The Application for New Students will open Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 12:00PM Noon Central Time. Students should apply before the priority deadline for placement on May 15, 2025. Note: All applications received by May 15 will be processed at the same time; there is no advantage to rushing to complete the application.
This information will walk you through how to submit your housing application, understanding the application’s Terms and Conditions, and housing rates for the upcoming year.
All full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students are required to live in the residence halls their first year. This requirement does not apply to incoming transfer or incoming exchange students.
Incoming transfer and exchange students should complete the Continuing Student Application. The Application for New Students is intended for incoming first-year students who have never lived on campus previously.
Quick links
Use these quick links to move down the page.
New first-year and transfer students
The Housing Application will be completed through the WashU Housing Portal.
Read the terms and conditions
- Thoroughly read and familiarize yourself with the presented Terms and Conditions. This housing application is a binding contract and the Terms and Conditions outline all rules and regulations of WashU Residential Life housing.
- Later when completing the Housing Application, you will be asked to agree to the Terms and Conditions outlined in the above document. Students who are under the age of 18 will be required to have their parent or guardian agree to the Terms and Conditions on their behalf.
- Create Your Application
- The Housing Application has four required steps. Further details about each step can be found below.
- Student & Emergency Contact Information
- Room Rates & Preferences
- Meal Plan Selection
- Review and Submit
- Optional: Roommate Search & Selection
How to Apply
Watch this video tutorial before applying.
Gender-inclusive housing
All students who can benefit from or provide a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for gender expansive students are encouraged to take part in the Gender Inclusive Housing option.
2025-2026 first-year housing options
Students will rank order their preferences from three types of housing options and bedroom size. Residential Life does not guarantee placements in any specific building type or location. Students may preference a single bedroom, a double bedroom, or triple bedroom. There are a very limited number of single bedroom options, so incoming students should anticipate having a roommate.
*Locations are subject to change.
Housing Accommodations
Housing Accommodations are determined by WashU Disability Resources. Approved accommodations are then implemented by Residential Life. Note, your housing placement will be assigned to fit the needs of your approved housing accommodation from WashU Disability Resources.
Students will receive notification of the decision regarding their Housing Accommodation from WashU Disability Resources through their WashU email, typically 2-6 weeks after submitting their request. Late requests will be placed in a space available as is.
Important rules for housing accommodations
- Students must still complete the Housing Application through their WashU Housing Portal to be considered for a placement in housing, even if they have already been approved for a housing accommodation.
- Being approved for a housing accommodation does not guarantee that you will be placed in your first-choice residential hall or with your preferred friends. WashU Disability Resources makes determinations regarding functional accommodations in housing. WashU Disability Resources is not involved in the process of assigning a student’s specific room or specific roommates/suitemates. This process is managed by WashU Residential Life and students will be notified of their specific room assignment separately.
- Students with an approved accommodation can have no more than 3 roommates. However, they can also apply as an individual. Applying as an individual does not guarantee a single room placement.
- Students who submit requests or appeals after the posted deadline may need to be placed as an individual, instead of with chosen roommates. Additionally, students who submit requests or appeals after the posted deadline may be placed on a waiting list for the next available room that meets their accommodation.
For questions to Disability Resources, please contact their office at 314-935-5970 or by email. They are located on the ground floor of Gregg House on the South 40. Their office hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
How to request housing accommodations
Please visit WashU Disability Resources for instructions on how to request accommodations.
Student Requesting a Renewal of Housing Accommodations: Students who currently have housing accommodations and are seeking to renew their accommodations should reach out to Disability Resources via email disabilityresources@wustl.edu to communicate their intention of remaining/residing in University owned housing for the upcoming academic year.
Please note: Regardless of eligibility for housing accommodations, students must follow all WashU Residential Life housing processes and procedures to secure campus-owned housing. Housing spaces are limited and assigned on a first come, first served basis. Neither the presence of a disability nor eligibility for a housing accommodation guarantees campus-owned housing, a specific location, or roommate.
Is it necessary to request housing accommodations?
- For dietary restrictions > No. WashU Dining Services works to support students with special dietary needs, this includes those with medically restricted diets and those with food allergies and intolerances. Dining Services is generally able to meet the needs of students requesting specialized meal plans so all students with special dietary needs are encouraged to work with dining services to make dining on campus enjoyable and safe. The process for requesting dietary accommodations is outlined on the Dining Services website.
- For transportation and Proximity to Academic Buildings > No. All on-campus residential buildings are considered to be within close proximity to academic buildings and other campus facilities. Students whose disabilities may limit their ability to walk and/or carry a heavy backpack for long distances are encouraged to utilize the Campus Circulator and/or Medical Escort Service when traveling across campus. More information about these options can be found on the WashU Parking and Transportation Services website.
- For Environmental Allergens > No. The university has conducted tests of environmental allergen levels throughout the Residential Life buildings. The results of these tests found that there is not a significant difference in allergen level between the various building types. To reduce exposure to environmental allergens, students are encouraged to follow the guidelines of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology by bringing allergen-proof fabric covers for bedding, a dehumidifier, and/or HEPA filter air purifier for use in their residence hall rooms.
- For distraction-Reduced Study Space > No. By nature, residential housing is not a distraction-reduced environment. Students are encouraged to explore the many study spaces throughout campus to find a quiet study location and are welcome to contact Disability Resources for recommendations.
A reminder From the Gephardt Institute at WashU
Once you receive your housing later in the summer, you will be living at a new address. Anytime you change your address, or in this case move to a new room in ResLife housing, it’s important to make sure you also update your voter registration! It takes less than 5 minutes to do and can be completed via wustl.turbovote.org. Completing this address change ensures you are able to participate in any election with ease! For help, visit washuvotes.wustl.edu.