The Comprehensive Guide to UC San Diego Room Selection


Room Selection

The Comprehensive Guide to UC San Diego Room Selection

Start Here: Stay on Track with Deadlines

Missing deadlines may result in the loss of your housing eligibility or guarantee.


Overview

This guide explains how current residents can secure on-campus housing for the next academic year. Room Selection typically begins in early February, is a multi-step process, and concludes in late April. Full details can be found on our website.


1. Are You Eligible?

Current residents may participate in Room Selection for the upcoming academic year. Your housing guarantee status determines the steps you must complete and your access to housing options.

Guaranteed Students

If you have an active housing contract and a housing guarantee:

What to do:

Important: Missing any of these steps will result in the permanent loss of your housing guarantee and you will need to add yourself to the Fall Waitlist.


Non-Guaranteed Students

If you do not have a housing guarantee:

Step 1 – Interest Form
Submit the Room Selection Interest Form in February (no fee required)

Step 2 – Contract Offers
If space becomes available, you may receive a contract offer via email 
→ Complete your contract and $450 prepayment by the deadline

Step 3 – Waitlist
If you do not receive an offer or miss the interest form, you may apply to the Fall Waitlist:

Important: Housing is not guaranteed from the Room Selection Interest List.


2. Contract Types & Living Options

UC San Diego offers two contract types. Your selection determines your housing eligibility and length of stay.

9-Month Academic Year Contract

Default: If no preference is indicated, you will be assigned a 9-month contract.


12-Month Annual Contract (Pepper Canyon West)

Preference Selection:
Transfer students may have the option to select a preference for a 12-month contract during the application process.

Before Signing Your Contract:
If you are offered a 12-month contract, you may have the option to select a 9-month contract instead before signing.

After Signing Your Contract:
Once your housing contract is signed, no changes can be made to your contract term or community assignment


Room Retention:
Current PCW residents may have the option to retain their same space for the following year.


Important:


3. Specialty Housing & Accommodations

After securing your contract, you may explore additional housing options:

Contact: osd@ucsd.edu


4. The Selection Lottery

If you are not participating in Room Retention, you will select your room through a lottery system.

How the Lottery Works


Delayed Assignments

If you do not select a room during your assigned time:


5. Support and Resources

If you have questions about…ContactEmail / Link
Contracts, eligibility, pre-paymentsHousing Administrative Serviceshousingcontracts@ucsd.edu
Portal issues, roommate groupsRoom Selection Teamroomselection@ucsd.edu
Medical accommodationsOffice for Students with Disabilitiesosd@ucsd.edu
Off-campus housingBasic Needs Centerhttps://offcampushousing.ucsd.edu/

Golden Rules for Success