So you’re coming to American University... Have you thought about your living situation? On campus? Off campus? And what will your roommate be like? The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) and Ally Resource Center recognizes that GLBT students may have some unique concerns about housing. This sheet is designed to provide you with information and resources as you think about your housing needs. 

The On-Campus Residence Halls 

American University is committed to providing students with safe and secure housing. The Housing staff expects that all students will be treated with respect in the halls. But being assigned an unknown roommate is worrisome for many first year gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students. So here is a little information to try and make the process easier:
• Many GLBT students find that their roommate is very open and accepting.
• If your roommate is not so accepting, Housing and Dining Services staff members have been consistently helpful on GLBT issues. If you are having a problem with your roommate because of GLBT issues, your Resident Director usually will be able to help find a solution.
• If you don’t feel comfortable going directly to your Resident Director, stop by and see the Director or the Program Coordinator of the GLBTA Resource Center who can help you find appropriate resources.

So you’re still worried?

Get information on the Intersections of Gender & Sexuality Residential Community Cluster

Housing and Dining Programs offers a Residential Community Cluster (RCC) - a living and learning environment created and implemented by students based on a shared them, purpose or partnership - called "Intersections of Gender & Sexuality." For more information about the Intersections of Gender & Sexuality RCC, contact Housing & Dining Programs.

Request to be assigned a Resident Assistant who is particularly knowledgeable about GLBT issues. 

Resident Assistants (RA’s) are the student staff members who supervise each floor. While all RA’s receive some training on GLBT issues, some RA’s are more knowledgeable than others. By request, we can assign you to a floor with an RA who has a greater level of knowledge. Simply send us an e-mail to glbta@american.edu. 

Transgender Students 

The Resource Center and Housing and Dining Services recognize that some transgender students may have concerns that are not addressed by the above resources. Housing and Dining Services is committed to finding appropriate housing for all students, and will address individual needs on a case-by-case basis. If you identify as transgender and would like to talk about specific housing concerns, please contact the GLBTA Resource Center.

Off-campus Resources 

AU offers university housing in an off-campus apartment building, Park Bethesda. Park Bethesda allows students to live in mixed gender apartments, and allows students to live with domestic partners who are not associated with American University. Only American University graduate students, law students and undergraduates who have taken college courses for at least two years are qualified to lease space in Park Bethesda as students. Click here for more information.

For additional off-campus housing options, check out the newspapers for classified ads:
The Washington Blade (the local GLBT weekly): http://www.washblade.com/
The Washington City Paper (regularly covers GLBT issues and often has ads specifically looking for GLBT friendly housing situations): http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/class/classifieds.html
The Washington Post (DC’s main newspaper): http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/realestate/rent/