Launch of Virtual SYRE (Rising Sophomores)

June 17, 2021

Tl;dr: The Virtual Sophomore Year Residence Exchange “SYRE” process for rising sophomores will take place between June 18-23; only sophomores who wish to request changes to their 2021-2022 building assignments should participate. 

Hey there, Sophomores!

We’ve heard from a number of you who are interested in changing building assignments for the 2021-2022 academic year.  In collaboration with DormCon and Room Assignment Chairs, the team at Housing & Residential Services (HRS) is pleased to announce the launch of a virtual Sophomore Year Residence Exchange “SYRE” process— the first of its kind at MIT!

Please see below for answers to some of your immediate questions.  Keep in mind that this virtual process is separate and distinct from the in-person SYRE and S’more Welcome activities taking place on campus at the end of August as announced within a recent communication. 

As a reminder, if you no longer require on-campus housing for the next academic year, please submit your cancellation form in MyHousing prior to the penalty-free cancellation deadline next Monday, June 21.  

Also, check out the Fall 2021 Housing Dashboard for helpful housing information, or send us your questions via email at residence@mit.edu. We hope you’re having a fantastic start to your summer holiday! 

Sincerely, 

RICH HILTON
Associate Dean and Director for Residential Services and Operations
Housing & Residential Services

TASHA COPPETT
Associate Director of Residential Services
Housing & Residential Services

Why was a virtual SYRE developed?

  • A number of rising sophomores have expressed interest in changing their 2021-2022 building assignments.  In an effort to jumpstart the building switch process, and to avoid a high volume of moves after residents arrive on campus this fall, HRS has worked collaboratively with DormCon and Room Assignment Chairs to develop an expedited, virtual process to request a different building assignment.  

What is SYRE?

  • Sophomore Year Residence Exchange “SYRE” is an optional process for rising sophomores who are interested in changing their 2021-2022 building assignment. 

Is this virtual opportunity the only way to change my building assignment?

  • No.  Sophomores will also have the opportunity to participate in on-campus residential exploration activities and (non-virtual) SYRE when they arrive on campus through the optional S’more Welcome program. 

What if I already submitted a request for a building change through the Housing Waitlist process? 

  • If you requested an alternate building assignment through the 2021-2022 Housing Waitlist process, please submit an application through virtual SYRE or participate in the in-person SYRE process.  Your application through the waitlist process will be removed and you should pursue an alternate building assignment through the SYRE processes. 

How does the process work?

  • Students who wish to participate in SYRE are asked to submit the online application by 11:59 pm ET on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 within MyHousing.  Within the application, students are able to rank alternative building options according to where they would like to live.  Students do not have to rank every option and should only rank buildings where they want to be assigned. Students who participate in the process will then receive results (see timeline below) of whether they’ve received a new 2021-2022 building assignment.  

What are the key dates and deadlines?

  • Friday, June 18 (9:00 am ET) - Virtual SYRE Application Opens within MyHousing
  • Wednesday, June 23 (11:59 pm ET) - Virtual SYRE Application Closes
  • Monday, June 28 - Virtual SYRE Results Released
  • Wednesday, August 4 - Room Assignments Released

If I receive a new building assignment through virtual SYRE, is it binding?

  • Students who receive a new building assignment through virtual SYRE will be placed in that building for the 2021-2022 academic year.  As noted above, students should only rank buildings where they would like to live within their application.  Students who do not receive a new assignment through virtual SYRE, or who receive a new assignment and want to change their building assignment again, will have the option of participating in the in-person SYRE process through S’more Welcome this fall.  

What is the likelihood of receiving a new building assignment?

  • Unfortunately, we cannot predict housing availability because the SYRE process depends upon the number of students in each building who seek to change their assignment.   

What if I’m a member of a staple group?

  • Virtual SYRE is an individual process. We recommend that all staple group members submit the same building preferences if they are participating in the virtual SYRE process and to make note of their group members in the application. While we will try our best to accommodate all group members, this is not guaranteed.

Where can I learn more about the residence halls?

  • If you haven’t already, please check out the MIT Guide to Residences website which has helpful information about each residential community at MIT.  Also, don’t forget that sophomores will also have the opportunity to participate in S’more Welcome in-person this fall.