Wake Forest remains deeply committed to a vibrant, residential undergraduate experience. As the University pursues a modest, phased increase in undergraduate enrollment, demand for campus housing has grown. At the same time, planned renovations — including work at Babcock Hall — will slightly reduce overall housing capacity for the coming year.
While we strive to provide on-campus housing for students who wish to remain on campus, we must prioritize those who are still required to meet the University’s residency requirement.
Senior Housing Demand and Lottery Process
To better anticipate demand, Residence Life and Housing asked rising seniors to indicate their housing plans for the 2026–27 academic year. More than 375 rising seniors shared that they intended to live on campus.
In early communications beginning in December 2025, we informed students that increased enrollment, strong demand for campus housing, and planned renovations could limit our ability to accommodate every senior who wished to remain on campus. We also shared that an On-Campus Housing Lottery would be used if necessary.
Through that process:
- Fewer than 75 seniors were not granted on-campus status
- Those students have been placed on a waitlist, should space become available.
- Seniors with scholarships requiring on-campus residency were confirmed in collaboration with the Scholars Office and factored into housing considerations.
Students’ interest in remaining on campus after completing their residency requirement varies year to year. Depending on demand and capacity, we may need to continue using a senior housing lottery process in future years.
Enrollment and Capacity
Residence Life and Housing works closely with partners across the University to inform enrollment decisions and ensure that the residential experience remains central to Wake Forest. Planned enrollment growth is balanced alongside residence hall renovations and improvements to maximize housing for students required to live on campus.
For the upcoming year, increased enrollment, strong demand for campus housing, and planned renovations limited our ability to provide housing for all students who want it. The newly announced affiliate housing program will help us expand pathways for students to experience a dynamic residential experience, both on- and off-campus.
Supporting Students Transitioning Off Campus
We understand that seniors who were not granted on-campus housing may feel stress, particularly given the timing of the off-campus housing market. Housing plays an important role in students’ sense of stability and belonging, and we recognize that this outcome may feel disappointing or personal.
We recognize that some students sign off-campus leases as early as the fall of sophomore year, while others’ timelines vary based on individual circumstances. We remain committed to providing guidance and resources to seniors as they navigate next steps. Our focus is on supporting affected students in clear and practical ways:
- Housing Search Support: We partner with College Pads to assist students in identifying off-campus options and maintain regular communication with local landlords to monitor availability. While options may not reflect every student’s first choice, we remain confident that housing is available in the Winston-Salem market.
- Financial Guidance: Students should contact Financial Aid to understand how living off campus may impact their aid package. Students with immediate expenses, such as application fees, who need assistance should contact CARE Case Management in the Dean of Students’ office to explore available support.
- Transportation: Students without vehicles are encouraged to consider off-campus housing served by the Wake Line. Residence Life and Housing will remain in close communication with Parking & Transportation as off-campus student concentrations become clearer, so they can evaluate routes for potential modifications.
Looking Ahead
Historically, Residence Life and Housing has accommodated most seniors who wished to remain on campus. However, circumstances have shifted in recent years, and we have communicated transparently that our capacity to house students who have completed the residency requirement would be more constrained.
Even with advanced communication, we recognize that outcomes can feel unexpected or upsetting. Our responsibility now is to move forward with transparency and care—listening to student concerns, improving how we communicate expectations, and supporting seniors throughout the housing process.
We are also actively expanding pathways to fulfill the residency requirement through the Affiliate Housing program launching in Fall 2027. By offering junior-year options at student-centered private properties, we aim to increase flexibility and expand our capacity to house seniors who wish to remain on campus in future years.
As space becomes available, we will continue to move students off the Return to Housing waitlist.
Wake Forest remains committed to ensuring that every senior has the information, resources, and support needed to make a confident housing plan for their final year.