Housing Waitlist

If you missed the housing intent deadline, currently live in off-campus housing, or are returning from leave, you may need to apply to the housing waitlist to receive an on-campus housing assignment. Assignments will be offered using a randomized lottery process to fill any vacancies in the housing system.
Housing opportunities can be very limited given the high volume of students interested in living on campus and we cannot guarantee that you will receive an offer from the waitlist. We recommend you also search for off-campus housing while awaiting a housing assignment.

Waitlist Dates

The waitlist form is available in the housing portal.
Housing Portal

Fall waitlist opens

Wednesday, February 5

Fall wait list offers begin

Thursday, May 15

Spring waistlist opens

Wednesday, October 1

Spring wait list offers begin

Wednesday, December 3

What happens next?

Housing & Residential Services (HRS) will begin making offers to Waitlist applicants through a randomized lottery on a rolling basis as availability allows. You may be placed within an undergraduate residence hall or designated undergraduate space in graduate housing. 

  • Once an offer is extended, you have two business days to accept or decline the offer.
  • If an offer is declined, you will be removed from the waitlist and must reapply to participate in upcoming waitlist lotteries.
  • If an offer is accepted, it is a binding commitment and you will be expected to occupy the assignment offered.
  • If you decide to cancel after accepting an assignment, you must notify us by email at residence@mit.edu with the subject "Housing Waitlist Cancellation" and you will be charged a $250 cancellation fee.

MIT wants to ensure that no student struggles with housing security.  If you are concerned about your housing situation, we encourage you to contact your S3 dean.