How to Apply

Application period: Feb. 19–26

All continuing undergraduate students interested in fall 2026 university housing are encouraged to apply during the Feb. 19–26 application period.

Log in to the Housing Portal during the application period to apply. It doesn’t matter if you are first or last, as long as you apply by the deadline.

Before you apply

Decide where to apply

You will apply to ONE college or community in your housing application. Take time to explore your options and decide which is the best fit.

Plan your roommate group

If you want to live with friends, make sure all group members are eligible for Room Selection and apply to the same college/community.

Have a disability-related housing need?

Submit/renew your accommodation request: Request a Disability Resource Center (DRC) Housing Accommodation in addition to applying for housing. Visit drc.ucsc.edu for information and instructions. A new request is required for each year.

Accommodations for a specific type of housing (such as housing without stairs or a specific room type): If you’re approved for a specific housing accommodation you will be eligible for preassignment before Room Selection to ensure you receive a space that meets your accommodation needs. Emotional Support Animal (ESA) accommodations don’t fall into this category.

Need help planning?

Use our interactive Continuing Student Housing Planning Guide to get personalized guidance and develop your plan and backup options.

How to complete your application

Log in to the Housing Portal during the application period.
Choose one college or community to apply to.
Select all the room types you agree to accept.
If you’re interested in campuswide theme housing, complete the supplemental questions.
Submit your application by Feb. 26.

After you apply

Preassignment
(before Room Selection)

Some students are assigned housing before Room Selection. If you fall into one of these categories, you’ll be notified of your assignment in March:

March 9–10	Theme Housing mentors and students accepted to campuswide theme housing.
March 11–31	Resident Assistants (RA) and Neighborhood Assistants (NA) required to live in specific locations, and students with DRC accommodations for a specific type of housing.

Hoping to live with friends? During preassignment, only students with DRC accommodations for specific types of housing can be assigned—which means you might be assigned but your friends won’t be. If you have an accommodation that would qualify you for preassignment but you prefer to participate in Room Selection with a group of friends, contact the Housing Coordinator at the community you applied to before Room Selection to let them know your plans.

Note: If you are assigned during preassignment your housing is confirmed and you will not participate in Room Selection.

Room Selection on April 7

Eligible students participate in Room Selection on April 7. Visit the Room Selection page to learn how it works and what to expect.

Continuing student housing process: