Housing and Residence Life

At University of Dayton Housing and Residence Life, our purpose is simple: to create a vibrant, welcoming place where students don’t just live — they grow, connect, and become their best selves.

We believe that your home on campus should be more than a place to sleep. It’s where friendships are made, leaders are born, and values like community, respect, and faith come to life every day. Rooted in our Catholic and Marianist traditions, our goal is to support your journey — from gaining independence to discovering what it means to be part of something bigger.

Here’s what living our purpose looks like:

• A Place to Grow: We’re here to help you step into greater independence while learning how to contribute to a caring community.
• Spaces That Inspire: Through thoughtful programs and partnerships across campus, you’ll find opportunities to reflect, engage in meaningful conversations, and build connections that last.
• Lead and Make a Difference: Whether as a Resident Assistant (RA), Neighborhood Fellow, or in other roles, you’ll develop skills that prepare you to lead with heart and confidence.
• Support Every Step of the Way: From comfortable living spaces to attentive services, we’re committed to helping you succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
• Community That Welcomes Everyone: We celebrate what makes each person unique and work hard to create an inclusive environment where all feel valued and at home.

This is the heart of what we do — creating a campus home where your journey matters and your potential can shine. 

The University of Dayton requires students to live in University housing for their first two years. However, students may request to live off campus as a commuter if they meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Family Proximity: You live with a parent or legal guardian within a 40-mile radius of the University.
• Extended Time Since High School: You graduated from high school more than two years before the start of the academic term.
• Age Requirement: You are at least 21 years old by the beginning of the academic term.

Applying for Commuter Status

If you are a first-year or second-year student seeking commuter status:

• Email housing@udayton.edu with your request to change your status to "commuter."
• If your request is approved, a commuter verification form will become available in your housing portal. This form replaces the standard housing contract and allows you to:
  • Provide your off-campus address.
  • Submit contact details.
  • Upload any required supporting documents.

Once the form is submitted and verified, your student records will be updated to reflect your commuter status.

Important Considerations

Choosing to live off campus may affect your financial aid eligibility. It is strongly recommended that you speak with an admissions or financial aid counselor before initiating a request for commuter status.

Housing Contract and Cancellation Policy

At the University of Dayton, all students living on campus sign a housing contract for the full academic year (fall and spring semesters). We understand that plans can change, and we're here to help guide you through the process if you won't be staying in campus housing through May.

If You're Not Returning or Leaving Early

If you plan to leave housing before the end of the academic year, you'll need to submit a Request for Release through your housing portal.

If you are withdrawing from the University or not returning for the next term, you must also complete the Withdrawing/Not Returning Form.

Studying Abroad, Co-ops, or Internships

If your co-op or internship is located within 30 miles of campus, you're welcome to stay in your on-campus housing during that experience.

Resources

• Housing Contract
• Housing Contract Terms and Conditions

Celebrating Community in Campus Housing

The University of Dayton has a number of communities across campus that celebrate and support student identities including:

• Ally+ House
• Asian American Student Association
• Black Action Through Unity (BATU)
• Brook Center at Art Street
• El Orgullo Latino (EOL)
• Faith Based Communities
  • Faith, Vocation, and Leadership
  • Marianist Student Communities
  • Muslim Student Association
• Global Learning Living Community (GLLC)
• National Pan-Hellenic Council Fraternities and Sororities (NPHC)
  • Alpha Phi Alpha
  • Alpha Kappa Alpha
  • Kappa Alpha Psi
• National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
• Society of Hispanic Engineers
• Women in Science and Engineering (WISE)

Students can meet with Housing and Residence Life about creating living communities not currently represented in our housing.

Our Commitment to Belonging in Community

In recognition of, and honoring the institutional value of, the Dignity of Every Person, Housing and Residence Life at the University of Dayton is committed to creating welcoming communities where students can find a sense of place and belonging. 

While the University utilizes a standard enrollment cohort same-gender housing process, room assignments are made in accordance with and in support of the University’s Policy on Nondiscrimination.  

Requests for Accommodation Related to a Disability or Medical/Health Need

The Office of Learning Resources is a resource for incoming and current students with disabilities and/or medical conditions to receive academic, testing, housing, dietary or parking accommodations for permanent and temporary disabilities. This includes accommodations for service animals and emotional support animals. Housing and Residence Life works closely with the Office of Learning Resources to ensure support for our students. For additional information or to begin the application process online, please review information about disability services and accommodations. 

Requests for Accommodation Related to Religious Practice or Tradition

UD strives to be a place where people of all religious traditions live, learn and deepen their faith. Observance of important religious holidays may require reasonable accommodation to classroom or workplace schedules, housing environment, or in the way tasks or assignments are customarily completed. Students are advised to look ahead and to communicate their requests for religious accommodation ahead of the housing assignments process. Questions can be directed to religiousaccommodation@udayton.edu.

Requests for Accommodation Related to Gender Expression or for Students Who Are Transgender

Guided by its Catholic and Marianist values, the University of Dayton calls all of its members to commit to "honoring the intrinsic value and dignity of all people". Students who identify as transgender or non-binary, and have questions related to housing, are welcomed to discuss their housing options, room assignments and/or living environment by contacting Housing and Residence Life. Housing and Residence Life will assist with the residential assignment on a case-by-case basis within the University’s housing practice. We encourage students to apply for and/or discuss housing options as soon as possible while the widest range of housing options may still be available. Additional information and support can be found by contacting LGBTQ+ Students Services.

Requests Related to Concerns of Discriminatory Harassment

Discriminatory harassment is defined as unwelcome conduct that is based on an individual’s actual or perceived membership in a protected class.  The University will not tolerate discriminatory harassment against any employee, student, visitor or guest. Students who believe they have experienced or are experiencing discriminatory harassment may contact any Housing and Residence Life staff member or utilize the “Report a Concern” link on the University’s website. Additional information can be found by visiting the University's Discriminatory Harassment policy.  

First-Year Student Housing

First-year students can apply for housing in Porches. Before applying, we encourage you to review the terms and conditions of the housing contract.

Move-in and Orientation

For move-in and orientation information, view information for enrolled students.

Housing Assignment Process

All first-year students are assigned housing with members of their peer group to help foster a strong sense of community.

After confirming your enrollment, you’ll gain access to the Housing & Meal Plan Form in Porches. Once submitted, you’ll have two roommate selection options:

• Participate in our roommate matching system, which pairs students based on lifestyle habits and preferences.
• Create a roommate group to request a specific roommate.

Please note: Housing is guaranteed for all first-year students, and assignments are made for each residence hall regardless of when you complete the housing and meal plan form.

The University of Dayton is excited to welcome transfer students into our residential communities.

Housing eligibility for transfer students is based on the number of years since your high school graduation, not your class standing at your previous institution.

How to Apply for Housing

Once you’ve confirmed your enrollment, you can apply for housing through the MyHousing portal. Most incoming transfer students participate in our summer housing assignment process, which begins in early April.

Early Enrollment Option

If you confirm your enrollment before February 1 (for fall admission), you're eligible to join the returning student housing selection process. This option gives you access to earlier room selection, and we recommend reaching out to the Office of Housing and Residence Life to explore whether it’s the right fit for you.

Housing Assignments

Transfer students who apply during the regular summer process will be able to select their specific housing assignment from available options. Assignments are made throughout the summer, so we encourage you to apply early for the best availability.

The University of Dayton offers dedicated housing options designed specifically for graduate and law students. Accommodations include a variety of apartment styles, from single-occupancy studios and one-bedroom units to shared two-bedroom apartments for two residents.

Graduate housing is available year-round and offers flexible move-in dates to accommodate the unique schedules of graduate and professional programs. Students can typically remain in the same apartment for the duration of their program, providing stability and convenience throughout their academic journey. Housing is also available for students in the dissertation-writing phase of their doctoral studies.

Applications for new residents open in early April and can be found in the MyHousing portal.