Incoming first‑year students are randomly assigned to rooms and roommates. Housing Assignments uses the information provided on the first‑year housing application—particularly responses to the lifestyle questions—to guide roommate matching.
While no one can guarantee a “perfect” roommate match, these questions provide a starting point for students to develop a positive and mutually rewarding living experience. For this reason, it is important to answer each question honestly and thoughtfully.
Incoming first-year students are randomly assigned to rooms and roommates. All first-year students live on East Campus, which includes 14 residence halls of varying size, style, and architectural design. As a result, buildings and bedrooms may differ slightly in layout and configuration.
First-year students are assigned to either single‑occupancy (one person) or double‑occupancy (two people) rooms. Most students will be assigned to double rooms, though students may indicate a preference for a single through the housing application.
Once housing assignments are released in mid‑June, students can learn more about their assigned residence hall by visiting the house profiles, where they can read descriptions and view photos of room options and shared spaces.
Bathrooms are shared with other students and may be gender‑designated (women or men) or all‑gender. Most East Campus residence halls include at least one all‑gender bathroom, though availability and configuration may vary by building.
Within each House, the majority of bedrooms are part of communities where roommates may share similar gender identities, and students may live on floors where neighbors hold different gender identities. East Campus includes a mix of similar‑gender and all‑gender housing options, providing students with flexibility and choice.
Floors with all‑gender housing configurations include both gender‑specific and gender‑inclusive restroom options. Each House offers a variety of configurations designed to help students find a living environment that feels comfortable and supportive.
Students with questions or who would like support navigating housing options are encouraged to contact the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity (csgd@duke.edu) or Housing Assignments (housing@duke.edu).
First‑year students are assigned either single‑occupancy (one person) or double‑occupancy (two people) rooms. Most first‑year students live in double rooms, though students may indicate a preference for a single room through the housing application.
Single rooms typically cost more than double rooms. Students assigned to a single room during their first year should note that single rooms are not guaranteed for sophomore year, unless pre‑approved through the Student Disability Access Office (SDAO).
More information about housing rates is available on the Housing Assignments page.
Students may indicate a preference for substance‑free living through the lifestyle questions on the housing application. This information is used to help guide roommate matching whenever possible.
Housing works closely with the Student Disability Access Office (SDAO) to ensure a consistent and equitable process for reviewing special housing accommodation requests. SDAO evaluates requests and shares approved accommodations with Housing & Residence Life.
Students with approved accommodations are offered priority consideration for placement in an available space that meets their documented needs.
Students seeking disability‑related housing accommodations must submit current documentation from qualified professionals as part of the SDAO review process. Information about eligibility requirements and how to request an accommodation is available on the Student Disability Access Office website. Students requesting special housing accommodations should follow the procedures outlined by SDAO.
Housing & Residence Life is committed to fostering a residential environment on East Campus that respects students’ sincerely held faith practices and beliefs as part of living and learning in community.
Students whose religious practices may conflict with Housing & Residence Life policies, procedures, or standard residential expectations may request faith‑based housing considerations. These requests are reviewed individually and supported when possible, based on available space and operational considerations.
East Campus living also includes flexibility to support religious observance, such as:
- Alternative move‑in options when standard move‑in days or times conflict with religious holidays
- In‑hall modifications, when feasible, to support religious practices (for example, adjustments related to motion sensors or Shabbat access)
- Guidance on navigating housing processes that may conflict with religious observances, including support from the Housing Assignments Office
Students with questions about faith‑based housing considerations or who would like support navigating options are encouraged to connect with Housing & Residence Life for guidance and next steps.