When it comes to securing living space for college, time simply isn’t on your side. Procrastinating could easily cost you dearly, making your experience undesirable…

On-campus housing wasn’t really a thing until relatively recently. In the 1950s and 1960s, universities began building dorms, and the materials and layouts have largely remained the same since. (Though colleges have been constructing more up-to-date accommodations over the past several years to compete with off-campus options.) In fact, it was this competition, which offered students more comfortable, better-equipped amenities, and often at cheaper prices, that convinced universities to begin mandating freshmen and first-year enrollees to live on grounds.

And, this practice is widespread among institutions of higher learning. Presently, based on an analysis of a core group of 175 US universities by RealPage in 2018, 74 out of 175 (about 42%) required freshmen to live on campus. This means it’s necessary to do everything possible to make the experience the best it can be, which requires thoughtful preplanning and quick action when needed. Here’s why.

Time Is Everything in College Housing

College housing operates on a simple principle: first-come, first-served. The moment your university opens housing applications, the clock starts ticking on your chances of securing the best possible living situation for your freshman year.

Why Early Deposits Matter

• Housing fills up fast. Popular residence halls, especially newer buildings with better amenities, reach capacity within days or even hours of applications opening. Students who wait weeks or months to submit their deposit often find themselves relegated to older buildings, less desirable room configurations, or even waiting lists.
• Better rooms go first. Corner rooms with extra space, rooms with private bathrooms, and spots in highly rated residence halls are claimed by students who act quickly. Late applicants typically face limited options, such as cramped triple rooms originally designed for two people.
• Peace of mind has value. Knowing your housing is secured early eliminates months of stress and uncertainty about where you’ll be living during your crucial first year of college.

How to Secure the Best Housing

• Submit your deposit immediately. After receiving your acceptance letter and housing information. Don’t wait for financial aid decisions or other factors—housing deposits are typically refundable if plans change.
• Research your options beforehand. Most universities offer virtual tours, floor plans, and detailed lists of amenities online. Know which buildings and room types you prefer before applications open.
• Understand the system. Some schools use lottery systems, others employ strict chronological order, while others factor in special programs or learning communities. Read the housing policies carefully to maximize your advantages.
• Consider learning communities or themed housing. These specialized programs often have separate application processes and can provide access to newer or better-maintained facilities while connecting you with like-minded peers.
• Have backup preferences ready. When you’re filling out housing applications at 12:01 AM on opening day, you don’t want to waste time deciding between options.

The Bottom Line

Your dorm room will be your home base for an entire academic year. The difference between a great living situation and a problematic one can significantly impact your college experience, academic performance, and social life. A housing deposit submitted in January versus March could mean the difference between a spacious room in a new building and a cramped space in the oldest residence hall on campus.

The small effort required to submit your deposit early pays dividends throughout your entire freshman year. Don’t let procrastination cost you the foundation for a successful college experience.

Parents, what have been your experiences with college campus housing, and what would you add?