Bluffton University

Room draw

Room draw is the process through which all returning Bluffton University students planning to live on campus choose a residence hall, room and roommate for the next academic year. 

Options:

Stay in your current room
If you want to stay in the same room for next year, you can complete room draw online in five minutes (called room nesting). 

Apartment living
Preference for registering to live in the Riley Court apartments will be given to groups who sign up with six people, with upperclassman being given priority within those groups.  If any apartments are left after these groups of six register, there will be a room draw for any available apartments in groups of two. 

Move to another room/hall
An in-person room draw for housing happens annually after spring break. When it is their turn, students select a room from all unassigned rooms. Room draw order is based on seniority, based on class year, credit hours and career GPA (to break ties for credit hours.)

Please note cost varies by residence hall so please check the cost for your room and hall.

This process will be explained in full during a mandatory hall meeting for all returning students. You must attend the meeting in your hall. This meeting was held between Jan. 30-Feb. 2.

Regardless of whether you choose your room online or in person, you must fill out the Returning Student Registration Form to complete the process. You will need to be logged into your my.bluffton.edu account. This form will include meal plan selection. Registration for parking must be made through my.bluffton.edu under the student life tab. 

If you have specific questions or concerns, please consult your resident advisor and/or hall director. The student life office (419-358-3247) is also available for questions and concerns.

2023 Important dates

Room draw order

For the in-person room draw events draw order is determined by class rank. Within each class, draw order is determined by credit hour and then career GPA for those with the same number of credit hours.   

Class rank is determined by the number of credit hours a student has passed plus the hours the student is currently taking. Summer credit hours will not be included in the determination. Class rank for draw order will be based on whole year standings only. For example, fifth year students will draw before seniors, and so on. Students with a minimum of:   

• 88 semester hours will have senior class rank
• 58 semester hours will have junior class rank
• 27 semester hours will have sophomore class rank

Note: During room draw, students will go through the process with whichever roommate’s draw number is called first. eg. Jordan and Taylor plan to room together. Jordan’s room draw appointment is at 2:15 p.m. and Taylor’s appointment is at 3:40 p.m. Both arrive and select a double room at Jordan’s time, 2:15 p.m.      

EVERYONE NEEDS TO BE THERE
All roommates must be present for room draw. 

Current students NOT on campus for the spring semester (cross cultural or student placement) will be contacted via email and options explained.

Students who will be competing with their athletic team on Sunday, March 26, will have the following options:

Students can email housing@bluffton.edu by 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, to:

• identify who will be their in-person proxy at room draw on their behalf, this person must attend and select the room for you at your appointment time.
• Students can submit a list of preferences of up to three building/floor options. Then at their room draw appointment time, a residence life staff member will select a room based on these preferences and what is available at that time. Room selection will be emailed by Wednesday, March 29.