Dear Students, 

We are writing to share key information about the 2026–2027 housing selection process, including a few changes to the specialized housing selection processes. The core housing selection processes will remain essentially unchanged—fall housing for rising seniors and spring general selection for rising juniors and sophomores—and we are also introducing new options that will enhance the residential experience. 

Before delving into the details, we would like to provide some background. Over the past year, Brown has taken steps to ensure there is a clear, shared understanding that all students must have equitable access to programs, activities, and residential experiences. For example, race-themed programs, activities, and affinity centers are fully permissible, but race, ethnicity, or national origin cannot be eligibility criteria for participation. The same principle applies to sex, gender, and other identity characteristics. This is one important context for the changes we are making.

We are updating the specialized housing processes to make them more fair, equitable, and transparent. Under the new model, students interested in a program or theme community will indicate their interest directly in the housing application and participate in a randomized placement lottery. This more open and consistent process ensures that any student who is interested in a community has the opportunity to be considered.

You can find a high-level overview below. More details, including key housing selection dates and community messages, including today’s email to the Greek and program community leadership, are available on the ResLife website. We will also provide information and answer questions in info sessions, FAQs, and office hours to help you prepare.

Housing Selection Processes 

Fall Housing Selection for Rising Seniors

• In November, rising seniors and other students not bound by the residency requirement will indicate their intent to live on campus for the following fall in their application.
• On Senior Selection Day in December, they may select single rooms or select housing with other rising seniors.
• Students who select their housing in the fall can cancel their on-campus request without penalty through January 31; cancellation fees apply after that date.
• A separate email with more details will be sent later this week to rising seniors, RUE students, students admitted through the veteran application, and BRDD rising 3rd-year students. 

Spring General Housing Selection for Rising Juniors & Rising Sophomores

• Starting in January, rising juniors and rising sophomores will be able to complete their housing application, which will include the option to express interest in a specialized housing community.
• Students who are not placed in a specialized housing community will select housing during Selection Days in April.
• In January, an email with more details will be sent to rising juniors and rising sophomores.
• As in past years, rising juniors may indicate their interest in living off-campus in their application. Those approved will receive notification on a rolling basis before the spring general selection process.

Specialized Housing Selection Processes

Students interested in living in one of the specialized housing communities should indicate their interest on the housing application. Students apply to these communities individually, not in groups. Once placed, students are committed to that placement, and cannot decline or participate in the general selection process. 

Special Interest Housing (SIH) 

• Four SIH options will be offered: single-sex, single-gender, substance-free, and quiet housing.
• Indicating interest guarantees a placement.
• Because the location of each SIH community will be determined based on the number of students who select it, students will not know the location at the time they select this option.

Religious Requests

• Students requesting placement in a residential environment that supports specific religious observances and practices may indicate this in the application.

Disability Housing (SAS) Accommodation Requests

• Students in need of disability accommodations are encouraged to submit their documentation to Student Accessibility Services (SAS) by the priority deadline.
• If the placement meets all approved accommodations, students are committed to that placement.

Greek, Program, & Theme Communities

• Students can indicate interest in one Greek, program, or theme community (see descriptions on the ResLife website).
• Placements will be determined by a randomized lottery among students who express interest. (Exceptions: Greek Houses and the Substance-Free/Recovery Community at 219 Bowen Street.)

New Options

Expanded Access to Chen and Danoff Halls

• To make these newer residence halls more available in fall senior selection and spring general selection, the three Theme House communities currently located in Chen and Danoff Halls will relocate to Chapin Hall.

New Room Swap Process

• At the conclusion of the spring general selection process in April, ResLife will offer a room swap process, allowing students to make independent room changes with others interested in swapping. Students with an assignment in a specialized housing community will only be able to swap rooms within that community.
• More details will be shared as we approach the opening of the housing application in January.

In Closing

 

We know this is a lot of information, and we’re here to help. Please plan to attend ResLife info sessions, tabling events, or staff office hours to learn more about how to prepare for your housing selection.

Kind regards,
Koren Bakkegard (she/her)
Associate Vice President for Campus Life and Dean of Students

Brenda Ice (she/her) 
Assistant Vice President for Residential and Community Living