University of Denver Housing Application Process: How to Apply, Deadlines & What to Expect

If you’re heading to the University of Denver, understanding how the housing application works can seriously reduce stress. This whole process shapes where you’ll live, who you’ll live with, and whether you meet DU’s residency requirements, so having a clear roadmap early on makes everything smoother.

1. First Things First: Why the Housing Process Matters

The housing process at DU decides far more than simply getting a room. It influences whether you land in the hall you’re hoping for, whether you share a space with friends or meet someone new, and whether you stay in line with DU’s two-year residency expectations. Plenty of new students, especially anyone moving in from out of state or renting for the first time, feel a bit overwhelmed in the beginning. Following the steps carefully helps you settle in quickly and avoid surprise issues later on.

2. Who Must Apply, and When Applications Open

Applying for on campus housing is required for first year students and transfer students, while returning and continuing undergraduates can also apply if they want to stay on campus again. DU keeps a two year live on requirement for most undergrads, which means your first and second years are expected to be on campus unless you’re granted an exemption with documentation.

Applications for incoming first year and transfer students usually open in early December. Rising second year students and anyone older who wants to stay on campus typically see their application window open in early January. Housing fills very quickly. Applying as soon as that portal opens gives you a better chance at your preferred hall or roommate setup.

3. Step by Step: How to Apply for DU Housing

Applying for DU housing happens entirely through the StarRez Housing Portal, and the process starts with making sure you have your DU login credentials. If anything is missing, Admissions can help you get set up. Once you can log in, you’ll choose “Application,” pick the correct academic year, and work through each section. DU asks you to complete a lifestyle and habits survey covering sleep routines, studying preferences, guests, noise tolerance, and how tidy you like your space. These answers matter because they guide roommate matching if you don’t already have someone in mind.

If you’re planning to live with friends, one person creates a roommate group and becomes the group leader. Everyone in the group has to finish their application for the group to count. After that, all you need to do is submit the application before the deadline. Late submissions often lose priority, which can lead to random placements. Once everything is submitted, you simply wait. First year and transfer students usually learn their housing assignments near the end of July, and both email and the Housing Portal share updates. When your assignment is ready, you’ll be able to view your roommate’s name and contact information. Most students use this to coordinate how they’ll set up the room and what they’re bringing. DU sends move in instructions well ahead of arrival, so you can handle your meal plan selection and any last contract steps in plenty of time.

4. Important Deadlines and What Happens If You Miss Them

Housing applications for first year and transfer students open in early December, and missing that window can mean being waitlisted or receiving an assignment that isn’t your top choice. Returning undergraduates see their applications open in early January, and missing that deadline can push you into a random assignment or break up your roommate group if others completed their applications on time. Once the deadline passes, DU simply places students in any available spaces, which might not line up with your preferences.

5. How Room and Roommate Assignment Works

Room and roommate assignments begin with your preferences and lifestyle survey. DU uses that information to match you with someone who fits your general habits if you don’t choose a roommate yourself. Students who want to pick their roommate can form a roommate group, and the group leader places everyone during room selection once every member has finished their application. When assignments come out, you can immediately check your building, room, and roommate information through the Housing Portal, and DU emails everything as well.

If you’re unhappy with your room or roommate, DU opens room change requests beginning in the third week of fall quarter. Everything depends on availability, but the option is there once classes are underway.

6. Meal Plans, Living Requirements, and Special Requests

Meal plans are required for first year and second year students living on campus, and these residential meal plans are tied directly to the housing contract. Students in their third or fourth year, along with graduate students, can choose a commuter or optional plan depending on where they live. DU’s two year live on requirement covers most undergraduates, though anyone hoping to live off campus earlier must apply for an exemption and provide the necessary documentation.

Students with medical, accessibility, or disability related needs can request housing accommodations. Submitting these requests early helps DU give them priority consideration and match students with appropriate spaces.

7. What to Expect After You Submit Your Application

Submitting your application starts a review of your preferences, survey answers, and any roommate group you joined. Incoming first year and transfer students usually receive assignments in late July, and the official updates appear in both your DU email and the Housing Portal. After getting your assignment, you can reach out to your roommate, talk through room setup ideas, and start planning your move in. If something isn’t working once the school year begins, room changes become available during the third week of fall quarter.

8. Tips to Make the Application Process Easier

Applying right when the portal opens saves time and frustration later. It helps to log in early just to confirm your credentials work so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. Answer the roommate survey honestly because it really does guide your match. Anyone forming a roommate group should create it early and remind everyone to finish their applications, since incomplete ones affect the whole group. Keeping a backup plan in mind is helpful too, especially if your preferred building is competitive. Checking your email regularly ensures you don’t miss assignment updates, contract reminders, or move in details. Students who need accommodations should submit those requests as soon as possible for the best chance at appropriate placement.

9. For Students Planning to Live Off Campus Later

Students who plan to move off campus after meeting the two year requirement still benefit from applying early for on campus housing. Having guaranteed housing for your first years makes the transition into Denver much easier. Once you know the area, meet people, and settle into routines, finding off campus housing becomes far more manageable.

Conclusion

Understanding the University of Denver housing application process takes a lot of the stress out of getting ready for your first year. You now have a clear picture of when to apply, how the portal works, what roommate matching looks like, and what happens after you hit submit. With some early planning, clear communication, and attention to deadlines, getting a great housing assignment at DU feels much more predictable and much less overwhelming.