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First-Year Housing Application

Home Living Housing First-Year Housing First-Year Housing Application

Step-by-step guide to completing your first-year housing application

Click here to access the housing portal

First-Year Housing Application opens May 1, 2026

Once you have reviewed this application information, click the link above for the housing application. The application can be found in the Apps & Forms tab in the portal. 

It is important that YOU (not your parents, not your older sibling, not your significant other) complete the application. The deadline for completing your application is Sunday, May 31, 2026.  

We would love to hear from you! If you need to discuss your housing arrangements, provide supplemental information to your application, or provide more information about the identities you hold to ensure the best possible assignments, you can reach out to us securely at (919-684-4304) or email us at housing@duke.edu. 

ASSIGNMENT PREFERENCE QUESTIONS 

Below are the questions that will be a part of your housing application. Housing Assignments will use your responses to these questions when making your housing assignment. 

  • How do you usually study?

  • How important is a quiet room for studying?

  • On most weekdays, what time do you usually wake up? 

  • On most weeknights, what time do you usually go to bed? 

  • Do you smoke tobacco or vape (including e-cigarettes)? (University Policy: https://hr.duke.edu/policy/tobacco-use/)

  • Are you comfortable living with someone who smokes tobacco or vapes? 

  • Do you prefer a substance free living environment (no alcohol, tobacco or drugs) 

  • How would you describe your cleanliness habits? 

  • Would you be a good roommate to a student who identifies as transgender, non-binary, genderqueer, or with a marginalized gender identity or gender expression? 

  • Would you prefer to be assigned (when applicable) a roommate of a similar gender? 

  • Are you comfortable living in a space with a university approved animal (such as a service or assistance animal)?

  • What are your preferences about sharing personal items (e.g., food, clothing, electronics)?

  • What type of room atmosphere do you prefer? (e.g., quite and calm, social and active, a balance of both.

  • How often do you expect to have visitors (duke or non-duke individuals) in the room? 

  • What times of day are you comfortable having visitors in the room? 

     
 
  • Do you prefer to have neighbors of a similar gender to yourself? (If you wish to live near other neighbors of a similar gender identity, select "yes." If you do not prefer to have neighbors of a similar gender identity, select "no.")
  • Do you prefer to live on a floor with an all-gender bathroom? (Communal bathrooms and showers are designated Man, Woman and All. All-Gender bathrooms can be accessed by anyone of any gender. If you prefer having access to an all-gender bathroom, select "yes." If you prefer to have access to a gender specific bathroom, select "no.") 
  • Do you prefer a single room? Single rooms are a higher rate than double rooms. (Single rooms are very limited and the majority of students will be assigned to a double room with a roommate. Please note, single room preference does not guarantee a single room assignment.) 

Duke undergraduates are required to live on campus for three years (six semesters). Housing eligibility is determined by class year:

  • First-year students live in their assigned East Campus residence halls.

  • Sophomores live on campus within their connected quad.

  • Juniors are required to live on campus and may reside in their connected quad, 300 Swift, 301 Swift, Blue Light, or Hollows.

  • Seniors may choose to live in their connected quad, 300 Swift, 301 Swift, Blue Light, Hollows, or off campus.

Students retain their quad connection regardless of where they live.