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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions which may help you to resolve some of your housing queries. Please do not hesitate to email or call us with any of your questions that are not answered here.

1. I have applied to live at I-House. When will I learn if I have been accepted to live at the I-House?
   You will learn within two to three weeks of applying if you have been accepted to live at I-House. Once accepted, you will be sent a link to the semester contract and the credit card payment link.  Please make sure that you answer all of the essay questions thoroughly such as providing information on your hobbies and interests, why you would like to live in the I-House, and what your perception is of the U.S. We are not concerned with the level of your English skills; we only seek to learn about you. Regarding your perception of the U.S., we are looking for a starting point and there are no right or wrong answers.  You can provide positive and critical feedback.  Have you learned about the U.S. from the media, from family and friends, from your own first-hand experiences? 
2. How are roommates selected?
   Roommates are selected by the staff on the basis of information provided in the application and taking into consideration the essays written by applicants. We endeavor to match roommates according to compatible interests and habits.
3. Will I meet Americans if I live at I-House?                                                               20-25% of the residents of I-House were born and raised in the U.S.  Living at I-House is one of the best opportunities you will have as a student to get to know Americans from the U.S. Not only do you meet them, you are living together under the same roof and you have opportunities to learn deeply about the customs and cultures.   
4. Does everyone living at I-House have strong written and spoken English language skills?  Many residents are quite fluent in English, while others are just beginning to learn the language and speak almost no English. We welcome residents of all English-language levels, and encourage non-English speakers to participate in all activities to practice English and improve their listening and speaking abilities.
5. What about meals/food?
   During Fall and Spring semester, the cost of the meal plan is included in the room and board fees.  For detailed info, read meal plan and pricing options on the Costs page.  We offer meal service at the House with a chef preparing meals onsite including vegetarian, vegan, and halal food options; in addition, residents will also have a partial campus meal plan.  Residents also have access to limited meals in the Dining Commons and retail units on campus.  Finally, I-House has a student kitchen in which residents can prepare their own food at any time of day or night.
6. When are work positions filled at I-House so that I can apply to work towards a reduction in my rent?
   Positions are filled after residents move in each semester and as needs arise throughout the year. Newly arrived residents are eligible to apply for all positions.  Residents who are hired must complete hiring documentation through the SJSU Research Foundation Human Resources department prior to commencing work at I-House. Residents work in a variety of positions including roles as Receptionists, Coffee Night and Cultural Arts Coordinator, and as aides in the Office, Kitchen, Computer room, Maintenance, and All-Around.  Positions for Resident Advisor and Network Administrator are posted and filled during the year for the following year.  
7. What do I need to bring with me to I-House?                                                           I-House bedrooms are fully furnished. They include wooden bed frame, twin XL mattress, desk, chair, bookshelf, dresser, and walk-in closet. If you need anything else, you are free to bring it along. Please note that cooking and re-heating food in the bedrooms are strictly prohibited. Bicycles must be stored on the bike racks outside, and work-out equipment is not permitted in the bedrooms. Hair dryers and curling irons may only be used in the restrooms where the electrical outlets are more powerful. 
8. Can I get a single room?
   Single rooms are filled on a seniority basis according to the length of time residents have lived at I-House. New residents are not eligible for single rooms. Most of our residents have never shared a room prior to living at I-House, and in almost all cases, people find it to be a very positive experience. In fact, in many cases, when residents do have the seniority to get single rooms, many choose not to do so because they prefer to stay with their roommate.  Housing at I-House provides a really special opportunity for making friendships with people around the world. 
9. Is there any restriction on entering the House for residents? Any kind of curfew time?
   I-House is open for residents around the clock. All residents have their own house key as well as room key. There is no curfew. 
10. What are the quiet hours?
    Quiet hours are set at the International House, and all residents and their guests are expected to respect these and other rules. Quiet hours are 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday to 8 a.m. the following morning , and 12 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays to 10 a.m. the following morning.
11. Are guests allowed?
    There is no curfew at the International House; residents may come and go as they wish and are allowed guests at any time. Guests must be accompanied at all times by a resident. [During COVID, I-House is not open to guests.]
12. What is the alcohol policy at I-House?
    According to U.S. Federal Law, residents must be 21 years of age and over and in the company of people who are 21 years of age and over in order to possess or drink alcohol at the International House.  Non-residents are not permitted to drink alcohol at I-House.  
13. Do I need a heater/fan/lamp?
    No. All the bedrooms are equipped with a central heating system, ceiling fan and lamps. If you require table lamps or desk fans, you can check them out from the office.  The computer room at I-House has air conditioning.  
14. Can I bring my pets?
    No pets of any kind are allowed in the I-House.
15. Can I bring my musical instrument along with me?
    You are welcome to bring your instruments. We have three pianos including a grand piano in the living room, and two uprights in the recreation room, five guitars including an electric guitar, and a drum set.