# The Rising Sophomore Housing Lottery

**Source**: https://collegehousing.fas.harvard.edu/rising-sophomore-lottery/
**Parent**: https://collegehousing.fas.harvard.edu/

## After completing your first term at Harvard College, you will participate in the rising sophomore housing lottery.

The College will email eligible first-year students (rising sophomores) in the spring before entering the lottery.

## On This Page:

[The Rising Sophomore Housing Lottery](#Sophomore-Housing-Lottery)

[Eligibility](#Lottery-Eligibility)\
\
[The Application Cycle](#application-cycle)

[Lottery Information Session\](#lottery-info)\
[Applying as Groups (Blocking)](#blocking)\
\
[Terms and Conditions](#Terms-Condidtions)\
\
[Upcoming Deadlines](#upcoming-deadlines)\
\
[FAQ](#lottery-FAQ)

[BACK TO OUR HOMEPAGE](https://collegehousing.fas.harvard.edu/)

## The Rising Sophomore Housing Lottery

If you are an eligible first-year student (rising sophomore), you are assigned to your House community during the Rising Sophomore Housing Lottery in the spring.

**By entering the lottery, you are not guaranteed any particular House choice**. House assignments are allocated by a lottery tool at random.

- Registering as a blocking group ensures your group members are assigned to the same House.

- Limited accommodations are made to meet State and Federal laws and policies of the College:\
  - **Medical**: You must register with the [Disability Access Office](https://dao.fas.harvard.edu/services-overview/housing/) (DAO) if you have a housing need due to a disability. Use the [DAO accommodation registration](https://dao.fas.harvard.edu/applying-for-accommodations-through-the-disability-access-office/)\
    process and include any supporting documentation. \
  - **Title IX**: You can request housing flexibility from [The Title IX Office](https://titleix.college.harvard.edu/supportive-measures) to improve physical and psychological safety in on-campus housing for students impacted by sexual harassment or other sexual misconduct.\
  - **Gender Identity**: All Houses offer [gender-inclusive housing](https://dso.college.harvard.edu/gender-inclusive-housing). You can request this option from your [House Administrator](https://dso.college.harvard.edu/people/people-type/house-administrators).

## Rising Sophomore Lottery Eligibility

All first-year students who have completed the fall term must enter the lottery, including:

- Students on leave or those planning to take a leave of absence.
- Students planning to move off-campus.
- Students who intend to block as a group of one.

**Exception**: First-year students who do not complete the fall term do not participate in the lottery. They return to the Harvard Yard.

## The Application Cycle (Spring 2026)

**Mon., February 23, 2026**\
12 PM

Lottery registration opens for 48 hours.

**Wed., February 25, 2026**\
12 PM

Lottery registration closes. **Blocking group** changes are due.

**Fri., March 27, 2026**\
8 AM

**Housing Day!** You are notified of your House assignment during the morning dorm storm. We will also email your assignment in the afternoon.

## 2025 Rising Sophomore Housing Lottery Information Session

## Applying as Groups (Blocking)

You can register for the lottery as a “blocking group” with up to eight students. Blocking ensures that your group members are assigned to the same House.

1. **Choose a Group Leader**: Blocking Group Leaders set a group name and password. They also receive your group’s housing assignment on Housing Day.\
   \
2. **Select a Group Name**: Be creative and thoughtful about your group name. Blocking group names are shared with the Alumni Office for their record-keeping.  \
   \
   Each House will run a separate process to assign sophomores to rooms in August.

## Terms and Conditions

- **Your blocking group size does not influence your House placement.** \
  Avoid creating a blocking group of a specific size. Every year, we see many groups of 1 or 2, as well as many groups of 7 or 8. Do what works for you and your group.\
  \
- **You might not share the same suite with all students in your blocking group.**\
  Suites in the Houses are first selected by Seniors and Juniors in the House lottery. Your House Administrator will assign you to spaces available after the Senior and Junior lotteries.\
  \
- **First-year students who do not complete the fall term do not participate in the lottery.** \
  They return to the Harvard Yard.\
  \
- **Eligible first-years who do not enter the lottery** will be automatically registered as a blocking group of one.

## Upcoming Deadlines

## FAQ

What if I have accessibility concerns regarding housing?

If you are concerned that aspects of the residential environment may be inaccessible to you due to the impact of a disability, visit the [Disability Access Office (DAO)](https://dao.fas.harvard.edu/) website and [complete an application](https://sierra.accessiblelearning.com/Harvard/ApplicationStudent.aspx) to request accommodations.

What if I move off-campus after my first year and don’t get an assigned House through the lottery?

You will be automatically affiliated with The Dudley Community.

What if I don’t have a blocking group?

You will be placed in a group of one. Please still complete the form.

What if I have gender-based needs that require accommodations beyond those offered by your policies?

Submit any gender inclusivity concerns to [our office](https://collegehousing.fas.harvard.edu/about-us/#contact-us) before the lottery.

Can I change my blocking group after we have submitted a form?

You are allowed to make changes to the form before the deadline. You will not be able to make changes after the deadline has passed.