Housing Dates and Details

Winter term housing opens Friday, January 2, 2026, with classes beginning Thursday, January 8.

• Students living on campus during the fall term and who register for courses/are returning on-campus winter term must plan according to the below timeline (fall 2025 closing and winter/spring 2026 opening as well as any pertinent extended stay and early arrival request information for end of winter/spring term).
• Readmitted students or students returning to campus from being abroad must complete the winter housing application via eRezLife which opens Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
• Applicants may list their preferences for housing, including any body-for-body swaps with individuals going abroad winter term, on the application. The Office of Housing & Residence Life reserves the right to assign students anywhere on campus; however, strong consideration is given to student preferences. Assignments are ultimately made based on availability. Priority is given to sophomores and juniors who need to fulfill the residency requirement.
• Students will receive regular communication via WLU about the winter term housing application and assignment process.
• The winter term housing application closes Monday, November 4, 2025.
• Those approved for winter term housing may move in on January 2, 2026. Room keys will be available in Public Safety and swipe access will be activated on this date. Please see the below timeline for more information including details about early arrival requests.

Spring Housing Details

Spring term at Washington and Lee University is a period where students take one course during the term. This term period applies to the 3-year residency requirement. There are specific circumstances and requirements under which Washington and Lee Students can live on-campus during this period. Spring term housing is covered under the current room fee if a student has lived on-campus for at least the fall or winter term.

• Students living on campus winter term and who register for courses/are returning on-campus spring term must plan according to the timeline below (winter/spring 2026).
• Readmitted students or students returning to campus from being abroad must complete the spring housing application via eRezLife which opens on Friday, February 20, 2026.
• Applicants may list their preferences for housing, including body-for-body swaps with individuals going abroad in the spring term, on the application. The Office of Housing & Residence Life reserves the right to assign students anywhere on campus; however, strong consideration is given to student preferences. Assignments are ultimately made based on availability. Priority is given to sophomores and juniors who need to fulfill the residency requirement.
• Students will receive regular communication via WLU about the spring term housing application and assignment process.
• The spring term housing application closes Monday, March 30, 2026.
• Those approved for spring term housing may move in on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Room keys will be available in Public Safety and swipe access will be activated on this date. Please see the timeline below for more information including details about early arrival requests.
• Students who are on-campus for the winter term and are registered for a completely off-campus or abroad spring term course must vacate housing at the end of the winter term. Students may not store personal belongings on campus while they are not on campus. See the timeline below. Exceptions may be made for students who need to remain on-campus until their trip departure. Please contact housing@wlu.edu.
• Students who spring option and wish to remain in campus housing during spring term must meet at least one of the following requirements:
  • On-campus essential employment. Supervisor verification is required.
  • Graduate entrance exam preparation and examination (e.g., GRE, LSAT, MCAT etc.). Verification required.
  • Local or on-campus internship or assistantship (e.g., helping a professor with research, or interning with a local organization). Advisor/supervisor verification is required.
  • Graduating senior or other extenuating circumstances with prior approval from Housing & Residence Life.
• If you meet one of the criteria above, you may complete the “spring option housing” form via eRezLife beginning Monday, February 2, 2026. The form closes on Monday, March 9, 2026. The Office of Housing & Residence Life will review and respond to all requests shortly after receipt.

Winter/Spring Housing Timeline

• Friday, January 2, 2026 - Housing Re-Opens for all Undergraduate Students

  • This opening date includes new winter term arrivals, readmitted students, and students returning from fall term abroad.
  • Students needing to return early for athletics may be pre-approved for an earlier arrival date. Please check with your coach and/or organizational advisor.  

• Monday, February 2, 2026 - Room Freeze Ends

  • Students may request housing reassignment on or after this date.

• Monday, February 2, 2026 - Spring Option Housing Form Opens

  • Students who spring option and intend to remain in campus housing for spring term must meet certain requirements and fill out the spring option form on eRezLife.
  • The spring option housing form deadline is Monday, March 9, 2026.

• Monday, February 23, 2026, to Friday, February 27, 2026 - Feb/Washington Break (No Classes)

  • Housing remains open. Students traveling from campus are encouraged to clean their room, take out trash/recyclables, unplug appliances (except the fridge), turn off lights, and secure all doors/windows.

• Friday, February 20, 2026 - Spring Housing Application Opens

  • Students returning from winter abroad or needing spring term housing must complete the spring housing application via eRezLife. Students may list their preferences for housing or body-for-body swaps with other individuals. While we do our best to meet student preferences, assignments are made based on availability.

• Monday, March 9, 2026 - Spring Option Housing Form Closes

  • Requests will not be considered after this date.

• Monday, March 30, 2026 - Spring Housing Application Closes

• Saturday, April 18, 2026 to Sunday, April 26, 2026 - Spring Break (No Classes)

  • Housing remains open. Students traveling from campus are encouraged to clean their room, take out trash/recyclables, unplug appliances (except the fridge), turn off lights, and secure all doors/windows.
  • University services are limited-contact departments/offices for hours and services offered during the break period.
  • Students returning for spring term may leave personal belongings (take-home essentials) in the room.
  • Students not returning for the spring term must remove all personal belongings, follow the “Closing Checklist,” and return the room key to a drop-off location by no later than Sunday, April 19, 2026, to avoid cleaning or unreturned key fees. This date is non-negotiable as we must prepare vacant spaces for students returning from winter abroad.
  • Students arriving on campus from winter abroad may move in no earlier than Saturday, April 25, 2026. Keys will be available for pick-up in Public Safety, and swipe access will be activated this day.

• Sunday, May 24, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. - Housing Closes for Undergraduates

  • All students, except for graduating seniors and approved extended stays, must vacate housing at this time. Students will receive closing information at the beginning of May. Avoid item removal, cleaning, and unreturned key fees by following the “Closing Checklist ."Students who need to remain in their spring assignment until they can transition to on-campus summer housing must submit an extended stay request. Please click “Summer 2026” below for more information about Summer housing.
  • Graduating seniors or approved extended stays not transitioning to summer housing will need to vacate spring housing by no later than Sunday, May 31, 2026. Follow the closing checklist to avoid fees.
  • Students must submit all extended stay requests via eRezLife and are only reviewed case-by-case for extenuating circumstances. The extended stay request will open on April 17 and close on May 15, 2026. We will not consider submissions received after this deadline. Approved requests will have their student accounts charged a $50/night fee.  Extended stays will not be approved to watch friends graduate (unless they are an immediate family members) or store personal belongings until off-campus leases begin. These are not examples of extenuating circumstances as they can be planned for and avoided. 

Summer Housing Details

The Office of Housing & Residence Life (HRL) offers limited summer housing to undergraduate students who are engaged in on-campus research or other essential campus work. Students requesting housing for other reasons may apply, but preference will be given to those researching/working on campus. University services, including dining, are extremely limited during the summer. Contact specific departments for hours and services offered during the summer. Please see the summer housing details and timeline below:

• Only currently enrolled, W&L undergraduate students are eligible for summer housing. Students must also be engaged in on-campus faculty research or essential campus work (advisor/supervisor verification required). Students participating in virtual research/work are not eligible.
• Summer residents must always abide by policies as set forth in the Summer Housing Agreement and Student Handbook.
• Summer housing opens Sunday, June 7, 2026, and closes Sunday, July 26, 2026.
• We are aware that some programs/work will begin before and/or continue after summer opening and closing.
  • If you are on-campus during all or a portion of spring term and your program/summer work begins earlier than June 7:
    • Students may submit an extended stay request to retain/remain in your spring assignment until your summer assignment is move-in ready. You may submit a request beginning Monday, April 13 and by no later than Monday, May 11, 2026, via eRezLife.
    • Students who do NOT have a spring term housing assignment are not eligible for temporary housing or an extended stay prior to summer move in on June 7. Students will need to make alternative arrangements until summer housing opens.
  • If your program/work ends before/on July 26:
    • Residents are required to vacate summer housing and may return for the scheduled fall 2026 opening (see fall housing dates). Remove all belongings, clean the unit, and return keys.
  • If your program/work goes beyond July 26:
    • Summer residents that have a fall housing assignment may submit an early arrival request to transition from your summer housing to your fall 2026 assignment. You will be required to transition on July 26 to your fall assignment unless otherwise communicated by HRL. Please submit early arrival requests beginning Monday, June 29 and by no later than Friday, July 17, 2026, via eRezLife.
    • Summer residents who do not have a fall housing assignment will need to make alternative arrangements. E.g., work with your advisor to finish remotely, hotel, or stay with a friend on or off-campus. Extended stays past the summer closing date or other temporary accommodations will not be offered.
  • The summer housing fee covers extended stays and/or early arrivals if approved, i.e., summer residents will not incur additional charges if they can prove the need to stay late in their spring assignment and/or move into their fall assignment early.
• Summer ’26 housing facilities (subject to change): Woods Creek Apartments
  • Other locations may be used if the designated location reaches capacity.
• There is a flat summer fee of $450.00 per student regardless of move-in and out time. The full fee is billed to student accounts mid-August.
• Students who complete a summer housing application will participate in a summer housing selection process (timeline below). There is no lottery system, meaning selection is first come, first served. All summer housing units are coed. HRL reserves the right to fill any vacancies in summer housing should the need arise and/or utilize alternative facilities.
• Students may view their summer housing assignments and roommate information  via eRezLife once selection concludes.
• There are limited dining options on campus during the summer. Please see the dining services webpage for open venues and hours. Summer meal plans are available. Please contact mealplans@wlu.edu if you have questions.

Summer Housing Dates

• Wednesday April 1, 2026 – Summer Housing Agreement and Application Opens

  • Login to eRezLife to complete your agreement/application.
  • Even if your summer plans are not finalized, or you are unsure, you should fill out the application and participate in summer housing selection by the deadline. You may retract your application prior to June 7, with no penalty or financial obligation, by emailing housing@wlu.edu.
  • Summer applicants may create summer roommate groups in eRezLife. All roommates must fill out their own housing agreement and accept their invitation to join roommate groups.

• Thursday, April 9, 2026 (12:00 - 1:00 PM) – Virtual Summer Housing Information Session

• Friday, May 1, 2026 – Summer Housing Agreement and Application Closes

  • Applications will not be accepted after this date.
  • All applicants will receive notification that their application was accepted or denied within one week of the form closing.

• Wednesday, May 13, 2026 – Day One of Summer Selection ("Must Fill Day")

  • Most units will have a “must fill” requirement, meaning that the number of individuals in your group must match the number of bedrooms (e.g., 4-person group for a 4-person apartment) within each unit. Only groups of 3, 4, or 5 (depending on the apartment) are allowed to select this day. This is recommended.
  • Students may review Woods Creek floor plans on our website.

• Thursday, May 14, 2026 – Day Two of Summer Selection ("Individual Day")

  • There will be a limited number of apartments that do not have a “must-fill” requirement. Any vacancies available after day one is open for individual selection. Those selecting as individuals should expect to receive roommates who also participated as individuals.

• Sunday, June 7, 2026 – Summer Housing Opens

  • Students may not move into summer housing earlier than this date due to the tight timeline for preparing the facilities for summer move-in. Please plan for your travel and meals accordingly.
  • Students whose programs/work begin prior to this date and need to remain in their spring assignment until they can transition to on-campus summer housing will need to submit an extended stay request beginning April 13 and by no later than May 11, 2026. The extended stay fee is waived.
  • Students who do NOT have a partial or full spring term housing assignment are not eligible for temporary housing or an extended stay prior to summer move in on June 7. See details section above for more information.
  • Students must transition from their spring to summer assignments no later than June 7, 2026, unless otherwise instructed by HRL.
  • Swipe access will be activated as early as midnight on June 7. Students may begin moving in then. Students will receive instructions for picking up their hard apartment/room key.

• Sunday, July 26, 2026 – Summer Housing Closes

  • All students must vacate summer housing by 11:59 PM on July 26. Swipe access will be deactivated at midnight on July 27. Move-out delays will result in a $100.00 fine + $100.00 per night the room is not vacated.
  • Summer residents with programs beyond this date (or students with other early arrival obligations) will need to submit an early arrival request between June 29 and July 17. Requests may be submitted via eRezLife to transition to their fall 2026 housing assignment by no later than July 26 unless otherwise instructed by HRL. Early arrival fees waived if approved.
  • Summer residents who do not have a fall 2026 housing assignment are not eligible for temporary housing and are not permitted to stay in summer housing past the close date. Students will need to make alternative arrangements (e.g., hotel, staying with friends, finishing virtually, etc.).
  • Students are not allowed to store belongings in their fall assignment if they are not an approved early arrival or not physically present on-campus. Students must plan for temporary storage until their return.

Fall Term Housing Details

Fall term housing opens for first-year students on Monday, August 24, 2026, and upper-division students on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Please see university housing dates and details below and plan accordingly. These important dates and deadlines have implications for housing operations and other campus partners.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Buying a plane, bus, or train ticket? Confirm the opening date. Remember, upper-division students are not required to arrive on September 1, but you cannot arrive early without explicit approval. Classes do not begin until September 3.
• Driving a long distance to campus? Map out your trip so you arrive when you can access housing.
• Family/friends want to help with moving? They will also need to plan their personal or work schedules according to our opening and close dates. Avoid planning family vacations or other trips that conflict with our dates.
• Roommate(s) approved to return early for a program? Approval is given on an individual basis. Just because your roommate is approved, does not mean you are. Students discovered occupying housing without express approval will receive the $100/night fee, an additional $100 fine, and be referred to Community Values & Expectations.
• Showing up anyway? Just showing up on campus will not gain you approval to access housing, even if you agree to the fee. Please do not take this risk because you will be denied and required to find alternative options.
• Trying to figure out when you should depart campus for break, or not leave at all? Check the information below. Talk to your Community Assistant (CA) or Resident Advisor (RA).
• Reviewed all the dates and details on our website, reviewed your housing agreement, talked to your CA/RA, and still have questions? Email housing@wlu.edu.

Fall Term Housing Timeline

• Monday, June 29, 2026 – Early Arrival Request Opens
  • Fall athletes and students involved in other organizations or essential campus work may be pre-approved. Check with your coach and/or advisor.
•  Friday, July 17, 2026 – Early Arrival Request Deadline
  • This is the last date to request early arrival for fall term. Requests after this date will not be considered. Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for extenuating circumstances only. Plan according to the move-in dates below. Approved students will have their accounts billed $100/night.
• Friday, July 31, 2026 – Room Freeze Begins
  • Students may not request room assignment changes after this date. Students must move into the assignment that corresponds with eRezLife.
• Monday, August 24, 2026 – First-Year (Class of 2030) Move-In
  • Please continue to check your WLU email for updates regarding move-in preparations & timing. Fall athletes and international students may be pre-approved to arrive earlier than this date – please check with your coach and/or advisor if you have an earlier move-in date.
• Tuesday, September 1, 2026 – Upper-Division Student Move-In
  • Check-in is 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Swipe access activated at 9:00 AM and keys available. Residents are not able to check in earlier than this date/time. Where?
    • Lower Village residents, apartments A-D and townhouses O-Q, go to Village building A (inside, first floor community room) to check-in.
    • Upper Village residents, buildings E-N, go to Village building G (outside near concession stand) to check-in.
    • Woods Creek residents go to Woods Creek Central (outside).
    • Community and fraternity housing go to 218 E. Nelson Street back parking lot (outside, basketball court).
    • Sorority housing go to Delta house (on lower level, outside under deck).
  • All residents arriving after this date/time must contact their CA or HD 24 hours prior to arriving to campus to coordinate key pick-up. DO NOT contact Public Safety for an unlock or expect your CA/HD to be available last-minute or late at night.
  • Please see the dining services website for more information about meal plans and venue hours.
• Monday, September 7, 2026 – Room Condition Report (RCR) & Housing Verification (HV) Due
  • All students will receive an email early September about completing the RCR to avoid charges for pre-existing damages.
  • Students will also receive instructions for completing the HV to verify correct housing assignments and avoid penalty fees.
• Wednesday, September 30, 2026 – Room Freeze Ends
  • Students may request housing reassignment on or after this date. Reassignment based on housing availability.
• Thursday, October 1, 2026 – Winter Housing Application Opens
  • Students returning from fall abroad or needing winter term housing must complete the winter housing application. Housing assignments are based on availability with priority going to sophomores and juniors.
• Thursday, October 8 & Friday, October 9, 2026 – Reading Days (No Classes; Housing remains open)
  • Students departing campus over break are encouraged to clean their room, take out trash/recyclables, unplug appliances (except fridges), turn off lights, secure all doors/windows, and carry key/ID.
• Monday, November 2, 2026 – Winter Housing Application Deadline
• Monday, November 23 through Friday, November 27, 2026 –Thanksgiving Break (No Classes; Housing remains open)
  • Housing remains open. Students departing campus over break are encouraged to clean their room, take out trash/recyclables, unplug appliances (except the fridge), turn off lights, and secure all doors/windows.
  • University services are limited. For specific hours and services offered during Thanksgiving break, contact departments/offices directly.
• Monday, November 30, 2026 – December & January Room Freeze
  • This is the last date to request room reassignment for the fall or winter terms. Requests will not be considered after this date.
• Sunday, December 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM – Housing CLOSED for Winter Break
  • All students must vacate housing at this time and complete the winter closing checklist via eRezLife. $50 improper checkout fee for failure to complete checklist. Contact your CA/RA/HD for more information about winter checklists and closing guidelines.
  • HRL does not accept requests for extended stay.
  • Students returning for winter term may leave personal belongings in their room. Please take all essentials (clothing, medication, toiletries, etc.). Students are not permitted to re-enter housing after closing.
  • Students not returning for the winter term must vacate housing and return room key at a drop off location (Commons third floor or Public Safety) by this date. Please follow the closing checklist prior to departure.