Self-selection
Self-selection is the process by which you select the exact unit where you will live on campus. Once you’ve explored your housing options, you can log into the Housing Portal using your MIT credentials by clicking the “Login with Touchstone” button. If you are a visiting student, postdoc, or other affiliate, please follow the instructions on the login page to create an account for the first time you sign in. Once your account is created, you will click “Login with Touchstone” to access the Housing Portal.
Once you’ve accessed the portal, navigate to the “Forms” tab. Depending on your affiliation with MIT, you will select either:
- Graduate self-selection application (for enrolled MIT graduate students); or
- Visitor self-selection application (for all visitors, postdocs, and other affiliates)
Click on “Apply” to begin the Self-Selection process
There may be multiple terms on the page to select from. If you are looking for units with a move-in date before July 31, select the “Summer Early Arrival” term. If you are looking for units with a move-in date after August 1, choose the “Academic Year” term.
Choose your family size
You will be shown units based on your family type, so please double-check your answer before proceeding. If you select a unit that you are not eligible for by choosing a family size for which you cannot provide proof of family documentation, your booking will be cancelled and you will be charged a $250 cancellation fee.
Fill out Roommate Profile (Individuals Only)
You will be given an opportunity to create a roommate profile if you choose. Everyone is required to create a screen name on this page, regardless of whether or not you are looking for a roommate to progress past this page. You are welcome to use your Kerberos ID, but it is not required.
Roommate Group Creation
After creating a profile, you will be allowed to search for and match up with others to form a roommate group with the following options:
- Search By Screenname: If you know who you are looking for, you can search for them by typing in their screenname.
- Search By Lifestyle Preferences: You can use this function to filter by the answers you shared in your profile.
- I’m Feeling Lucky: The system will analyze your answers and determine the percentage match you have with other users in the system.
Click Save and Continue
Unit Selection Page
Once you are eligible to participate in self-selection (either through early selection or open selection), you will be directed to the page below, which displays all currently available units along with their earliest available move-in dates.
- Filter: Room type, building, and cost filters.
- Calculate Total: This totals the rent for the duration of the license period.
- Show Room Info: This page will display more information about the other people who live in the suite if you choose a shared space.
To choose a space, click “Add to Cart.” If you have a roommate group, you can add up to four units (that’s the maximum group size!) to your cart so you can assign everyone in your roommate group to a bed within an apartment/suite. Click on Continue to Book Unit to proceed to the next steps.
Booking Selection Confirmation
Confirm that your details are correct. On the next page, you will be asked to indicate your preferred move-in date. You will then be asked to acknowledge MIT’s Personal Property & Insurance Policy. Finally, you’ll acknowledge the construction riders for your building and sign your license agreement. After you sign your license, you will be prompted to upload any supporting family documentation.
License and Construction RidersSelf-selection Walkthrough
If you’re a visual learner, we have a brief 3-minute video tutorial on self-selection.