Withdrawal and Refund Information
Breaking your housing agreement at FIT is not the same as breaking a traditional lease, but it is still a serious matter. While you won’t face the same long-term legal or credit consequences that come with a private lease, withdrawing early can result in financial penalties, impact your ability to secure future on-campus housing, and disrupt community operations. We strongly encourage students to review their options and speak with Residential Life before making this decision.
Key Information
- For information on withdrawing from FIT please see: Withdrawing from the College
- Students who are graduating, students enrolled in a college exchange program, or students withdrawing from the college must complete the housing withdrawal request as well
- Questions regarding refund checks/payments should be directed to the Bursar's Office at (212) 217-3680
- A complete overview of the withdrawal process can be found on the Residential Life Policy Library located in the Housing Portal Homepage.
What are the withdrawal types?
Mutual Residence Agreement Termination
A small number of withdrawals are sanctioned reasons why a student may need to terminate their housing agreement early with minimal penalty.
Approved Reasons
Mandatory Military Service, FIT Study Abroad Program, Withdrawal or Deferment from FIT, Loss within immediate family, Unable to Secure a Visa
Financial Information
- Charged for days lived in housing only
- Refund of Residence Association, Technology, and Insurance Fees and housing deposit
- Charged for meals or points used only
*Additional proof may be required before refunds are processed
**All withdrawals are subject to review at Residential Life's discretion and refunds are not guaranteed.
Pre-Approved Breach of Agreement
Students who break their housing agreement early due to emergencies or urgent situations fall under this type of withdrawal.
Approved Reasons
Financial Hardship, Personal or Family Emergency
Financial Information
- Charged for days lived in housing only
- No Refund of Residence Association, Technology, and Insurance Fees
- Refund of the housing deposit
- Charged for meals or points used only
*Additional proof may be required before refunds are processed
**All withdrawals are subject to review at Residential Life's discretion and refunds are not guaranteed.
Unapproved Breach of Agreement
The final type of withdrawals carry the most significant withdrawal penalties and are often a matter of preference instead of circumstances outside the student's control.
Approved Reasons
Deciding to Commute, Unhappy with roommates or room, dropping below full time credit status without approval, expulsion or suspension from housing / FIT.
Financial Information
- Charged for days lived in housing only
- No Refund of Residence Association, Technology, and Insurance Fees
- No Refund of the housing deposit
Charged for meals or points used only - A $250 breach of agreement fine
- No refund of the meal plan
*Additional proof may be required before refunds are processed
**All withdrawals are subject to review at Residential Life's discretion and refunds are not guaranteed.
To submit a withdrawal navigate to your Housing Portal, find the quick links section on the homepage and click the Housing Withdrawal Icon. Remember that withdrawals are immediate and can not be taken back once submitted.
Appeal Process
After a withdrawal has been processed and the “official date of withdrawal” has been established by FIT, the Resident may submit a written appeal for removal or adjustment of housing liability.
To apply for an appeal, the Resident must have first officially withdrawn from their Residence Agreement and submit a written appeal to the Refund Appeals Committee at:
Office of Residential Life Attn: Housing Refund Committee 210 W 27th Street Fashion Institute of Technology New York, NY 10001-5992Alternatively, the Resident may submit an appeal via the Housing Portal by navigating to Withdrawals and selecting the appeal option from the dropdown.
The appeal must describe the reason and justification for the appeal of the refund policy. The statement must also specify the extenuating circumstance for the refund. The Committee makes the final decision collectively and will deny any appeal that does not include supporting documentation or violates this policy.
All refund appeals should be filed as soon as possible but no later than six months after the end of the academic term for which the appeal is being requested. All decisions made by the Refund Appeal Committee are final and no further appeals will be considered. A filed appeal does not guarantee an approval.
The following appeals for exception to the refund policy will NOT be approved:
- Dissatisfaction with a room type, roommate, Residence Handbook policy, or room condition
- Failure to occupy a space.
- Lack of knowledge of the withdrawal and refund deadlines.
- Lack of sufficient resources to pay housing.
- Registration for the wrong term or misreading the calendar outlining the start of housing.
- Failure to follow college policies and procedures available for review within the Code of Student Conduct, the college’s handbook, catalog, College Policy Library, or official FIT website, or Residence Agreement and Handbook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Per the housing agreement, failure to occupy a space does not relieve a student from the financial obligations associated with that room. In other words, even if you don't move in you will still need to submit a withdrawal and are subject to the associated financial penalties.
The withdrawal process is partially automated and once a withdrawal is submitted your application for housing is immediately terminated. Even if you haven't moved out the process is set. If you want to return to housing you will need to re-apply and may not have the same accommodation as before.
Even if you have withdrawn before submitting your deposit payment you are still obligated to settle all financial penalties from your breach of agreement process.