• Seton Hall University
• Office of Disability Support Services

One of the most frequently requested housing accommodations is a single room. At Seton Hall University, a single room may be approved as a disability-related accommodation only when clinical history and professional documentation clearly demonstrate that a student has a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities and that a separate living/sleeping space is necessary to ensure equal access to campus housing.

A single room is considered an access accommodation—not a preference. Approval requires documentation that establishes:

• A clear nexus between the disability and the residential barrier;
• Why shared housing creates a functional limitation related to the disability; and
• Why other reasonable modifications would not sufficiently address the barrier.

For example, a student who requires specialized medical equipment that cannot be safely or effectively used in a shared space may require additional space or specific physical features that are only available in a single room. In such cases, the accommodation removes a direct access barrier to participation in university housing.

When a single room is approved as a disability accommodation to ensure equal access, students are typically billed at the standard double-room rate rather than the private-room rate, consistent with legal guidance.

ADHD, Generalized Anxiety, and Depression

Diagnoses such as ADHD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or Depression are commonly cited in requests for single rooms. While these conditions may qualify as disabilities under the ADA and Section 504, they do not automatically necessitate a private room. The determination is individualized and based on functional impact within the residential environment.

Below are common concerns and institutional responses when a single room may not be determined to be necessary for access.

“I need a quiet space to study.”
Residence halls are designed as living environments rather than designated quiet study spaces. Because students live in close proximity, a private room does not guarantee a distraction-free environment beyond what is available in shared housing.
Seton Hall offers multiple alternative quiet and private spaces across campus, including:

• Quiet and group study areas in Walsh Library
• Academic building lounges and classrooms
• Campus common areas 24/7.

Students may also benefit from tools such as:

• Noise-canceling headphones
• White noise machines or apps
• Time management coaching through the Academic Resource Center.

The availability of these alternatives is considered in evaluating whether a single room is necessary for equal access.

“I need to be alone to decompress.”
Many students benefit from solitude for emotional regulation. However, a general desire for privacy or decompression does not typically rise to the level of a disability-related housing barrier.
Students may utilize:

• Quiet areas throughout campus, including the Wellness Room on the 4th Floor of Walsh Library
• Chapel or reflection spaces, including the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception on campus and smaller Chapels in various residence halls.
• Campus green spaces for walking or reflection
• Counseling appointments through CAPS
• Meetings with Residence Life staff (located in Duffy Hall (Room 68)) to develop communication and boundary-setting skills

Residence Life can also facilitate roommate agreements to clarify expectations around quiet hours, guests, shared responsibilities, and personal space.

“I need control over my space.”
College residential living inherently involves shared environments. Students share classrooms, dining areas, recreational facilities, and often bedrooms.

In standard shared rooms, students are assigned individual furniture and personal storage space. Residence Life policies outline community standards, and professional staff are available to assist with:

• Roommate mediation
• Boundary-setting
• Conflict resolution
• Room reassignment procedures when appropriate

A disability must create a substantial limitation that cannot be addressed through these established processes to justify a single room as an access accommodation.

“I’m worried about having a difficult roommate.”
Roommate conflicts, while common, are not typically disability-based access barriers. Students are encouraged to:

• Utilize Residence Life mediation processes
• Consult Counseling and Psychological Services for support and coping strategies
• Work with professional staff to explore room change procedures if necessary

“I’m concerned about medication security.”
Students are encouraged to:

• Use lockboxes or small safes
• Lock their room when leaving
• Keep medications secured and out of sight

Medication concerns alone do not generally necessitate a single room.

“I have a severe food allergy.”
Students with life-threatening allergies should contact Disability Support Services to discuss individualized housing modifications. In many cases, access needs can be met through:

• Roommate matching based on allergen considerations
• Clear roommate agreements regarding restricted items
• Education and boundary-setting support
• Referral and coordination with Dining Services where applicable

Each situation is reviewed individually to determine whether shared housing can be made accessible.

If a Single Room is Denied as an Accommodation but You Still Want One

A student may apply for/request a single room unrelated to any documented disability. Single rooms not approved as disability accommodations are subject to the applicable single-room housing rate. Availability varies by semester and housing inventory.

Residence Life Accomodation Request Process

Students who believe they require a single room due to disability-related access barriers should:

1. Submit a Housing Accommodation Request Form through Disability Support Services.
2. Provide documentation from an appropriate licensed specialist (not typically a general practitioner) that:
   • Identifies the disability,
   • Describes functional limitations within the residential setting,
   • Explains why shared housing creates a substantial barrier, and
   • Clarifies why alternative modifications would not be effective.
3. Participate in an interactive meeting with Disability Support Services to discuss the request.

All determinations are made through an individualized, interactive process consistent with the ADA, Section 504, and applicable housing regulations.

Single Room Requests: Student FAQ

Disability Support Services & Residence Life
We understand that living on campus is a big transition. Below are answers to common questions about requesting a single room as a disability-related accommodation.

Can I request a single room as a disability accommodation?
Yes. Students with documented disabilities may request housing accommodations, including a single room, if the accommodation is necessary to ensure equal access to campus housing.

A single room is considered when a disability creates a functional barrier in shared housing and a separate sleeping space is needed to remove that barrier.

Does having a diagnosis automatically qualify me for a single room?
No. A diagnosis alone does not automatically result in a specific housing accommodation.
Federal disability laws require an individualized review. Disability Support Services looks at:

• How your condition affects you in a shared living environment
• Whether shared housing creates a disability-related barrier
• Whether other reasonable options and campus supports could effectively address the barrier

The focus is on access—not preference or convenience.

I have ADHD, anxiety, or depression. Can I get a single room?
Many students with these conditions successfully live in shared housing. However, each request is reviewed individually.
To be approved, documentation must show:

• How the condition substantially limits you in the residential setting; and
• Why a single room is necessary for equal access (not simply beneficial).

If shared housing can be made accessible through other supports, a single room may not be necessary.

What if I need quiet to study?
Residence halls are living spaces and are not designed to function as guaranteed quiet study areas.
Students have access to many quieter spaces on campus, including:

• Study rooms and quiet areas in Walsh Library
• Academic buildings
• Common areas in the University Center available 24/7.

Noise-reducing tools (such as white noise apps or noise-canceling headphones) may also help.

When evaluating housing requests, the University considers whether access to these alternatives addresses the barrier.

What if I need privacy or alone time to manage stress?
It is common for students to need time alone to recharge. However, a general desire for privacy does not typically require a single room under disability law.
Students can access:

• Quiet campus spaces
• Outdoor areas for reflection
• Support through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
• Residence Life staff assistance with roommate agreements and boundaries

If your disability creates a specific, documented barrier that cannot be addressed in shared housing, that will be considered through the interactive process.

What if I’m worried about having a difficult roommate?
Roommate conflicts can happen, and Residence Life has structured processes to help resolve concerns, including mediation and possible room changes when appropriate.

A single room is not typically approved solely due to anticipated or general roommate challenges unless the conflict is directly tied to a documented disability-related barrier.

What if I have medical equipment or a significant medical condition?
If you require specialized equipment, night-time medical care, or environmental controls, please submit documentation explaining:

• The medical need and justification
• How shared housing creates a barrier
• Why a separate room is necessary

These requests are reviewed carefully and individually.

What if I have a severe allergy?
Students with significant allergies should contact Disability Support Services. In many cases, concerns can be addressed through:

• Roommate matching
• Clear roommate agreements
• Education and coordination with campus partners

If shared housing cannot be made accessible, additional options will be considered.

Will I be charged more if I’m approved for a single room as an accommodation?
If a single room is approved as a disability accommodation necessary for equal access, students are generally billed at the standard double-room rate.

If you request a single room for personal preference and one is available, the single-room rate applies.

What documentation is required?
You will need:

• A Housing Accommodation Request Form;
• Documentation from a licensed provider with relevant expertise; including
• Information describing how your disability impacts you in shared housing and why a single room is necessary.

You may also be asked to participate in a meeting to discuss your request.

What is the interactive process?
The interactive process is a conversation between you and Disability Support Services to:

• Understand your barriers
• Review documentation
• Explore effective options
• Determine whether a single room or another accommodation provides equal access

We encourage open communication so we can fully understand your needs.

What if my request is not approved?
If a single room is not determined to be necessary for equal access:

• You will receive written notice of the decision via university email, prior to Housing Lottery for returning students, and by July 1 for incoming students.
• If the medical condition or diagnosis changes over time, updated documentation will be reviewed.
• You may appeal through the Accommodation Appeal process.
• You may request a single room at the single-room rate if available.

Please understand that submission of the designated application does not guarantee that the specific requests will be granted.

How do I start the process?
Contact Disability Support Services and submit the Housing Accommodation Request Form as early as possible and by the application deadline. 

Please also be advised that students can submit their requests after the deadline. For late applications, the review and decision process may require up to 30 calendar days (this cannot be expedited), and in such cases, students will not receive a decision before the beginning of the room selection process. Also, all approved accommodations will be honored based on the availability of approved accommodations at the time of the decision, hence early submission is encouraged.