Frequently Asked Questions
Accommodations and Facilities
Location
Application Process
Short-Term Stays
Accommodations and Facilities
Q.What are your accommodations like?
A. Please see our resident rooms page.
Q.How many bathrooms are on each floor?
A. Each floor of I. House South has two separate bathroom facilities, one for men and one for women. Each bathroom has four stalls and four showers. In I. House North each apartment has its own bathroom.
Q. How many floors are there? How many people live on each floor?
A. In I. House South (single dorm rooms) there are 10 floors with approximately 70 resident members on most floors. In I. House North (apartments) there are 12 floors.
Q. Are there cooking facilities in I. House South?
A. There is a resident kitchen located near the Dining Room that is equipped with a stove, oven, microwave and limited utensils, but no refrigerator. Resident members pay a semester fee if they wish to use the kitchen.
Q.Is there a cafeteria/meal plan?
A. All resident members pay a daily fee ($4.25 during the 2009-10 academic year) for the length of their stay for credit in the Dining Room. Each time the resident purchases something the amount spent is deducted from their account. No refunds are given for unused credit. During the semester, additional amounts may be added to the account if the resident wishes. Items purchased in the cafeteria are itemized, but in general breakfast may cost $3-$4, lunch $5-$7, and dinner $7-$10.
Q. Can I keep a refrigerator or microwave in my room?
A. Resident members may keep a small refrigerator in their rooms, although we do not provide them. Electrical appliances such as microwaves, coffee pots or irons are not permitted due to the fire hazard they pose. Microwaves are available in several common areas throughout the House. Ironing boards are provided in our laundry rooms.
Q. Are the rooms air-conditioned?
A. The rooms do not come equipped with air conditioners. If resident members want to bring their own air-conditioner, they must have the Facilities Management Office approve and install it. There is an installation/removal fee of $40 and additional monthly cost for electricity of $55 for I. House South and $60 for I. House North. The monthly fee begins the first day of the month of installation and continues to the end of September.
Q. Do you provide housing for couples?
A. Couples are eligible to live together at I. House if both applicants meet the eligibility requirements of a full-time graduate student, trainee or intern. If only one applicant meets the eligibility requirements, applicants must submit verification of marital or domestic partnership status.
Q.Can I have overnight guests?
A. Resident members can have overnight guests in their room for a maximum of 14 nights in a 30-night period. Mattresses and cots are available for rental at $10/night and $15/night respectively.
Location
Q.Where are you located?
A. International House is situated on Riverside Drive and W. 122nd Street in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. Adjacent to the House are two parks with walking/running/bike paths, Grant's Tomb and Riverside Church. Public transportation is easily accessible with the #1 subway line and several buses running nearby. Please see our Directions page for details.
Q.Is the neighborhood safe?
A.
Morningside Heights is among the safest precincts in
New York City. The streets are well patrolled by police and there is active community involvement in the area. There are many university students living in the surrounding neighborhood.
Application Process
Q.How long does it take to find out if I am admitted?
A. The Admissions Committee meets approximately once every two weeks and the results are sent soon after the meeting by both e-mail or fax and post.
Q. Are membership fees due by the month or all at once upon arrival?
A. Upon arrival you are responsible for the Resident Membership Fees (room fees) for the duration of the semester (or summer) in addition to the following:
- $800 refundable security deposit*
- $4.25/day Dining Service Credit *
- $1.25/day Technology Fee*
- All fees are charged in full at the beginning of each semester.
*These are the fees from August 15, 2009 to August 14, 2010 and are subject to change.
If you can show verification that you are paid on a monthly basis then you may qualify to go on a monthly deferment plan. This option is not available to summer-only residents. For more information and an application please contact the Riverside Reception Desk at (212) 316-8441.
Q. Is financial aid available?
A. Please see our
Resident Scholarships page.
Short Term Stays
Q.Do you offer short term stays?
A. I. House offers two kinds of
short-term accommodations:
- Guest Rooms/Suites: These 11 rooms/suites are commonly used for family and friends of residents. They are similar to hotel style accommodations. Rates start at approximately $130/night. Reservations can be made by contacting the Admissions Office directly at (212) 316-8436.
- Single Rooms: These are available only during the summer and on a limited basis during the winter break between semesters. Daily rates are $60/night. Reservations can be made by contacting the Admissions Office at (212) 316-8436 after December 1 for accommodation during the winter break and after May 1 for accommodation during the summer. Since priority is given to permanent residents, short-term availability cannot be determined before these specific dates.
Q. How do I reserve a room?
A. Rooms can be reserved with a VISA or MasterCard. Your credit card will not be debited at the time the reservation is made, but it will be checked for validity for security purposes and charged one night's fee should you cancel less than three days prior to your arrival.
Q.Is there a cancellation policy?
A. All cancellations for short-term stays must be done 3 business days prior to the scheduled arrival date or you will be charged for one night.