Vanderbilt University implemented an earlier start to the 2025-2026 housing process and increased off-campus housing opportunities following the planned demolition of the Branscomb Quadrangle and McTyeire Hall. The first round of applications for off campus authorizations opened Nov. 12, and the final waitlist round closes Jan. 10, compared to the Jan. 16–18 window in previous years. Priority registration for off-campus housing ended on Nov. 14, but students can still apply during the Nov. 16 to Dec. 6 general application period or during the Jan. 6–10 waitlist period.
According to a statement from the university, the number of off-campus housing authorizations increased to 1,750 from about 650 last year. In past years, juniors were only eligible to enroll in the off-campus authorization waitlist. This year, they can apply to live off campus in any round of the off-campus authorization process, and any continuing student, including current first-year students, can enroll in the off-campus authorization waitlist.
“This timeline change is intended to give students more time to secure off-campus housing and effectively coordinate their efforts, particularly given the larger number of authorizations that will be granted,” a university representative said in an email to The Hustler. “The residential colleges tend to be the most sought-after housing assignment on campus, so we anticipate that the opportunity for more sophomores to live in the residential colleges will offer a valuable and supportive transition from The Ingram Commons.”
Students expressed mixed feelings about not being able to live in Branscomb next year. Sophomore Ishita Sujan, a current residential advisor in Branscomb, said she ranked Branscomb as her first choice during last year’s RA application process because she was drawn to its location.
“It’s close to so many things. I’m a 30 second walk from Rand. Also, I’m a CS major, so I’m also a 30 second walk from Featheringill, which is really nice,” Sujan said. “As a sophomore myself, I felt I would be more connected to my peers and those on my floor if they were in my grade.”
First-year Taylor Dunn says he also sees Branscomb as a hub for sophomores.
“I was kind of sad because I have a bunch of friends that live in ‘Scomb and I’ve heard, ever since I’ve been here, that being a sophomore and living in ‘Scomb is a rite of passage for all the students,” Dunn said.
Per a statement to The Hustler from Housing and Residential Experience, the university plans to hire 65 to 75 new RAs for the upcoming school year — 25 fewer positions than last year. As usual, any student currently working as an RA must reapply, and the total number of RAs will be approximately 160 students.
Dates for selecting on-campus housing next year have not yet been posted to the Vanderbilt Housing website.
