First-year housing at UC: Application process, timeline and resources
Key dates, how to apply and other helpful resources
Housing is a major part of the first-year experience at the University of Cincinnati. This guide covers everything you need to know about the UC housing application process, important dates and helpful resources to make your transition smooth.
First-year housing requirements
All first-year students who live outside a 50-mile radius of UC’s Uptown Campus are required to live in university housing. UC offers a variety of on-campus housing options designed to support your success, build community, and create unforgettable memories.
How to apply for first-year housing
The UC housing application process is straightforward. Here’s how to secure your spot:
- Step 1: Confirm your admission to UC. Within 24 hours, you’ll receive your Catalyst login information to access the housing application.
- Step 2: Log into Catalyst to verify your personal information and update your emergency contacts.
- Step 3: Indicate if you require any special accommodations (optional).
- Step 4: Review the required health screening information.
- Step 5: Read and accept the Housing Terms & Conditions.
- Step 6: Submit your housing application and pay the $150 non-refundable application fee.
Note: Your housing application is not considered complete until the application fee has been paid.
After submitting the fee, you can complete optional steps like creating a roommate profile and ranking your preferred room types.
Tips for a successful housing application
- Apply early to maximize your chances of getting your preferred room type.
- Fill out your roommate profile honestly if you want to be matched based on lifestyle preferences.
- Attend Bearcats Bound Orientation by the July 11 deadline to stay eligible for a room assignment.
UC housing application timeline and important dates
Mark your calendar with these key dates for the Fall 2025 housing process. Note: Applying early gives you the best chance to secure your preferred room type and participate in themed Living Learning Communities.
First-Year Housing Timeline
Discover the essential milestones in the university housing journey for first-year students with our quick overview below. For a more detailed timeline, check out the Apply page. Note: Our housing application and related deadlines follow a yearly cycle.
| Date | Activity or Deadline |
|---|---|
| January 28 | First-year student application opens |
| May 1 | Housing priority deadline for first-year residents (applications received after this date are not guaranteed) |
| June 24 |
Living Learning Community & special population room assignment notifications |
| July 11 | Deadline to attend Bearcats Bound Orientation to be eligible to receive your housing assignment |
| July 17 |
Notifications for first-year residents room assignments begin |
| Mid-July to August | Reserve move-in appointment |
| August 1 |
Must be enrolled for at least three (3) credit hours to retain housing assignment |
How are room assignments made?
Room assignments are based on a combination of your housing application date, your ranked room preferences, Living Learning Community participation (if selected), and available space.
While UC makes every effort to honor your preferences, assignments are not guaranteed.
When will I find out my roommate?
Roommate information is shared after housing assignments are finalized in July. If you completed a roommate profile and mutually matched with another student, UC will do its best to pair you together based on availability.
Housing and dining rates
Get the latest details on housing and meal plan costs by visiting the UC Housing Rates page.
Explore UC residential communities
Traditional
Bedroom from Daniels
Ideal for those who enjoy the classic dormitory setting, Traditional Rooms provide a communal living experience with shared spaces. Here's what you can expect:
- Community Living: Traditional communities are known for shared spaces, where a floor of residents comes together to share bathrooms and common areas, including lounges.
- Gender Arrangements: Floors may be organized by gender or co-ed, and individual rooms may have gender-specific assignments.
- Bed Configurations: Choose from room configurations with 2, 3, or 4 beds, each equipped with comfortable Twin XL mattresses.
- In-Room Amenities: Your room comes with a microwave/refrigerator combination unit for your convenience.
- Bathroom Facilities: Shared bathrooms are typically organized by floor or wing, fostering a sense of community.
- Communal Lounges: Enjoy floor lounges where you can socialize and connect with fellow residents.
- Individual Essentials: Each resident is provided with a desk and chair, a wardrobe/closet, and a drawered unit for personal belongings.
Junior Suite
Communities: Marian Spencer, Stratford Heights
Bedroom from Marian Spencer
Experience comfort and convenience in our Junior Suite communities, designed for a more private living arrangement. Here's what you can expect from these modern living spaces:
- Suite Configuration: Enjoy the privacy of a 4-person, 2-bedroom setup, providing a more intimate living environment.
- Private Bathroom: Unlike traditional communal living, each suite comes with a shared private bathroom, shared by four residents.
- Comfortable Bedding: Rest on Twin XL mattresses, ensuring a comfortable night's sleep.
- Study Lounges: Explore designated study lounges by floor, providing a quiet space for focused academic pursuits.
- Individual Essentials: Each resident is provided with a desk and chair, a wardrobe/closet, and a drawered unit for personal belongings.
Suite
Bedroom from Schneider Hall
Experience the best of both privacy and shared living spaces in our Suite-style communities. These modern living arrangements offer a variety of configurations to suit your preferences. Here's what you can expect
- Suite Configurations: Choose from a variety of bedroom configurations, including 2-person (2-bedroom) 4-person (2-bedroom and 4-bedroom), 5-person (3-bedroom), and 7-person (3-bedroom). Find the perfect setup for your lifestyle.
- Private Bathrooms: Enjoy the convenience of shared private bathrooms, ensuring a more exclusive and comfortable living experience.
- Shared Living Area: Each unit comes with a private, shared living area featuring lounge furniture, providing a space to relax and socialize with fellow residents.
- Comfortable Bedding: Rest comfortably on Twin XL mattresses, designed for a good night's sleep.
- Individual Essentials: Each resident is provided with a desk and chair, as well as a wardrobe/closet for personal belongings.
Apartment
Communities: Bellevue Gardens, 101 Corry, CP Cincy, Morgens, Scioto, USquare, University Park Apartments
Morgens common area
Discover the pinnacle of privacy and amenities in our Apartment communities. These premium living spaces offer exclusive features, including private kitchens. Here's what you can anticipate:
- Private Amenities: Enjoy access to private amenities similar to Suite-style communities, ensuring a comfortable and personalized living experience.
- Kitchen Facilities: Apartments come with fully equipped kitchens, allowing you to prepare your meals in the convenience of your own space.
- Studio Apartments: Experience the open and efficient layout of a studio apartment, where sleeping, working, cooking, and living seamlessly coexist in a shared space.
- Single Occupancy: Students assigned to "single" rooms enjoy the luxury of having their bedroom all to themselves, without sharing with another student.
- Multiple Occupancy: For a more communal living experience, students assigned to "multiple occupancy" rooms share the bedroom space with fellow students. This may involve two, three, or four students sharing a room.
Expanded Housing Call Center
University Housing has expanded its Call Center for 2025-26 to assist you with the housing process.
If you have any questions, please contact:
- Phone: 513-556-9800
- Email: uchousing@uc.edu
- Or use the chatbot on our website. Live agents are available to chat with students during business hours.
Our team is ready to support you during this busy and exciting time.