Students planning to live on campus should expect that they will share common spaces as well as bedrooms and bathrooms in their residence hall. Students who feel they have a medical need and wish to request an alternate housing assignment due to a documented medical issue will need to provide documentation from the healthcare provider treating them for that condition in the format outlined in the housing portal process. No request will be evaluated without a completed Healthcare Provider Documentation form. To explore campus housing options that meet your needs, please visit the Residence Halls section. You will be able to take a virtual tour, see the unit types offered in each hall, and may find a room type that supports your health and wellness.

Alternative Housing Assignment for Health Needs

  1. Complete the Housing Application on the UMass Lowell Online Housing Portal.
    1. Select Yes from the dropdown menu indicating a need for an alternative housing assignment for health needs.
    2. Check UMass Lowell student email account for an email containing the Health Care Provider Documentation Form and a link to the Student Alternative Housing Request Form.
    3. Do not complete the Student Alternative Housing Request Form until you have a completed Health Care Provider Documentation Form and any additional supporting documentation you may wish to be considered. Incomplete requests will not be reviewed.
  2. Sign the Release of Information on the top of the Health Care Provider Documentation Form.
  3. Have your health care provider complete the remainder of the Health Care Provider Documentation Form.
  4. Once you have a completed Health Care Provider Documentation Form in your possession and any additional supporting documentation you may wish to be considered, complete the Student Alternative Housing Request Form by clicking on the link in your original email.
  5. Complete the Student Alternative Housing Request Form including uploading the Health Care Provider Documentation Form and any additional documentation you wish to be considered. Reminder, incomplete requests will not be reviewed.
  6. Check your UMass Lowell student email account for an email communicating the decision concerning your request. In general, decisions will be made within 15 University business days. Please note that there may be delays during peak review periods.

Decision Process

  • The Alternative Housing for Health Needs Committee will review the request and consult with the health care provider if necessary. The committee will inform the Office of Residence Life of the decision.
  • The Office of Residence Life or designee will contact the student to inform them of their housing assignment.
  • The Office of Residence Life attempts to meet the request of all students. However, given the limitations of existing housing architecture, not all requests will be granted, nor does this process guarantee a reservation of space. A Residence Life staff member may reach out to the student to explore housing options.

Additional Notes

  • If a request for an air conditioner is granted in buildings where central air conditioning is not provided, air conditioners must be floor-standing models. Window units are not allowed. The University will not provide air conditioning units to students.
  • Please note that this is not the request process for Animals in Residence or Meal Plan Modifications. Please refer to the forms section on the Residence Life website for access to these processes.

Appeal Process

  • If the student wishes to appeal the decision, an appeal can be submitted through the link provided in the decision letter.
  • All appeals should include information, detailing why the decision should be reconsidered.
  • A designee from the Wellness Center will review the appeal and may speak with the student to gather more information and may consult with the Alternative Housing for Health Needs Committee, Residence Life and the health care provider if necessary.
  • In general, appeal decisions will be made within 15 University business days. Please note that there may be delays during peak review periods.