New Resident FAQs

We realize that selecting a place to live is an important decision, and we thank you for choosing International House! You will likely have lots of questions between now and the time you check in. Below you will find the answers to some of our most Frequently Asked Questions as well as a collection of links to other important resources that will help you learn helpful information regarding your transition and what to expect while living at I-House.

General Questions:

What is the population of residents like?

I-House is usually home to 615 residents during the Academic Year representing over 75 countries. Of these, about 80 percent are international students from all over the world, including visiting scholars, researchers, and Education Abroad Reciprocity students. Most years, we have about 55 percent graduate students, postdocs, and visiting scholars and 45 percent undergraduates. Visiting scholars constitute around 10 percent of our resident population.

Do you accommodate special diets? Vegetarian?

Dining Services offers a variety of meals daily, including vegetarian options. While we are not able to guarantee special dietary requests, you are encouraged to reach out to our dining team at dining@ihouseberkeley.org as early as possible to discuss.

Is International House accessible for those with physical disabilities?

The facilities at I-House are wheelchair accessible, including resident rooms, ADA restrooms on each floor, hallways, elevators, the Dining Commons, and the main entrance. Requests for accommodations should be directed to our Resident Support Services team at RSS@ihouseberkeley.org as early as possible as the review and implementation can take several weeks. Such requests must be supported by medical documentation demonstrating the need for the accommodation requested. 

Can I transfer from I-House to a campus dorm or vice versa?

I-House is separate from the UC Berkeley dormitories, so you cannot transfer your residency to the campus dormitories. Each housing option requires a separate application and has separate policies.

I have a question about my student visa / H-1 status, can I-House Admissions help with that?

The best resource for any questions regarding visas, H-1s, and work eligibility for international students is the Berkeley International Office (BIO). You can learn more about their services on their website: http://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/ or contact them directly at InternationalOffice@berkeley.edu.

Getting Ready:

How do I check in?

The designated check-in date is January 10.  You can check in at any time between 9 AM and 4 PM at the I-House Front Desk. Please check pre-arrival communications for more details. 

I-House Staff and RAs are available to assist you when you arrive and will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Please be sure to bring your ID with you to check-in. If you arrive after-hours and there is no one at the Front Desk to assist, you may call the RA on-duty phone number: +1-510-282-0092. During your stay, we kindly ask that you only utilize this phone number for emergencies.

Can I arrive early?

We have a very limited number of spaces reserved for early arrivals. Because I-House is generally at maximum capacity for each contract period, we require a few days before the term starts to prepare the house and rooms for incoming residents.

Please contact admissions@ihouseberkeley.org if you have extenuating circumstances and would like to request an early arrival.

Can I arrive late?

Yes. If you plan to arrive after the scheduled move-in date, please notify us in advance so we can ensure that we have your check-in package ready for you at the Front Desk on the day of your arrival. Please note, you will be financially responsible from the agreed move-in date onward.

Can I store my luggage at I-House?

Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate luggage storage prior to your check-in date. 

What should I bring for my room?

Very little. Your room is furnished with a twin-size bed, a dresser, a desk, a desk chair, and a desk lamp, as well as a ceiling light. Each room is also equipped with a radiator, allowing you to control the heat within your room. Please bring your own linens (size: Twin XL) and pillows or plan to purchase these once you arrive from Amazon, Target, etc. Please see our What to Bring (PDF) for more information and a list of prohibited items.

Can I have mail or packages sent to me before I arrive?

Yes, you may order packages at I-House 10 days prior to your arrival. Please make sure to include your room number when you place an order. You will be able to view your room number in the  I-House Resident Portal 10 days prior to your arrival. You will receive an email from I-House when your package is processed and ready to be picked up. 

If you use Amazon, we recommend having your orders shipped to the Amazon Hub Locker at the Student Union. You may even get your packages more quickly. Once your Amazon package is delivered, you'll receive an e-mail notification with a unique pickup code that will be valid for three days. You can pick up your packages at the Amazon Pickup Location on campus at a time that's convenient for you. If you purchase something and want to return it, you can drop it off at a pickup location regardless of where it was originally delivered. 

What is my mailing address?

Your mailing address is:Your Name
International House
2299 Piedmont Avenue
Your Room #
Berkeley, CA 94720-2320 USA

After you arrive, you will be able to log in to your StarRez account which contains the combination and instructions on how to open your mailbox. You may pick up larger packages at the Mailroom during the hours posted. Please bring your photo ID when you pick up packages.

You will receive your parcel faster if the name written on the envelope or package matches the name we have listed for you on your StarRez account and if the address contains your full room number including “A” or “B” for double rooms. In order to ensure residents’ privacy, the Mailroom staff will not release room numbers to thirdparties. Mail and special deliveries will be distributed as soon as they are received. Please check your mailbox regularly.When a package arrives, you will receive an email. Please wait until you have received this email to pick up your package. A photo identification will be required in order to release any packages.

To avoid delays in receiving your items, please ensure your email address is updated in your StarRez profile. 

Please note that deliveries cannot be made directly to residents’ rooms.

All outgoing mail and packages must be scheduled directly with the provider and/or dropped off at the appropriate drop-off location, such as the Amazon Hub Locker at the Student Union, UPS stores, or US Post Offices.

How do I get from SFO/Oakland airport to I-House?

BART goes directly from both Oakland and SFO to Downtown Berkeley, where you can take a taxi to International House—about a five-minute drive. You may also use a shuttle service, rideshare, or a cab. Please visit the SFO or Oakland Airport websites for comprehensive airport transportation information. Our Location Page has more information.

Living at I-House:

How do I pay my Room and Board fees? When are they due?

There are a variety of ways you can pay your room and board fees. Full payment at the beginning of the semester is highly appreciated. The preferred payment method is wire transfer or direct deposit. You may also pay by ACH, check, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express) online. Please note that payments made by credit card will incur additional fees. 

The room and board payment schedule can be found here: 2023-2024 Payment Schedule. If you have specific questions about payment options please contact the Accounting Office at: ih_acct@berkeley.edu

Are the resident rooms and floors coed?

Shared rooms are not coed. Each floor is coed with the exception of the female-only 8th floor.

Are bathrooms and showers shared? How many are there?

Bathrooms and showers are shared, but are separated by gender. There are two bathrooms and two shower facilities for each gender on each floor, with the exception of the 8th floor, which is our Women’s Hall. This floor has a female bathroom only and one shower facility. 

Can I change my room or my roommate?

Two weeks after move-in, we will have a room-swap period. During this time, you may submit a request to change rooms or roommates. An email will be sent with more information before the room-swap period opens. While we will do our best, we are not always able to accommodate room change requests.

What's the neighborhood like? Is there much noise?

I-House is a traditional residence hall setting, located in a busy residential area on the edge of the UC Berkeley campus that is home to various student co-ops, fraternities, and sororities. It is also adjacent to two popular campus event venues: California Memorial Stadium and the Greek Theater. At times, there is a high level of activity in the neighborhood, which can cause some level of outside noise and disruption. In addition, there are some sources of building-related noise from facility equipment inside and outside the building that create both regular and intermittent noise. International House strives to be a safe, respectful, and quiet living environment that supports the academic success and well-being of its residents. Community members at International House are expected to follow all the rules necessary to maintain a quiet environment as outlined in our Quiet Hours policy in the Resident Handbook

What parking lots/spaces are available?

Parking on the UC Berkeley campus is very difficult. Street parking at meters is free after 6 p.m. In nonmetered areas, parking is free for two hours and unregulated after 7 p.m. A limited number of permits are available through the City of Berkeley for an annual fee, which exempts you from the two-hour limit. Please see the City of Berkeley parking website for more information. Meters are free with a California disabled placard.

How would I request proof of residency or residential verification?

We are happy to provide a residential verification for any current or past resident. Please follow the link to submit your request. Enter your room number (with the letter A or B if applicable) and proof of residency will be sent to the email associated with your StarRez account.

How do I report a maintenance issue in my room?

Submit a work order online through your portal and the Physical Operations team will process your request.

To Create a Work Order:

1) Login to the StarRez Portal using the same username and password created for your I-House application

2) Click on the "Maintenance" tab

3) Click on "New Job" and follow the prompts to complete your work order.

Who do I go to if I have other questions or concerns while living at I-House?

Do not hesitate to visit the Front Desk with any questions or concerns. You may also email our Resident Support Services team at RSS@ihouseberkeley.org

I-House Resources

Where do I find I-House policies and procedures?

Please read our Resident Handbook.  The handbook has a wealth of information pertaining to anything you need to know about I-House. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the handbook.

Do you have a library or quiet place to study?

Our library is open 24 hours a day and features international newspapers and a variety of periodicals. It offers a congenial, yet quiet, study atmosphere.  Access is restricted to residents only.

Where can I print documents?

After you arrive at I-House, you can add funds to your debit account for printing which will allow you to use your access card or Cal ID to use the printer in the third-floor computer lounge. There is also a scanner available in the computer lounge, free of charge for uploading documents.

Do you have wireless Internet?

Eduraom is the official Wi-Fi at I-House. Please follow the following options to connect to WiFi:

Option 1: Use Berkeley-Visitor

  • Those without a CalNet ID can use Berkeley-Visitor for a basic level of WiFi access.
  • No password or special configuration is required to access the Berkeley-Visitor network.
  • You will be asked to accept the terms of use via a web browser.
  • The connection will expire after 12 hours, when you will need to accept the terms again.
  • Learn more here: IT - What is the Berkeley-Visitor Wi-Fi Network?

Option 2: Eduroam through a CalNet ID

  • This is the recommended Wi-Fi service to use while at the I-House.
  • Available in almost all UC Berkeley buildings.
  • You MUST have a CalNet ID to use eduroam

If you have questions or are having trouble with our WiFi, please reach out to RCC@ihouseberkeley.org.

I-House Policies:

What are Quiet Hours?

Creating noise that unreasonably disrupts residents or neighboring community members at any time is unacceptable. In addition, residents are asked to be especially considerate during the Quiet Hours from 10 p.m.– 9 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 1 a.m.– 9 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. For both the Academic Year semesters and for the Summer Sessions, around-the-clock quiet hours begin on the last day of instruction and continue until the end of the term. There are several resident lounges available for larger/noisier gatherings; please ask our Front Desk for more information.

Is smoking allowed at I-House?

Smoking is strictly prohibited at I-House.  The UC Berkeley campus is now tobacco-free. In order to smoke, residents must leave the UC Berkeley campus which includes the grounds of I-House.

Can I have a guest stay with me?

All guests must be approved in advance by Resident Support Services. Please submit your request in an email to RSS@ihouseberkeley.org at least 3 days in advance. 

The full guest policy can be found in our Resident Handbook.

More than an experience, this place is a veritable social bubble. Going from the staircase to my bedroom door a few meters away can take up to one hour because at each step a friend or a new face involves a few minutes, a few words, and a few laughs. 
Jeanne Bloch (IH 2021-22)