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Cornell University

Student & Campus Life

Fall Housing Selection for rising juniors and seniors: What you need to know

Students and families walking outside a dining hall.
Housing options for rising juniors and rising seniors include areas of north, south, and west campus.

The annual Fall Housing Selection process for Cornell University's rising juniors and seniors is approaching, with applications due September 22 and room selections beginning October 1. This year brings several important changes to the process, making it essential for students to understand the new policies and procedures. 

Key changes for 2026-27 academic year housing 

1. New cancellation policy  

Cornell Housing has implemented a more flexible cancellation policy for housing licenses beginning August 2026. Rising juniors and seniors who have completed their residential requirement can now cancel their housing license before check-in or occupancy. This change provides greater flexibility for students whose plans may change during the academic year, such as a study abroad opportunity or a leave of absence, with specific cancellation schedules and fees outlined in the new policy. 

2. Enhanced room blocking selection process 

The updated roommate blocking system, in which students can form groups with up to 5 other students that they wish to live with and are allowed to select their housing together, offers a more structured approach to group housing: 

  • October 2: Blocks select first and must fill entire suites or rooms when selecting their space.
  • October 3 starting at 4 PM: Individual bed selection opens within assigned areas and blocks can select to partially occupy spaces. Group leaders can assign block members to selected rooms during Open Room Selection. 

3. Process for managing scheduling conflicts 

There are a number of reasons why students may not be available during their assigned timeslot, including sports practice, academic commitments, religious observances, etc. If a student cannot participate during their assigned timeslot, there are systems in place to ensure that they can still participate. Students may: 

  • Sign in to the Housing and Dining Portal to choose their room any time after their timeslot, as long as it’s before Room Selection ends.
  • Have a Housing and Residential Life staff member serve as their proxy to choose their room for them during their timeslot, after which they will have 2 hours to log in to the Housing and Dining Portal to electronically sign their housing license. To request a proxy, students must submit an online request.
Female student sitting at a desk in her residence hall.
While housing is not guaranteed for rising juniors and seniors, students are able to participate in the Fall Housing Selection process to try and secure one of the available spaces on campus for their home away from home for the 2026-27 academic year.

4. Information sessions and support 

Cornell Housing offers multiple resources to help students navigate the selection process, including in-person and Zoom information sessions, in-office staff assistance, and detailed online resources. The in-person and Zoom information sessions are hosted throughout September and are listed on the Fall Housing Selection page. Students can use these opportunities to learn about their options for living on campus, such as in traditional residence halls, in Program Houses, in the West Campus House System, in a Cooperative Housing (Co-ops), or in University-approved affiliated housing, and ask any questions they have about the upcoming process. 

5. Resources for students exploring off-campus living options 

For students who are unable to select an on-campus room for the Fall Selection process and or find themselves on the waitlist, Housing and Residential Life offers support as these students explore the likelihood of transitioning into off-campus living. This is an important milestone, and students are supported every step of the way with online resources and a team of dedicated professionals to help guide the process and answer questions. To learn more about how Housing and Residential Life supports students off campus, be sure to read Supporting the journey to off-campus living: Cornell's comprehensive housing resources.  

The 2026-27 housing selection process for rising junior and senior level students reflects Cornell's commitment to improving student housing experiences while maintaining fair and efficient selection procedures. Students are encouraged to review all available resources and attend information sessions to make informed decisions about their housing options. Early preparation and understanding of the new policies will help ensure a smooth housing selection experience.  

For more information about the timeline and process, visit Fall Housing Selection for Rising Juniors and Seniors or email housing@cornell.edu with any questions you might have.