Applying for 2023-2024 University Housing*

Overview & Timeline



illustration of student standing next to a desk with a computer

What's new this year?

  • We are changing from a priority-based system to a lottery system. All continuing students living in university housing during Winter & Spring 2024 who apply during the application period will be in the lottery.
  • The application period and room selection process are being held six weeks earlier. This means students can know sooner if they’ve secured on-campus housing or if they are on a waitlist and need to consider off-campus options.

 

Application Period

February 26 - March 4

Before you apply, do some planning. Understanding your options and the room selection lottery process can help you decide which college/community to choose on your application. For example, if you would like to form a group with friends you hope to live with, you must all apply to the same community. Attend an Info Session, get informed, and carefully consider where you plan to apply. Eligible students must apply by March 4 to participate in the room selection lottery.

 

Room Selection Lottery

April 9 - 18

A randomized lottery will determine the order eligible students can access the 2024-25 Room Selection process. This lottery process will give all eligible continuing students an equal chance to participate in the housing lottery. The housing lottery is based on availability at the time a student logs in, with spaces becoming more limited as other students complete their selections. Unfortunately, space availability is not certain, and some students will not be able to make a selection during the lottery.

Roommate groups who can completely fill an apartment or residence hall room will have the earliest opportunity to select a space. The process also gives precedence to students who apply to live at their affiliated college.

 

Eligibility

Eligible students may participate in the lottery as an individual or as part of a roommate group. To be eligible for the Room Selection Lottery you must meet both of the following conditions:

  1. Continuously live in university housing during Winter 2024 and Spring 2024 quarters.
  2. Re-apply for Fall 2024 university housing during the housing application period (Feb. 26 - March 4).

Timeline

Date Event

February 5 - 9

Info Sessions at each college and community about housing options, the room and apartment selection process, ways to improve your chances of getting a space, and more.

February 19 - March 4

“Meet a Roomie” events for students who may be looking to add a roommate to a group for a residence hall room or an apartment

February 26 - March 4

Continuing student housing application period; eligible continuing students must submit their application by the March 4 deadline

March 5 - 15

Pre-assignment of Theme Housing mentors and students accepted to a campus-wide theme (e.g. ABC Themed HousingILCTrans-inclusive housing, etc.).

March 18 - April 3

Pre-assignment of Res Life student employees (RAs/NAs), students accepted to live in the UCSC Camper Park, and students with DRC accommodations for a specific type of housing.

April 4

Room Selection 1st Pass lottery dates and times are sent to students eligible for 1st Pass at their @ucsc.edu email address

April 9 - 10

Room Selection Lottery 1st Pass


Note: After 1st Pass, additional passes will only take place if spaces remain available for the Room Selection Lottery (can vary by college/community)

April 11

Room Selection 2nd Pass lottery dates and times are sent to students eligible for 2nd Pass at their @ucsc.edu email address

April 15

Room Selection Lottery 2nd Pass

April 16

Room Selection 3rd Pass lottery dates and times are sent to students eligible for 3rd Pass at their @ucsc.edu email address


Note: 3rd Pass will only take place if spaces remain available for the Room Selection Lottery

April 18

Room Selection Lottery 3rd Pass

July 1 or before

$150 cancellation fee for canceling an assigned housing space

July 2–August 1

$250 cancellation fee for canceling an assigned housing space

August 2 or after

$350 cancellation fee for canceling an assigned housing space

August 20

Room/Roommate Assignment info displayed in Housing Portal


 

Off-Campus Resources: 

 Please visit the Community Rentals website here

  • Take the Renter's Workshop to learn valuable tips for first-time renters. 
  • Visit Places4Students.com; the rental listing site contains off-campus rentals in the communities surrounding UCSC and roommate profiles of UCSC affiliates looking for off-campus housing. Viewing of rental listings and roommate profiles is restricted to UCSC affiliates, so this is a great resource for all UCSC students!

For questions or concerns, please contact us at (831)459-3335 or email carsonhousing@ucsc.edu