UR to implement lottery system for housing reapplication

For students hoping to live in a University Residences dorm or apartment next year, the reapplication process will look quite different. Instead of the usual time slot-based approach, the 2025-26 housing reapplication will work on a lottery system.

Designed with input from student representatives, those interested in reapplying can opt into the lottery through the Housing Portal from 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 14 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 22.

Everyone who enters the lottery during this time “will have an equal chance at being selected,” no matter the signup date and lottery results will be announced on Oct. 28, according to an email sent to students from UR.

If a student gets a lottery slot they will then be assigned a time where they will be able to select their housing. Rising juniors and seniors get priority for when their time slot is after they have gotten into the lottery, the email said.

A high percentage of traditional dorms have been allocated to first-year students and a high percentage of apartments for upperclassmen.

The email said the reason for the redesign was due to the expected demand being higher than the supply for dorms and apartments.

With housing being guaranteed for incoming freshmen, there will be “about 8,400 beds available for returning students out of 17,000 total beds,” including the additional 986 new beds at a new residence hall on the south side of the existing Hillenbrand Hall.

Those who don’t get selected in the lottery may be offered a space in December or can join a waitlist depending on space availability, according to the email.

The date for signing the housing contract has been moved up to offer more time for waitlisted students to get housing. Another change mentioned in the email is improvements to the Housing Portal website, which will be able to assist double the number of users, as well as changes made to the allotted room selection time slots.

More information will be sent to students via email later in the week.