Under Board of Regents policy, incoming first-year students are required to live on campus for two semesters unless they receive an approved exemption. This policy guides annual housing planning and is the foundation of the University’s multi-year First-Year Housing Master Plan.
Phase I includes two new buildings on the former Adams Center site:
These buildings are part of the long-term plan to replace older residence halls such as Adams, Walker, and Couch.
As new buildings are brought online, older facilities are being taken offline. Walker Center is scheduled for demolition in summer 2026, which creates a temporary reduction in total bed capacity during the transition. During this period, housing is prioritized for incoming first-year students under Board of Regents policy.
For the 2026–27 academic year, Traditions Square will also serve incoming first-year students. Assignable bed spaces are determined each year based on available inventory and enrollment projections.
Since students will select their own rooms during room selection, there is no option to preference a specific building in the housing contract. Room selection is a student’s only chance to control their housing assignment.
Once you sign a contract, you will have the option to request a roommate in the Roommate Request section of the housing contract. If you have created a roommate pair, you will have an opportunity to assign your roommate to live with you during room selection, if space allows.
Requests are not guaranteed.
If you may need a housing accommodation, fill out our Application for Accommodations to self-identify as a student with a disability and submit documentation to the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center(ADRC). Information regarding the documentation can be found in our Documentation Guidelines. The ADRC requires that the information includes how the disability impacts the student's ability to live on campus.
Please note: A medical or psychological diagnosis alone does not guarantee housing accommodations. Recommendations from healthcare providers are considered but do not determine eligibility.
No. Parking is not included in housing rates and is a separate cost. Parking permits are managed separately from housing contracts. This allows students to factor transportation and parking costs into their housing decisions.
Parking availability and pricing are determined separately from housing assignments. Students who plan to bring a vehicle should review parking options and costs before finalizing their housing plans.
Students who have satisfied the Board of Regents housing policy of two semesters of on-campus housing are NOT required to live on campus. Students can explore off-campus options using the University’s off-campus housing resource, which provides listings and contact information for independently owned and operated local properties: offcampushousing.ou.edu/listing
Students with questions about leases or off-campus housing agreements may also consider consulting OU Student Legal Services.
The University plans and manages housing projects through its Department of Architectural and Engineering Services and works with contracted architectural and engineering firms to design and oversee construction and renovation of campus facilities.
Infrastructure and housing needs are assessed through coordination among multiple units, including Housing, Enrollment Management, Facilities and campus planning teams. Planning is based on enrollment trends, facility conditions and long-term program needs.
