First-Year Students

The First-Year Housing Application opens in November. Check back for application details and important dates.

Starting your first year at KU is an exciting milestone. Living on campus offers opportunities to connect with fellow Jayhawks, get involved, and find your place in the KU community.

Explore a variety of living options designed to meet your needs and preferences. Learn how to apply, choose the right option for you, and prepare for your first year on campus.

Resources

Key Dates for 2027-2028

November 2026	Housing Application Opens. Admitted students can access the Housing Portal to complete their housing application and contract. Applicable fees and waiver information will be provided during the application process.
January 2027	Primary Submission Date. Students who meet the applicable admission and housing application requirements may qualify for the Crimson Lottery for initial room selection group numbers. Enrollment deposit payment or deferral requirements must also be met to receive a group number.
March 1, 2027	Scholarship Hall Priority Sign-Up (Optional). Students interested in scholarship hall living can submit a Scholarship Hall Application. Applying by the priority date may improve consideration for available spaces.
April 2027	Room Selection Checklist Available. Students can review their housing contract status in the Housing Portal and determine whether additional steps are needed to become eligible for room selection.
May 1, 2027	Housing Guarantee Deadline. Students must complete the required housing application and contract steps by 11:59 PM to guarantee housing.
May 3, 2027	Standby List Available. Eligible students who need housing after the initial application process may have the option to join the standby list. Joining the list does not constitute a housing contract or guarantee housing.
May 6, 2027	Room Selection Group #'s Announced. Eligible students can view their randomly assigned group numbers in the Housing Portal. Group numbers determine when students can participate in room selection.
Mid-May 2027	Special Interest Community Room Selection. Eligible students can review selection instructions and available spaces for participating communities.
May - June 2027	Room Selection by Group Numbers. Eligible students select their residence hall, room and bed space through the Housing Portal. Students are encouraged to consider backup options in case their preferred space is unavailable.
Optional Steps to Consider	Apply for a Special Interest Community Students interested in Honors, Engineering, ROTC, the Rainbow Community, or Gender Inclusive Assignment (GIA) options should review the eligibility requirements and application process. Connect with a Roommate & Form a Roommate Group Students who want to live with a specific roommate can review the roommate matching and roommate group process in the Housing Portal. Roommate groups are optional and subject to the room selection process. Roommate instructions will be provided as the upcoming cycle's details are confirmed. Request Housing Accommodations Students seeking medical accommodations should submit a request through the Student Access Center and review KU Housing & Residence Life's accommodation information. Early submissions are encouraged to allow time for review.