# UT Austin freshman housing application checklist

Apply for housing once you submit your UT admissions application. You can apply before an admission decision, and UT uses the date your housing application is complete when assigning room selection times.

## Seven steps from application to room selection

- [Open the housing application](https://housing.utexas.edu/housing/residence-halls/residence-hall-application-process/future-residents) UT says the housing portal opens Aug. 1. Finish your admissions application first, then add location and bathroom preferences and complete the roommate profile.
- [Submit the housing application and fee](https://utaustin.starrezhousing.com/) The university lists a $100 nonrefundable application fee. An admissions application fee waiver also waives the housing application fee. Check that the portal shows your housing application is complete.
- [Accept admission and watch for the housing offer](https://housing.utexas.edu/housing/residence-halls/residence-hall-application-process/future-residents) UT lists May 1 for accepting admission and says housing contract offers begin Feb. 15. Read the expiration date in your own housing offer email.
- [Sign the housing contract on time](https://housing.utexas.edu/housing/residence-halls/residence-hall-application-process/future-residents) UT lists a $300 prepayment before signing, with deferral for students whose admissions application fee was waived. If you are under 18, UT requires an adult guarantor signature.
- [Form a roommate group if you want one](https://housing.utexas.edu/housing/residence-halls/residence-hall-application-process/future-residents/room-assignments) Eligible students with a signed contract can search the portal by UT EID or profile. Confirm the group is linked before selection. Supplemental contract holders have different roommate-request rules.
- [Look for your room selection time](https://housing.utexas.edu/housing/residence-halls/residence-hall-application-process/future-residents/room-assignments) UT says first-year selection starts in early June, with living-learning communities starting first. If you are in a roommate group, the roommate with the earlier slot may place both students if space allows.
- [Choose the room and save the confirmation](https://housing.utexas.edu/housing/residence-halls/residence-hall-application-process/future-residents/room-assignments) Compare the exact rate and bathroom for the room you select. If you want to switch, look for UT’s room swap instructions and the deadline for your year.

## Plan for more than one room type

An early application improves your chances but does not reserve a room. Keep a lower-priced hall and a different bathroom setup on your shortlist so you can act if the first choice is gone.

**Sources**

- [UT Austin housing process for first-year students](https://housing.utexas.edu/housing/residence-halls/residence-hall-application-process/future-residents)
- [UT Austin room assignments](https://housing.utexas.edu/housing/residence-halls/residence-hall-application-process/future-residents/room-assignments)
- [UT Austin housing portal](https://utaustin.starrezhousing.com/)

[More UT Austin lists](https://utaustin.guide/best)

By [Sulayman Bowles](https://sulayman-bowles.dev/about) · Checked Nov 10, 2026

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Source: https://utaustin.guide/best/ut-austin-freshman-housing-checklist · Checked 2026-11-10 · Field Guide: UT Austin