Requesting Housing
Room Allocation
Housing Policies
Off Campus Accomodations

The student housing complexes on Mount Scopus, overlooking the incredible panorama of Jerusalem, are walking distrance from the University. They offer an independent setting appropriate for overseas students. Living in University housing is an important part of the overall experience of studying abroad. RIS students have the opportunity to meet new friends from different cultures and continents – North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Europe – as well as a chance to share experiences with Israeli students. Students from abroad accepted to long-term programs or to summer courses at the RIS are allocated housing provided that they make their reservations on time. Space may be limited in the spring semester.  Housing for married students is subject to availability.  First priority is given to couples who are both students of the Hebrew University.

Students are usually housed in apartments with single bedrooms. The bedrooms contain a bed, desk, chair and closet. Kitchen and bathroom facilities are shared.  Internet access is available for an additional fee. Students who are Shomrei Shabbat can request to live with other observant students. Housing placement is coordinated through the Rothberg International School. While personal preferences are taken into consideration whenever possible, students should be aware that their requests cannot always be met.

While there is no meal plan, the kitchens are equipped with stove burners and refrigerators for preparing light meals and snacks.  Moderately priced kosher cafeterias and snack bars, as well as small supermarkets, can be found in or near each student housing complex. Laundry facilities are also available.  A staff of specially selected Israeli students (called madrichim), who reside in the dormitories, assist RIS students in adjusting to campus life at the Hebrew University  and help them obtain the full benefit of their stay in Israel.

Requesting a Dormitory
Summer Program Students: Housing  Reservation Form

Semester/Year Program Students: Housing  Reservation Form

(These forms are NOT for US and Canadian students.  Students from the US and Canada should indicate their housing preferences on the Participation Form included in their acceptance packet).  

All other students are personally responsible for downloading and mailing the form.

Housing reservations for the Summer Ulpan must reach the Housing Coordinator by July 1. Reservations for students coming for the academic year must arrive by August 31 and for students coming for the Winter Ulpan/Spring Semester, by December 1. Please note that the housing deposit must accompany the reservation form. 

University housing is available only to students who reserve a place in advance and pay their tuition fees by the registration date. Late applicants cannot be guaranteed housing.

Entering University Housing
Students cannot enter their rooms before financial registration. Those who will be arriving after registration closes in the Boyar Building (2:00 p.m.) will have to find alternative overnight accommodations.

Students must supply their own bedroom linens and blankets, dishes and cooking utensils. Students may bring their own laptops, T.V. sets (PAL), DVD, etc.  There is a service from which students may purchase the needed items and have them delivered to them in Israel.  For more information click here

Room Changes
Students wishing to change rooms may do so only through the housing supervisor. It is imperative that the supervisor has the student’s correct address on file at all times.

Housing Policies
The housing regulations are outlined in the housing contract. We would like to bring to your attention the following:   

• In accordance with University policy, students residing in University housing are personally responsible for all property. Before students vacate the building, their rooms will be inspected for damage and their keys must be returned to the dormitory supervisor. Students who do not return their keys at checkout or upon changing their room during the year will be charged three times the regular fee. Students will be charged for any damages. Legal action will be taken against any student who leaves without paying these charges. In addition, the RIS will not issue transcripts for students who have not paid for damages.
• Students are requested not to use cellophane tape or to glue posters on the walls.
• Some University housing complexes strictly forbid the use of electric heaters. Students should be aware of the policy in their particular building
• Note: Israel’s electric current is 220 v, 50 cycles. Do not plug an American 110 v shaver, hair dryer, or other electrical appliance into an outlet in Israel without a proper transformer.