Have a question about living in Yale Graduate Housing? Start here. We’ve compiled answers to some of the questions we hear most often.
General Information (for all Graduate Housing)
The housing license agreement begins on August 1. You must schedule a mandatory move-in appointment on or after this date.
- To schedule your mandatory move-in slot, visit the Yale Graduate Housing Portal.
Early arrivals are strictly permitted only for residents who must attend Yale’s Math Camp or English Language Program. Proof of enrollment is required, and there are no other exceptions.
For complete information on planning your travel to Yale and New Haven, visit the New Students & Move-In page.
Your check-in location will be included in your move-in confirmation email. Be sure to add housing@yale.edu to your safe-sender list.
We offer various check-in appointment times both during and after business hours for your convenience. Because check-ins are strictly based on staff availability, you must arrive during your scheduled time slot.
- To schedule your mandatory move-in slot, visit the Yale Graduate Housing Portal.
We understand that delays to your travel plans can occur. If you plan to arrive outside of our allotted time frames, you will need to secure your own hotel accommodations for the night and check in during the next available move-in date.
- To make changes to your move-in appointment, email nicole.copeland@yale.edu.
No, you cannot ship personal belongings or freight directly to your apartment or dormitory prior to your move-in date, as staff are unavailable to receive or store them.
However, you may ship standard packages to the Student Package Center up to 2 days prior to your arrival date. Received packages are held for a strict 3-day pickup window and will be returned to sender on the 4th day. This 3-day hold policy applies even if your items arrive before you land on campus, so please time your shipments carefully.
While the Yale Graduate Housing administrative offices are closed for business during university holidays and winter break, all residential buildings remain open. Residents are permitted to remain in their rooms, access their buildings, and travel to and from campus freely throughout all break periods.
You are contractually responsible for the full term of your license agreement. To request an early termination or to make a change, you must fill out the appropriate form and email the Yale Graduate Housing Office at housing@yale.edu.
Approved requests are subject to additional fees.
- Access the necessary forms on the Forms & Requests page.
- Visit the Housing Policies page for more information on policies.
- View all associated fees on the Housing Fees page.
For routine fixes, emergency maintenance requests, and complete instructions on submitting a work order for your building, please visit the Maintenance & Repairs page.
Furnished Housing FAQs
Yes, all rooms are furnished, though styles vary due to ongoing furniture replacement cycles.
- Standard Furnishings: Typically includes a bed frame and mattress, desk, desk chair, dresser, and wardrobe or closet. Select units include full beds (272 Elm) or queen beds (Baker Hall 1-bedroom).
Furniture and room layouts vary by building. Visit your building page for complete details.
Residents should bring:
- Bedding and pillows
- Towels and toiletries
- Laundry supplies
- Kitchen and cooking items (if applicable)
- Personal electronics and study materials
Building amenities vary by location. Visit your building page for more information.
It depends on your housing assignment.
Most residence hall rooms are single occupancy. Some housing options, including select units in Baker Hall and 272 Elm, are designed for shared living and include private bedrooms with shared common spaces.
Visit your building page for details.
No cooking is permitted inside individual student rooms at 254 Prospect, 276 Prospect, HHH, or Harkness Hall; these residents must use the shared community kitchens provided in their buildings. Units at 272 Elm and Baker Hall feature private, in-unit kitchens.
Visit your building page for details.
No. Meal plans are optional and may be purchased through Yale Hospitality.
No. Pets are strictly prohibited in Yale Graduate Housing.
Students seeking accommodations for a service animal or emotional support animal should work with Student Accessibility Services.
Graduate residence halls do not offer dedicated resident parking.
Students interested in parking should contact the Yale Parking Office for information about campus parking options.
Students can have packages sent to the Student Package Center (77 Broadway, Lower Level).
- Important: You may ship standard packages to the Student Package Center up to 2 days prior to your arrival date. Received packages are held for a strict 3-day pickup window and will be returned to sender on the 4th day. This 3-day hold policy applies even if your items arrive before you land on campus, so please time your shipments carefully.
- Pickup Process: You will receive an email when your package (UPS, DHL, USPS, FedEx, Amazon, or LaserShip) is scanned. Wait for a second email stating your package is “ready for pickup” before arriving. A final confirmation email will be sent once collected.
- Liability Warning: Some Graduate Housing locations accept mail and packages, but delivery to these areas is at your own risk. Yale Graduate Housing is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Residents are encouraged to use the Student Package Center or a Yale Station P.O. Box.
- Insurance Deductible: Personal property insurance (including the university-purchased plan) covers theft, but carries a $100 deductible that is the resident’s responsibility.
Package Mailing Address Format
[Your Name] [Your College]
Barnes & Noble Student Package Center
77 Broadway, Lower Level
New Haven, CT 06511
Mail Delivery
USPS mail is delivered Monday through Friday to all residence halls. Only mail explicitly addressed with your name will be delivered to your mailbox. Please see your specific building page for unique address formats.
Flooring varies by building and room type:
- ES Harkness Hall – all rooms have tile floors.
- 254 Prospect Street – all rooms have carpeted floors.
- 276 Prospect Street – most rooms have carpeted floors. Some rooms have tile/wood floors.
- Baker Hall - tile, cork and carpeted floors.
- 272 Elm – vinyl plank in bedrooms and kitchens; ceramic tile in bathrooms.
Window sizes and configurations vary by building. All rooms include window coverings that provide privacy and light control.
Unfurnished Housing FAQs
Graduate apartments are unfurnished. Residents are responsible for bringing their own furnishings and household items, including:
- Bed and bedding
- Furniture
- Kitchen supplies
- Lamps and small appliances
- Computer and electronics
Please review your building page for apartment layouts and dimensions before purchasing furniture.
Floor plans and apartment layouts are available on each building page and can help you determine what furniture and furnishings will fit comfortably in your space.
Rent is billed to your student YalePay account and will appear on your monthly statement. Utilities are included in your monthly housing charges.
Rent charges are posted approximately 5 weeks before the first of each month.
Students who receive a stipend from the University may arrange to have rent automatically deducted from their stipend checks.
To arrange automatic deductions, or if you have any other questions, please contact Student Financial Services at 203-432‐2700 or sfs@yale.edu.
Yes. Yale Graduate Housing enrolls residents in a personal property insurance program and charges the annual fee to YalePay.
Residents who have their own qualifying coverage may opt out by the published deadline. Visit the Housing Fees page for current rates and deadlines.
The following are not permitted:
- Pets
- Firearms and ammunition
- Hoverboards and electric scooters
- Personal washing machines
- Dishwashers
- Freezer units
- Waterbeds
Additional restrictions may apply. Please review the Housing Policies page for complete details.
Yes, but only with approval. Residents who choose to paint their apartment are responsible for restoring walls to their original color before move-out. Charges may apply if restoration is required.
If you are not renewing your contract, you must completely vacate your unit by 12:00 p.m. noon on the final day of your License Agreement (which is June 30 for most residents).
A detailed move-out informational packet and key return instructions will be distributed to your unit 30 days prior to your departure date. To complete your checkout successfully, you must:
- Remove all personal belongings and furniture.
- Clean the apartment thoroughly.
- Return all physical keys as instructed.
You are responsible for leaving your apartment clean and free of trash. Failure to properly maintain or prepare your unit will result in standard fines applied directly to your YalePay account. Additional charges will be assessed for excessive cleaning, trash or furniture removal, and repairs required for damage that goes beyond normal wear and tear.
To view the standard cleaning fine and damage cost table, visit the Housing Fees page.