Apply for Housing
Secure your place in the heart of JHU’s vibrant campus life.
Embarking on your journey at Johns Hopkins University begins with finding the perfect on-campus residence. Our straightforward application process is designed to match you with a residence hall that meets your preferences and supports your academic success. Whether you’re a first-year student, a returning upperclassman, or a transfer student, we have options to suit every need. Start your application today and take the first step in making your on-campus living experience unforgettable.
Step #1: Choose Your Student Level
- I’m an incoming first-year student (or I previously deferred acceptance).
- I’m a transfer student (I completed at least one semester of college already).
- I’m a current student (as in a current first-year, second-year, or upper-class student).
Step #2: Follow the Instructions
Step #3: Settle In & Enjoy Campus Life
All applications on On-Campus Living will be on The Birdhouse (Housing Portal) for residential students. Click the icon above, to go to the Birdhouse and view applications available to you!
Know the Housing RatesReview housing and room rates for on-campus housing at Johns Hopkins University. | Learn About Summer HousingExperience the excitement of summer at JHU with our on-campus summer housing options. | Have Questions? Reach Out to Us!If you’re looking for more information or have any questions about on-campus living at Johns Hopkins, we’re here to help. Speak directly to a member of our on-campus living team and get the answers you need. |
Instructions for Incoming First-Year Students
What to Know – Residency Requirement
There is a two-year residency requirement for all new students attending Johns Hopkins University. This policy requires that first and second-year students reside in University Housing or at home with a parent or legal guardian. All incoming, full-time Arts and Sciences and Engineering first-year students (and sophomores) are required to live in university housing. First-year students are placed in one of our designated residence halls or areas. Most first-year students will reside in double-occupancy rooms. There are a limited number of single and triple-occupancy rooms available.
Before applying for housing, you should explore our residence halls and meal plan options.
In May, all students who have confirmed they will be attending JHU in the fall will receive communication from us with more detailed instructions on accessing and completing their housing application online via the Birdhouse. The housing application for the fall is typically due in mid-June. If you miss the application deadline, you will be placed in any remaining available space after all other students have been assigned. Please review the dates below.
| Application | Event | Date / Time |
|---|---|---|
| Incoming Housing Application | Application Opens | Monday, May 18 | 10:00 AM EDT |
| Application Closes | Friday, June 12 | 12:00 PM EDT | |
| Housing Accommodation Requests via Student Disability Services and/or the Office of Institutional Equity | Priority Deadline Request | Friday, June 12 | 12:00 PM EDT |
| Assignment Release | Monday, July 6 | |
How it Works
Housing assignments are made through an automated system in the housing portal that considers your preferences and gives all students who submit a contract by the deadline an equal opportunity for placement. While completing your contract, you’ll fill out a lifestyle questionnaire covering preferences such as study habits, wake times, guests/visitors, and living in a shared space. This information is used to assign you to an available space and, if applicable, a roommate/suitemate.
Although we try to accommodate top preferences, placement in a specific building or room type is not guaranteed.
Housing Accommodations
On-Campus Living is committed to providing an inclusive residential experience that ensures equitable access for all students. Students seeking housing accommodations related to a disability should work with Student Disability Services (SDS), while those requesting accommodations based on religious observance should connect with the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE). On-Campus Living partners with these offices to support housing assignments that align with students’ approved accommodations.
Apply for housing through the housing portal by submitting your completed housing application. Students applying for housing accommodations are still required to complete a housing application prior to the deadline. In the housing portal, make sure to select “yes” when answering “Are you requesting additional accommodations?” based on the accommodations you need.
Once your application and request for an accommodation have been submitted, they will be reviewed by office you have submitted accommodation requests with and the housing team. Approval or denial will be communicated directly to you, the student.
Ultimately, your housing assignment will be based on the availability of housing and the approved housing accommodation. Requests for a single room as an accommodation based solely on a desire to have a quiet, undisturbed place to study will not be granted.
Gender Inclusive Housing
It is important that the JHU housing community is a comfortable safe place for students to live. Not all students are comfortable living in units with other students that are assigned or chosen based solely on sex. The goal of the gender-inclusive housing policy is for students to feel empowered and supported by the housing system. This option was developed to be offered in the same manner as our room selection processes, with nothing different required, thus it will not call attention to the living environment that students choose and will provide an inclusive climate.
Peabody Dual Degree
Peabody dual degree students are required to reside on the Peabody campus for their first year. For more information, please visit Peabody’s housing operations website.
Commuter Exemption Requests
The only exception to the on-campus residency requirement for first-year students is for those students who actively live with their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) within commuting distance of campus. If you are planning to commute from home, you will need to complete an additional application process concurrently with your housing application. To request a commuter exemption during the application timeframe, please email On-Campus Living at [email protected].
Instructions for Transfer Students
Sophomore Transfer Students
Entering transfer students who have completed one to three semesters of college must live in university housing for one year. Additional housing information will be available to you during the spring semester following your official acceptance at the university.
Junior Transfer Students
Due to limited university housing, entering transfer students who have completed two years of college (four semesters) will need to secure off-campus housing.
Instructions for Current Students
Current First-Year Students
All first-year and sophomore students are required to live in university housing. If you do not complete a housing application, you will be assigned to a residence hall and billed for room and board.
As a rising second-year student, you now have the option to secure housing in Bradford Apartments, Homewood Apartments, McCoy Hall, Rogers House, or Scott-Bates Commons. And unlike your incoming first-year application, you will now have the option to form a roommate group solo or with one, two, or three of your peers.
The Room Selection Process, or RSP, is the process in which current, registered first-year students select housing for their second year in university housing. RSP begins shortly after the start of the spring semester. Once the application closes, groups will receive their randomly assigned time slot for RSP. Your designated “group leader” will log into the housing portal to select housing for their entire group during their group’s assigned time slot.
Note: if you are eligible for the local commuter exception, please apply via the housing portal during the spring of your first year in university housing.
Current Second-Year & Upper-Class Students
Due to space limitations, we’re unable to provide university housing for upper-class students. Please reach out to Off-Campus Housing to explore your housing options for the following academic year.
Room Changes, Open Spaces & Waitlists
Room Changes and Room Swaps
Room changes may be requested after the four-week “room freeze” period has ended. If you are considering a room change, your first step is to connect with your RA. They can help you talk through your situation, explore possible solutions, and guide you through the next steps.
Please remember that all room changes and swaps must be approved by On-Campus Living. This ensures your housing assignment, billing, and keys are accurate and that every student’s safety and access is maintained.
Unapproved room changes or swaps will result in a $75 fine to your student account and may lead to additional follow-up from Student Conduct.
We encourage you to reach out early if you are experiencing challenges in your current assignment. Our goal is to support you and help find the best solution for your housing experience.
First-Year and Transfer Students
Continuing and Returning Students
Until June 26, 2026, If you would like to request a room change before move-in, please contact On-Campus Living at 410-516-7960 or [email protected]. Requests are reviewed individually and considered based on the circumstances shared.
If you accept an available space in another suite or apartment, please be sure to communicate your decision with your roommate(s) or suitemates. This helps everyone prepare and plan for the upcoming year. Please note that your billing and roommate/suitemate information may change if your assignment is updated.
Filling an vacancy within the suite/apartment (prior June 26, 2026): If you learn that a space has become available in your unit before move-in, you may contact the On-Campus Living at [email protected] to request a new roommate.
Please note:
- If we have already assigned another student to the space, we cannot change that assignment.
- If the space is still open, we will do our best to honor your request. The student you wish to pull in must already have a comparable housing assignment within University Housing.
- The swap must be completed within two (2) business days and requires all students involved to agree. The proposed new roommate must also contact the Housing Office directly.
On-Campus Living will notify students if a new assignment occurs within their room, suite, or apartment. However, as we get closer to move-in, the short turnaround time makes it more difficult to guarantee specific roommate requests.
From June 26, 2026 to Room Freeze: Once the academic year begins, all room change requests are managed by On-Campus Living. If you are considering a room change, please contact your Residence Director – they can help talk through your situation and guide you on the next steps with On-Campus Living. Please note that there is a “room freeze” period during each semester where room change requests will not be processed.
Termination of Housing Contract
- Release from the housing contract is permitted only under conditions of academic dismissal, withdrawal, or leave of absence with the written approval of the Associate Director of Housing.
- Students will receive a prorated refund of housing and dining charges in accordance with University policy if they withdraw prior to the end of the 11th week of the semester.
- There will be no refunds after the end of the 11th week of the semester. Thereafter, the student is responsible for payment of all charges under the contract for the full academic year.
- If you are not returning, please keep in mind, once your housing contract has been terminated, you forfeit the rights to the room for the remainder of the contract term, even if you intend to return the following semester. Also, be sure to notify your roommate(s) of your decision so they may have an opportunity to plan for the upcoming year.
- Please refer to your housing contract for information regarding termination due to approved study abroad or graduation.
Returning Student (has meet residency requirement
If you have met the two-year residency requirement – having lived on-campus at JHU for two-years – but already secured a space in University Housing and later decide to move off campus, you must notify On-Campus Living directly. The date of your cancellation request will determine any associated charges:
- Before June 1: All charges are waived, except for a $500 administrative fee.
- After June 1 but before the earliest move-in date: You will be charged for two months of room fees.