Navigating College Freshmen Housing: Key Questions to Ask

With college applications officially open and admission decisions beginning to roll out, many seniors are now thinking about housing. To help you navigate this often confusing process, here are some key questions to ask before you decide where and when to apply for housing. 

1. Are freshmen guaranteed housing? 

Many schools not only guarantee housing for freshmen but require most freshmen to live on campus. If that’s the case, in my opinion, there’s no real rush to apply for housing. As long as you meet the college’s deadlines in the spring, you’ll have a bed waiting for you! 

2. Can I apply for housing before being admitted? 

There are a handful of colleges where you can apply for housing once you submit your application, even before you’re admitted. The University of Florida and University of Texas Austin tend to be the most popular among our students but there are a few others. If a college does offer this, you may want to consider applying for housing early (especially if they don’t guarantee housing). 

3. Do I have to submit an enrollment deposit in order to apply for housing? 

The majority of colleges do require you to be admitted before you can apply for housing. This is where it can get a bit tricky. Students can submit as many housing deposits as they’d like but only one enrollment deposit. An enrollment deposit indicates that you are planning to enroll at the school in the fall. It also takes away your leverage when it comes to financial aid appeals. 

If a college doesn’t require an enrollment deposit for housing and you’re truly interested in the school, go ahead and submit the deposit! However, if they do require an enrollment deposit you want to put a good amount of thought into your decision - are you ready to commit to this college and their financial aid package?

4. Are There Specialized Housing Options?

Colleges usually offer specialized housing options for specific groups, such as honors students or students with particular interests. If you belong to one of these groups or have unique housing needs, inquire about specialized housing opportunities. These options may have different timelines that you need to consider. 

5. What Are the Housing Cancellation Policies?

Life can be unpredictable, and there may be situations where you need to cancel your housing assignment. Inquire about the college's cancellation policies, including deadlines and any potential financial penalties.

It’s also important to remember that colleges tend to stress the importance of applying early. While sometimes that can truly be necessary, their advice in this area often needs to be taken with a grain of salt. Remember that housing deposits (just like application fees) can be a solid income source for colleges - it’s important to be a smart consumer! 

You’re now probably thinking about where to find the answers to these questions. The college’s website is the best place to find out about their policies and deadlines. And what about after you submit a housing deposit? That’s when the fun part starts - deciding how you’ll decorate your dorm room!