Upper-Level Timeline for Room Selection & Retention
How to Read This Timeline
This page is for returning and upper-level students, including upper-level transfers.
This page is divided into 4 phases—Apply, Retention, Room Selection, and Swaps/Changes. Start with Phase 1 and follow along in order. Each table shows the dates, what’s happening, and a quick “What to do now” so you always know your next step.
If you don’t plan to keep your same room, you can skip the Retention phase and move straight to Room Selection.
If you’re in a Living-Learning or Themed Community (LLC/TC), check the LLC/TC Quick Reference box at the bottom for your specific deadlines.
Please note that all dates are tentative at this time and may be subject to change.
Application & Room Selection Phases
Nov 3, 2025 – May 22, 2026
Date | Time | Event | What This Means |
---|---|---|---|
11/3/2025 | 10 a.m. EST | Housing Application and LLC/TC Application Launch | Returning Residents: The housing application for the 2025–2026 academic year is now live! If you're a returning student, log into Cards Nest to apply. Applying early gives you the best chance at keeping your current space or getting your preferred building and room type. Upper-level students interested in a Living-Learning (LLC) or Themed Community (TC) can now apply. These specialized communities offer shared experiences, events, and support around a common theme or major. You must apply and be accepted to live in one. |
1/16/2026 | 3 p.m. EST | Priority Deadline for Room Retention | If you're a returning student and want to stay in your current room next year, this is the last day to request it. You must have your housing application completed and select the “Room Retention” option in Cards Nest by this deadline. Room retention is not guaranteed—assignments depend on space availability. If your request is denied, you'll still be able to choose a different room during general selection. You'll get an email by the end of the retention period with your final status. |
2/2/2026 | 10 a.m. EST | Priority Deadline for General Selection | If you’re a returning student who is not retaining your current room, this is your deadline to submit your housing application in order to be part of the first round of room selection. Submitting after this deadline means you'll still get housing, but you'll select your space after those who met the priority deadline. |
2/27/2026 | 9 a.m. EST | Upper-Level LLC/TC Application Deadline | This is the final day for returning students to apply for a Living-Learning (LLC) or Themed Community (TC). These specialized communities offer shared experiences, events, and support around a common theme or major. If you don’t submit your application by this deadline, you won’t be eligible for placement in an LLC or TC for 2026–2027. |
5/22/2026 | 9 a.m. EST | LLC/TC Cancellation Deadline | This is the final day to cancel your placement in a Living-Learning (LLC) or Themed Community (TC). If you no longer wish to participate, email housing@louisville.edu before the deadline. After this date, you'll be expected to remain in your assigned community. |
What to do now:
- Log in to Cards Nest and complete your Housing application.
- Decide if you’re applying to keep your current room (Retention) or to select a new one (General Selection).
- If you’re interested in an LLC/TC, submit that application early (priority deadlines apply).
- Mark your calendar with the priority deadlines so you don’t miss your best shot at your preferred space.
Jan 16 – Jan 23, 2026
*Note: If you are not interested in keeping your same space, you can skip Phase 2.
Date | Time | Event | What This Means |
---|---|---|---|
1/16/2026 | 3 p.m. EST | Priority Deadline for Room Retention | If you're a returning student and want to stay in your current room next year, this is the last day to request it. You must have your housing application completed and select the “Room Retention” option in Cards Nest by this deadline. Room retention is not guaranteed—assignments depend on space availability. If your request is denied, you'll still be able to choose a different room during general selection. You'll get an email by the end of the retention period with your final status. |
1/18/2026 | 6 p.m. EST | Room Retention Decisions Emailed | Retention decisions will be sent via email to students who submitted a room retention request. This email will confirm whether your request to keep your current room has been approved or denied. If approved, you’ll receive further instructions in the upcoming “Room Retention Selection Times” email. If denied, you will still have the opportunity to participate in general room selection. |
1/19/2026 | 6 p.m. EST | Room Retention Selection Times Emailed | Students who submitted a room retention request will receive an email letting them know whether their request was approved or denied. If approved, the email will include your specific date and time to log into Cards Nest and confirm your room. If denied, the email will include next steps for choosing a different space during general room selection. |
1/21/2026 | 10 a.m. EST | Room Retention Selection Opens | If you were approved to retain your current room, you can now log into Cards Nest at your assigned time to officially select your space. You must log in during your designated time slot to secure your room—after that window, your spot may no longer be available. |
1/23/2026 | 1 p.m. EST | Room Retention Selection Closes | This is the final opportunity for approved students to retain their current room. If you haven’t completed your room selection in Cards Nest by this time, you’ll need to participate in general room selection instead. Your previously requested space is no longer guaranteed. |
What to do now:
- Watch your UofL email for your Retention approval/denial.
- If approved, note your assigned timeslot and log in to confirm your space during that window.
- If denied, prepare to participate in General Room Selection instead.
- Make sure you finalize your decision by the closing deadline—otherwise, you’ll be moved to General Selection automatically.
LLC/TC Assignments: Jan 5 – Jun 29, 2026
Priority General Selection: Feb 23 – Feb 26, 2026
General Selection : Mar 9 – Jun 29, 2026
*Note: If you completed Room Retention, you can skip Phase 3.
Date | Time | Event | What This Means |
---|---|---|---|
1/5/2026 | 10 a.m. EST | LLC/TC Upper Level Assignments Begin | Upper-level students who applied and were accepted into an LLC or TC will begin receiving their room assignments. These are assigned manually by the Housing team and based on your application, preferences, and availability. Keep an eye on your UofL email for details. |
2/23/2026 | 10 a.m. EST | Priority General Room Selection Opens for Returners | If you met the priority deadline and didn’t retain your current room, you can now log into Cards Nest at your assigned time to select a new room for 2026–2027. Selection times are staggered and based on when you applied—check your UofL email for your assigned time. |
2/26/2026 | 3 p.m. EST | Priority General Room Selection Closes for Returners | This is the final day for returning students who met the priority deadline to select a room. If you don’t choose a space by this time, you’ll need to participate in the general selection process later in the spring based on availability. Your priority status will no longer apply. |
3/4/2026 | 3 p.m. EST | LLC/TC Assignments Close for Upper-Level Students | This is the final day for upper-level students to receive room assignments for Living-Learning or Themed Communities. If you haven’t been placed in your LLC or TC by now, reach out to housing@louisville.edu with questions about your status or next steps. |
3/9/2026 | 9 a.m. EST | General Room Selection Opens for Non-Priority Upper-Level Students | If you're a returning student who applied after the priority deadline, you can now log into Cards Nest and choose your room—at your assigned time. You are responsible for selecting your space during your designated time slot. Room selection is first-come, first-served based on what's available. |
3/15/2026 | 9 a.m. EST | Upper Level and Upper Level Transfer Room Selection Begins | If you're an upper-level or transfer student who hasn't selected a room yet, this is your chance. Room selection is now open to all remaining applicants—no timeslots required. Log into Cards Nest anytime to pick from available spaces. Selection will remain open until later in the summer. |
6/26/2026 | 9 a.m. EST | Room Selection Closes for Upper-Level and Transfer Students | This is the final day for upper-level and transfer students to select a room in Cards Nest. If you don’t choose a space by this deadline, Housing will assign you to a space based on availability later in the summer. After this deadline, no additional changes can be made before move-in. |
6/29/2026 | 9 a.m. EST | Manual Room Assignments Begin | If you didn’t select a room, Housing will begin assigning you to an available space. Assignments are based on application date and current availability. Watch your UofL email for your assignment details. |
What to do now:
- Check your email for your room selection timeslot.
- Log in to Cards Nest during your assigned time for the best availability.
- Research which halls and room types you’d like ahead of time so you can act quickly.
- If you miss your priority window, you can still log in later, but options will be more limited.
- Confirm your room choice in Cards Nest and make sure you see your confirmation email.
Mar 8 - Jun 26, 2026
Date | Time | Event | What This Means |
---|---|---|---|
3/8/2026 | 3 p.m. EST | LLC/TC Upper Level Room Changes and Room Swaps Begin | Upper-level students who were approved for an LLC or TC can now log into Cards Nest to change their room—but only within their assigned community. If you no longer want to live in an LLC/TC, email housing@louisville.edu to cancel your placement. You'll be temporarily reassigned to another space and will be eligible to participate in room changes and swaps starting June 1. |
3/10/2026 | 3 p.m. EST | Room Changes & Swaps Open for Upper-Level and Transfer Students | Upper-level and transfer students can now log into Cards Nest to request a room change or initiate a room swap. You can either move to a different available space (room change) or trade spaces with another student (room swap). These options are only available if space allows. |
5/22/2026 | 9 a.m. EST | LLC/TC Room Changes and Room Swaps Close for Upper-Level Students | This is the last day for upper-level students in an LLC or TC to change or swap rooms within their assigned community. After this deadline, no additional changes will be allowed. |
6/1/2026 | 3 p.m. EST | Room changes for LLC students who declined an LLC after their assignment begins | Upper-level and transfer students who declined their LLC/TC placement after being assigned can now log into Cards Nest to choose a new space from available general housing options. You must have officially canceled your LLC/TC by the deadline via housing@louisville.edu before participating. |
6/26/2026 | 9 a.m. EST | Room Changes & Swaps Close for Upper-Level & Transfer Students | This is the last day for upper-level and transfer students to request a room change or complete a room swap in Cards Nest. After this deadline, no additional changes can be made before move-in. |
What to do now:
- Use this period if you want to switch rooms with another student, change into another empty space, or move within your LLC/TC.
- If you are leaving an LLC/TC, email Housing by the LLC/TC cancellation deadline—after that, you’ll only be eligible for general spaces.
- Once swaps open, log in to Cards Nest to request a change or confirm a swap.
- Keep in mind that all swaps/changes must be completed by the closing deadline—after that, your assignment is locked in.
Nov 3, 2025 - Jun 1, 2026
If you’re applying to or are already placed in a Living-Learning (LLC) or Themed Community (TC), these are your most important deadlines. You’ll still see these dates in the main timeline, but this list pulls them together so you don’t have to hunt for them.
Date | Time | Event | What This Means |
---|---|---|---|
11/3/2025 | 10 a.m. EST | Housing Application and LLC/TC Application Launch | Returning Residents: The housing application for the 2025–2026 academic year is now live! If you're a returning student, log into Cards Nest to apply. Applying early gives you the best chance at keeping your current space or getting your preferred building and room type. Upper-level students interested in a Living-Learning (LLC) or Themed Community (TC) can now apply. These specialized communities offer shared experiences, events, and support around a common theme or major. You must apply and be accepted to live in one. |
1/5/2026 | 10 a.m. EST | LLC/TC Upper Level Assignments Begin | Upper-level students who applied and were accepted into an LLC or TC will begin receiving their room assignments. These are assigned manually by the Housing team and based on your application, preferences, and availability. Keep an eye on your UofL email for details. |
2/27/2026 | 9 a.m. EST | Upper-Level LLC/TC Application Deadline | This is the final day for returning students to apply for a Living-Learning (LLC) or Themed Community (TC). These specialized communities offer shared experiences, events, and support around a common theme or major. If you don’t submit your application by this deadline, you won’t be eligible for placement in an LLC or TC for 2026–2027. |
3/4/2026 | 3 p.m. EST | LLC/TC Assignments Close for Upper-Level Students | This is the final day for upper-level students to receive room assignments for Living-Learning or Themed Communities. If you haven’t been placed in your LLC or TC by now, reach out to housing@louisville.edu with questions about your status or next steps. |
3/8/2026 | 3 p.m. EST | LLC/TC Upper Level Room Changes and Room Swaps Begin | Upper-level students who were approved for an LLC or TC can now log into Cards Nest to change their room—but only within their assigned community. If you no longer want to live in an LLC/TC, email housing@louisville.edu to cancel your placement. You'll be temporarily reassigned to another space and will be eligible to participate in room changes and swaps starting June 1. |
5/22/2026 | 9 a.m. EST | LLC/TC Cancellation Deadline and LLC/TC Room Changes and Room Swaps Close for Upper-Level Students | This is the final day to cancel your placement in a Living-Learning (LLC) or Themed Community (TC). If you no longer wish to participate, email housing@louisville.edu before the deadline. After this date, you'll be expected to remain in your assigned community. This is also the last day for upper-level students in an LLC or TC to change or swap rooms within their assigned community. After this deadline, no additional changes will be allowed. |
6/1/2026 | 3 p.m. EST | Room changes for LLC students who declined an LLC after their assignment begins | Upper-level and transfer students who declined their LLC/TC placement after being assigned can now log into Cards Nest to choose a new space from available general housing options. You must have officially canceled your LLC/TC by the deadline via housing@louisville.edu before participating. |