Housing Application

Demand for on-campus housing continues to grow, and space will remain limited until the Fletcher District project opens in Fall 2028, adding 700 new beds. To make the best use of current inventory and support student success, housing assignments are prioritized based on national research and best practices. 

Research shows that living on campus during the first and second years significantly improves retention, academic performance, and sense of belonging by providing access to resources and peer networks during critical transition periods. 

• First Priority: First-Time-in-College (FTIC) students admitted for Summer/Fall 2026.
• Second Priority: Rising sophomores who were FTIC students admitted in Summer/Fall 2025 or Spring 2026.

Students admitted before Summer 2025 or as transfers are unlikely to receive on-campus housing for 2026–27. 

Space is prioritized for first- and second-year students, so we cannot guarantee housing for juniors and seniors. We encourage you to: 

• Attend the Annual Apartment Business Expo:
  Monday, February 9 | 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM | MLK Plaza
  Meet apartment representatives, enjoy free food, and get student discounts.
• Explore off-campus housing resources.

• January 30, 2026: Deadline to submit housing application for eligibility in the lottery. 
• February 2–22, 2026: Roommate groups open (two-person groups only). 
• March 3, 2026: Round 1 room selection for rising sophomores. 
• April 7, 2026: Round 2 room selection based on remaining availability. 
• After Round 2: Continuing Student Standby List established. 

Eligible continuing students who apply by January 30 will receive an assigned room selection time via a randomized lottery. Timeslots are not based on application date. Rising sophomores (FTIC admitted Summer/Fall 2025 or Spring 2026) will receive the first lottery times for continuing students. 

• Apply by January 30 and pay the $50 application fee. 
• Watch for your assigned selection time in early March. 
• Select your room promptly during your window. 
• Plan ahead with your roommate, if applicable: two-person groups only; identify multiple building and room type options. 

Roommate groups are now limited to two students (previously, larger groups were allowed). To be prioritized in Round 1, both students must be rising sophomores (FTIC admitted Summer/Fall 2025 or Spring 2026). 

Yes. If you cancel by January 30, your $50 application fee will be credited to the student account. Students may visit their Student Self-Service to review student account balances.  Credits for application fees will be visible in Student Self-Service. 
 
If you cancel after January 30, the $50 fee will not be refunded. 
 
 If you wish to cancel after you have selected a room, you will need to meet the cancellation criteria noted in the Student Housing Agreement. 

No. Room selection priority is based on student classification, not where you currently live. Students who will be rising second-year students (admitted as FTIC in Summer/Fall 2025 or Spring 2026) will receive priority in the first round of room selection. 

While housing cannot be guaranteed for all students, we are committed to supporting those with documented needs or special circumstances. 

• Medical accommodations (ADA/ESA): Please submit an ADA request through the Housing Portal with supporting documentation. Each request is reviewed individually to ensure appropriate accommodations. 
• Housing insecurity: Indicate this on your housing application. A staff member will follow up with you directly. Florida law requires universities to provide housing opportunities for students who are housing insecure, and we will work with you to meet this need. 

If you have questions about your situation, contact housing@usf.edu or 813-974-0001. 

We understand your concern. Unfortunately, housing priority is based on student classification (first and second year), and space is extremely limited. We encourage you to apply and join the standby list, but also begin exploring short-term or flexible lease options off campus to meet your needs.

We know transportation can be a challenge. While we cannot guarantee housing, you can apply and be placed on the standby list for possible openings closer to the start of the semester. In the meantime, USF offers multiple transportation options, including Bull Runner shuttles and public transit routes. Planning for these options can help ensure you can get to campus even if on-campus housing isn’t available.

We understand this is a stressful situation. While we cannot guarantee housing, you can apply and be placed on the standby list for possible openings. We strongly recommend having a backup plan and exploring off-campus options. Our team can provide resources and guidance to help you find safe, convenient housing near campus so you can continue your studies. Please contact your academic advisor to discuss the impact on your academic plans. 

USF offers several housing options at different price points to meet student needs. Availability will be limited, so we recommend reviewing all options and creating multiple backup plans before your selection window to give yourself the best chance of securing a space. 

Graduate students will not be prioritized for the limited on-campus housing availability. We encourage graduate students to plan for off-campus housing.

We understand housing affordability is a concern for many students. We encourage students to explore off-campus options early for the best choices.  They may also apply for on-campus housing by January 30 and join the standby list for possible openings as a backup. Our team can provide resources and guidance to help you find affordable housing near campus. 

The housing application closes for continuing students on the Tampa campus on January 30, 2026. If availability permits additional continuing students to live on campus, then we will reopen the application and communicate any updates.  One exception is for members of Greek organizations planning to live in their organization houses within the Greek Village (separate application).  Please monitor your USF email and the Housing & Residential Education website for updates.

We cannot provide a specific date at this time. If living on campus is important to you, apply by January 30 and join the standby list. While there is no guarantee of a timeslot, we will communicate updates through the student’s USF email. We strongly recommend having a backup plan for off-campus housing.

In order to give the greatest opportunity for all rising 2nd year students, roommate groups will be limited to 2 individuals.  If groups of 4 wish to live together, then it is recommended that the roommate group has a selection plan (including a couple of backup selections) prior to housing selection beginning.  It may be possible to select adjacent rooms.

Yes. Students who do not receive an opportunity to select a room during the room selection Rounds will automatically be added to the Standby List in randomized order. You may remove your name from the list and cancel your housing application at any time through the Housing Portal. 

If living on campus is important to you, apply and join the Standby List. While there is no guarantee of a timeslot, this gives you the best chance for a space. Please have a backup plan for off-campus housing. 

On-campus availability is prioritized for first- and second-year students. Juniors and seniors should plan for off-campus housing. Students may apply and join the Standby List, but we won’t know what we can offer until mid-April. 

After Round 1, we will assess available spaces and applications. Round 2 timeslots will be offered based on remaining inventory, with priority given to rising sophomores and students living outside Pasco, Pinellas, and Hillsborough counties. It is important for students to closely monitor their USF email for updates.

No. Summer and Fall-Spring applications are separate processes. Living on campus for the summer does not guarantee fall housing. We anticipate having ample space to accommodate summer housing requests. 

Priority is based on student classification. Rising second-year students will receive the first round of timeslots. If living on campus is important to you, apply and join the Standby List, but have a backup plan.

Room selection periods bring high call and office volume. Staff respond in the order requests are received, and some situations take longer to resolve. We appreciate your patience.

If you are a member of a Greek organization with a house in the Greek Village, please contact your organization’s House Corporation for details on availability and timeline.

Space is limited. Please email livinglearning@usf.edu for assistance. 

Students who cancel their housing application by January 30 will receive a credit for the $50 application fee. After January 30, the application fee is non-refundable.

It depends on the inventory after Round 1. Priority will remain with first and second-year students who have not received a previous selection time. Watch your USF email for updates.

You may be able to live with a sibling, depending on available space.  Please contact the Housing office for guidance.

There will be approximately 1,200 beds available on the Tampa campus for continuing students, mostly rising sophomores.  

While student success is a priority university-wide, the changes to the housing priorities described here are specifically for the Tampa campus.  

Financial aid packages are unique to each student. Please schedule an appointment with a Financial Aid advisor for guidance on your specific situation.

Students are welcome to live on any of our campuses, including St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee.  However, please be sure to develop a plan for commuting to classes if required.  USF does not provide intercampus transportation.

Students with academic questions should schedule an appointment with their academic advisor to review their class schedules and academic plans. 

Visit offcampushousing.usf.edu for resources and listings. Students are encouraged to perform their own due diligence on each property before signing an off-campus lease. Student Government also hosts the Annual Apartment Business Expo on February 9.  

Pauses allow us to assess inventory between stages and provide timely communication on updates and next steps.