myCSUSM
How and When to Apply
Housing Application Steps
Housing applications for the Fall 2026–Spring 2027 academic year are now open!
Incoming first-year and transfer students, as well as current students living off campus, are invited to apply.
Current residents: please keep an eye on your CSUSM email for important lottery information.
To get started, review the step-by-step instructions below to ensure your account is properly set up to access the housing portal. You can also begin your application by clicking the link provided in Step 3.
Please note that incoming students may need to wait up to 8 business days during the matriculation process before their eRezlife Student Portal becomes active. To help ensure the fastest possible processing time, please complete all of the steps outlined below.
Application Steps
STEP 1: Submit your Intent to Enroll. CSUSM Housing is available only to students who plan to attend the university. Submitting your Intent to Enroll confirms your plans and allows us to proceed with your housing eligibility.
Before You Apply: Things to Know
- Overview of Our Process
- Step 1:
After you submit your application and pay the Administrative Fee, our office will review your information to confirm your enrollment (or eligibility to enroll), verify that there are no outstanding housing balances, and identify the most appropriate bed space based on your preferences. You will then receive an offer for the best available space within our housing portfolio. - Step 2:
You will need to either accept or decline your housing offer. If you decline, our staff will follow up with you to explore alternative options or discuss placement on the waitlist. - Step 3:
Once your placement is confirmed, you may log in to your eRezlife portal, select the appropriate term, and view your roommate or apartment-mate names and email addresses. - Step 4:
Your first payment is due by the initial installment deadline for the Fall term, after your license agreement is finalized. Fall installment dates are August 19, September 19, October 19, and November 19.
Please note that if you move in after the start of the semester, your first payment may be higher due to prorated charges and the billing schedule. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office.
- Step 1:
- Information Needed
Before you begin your application:
Please make sure you have the following information and steps completed:
- Submitted your Intent to Enroll
- Set up your CSUSM email account
- Completed your DUO Multi-Factor Authentication setup
- Prepared contact information for both:
- an Emergency Contact, and
- a Missing Person Contact (see below for details on the difference)
- Financial Review
Before Signing Your License Agreement
Please review the Cost of Attendance carefully and keep the following in mind:- Meal Plan Costs
Meal plans are not included in housing costs and are billed separately. - Financial Aid Considerations
If you plan to use financial aid to cover your housing and meal plan, please ensure that your aid is sufficient. Financial aid is applied first to tuition and campus fees, with any remaining balance then applied to housing and meal plan charges.
Important Notice
Your License Agreement is a legally binding document. Once it has been countersigned, canceling or terminating the agreement may result in financial penalties.We strongly encourage you to review the Sample License Agreement available under Future Residents > Forms & Information for full details, including cancellation and termination policies.
- Meal Plan Costs
- Floor Plan and Cost Options
Frequently Asked Questions About Housing Options
What is the difference between a Double and a Deluxe Double?
A Deluxe Double apartment typically houses 1–4 fewer residents than a standard Double, depending on the layout. These units may also be slightly larger or feature different window designs.
Please note: Due to variations in building layouts, room sizes, and features are not guaranteed to be identical across all spaces.
What is an en-suite?
A limited number of QUAD units include bedrooms with an en-suite bathroom. This means the bathroom is directly connected to your bedroom and secured behind your bedroom door, rather than located in a shared hallway. As a result, it is not accessible to other residents or guests in the unit.
Bedrooms with this feature include a $200 per semester premium.
How can I request a single room?
Single bedrooms (within shared apartments) are limited. While all students are eligible to apply, returning upperclass residents typically receive priority during the selection process.If you are interested in a single room, we strongly recommend applying as early as possible to maximize your chances of securing one.
For additional details, please refer to Housing Options and Cost.
- Emergency and Missing Persons Contact
What’s the Difference?
An Emergency Contact is the person we will reach out to if an emergency occurs and the student is unable to contact someone on their own behalf.
A Missing Person Contact is the individual the student designates to be notified if they are believed to be missing.
These contacts may be the same person or different individuals, depending on the student’s preference.
For more information, please refer to our Missing Student Policy and Procedures.
- Specialized Communities & Programs
Specialized Housing Communities
To enhance the residential experience, we offer several Specialized Housing communities designed to support connection, personal growth, and academic success:
- Substance-Free Housing
Students who choose this community commit to abstaining from the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, creating a supportive and wellness-focused living environment. - LGBTQ+ Community
This community provides a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ students and their allies to explore identity, build community, and deepen their understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences. It also encourages the development of skills to become effective advocates and allies. - Gender-Inclusive Housing
This community welcomes students of all genders, gender identities, and expressions. It allows students to select roommates and share living spaces without restrictions based on gender or sex, fostering a respectful and inclusive environment. - San Marcos Experience (SME)
The SME Residential Learning Community supports students in their transition to college by creating a living-learning cohort focused on leadership development and civic engagement, both inside and outside the classroom.
Please note: SME is located exclusively in North Commons. - C-STEM Community
Designed for students pursuing majors in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, this Residential Learning Community promotes academic success through shared coursework, collaboration, and peer support.
Please note: C-STEM is located exclusively in North Commons.
You will be asked to indicate your preferences for these communities within the housing application. If you are not interested in a Specialized Housing option, you may select that preference as well.
- Substance-Free Housing
- Roommate Selection
Roommate Selection Process
The roommate selection process is available for the Fall term only and begins after you have submitted your housing application.
Detailed instructions on how to create and manage your roommate group will be sent to your CSUSM email every two weeks.
- Payment Process
Administrative Fee
Upon submitting your housing application, you will be required to pay a $100 Administrative Fee. This fee helps cover the costs associated with application processing, move-in and move-out operations, and other aspects of the licensing process.
Please note that this fee is non-refundable.
- Move-In Information
Please visit our Move-In Preparation page.
- License Agreement & Resident Handbook
Resident Responsibilities
Residents are responsible for reviewing both the Resident Handbook and the full License Agreement. All residents are expected to understand and comply with the policies and procedures outlined in these documents.
Failure to read these materials does not exempt a student from their responsibilities.
Please note that the Resident Handbook may be updated each semester. Residents should review it regularly to ensure they are familiar with the most current policies and information.
- Meal Plan Information
- North Commons residents will be required to participate in one of the following meal plan options: Tukwut Plan, Cougar Blue Plan, or Paw Plan.
- We encourage UVA and The QUAD residents to participate in our Voluntary Meal Plans available through CSUSM Dining Services.
- Immunizations
Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY) immunization administered within the last four years is highly recommended for all first-time CSUSM residential students (living in university or affiliated housing) who are 21 years or younger.
Final Note
We’re excited that you’ve chosen to live on campus with us!
By proceeding to the Housing Application, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the information provided above regarding the licensing process, policies, and procedures.
We look forward to welcoming you to CSUSM and supporting you throughout your on-campus experience.
Stay connected by following @csusmhousing on social media for the latest updates.
For floor plans and pricing, please review Housing Options and Cost.