apartment occupants to their apartment housing office upon checking into the apartment. Residents are required to keep the occupant list up to date at the site referenced above. Residents may not sublease space in the apartment.
3. Residents cannot permanently vacate their assigned room or living unit without notifying Residence Life staff and completing appropriate forms per their signed IU Housing Contract.

B. Residency Policy

All first-year students at Indiana University must comply with the residency policy conditions approved by the Board of Trustees. Additional details can be found on the IU Housing website at the Residency Policy website.

C. Escort and Guests

1. No person may enter a hall, living unit, or room to which they have not been assigned without a resident escort who is a resident of that hall, living unit, or room. Guests must be escorted at all times within the residence halls and apartments. All guests must have a valid photo ID at all times.
2. Residents may host guests, including overnight, except during break periods or at the discretion of IU Housing, Residence Life management, or the University.
3. No more than two guests per resident are allowed to stay overnight in a room.
4. Guests may not stay in a resident's room or living unit for more than three (3) consecutive days.
5. The same guest may not stay in the same resident's room or living unit more than twice a semester.
6. The professional Residence Life staff of the center must grant any exception to the above guest rules and regulations, and the decision should be made in consultation with any roommate/suitemate(s).
7. Residents have the right to deny guests access to their contracted room or living unit. Hosts must receive permission from any roommate/suitemate(s) to have an overnight guest, and it is the responsibility of the host to register their guest(s). Guest registration procedures can be obtained by contacting the center desk, or at the Guest Registration site. Under all circumstances and always, the roommate/suitemate(s) have the right to request privacy if needed while the guest is present.
8. Residents are responsible for the behavior and damage of their guests while guests are on IU Housing grounds and can be held accountable for the actions of their guests.
9. Guests aged 17 and under who are present at the time of a policy violation must leave immediately with their parent or legal guardian. They cannot remain in the care of IU Residence Life staff or residents. Campus police will be notified to assist as needed.
10. Professional Residence Life staff reserve the right to ban a guest or to ask a guest to leave IU Housing property if their behavior creates a disturbance to staff or other residents.
11. Professional Residence Life staff reserve the right to ban a guest or ask a guest to leave IU Housing property for failing to adhere to IU policies, even when modified, including all health and safety requirements or guidance adopted by IU, which includes public health and safety laws, orders, ordinances, and regulations. Adherence to public health and safety requirements extends to all aspects of IU Housing, including bedrooms, bathrooms, community kitchens, lounges, computer labs, courtyards, and other common spaces. This guidance may change as any public health crisis evolves.

D. Quiet and Courtesy Hours

1. Quiet Hours are in effect Sunday through Thursday from 10 p.m.–9 a.m. and Friday and Saturday from 2 a.m.–10 a.m. Residents have the right to sleep and study in their rooms and living units at any time without interference from those around them. During quiet hours, the sound must not be audible beyond the limits of any hallway, individual room, or lounge. Residents are expected to always demonstrate consideration and courtesy toward others. During final examination periods, 24-hour quiet periods are in effect.
2. Courtesy Hours are in effect 24 hours a day and refer to the time outside of quiet hours during which all residents are expected to be aware and sensitive of the noise they make, and how it could negatively impact others or the community living environment. During courtesy hours, residents in the community can ask others to reduce their volume in a respectful manner and expect immediate compliance.

E. Activities Resulting in Damage, Distress, or Disturbance

1. Group or individual activities that result in distress or disturbance to others are prohibited. This behavior includes, but is not limited to, hall sports, hallway disruptions, pranks, or use of amplified noise producing products in resident rooms, living units, or lounges.
2. Group or individual activities that can cause damage or destruction to university property are prohibited. This behavior includes, but is not limited to, excessive littering, placing trash in public areas, damage to door decorations/floor bulletin boards, use of water guns, or creating unsanitary conditions.
3. Children must not play in the hallways, laundry areas, lobbies, or stairwells. Parents must provide supervision of children on playgrounds and recreational areas located near all apartment buildings.
4. Using or attempting to use university property in a manner inconsistent with its designated purpose is prohibited.
5. Vandalism of an individual’s or the university's property is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, dry erase boards, door décor, walls, and sidewalks.
6. Gambling, or the behavior resulting from gambling that results in disruption to the IU Housing community, is prohibited.
7. The distribution or broadcast of undisclosed and unauthorized recordings of other individuals within the IU Housing center is prohibited.

F. Room and Living Unit Responsibility

1. Residents are responsible for notifying Residence Hall staff of any damages, needed repairs, or facility issues in their room, living unit, or community.
2. Residents are responsible for any activities, damages, or policy violations that occur in rooms, living units, or bathrooms to which they have been assigned when it can be reasonably shown the residents knew or reasonably should have known that the inappropriate activity or damage occurred and the resident failed to take appropriate action to resolve the issue, which includes, but is not limited to, activities, damages, or policy violations caused by guests.
3. Residents are responsible for securing/locking their IU Housing room or living unit. The university is not responsible for items or property that are stolen or damaged. Residents may be responsible for activities, damages, or policy violations that occur in their room or living unit if it can be found that such activities, damages, or policy violations occurred due to their failure to secure/lock their room or living unit.
4. Guests or residents who are present on IU Housing grounds when it can be shown that residents knew or reasonably should have known that a violation(s) is/are occurring will be deemed complicit in the activity unless they immediately report the situation to a university official and/or leaves the area upon discovering the violation(s).
5. Unless otherwise approved by professional Residence Life staff and with designated signage, floor restrooms designed for simultaneous use by multiple persons are to be used only by the gender designated for that restroom.

G. Room, Apartment, and Building Furnishings

1. Residents must maintain clean and sanitary conditions inside their assigned room or living unit. Additionally, residents must clear corridors, hallways, and stairwells of personal items and trash.
2. University furniture issued to a student room, living unit, or community area must remain in the space assigned. University equipment and furnishings in lounges or general-purpose spaces may not be moved into individual student rooms or living units.
3. Residents may not alter, damage, or modify their assigned space or change door locks and latches.
4. Modifications to university furniture or property, including but not limited to painting, is prohibited. Residents may not reconfigure or disassemble university-provided beds or furniture on their own. University-provided furniture and bed reconfiguration can only be completed by IU-hired third-party vendors. Bed risers of any kind are prohibited. Applicable fees may be incurred for any changes or damages.
5. The following modification guidelines are for residents living in 3rd and Union, Campus View, Tulip Tree, and University East. Allowable alterations are limited. Fees may apply if modifications were not approved by Residence Life staff or when damage occurs. The modifications below are not permitted in residence hall rooms or spaces.
   • Painting is permitted with the approval of the housing manager.
   • Contact paper should not be used on floors, shelves, or walls.
   • Lightweight hanging of items, such as pictures and wall hangings, may be hung using the wooden picture hanging rails provided.
   • Attached shelving is not allowed unless the university provides it as part of the furnishings.
   • No appliances or equipment may be removed from the living unit unless authorized by the housing manager.
   • Possession of public area furniture in living units is prohibited.
   • Carpets may not be fastened down with adhesives, tack strips, or tack.
   • Double-sided carpet tape may be used as long as residents clean up any residue when they move.
   • Modifications to electrical wiring, including smoke detection devices, within an apartment or living unit are prohibited.
6. Storing or placing personal items, including but not limited to, furniture, bicycles, and e-scooters in public areas or exterior spaces (i.e. balconies, patios, walkways, etc.) is prohibited. Furniture designed for indoor use cannot be used in exterior spaces.
7. Modification of wiring or permanent alteration to the structure of the room within a residence hall or living unit is prohibited.
8. Residents must not tamper with the assigned room or living unit HVAC (heating ventilations and air conditioning system) or thermostats. This includes, but is not limited to, the removal, replacement, or blocking of HVAC system filters.
9. Windows and window screens must always be secured. Tampering with window hardware is prohibited. Residents may be charged a replacement fee for a damaged or lost window screen that results from their failure to keep the window and window screen properly secured. Windows must not be used as an exit or entrance to the building, except during a building-wide emergency evacuation.
10. Window surfaces must be kept 25 percent clear of all opaque materials, such as aluminum foil, posters, or signs. All window treatments (blinds and draperies) provided are flame retardant and should not be replaced by residents. If damage occurs to window treatments, residents should notify professional Residence Life staff to coordinate replacement.
11. Decorations of any kind may not be hung from or across any IU Housing HVAC systems, ceilings, lights, or sprinkler fixtures.
12. Interior and exterior surfaces of all resident doors must be kept free of flammable materials, particularly loose paper. Doors may not be wrapped or covered with flammable materials.
13. Displays and/or cloth, corrugated cardboard, dried vegetation, wallpaper, light plastics, or paper decorations determined by staff to be a fire hazard are prohibited. Electrical outlets must not be overloaded. Personal electronic equipment must be in good working condition and heat-radiating electronics, including but not limited to heaters, curling irons, and irons, may not be left on and unattended.
14. Residents are prohibited from operating a commercial business, whether online, in physical form or through social media platforms (i.e. influencers) from their room or any part of the residence halls and apartments. Residence hall rooms and living units may not be used to store items that could be considered inventory/assets in any commercial business. Nor may a residence hall or apartment address be used to receive inventory/assets, including product trials or samples, for any commercial business, sales, or promotion managed by the resident.
15. Residents may not rent out their room, living unit, or any part of IU Housing property.
16. Residents must follow the outlined procedures to cancel a contract, to move from their assigned room, or to move into another residence hall space. Residents may contact housing@iu.edu for general questions about housing or visit this link for IU Housing Contract Cancellations.
17. Occupying an assigned room or living unit outside the contract period is prohibited. This includes failure to vacate IU Housing property when it is closed.
18. Residents who are living alone in a double room and have not been approved to have the room as a “double as a single” will be expected to keep the uninhabited part of the room clear so that the room is ready for another resident to move in at any time.

H. Key Cards and Keys

1. All residence hall and apartment room key cards and keys, including university IDs, are the property of Indiana University and may not be loaned or duplicated by residents. Mobile ID applications that facilitate access via user devices may not be loaned to gain access to residence halls or apartments.
2. Lost key cards or keys must be reported immediately to Residence Life staff. Found key cards or keys, including university IDs, must be given immediately to Residence Life staff at the center desk.
3. Residents must return IU Housing-issued room keys and/or key cards upon checking out of their assigned room or living unit. Failure to do so could result in a fee.
4. Residents are responsible for their key cards and/or keys, including university IDs, at all times. Residence Life staff will assist a resident with room entry when the resident loses or forgets their key and/or key card; however, financial charges may be imposed after the first lockout per semester. Four or more lockouts or temporary key cards issued per academic year constitutes abuse of this privilege and will initiate a meeting with Residence Life staff. Continued lockouts may result in student conduct charges under IU Housing Rules & Regulations in addition to financial charges.

I. University Housing Prohibited and Restricted Items

For health, safety, insurance liability, and facility capacity reasons, residents are prohibited from having the following items in or mailed to any area designated as IU Housing property such as rooms, living units, hallways, lounges, bathrooms, and spaces outside of the building. This list is not exhaustive, additional items may be prohibited by staff on a case-by-case basis. If found, the following items will be confiscated by staff or appropriate authorities:

1. Pets. No animals or pets, including birds, laboratory specimens, or guests' pets, are permitted in IU Housing residence halls, apartments, or housing units. Crustaceans or fish kept in aquariums are allowed. Aquariums may not exceed a 10-gallon capacity.
   • Requests for emotional support or service animals must be approved prior to bringing the animal to any residence hall or apartment. The approval process can be initiated by contacting Accessible Educational Services and by emailing the Housing Assignments Office.
   • Any resident found in violation of the pet policy will be subject to contract cancellation. Residents in violation will also be billed to cover the cost of inspection and treatment for infestations related to the unapproved animal.
2. Combustible, Flammable, High-heat, and/or Items that Require Ventilation. Combustible and/or flammable liquid and items, expect for sealed containers not exceeding 8 oz. capacity. Fire and/or open flame materials, or high-heat producing devices, including but not limited to: burning candles, fireworks, charcoal and propane grills, slow cookers, gas engines, halogen lights and lamps, tanning beds, incense, salt lamps, and wax warmers. The use of items that require ventilation, including but not limited to: 3D printing devices and spray paint.
3. Large Appliances. Air conditioners, full-sized refrigerators, portable dishwashers, and washing machines and dryers (unless these items are provided by or pre-approved by IU Housing as part of the room furniture).
4. Appliances with an Open Heating Element. Residents may have small appliances that do not have an open heating element or open-coil element. Prohibited items include but are not limited to: hot plates, toaster/ovens, and electric griddles/grills. Appliances with automatic shutoffs are highly encouraged. UL-listed rice cookers with automatic shutoffs may be used in residence hall rooms and placed on a level surface such as a countertop or desktop. The rice cooker should not be left unattended during use. When not in use, the rice cooker should be unplugged and stored away.
   • Residents of 3rd and Union, Campus View, Collins-Hillcrest, Tulip Tree, Union Street Center, University East, and Willkie-Mason/Apartments may have cooking appliances such as toasters, rice cookers, and crock pots, however, storage and use of those items are restricted to the resident’s kitchen area only.
5. Non-UL-Approved Extension Cords. Residents may only use heavy duty, 12-14 gauge corded UL-approved extension cords in the living units.
6. Alcohol. Alcoholic beverages, per IU Policy STU-00, except as outlined in Section P of the document.
   • All Empty Alcohol Containers. This includes beer cans, liquor bottles, alcohol box containers, and displays that are meant to be decorative, except as outlined in Section P of the document.
7. Controlled Substances. Controlled substances, per IU Policy STU-00.
8. Smoking Devices and Paraphernalia. Smoking devices and paraphernalia, including but not limited to pipes, grinders, or hookahs, except as outlined in Section J of the document.
9. Weapons. Firearms, knives, and other weapons per IU Policy PS-03.
10. Unmanned Aircrafts. Unmanned aircrafts, drones, model planes, per IU Policy PS-05. 
11. Items that could damage the structural integrity of the living space, or that extend the space physically, electronically, or digitally. Including but not limited to: portable pools, portable hot tubs, water slides, waterbeds, antennas, satellite dishes, or wires extending outside room windows/doors.
12. Personal Vehicles. Electric or motorized personal vehicles, including, but not limited to, hoverboards, mopeds, motorcycles, personal or vendor-owned scooters, and other similar vehicles, are prohibited in IU Housing buildings. Electric bicycles and/or personal or vendor-owned scooters may not be charged in university housing. The use of non-motorized or wheeled items, including, but not limited to, bicycles, inline skates, scooters, and skateboards, is prohibited in IU Housing buildings or in or near busy areas, such as entrances and exits. Bicycles and/or personal or vendor-owned scooters may not be charged in the residence halls, or kept in hallways, public areas, or stairwells inside the residence halls.
13. Other Potentially Harmful Items. Items that Residence Life staff consider potentially harmful to students and/or others in the housing community.

J. Smoking

Use of tobacco products and smoking devices is prohibited in and on Indiana University owned or leased property. Residents over the age of 21 may be in possession of tobacco and tobacco devices. Refer to IU Policy VPSS-CHO-01 for further guidance.

K. Selling and Soliciting

Door-to-door sales or solicitation is not permitted. Resident and student organizations registered with the university may obtain permission to sell merchandise or services in the public areas of the residence halls. Such activities must conform with other residence hall policies and standards established by the IU Department of Environmental Health and Safety, as well as university contracts with private vendors or suppliers.

L. Fire Equipment and Safety

1. Altering the function of, covering, or tampering with any firefighting equipment, including, but not limited to, exit lights, smoke detectors, heat sensors, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, fire hoses, and/or sprinkler systems is prohibited. Residents and/or their guest(s) will be held financially responsible for any damage done to IU Housing property caused by tampering with these systems.
2. Propping fire doors or outside doors of residence halls or apartments is prohibited.
3. Unauthorized entry to areas of IU Housing property, including, but not limited to, balconies, dining halls, offices, roofs, and/or window ledges, is prohibited.
4. Failing to vacate IU Housing property when directed to do so by emergency staff, Residence Life staff, or the sounding of a fire/smoke alarm is prohibited.
5. Improper use of kitchen/cooking facilities is prohibited.
6. Shining lasers or throwing items from residence hall windows is prohibited.
7. Blocking doors and hallways with personal items is prohibited. Residents who choose to store bikes in their room are prohibited from blocking doors or windows with the bike.
8. Bonfires or campfires are prohibited on IU Housing property unless specifically authorized. To obtain information and permits, visit the Office of Insurance, Loss Control, and Claims.
9. All residents must comply with Fire Safety per IU Policy FIN-INS-16.

M. Dining Halls

1. Misuse of a university ID card for dining hall privileges is prohibited. ID cards are not to be used by anyone other than the ID card owner.
2. Reusable tableware (dishes, glass, silverware, and trays) cannot be removed from the dining area without the permission of a dining supervisor.
3. Residents and their guests are to place their table service, trash, and/or trays in the designated areas. Residents are responsible for cleaning up after themselves in dining areas on campus.

N. Residence Life Student Groups and University Owned Property

Individual students and groups are expected to return borrowed student government or university owned property at the prescribed time. Residents who fail to return or return damaged items may be assessed a fee.

O. Unit Disciplinary Action

1. Damage to public areas and furnishings within a residence hall or apartment is the responsibility of the residents of that building, floor, or unit. If individuals responsible for damage cannot be identified, the residents of the building, floor, or unit will become collectively responsible for the cost of repair and/or replacement, which may include a student conduct response. Staff will inform the unit of the situation and give community members an opportunity to identify responsible individuals before billing or a student conduct response occurs for the entire unit.
2. In situations where the damages are extreme or repetitive and/or the unit is severely disruptive, the building, floor, or unit may be referred to the Residence Hall Association Judicial Board to be considered for further sanctions, which can include the unit being disbanded and the residents reassigned to other residence halls.

P. Alcohol Use: 3rd and Union, Campus View, Collins-Hillcrest, Tulip Tree, Union Street Center, University East, and Willkie-Mason/Apartments

Because many residents of 3rd and Union, Campus View, Collins-Hillcrest, Tulip Tree, Union Street Center, University East, and Wilkie-Mason/Apartments are 21 years of age or older, the university recognizes the need to give special consideration to possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Residents 21 years or older in 3rd and Union, Campus View, Collins-Hillcrest, Tulip Tree, Union Street Center, University East, and Wilkie-Mason/Apartments Collins-Hillcrest are expected to be aware of, understand, and follow Indiana alcoholic beverage laws, federal statutes about alcoholic beverages, the Code, State Board of Accounts regulations concerning student government organization accounts, and the policies of IU Housing.

The following rules apply to residents 21 and older in 3rd and Union, Campus View, Collins-Hillcrest, Tulip Tree, Union Street Center, University East, and Wilkie-Mason/Apartments who possess or consume alcoholic beverages.

1. Alcohol and alcohol containers are prohibited in common areas of apartments or suites where not all occupants of that apartment or suite are 21 years of age or older. Persons under the age of 21 are not permitted to possess or consume alcoholic beverages.
2. Responsible possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted for those persons 21 years of age or older, except in those manners and areas in which they are prohibited by these rules.
3. Beer contained in any form of keg is prohibited in rooms or apartments.
4. Possession of open containers of alcoholic beverages and consumption of alcoholic beverages is not permitted in public areas, including, but not limited to, computer rooms, elevators, hallways, laundry rooms, libraries, lobbies, photography rooms, and restrooms, stairwells, or weight rooms.
5. To protect the health and safety of residents and their guests, alcoholic beverages may not be served at private or sponsored events held in meeting rooms or other public areas.