Luck of the Draw: Radford Students Receive Housing Lottery Updates

By: Rylee Meadows

Radford Housing and Residential Life took a different approach to informing the student body of the space available for upper-classmen this year.

An email was sent providing in-depth information about the on-campus housing application process for “non-obligated students” that includes most upperclassmen and some off-campus housing options. With the current projection of new students and continued resident hall renovations, Housing was able to provide a “priority deadline” that offered 200 initial housing spots. The applications were placed in a random lottery, giving every applicant an equal chance of receiving housing.  

This time last year, Housing officials sent out an email implying to “non-priority” juniors and seniors that on-campus housing for the Fall 2025 semester could not be guaranteed. With a projected influx of new students and rising demand for residence hall space, the announcement created concern and confusion among upperclassmen. Many were put in a position to either jump into an off-campus lease or stay on the waitlist for on-campus housing. 

“The housing process last year was really stressful, and a lot of people I know felt the same way. I have a lot of friends who signed a lease because they were scared they wouldn’t have a place to live,” said junior Carmen Glover. This year, Glover said she filled out the application as soon as Housing emailed. “I was a little confused about the lottery at first, but it wasn’t as confusing or shocking as last year’s email. I received housing already for next year, and I’m relieved that it wasn’t as pressuring.”  

On Feb. 23, a congratulatory email was sent to the students who received one of the 200 initial spots, but the waitlist for the “non-obligated” students is still open. Housing plans to release more information about room selections this month, and continuous updates at the beginning of each month through July 2026 about waitlist standings and on-campus housing availability. 

Students with questions can contact the housing office in Heth Hall 226 or email housing@radford.edu.