🏠 Washington University in St. Louis — Parent Guide

🏠 How housing selection works at Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University assigns housing through a two-phase process that separates first-year students from upperclassmen.

First-Year Students:All incoming freshmen are guaranteed on-campus housing and are placed by ResLife in theSouth 40on the south end of the Danforth Campus. Students indicate preferences on the housing application. Placements are made by ResLife — there is no student-run lottery for first-years.

Upperclassmen:Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors participate in an annualhousing lotteryheld each spring. Students form groups of up to four people and submit a ranked list of preferences. A randomly assigned lottery number determines selection order within each class year. Sophomores may choose South 40 houses (if space remains) or select rooms inThe Village, a newer suite-style and apartment community on the north end of campus. Juniors and seniors have priority access to Village apartments and single rooms.

Key dates(approximate — check ResLife each year):

• January–February: housing application opens for returning students
• March: lottery numbers assigned; selection windows open by class year
• April: room selection completed; first-year assignments sent to incoming students in July

For specific deadlines, room availability, and application instructions, visit theResLife Housing Application page.