Department of Housing Operations

The Department of Housing Operations at Grand Canyon University manages the housing reservations and logistical needs of both new and returning residential community on campus. They oversee the planning of living area allocation and growth, the creation and maintenance of online housing selection processes, as well as the communication and accountability of housing policies and deadlines.

Housing Operations seeks to provide student-centric, premier customer service by keeping students informed of housing opportunities and responsibilities, offering an efficient and intuitive housing selection process and empowering students to navigate housing needs and priorities. Striving for continual improvement of student service, processes and policies are paramount to Housing Operations.

The Department of Housing Operations provides student centric, premier customer service by keeping students informed of housing opportunities and responsibilities and offering an efficient, intuitive housing selection process.

  • We seek to empower and develop students to navigate housing needs and priorities.
  • We strive for continual improvement of student service, processes and policies.

Contact Housing Operations

602-639-6240
[email protected]
Student Life, Building 26

Important Dates

Housing Policies


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Student Housing

GCU offers a variety of housing options for new and returning students. Our suite-style residence halls and apartments offer all the amenities you need to make GCU your home away from home. All students must meet the Housing Eligibility Requirements to live on campus. Browse through our housing options to learn more!


Housing Selection

The housing selection processes for new and returning students occurs during two different time periods based on the needs of each group. Returning students select housing during the spring term of the academic year, allowing time to understand campus housing and develop an idea of where and with whom they might like to live during the next academic year.

Apply for Housing

GCU hopes that all students who desire to live in on-campus housing are able to do so. GCU strives to intentionally maintain viable options for all students. In the event that returning students are unable to choose a bed on campus due to capacity, GCU has created contingency plans to open further housing options as needed.

Returner Student Application

Available starting Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024, at 8:30 am

Returning Student Housing Application Deadlines

Housing Allocations Map

Housing Eligibility Requirements

When the Returning Student Housing Application launches, applicants must meet the above eligibility requirements to access the application. Students will receive an access date that will allow them to start Step 1 of the application. During this step, students will be able to pay the nonrefundable, nontransferable $250 application fee or the $200 prepayment and update their basic bio information.

Step 2 of the application is an optional step where eligible students create roommate groups of two or four students.

During Step 3, students will select their housing and meal plan and sign and submit their applications. Housing selection timeslots for Step 3 will be assigned to students in order of most completed credits to the least for those that complete Step 1 by the priority deadline.

Learn About Express Renewal (Optional)

Available through Monday, Feb. 19, 2024

If a resident’s current bed is eligible for express renewal they will be notified of their opportunity to re-select that bed for the next academic year. Students who participate in express renewal will complete their entire housing application during Step 1 and therefore will not be eligible for roommate groups (Step 2). If the student changes their mind about renewing their current bed for next year, they will need to utilize the room switch option, available starting during Step 3 through July 1.

Learn About Honors Priority Selection (Optional)

Opt in available through Monday, Feb. 19, 2024

Students enrolled and accepted in the Honors College before the start of Step 1, Feb. 1, 2024, will have the option to participate in Honors Priority Housing Selection. This means that students who complete Step 1 by Feb. 19, 2024 and opt in will receive a Step 3 housing selection timeslot of March 19, 2024, a day before everyone else. Timeslots for Honors Priority will be ordered from most to least completed credits within the group.

Participants will be able to create a roommate group or pair with other students who also opted into Honors Priority Selection and will have the option to select from any available bed on campus (there is no specific honors residence hall or apartment). If an Honors Priority Selection student would like to live with someone who is not also in Honors Priority Selection, the other person can select the same room as the honors student during their housing selection timeslot if the room is available.

Learn About Roommate Groups (Optional)

Starting Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024

Available through Friday, March 8, 2024

Returners can create roommate groups of two or four during Step 2 of the Returner Housing Application. To qualify to participate in roommate groups, students must complete Step 1 by the priority deadline of Feb. 19, 2024. Students will also only be able to create roommate groups with those who have selected the same opportunity during Step 1. For example, a student who has selected the Honors Priority Selection, can only form a roommate group with others who also opted into Honors Priority Selection.

Housing selection timeslots will be sent out to students before the start of Step 2. This will help students determine who should be the group leader. Because the group leader is the person who assigns beds for the entire group, it is common that the student with the earliest housing selection timeslot be assigned the role.

Learn About Room Switch (Optional)

Available through Monday, July 1, 2024

Room switch is a tool built into the Returner Housing Application that allows students to switch into a different, available bed on campus. Students are able to room switch as many times as they would like until the deadline. Students will only see the room switch option after they have completed their housing application and have reached the application status page.

Move-In Appointment Selection

Move-in appointment access dates begin Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 8:30 am for returning students

A move-in appointment is required for students to move in during Welcome Week. Students will be able to select a move-in appointment in the Housing Portal starting on their assigned access date. Access dates will be assigned based on application complete date and emailed to student's GCU email account at the end of April.

Students do NOT have to select their move-in appointment at the exact time of their access date. Instead, this indicates the earliest a student will be able to see move-in appointments in the Housing Portal.

Returner Housing Application Important Dates

Step 1 begins Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024
Step 1 priority deadline Monday, Feb. 19, 2024
Step 2 (roommate groups) Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024 – Friday, March 8, 2024
Step 3 (honors priority selection) Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Step 3 (standard housing selection begins) Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Step 3 (late applicants select) Thursday, March 28, 2024
Deadline to cancel with no cancellation fee May 1, 2024
Move-in appointment selection May 1, 2024 – Welcome Week
Room switch deadline July 1, 2024
Deadline to cancel with $200 cancellation fee July 1, 2024
Deadline to cancel with $400 cancellation fee Before 5 pm on Sept. 3, 2024
Students cancelling after this date owe full fall rent and a $400 cancellation fee for spring After 5 pm on Sept. 3, 2024

New Student Application

Available Starting: Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023 at 8:30 am

New Student Housing Guide

New Student Housing Application Deadlines

Housing Eligibility Requirements

When the New Student Application launches, applicants must meet the above eligibility requirements to access the application (approved immunizations need to be complete to select a move-in appointment). Once eligible, students will be able to pay the $250 nonrefundable, nontransferable application fee, update their basic bio information, select a bed on campus, select a meal plan, review renter’s insurance information, sign the contract and submit the application.

Students will also see various options within the New Student Housing Application including roommate matching, Living Learning Communities (LLCs) and Room Switch. 

Move-In Appointment Selection

Assigned access dates begin Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 8:30 am 

A move-in appointment is required for students to move in during Welcome Week. Students will be able to select a move-in appointment in the Housing Portal starting on their assigned access date. Access dates are assigned weekly, based on application complete date, and emailed to student's GCU email account.

Students do NOT have to make their move-in appointment at the exact time of their access date. Instead, this indicates the earliest a student will be able to see move-in appointments in the Housing Portal.

Keep in mind, approved immunization records are required to live on campus and will be required to select a move-in appointment.

Learn About Roommate Matching (Optional)

Available Through: Thursday, March 14, 2024

Students filling out the New Student Housing Application will have the opportunity to form a linked roommate pair. The roommate search option allows students to search for a roommate by name, roommate matching questions, or suggested matches based on compatibility. Roommate matching is not required and is only available for a limited time. If the roommate matching deadline has passed, students will still be able to see the profiles of potential roommates when selecting their bed.

Learn what roommate matching questions you will be asked.

Learn About Living Learning Communities (Optional for those who qualify)

Opt in Available Through: Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, pending bed availability

LLC Waitlists Available Through: Friday, March 15, 2024

Living Learning Communities (LLCs) provide an opportunity for new students ages 17-19 in select programs to live in close, tight-knit communities where they can build new friendships and networks with others in their program. Students who qualify and opt in to living in an LLC during the housing selection process can look forward to exclusive events and opportunities. LLCs currently exist for new students ages 17-19 in:

  • Colangelo College of Business (CCOB)
  • College of Arts and Media (CAM)
  • College of Nursing and Health Care Professions (CONHCP)
  • College of Theology (COT)
  • Honors
  • Psychology
  • Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM)
  • College of Education (COE)

All LLCs are housed in Juniper Hall, located in the Grove, and offer double and/or triple occupancy options. LLC housing is limited and fills up fast! If the beds are filled, students interested in the Living Learning Communities will have access to LLC waitlists. Placement is not guaranteed.

Learn About Room Switch (Optional)

Available Through: Monday, July 1, 2024

Room switch is a tool built into the New Student Housing Application that allows students to switch into a different, available bed on campus. Students are able to room switch as many times as they would like until the deadline, even if they have already signed and submitted their housing contract.

New Student Application Important Dates

New student housing application opens Nov. 8, 2023
Last day to opt into LLCs (pending bed availability) Feb. 29, 2024
LLC waitlists available (pending bed availability) March 1 – March 15, 2024
Roommate matching closes March 14, 2024
Deadline to cancel with no cancellation fee May 1, 2024
Move-in appointment selection May 1, 2024 – Welcome Week
Room switch deadline July 1, 2024
Deadline to cancel with $200 cancellation fee July 1, 2024
Deadline to cancel with $400 cancellation fee Before 5 pm on Sept. 3, 2024
Students cancelling after this date owe full fall rent and a $400 cancellation fee for spring After 5 pm on Sept. 3, 2024

Spring Only Housing Selection

Review the upcoming dates and deadlines for Spring Only Housing selection.

Spring Only Housing Application Deadlines

Spring Only Housing FAQ

Summer Housing Application

Available starting Friday, March 1, 2024 at 10 am

Summer Housing Overview

To be eligible to live on campus for the summer semester, applicants must:

Summer Housing Eligibility Requirements

View Summer Frequently Asked Questions

Learn about Roommate Pairs (Optional)

Starts Friday, March 1, 2024

Available through Monday, April 1, 2024

  • During Step 1 of the summer housing application, applicants will be able to select one other student to create a roommate pair with. This optional feature is only available to students who complete Step 1 of the application before the April 1 priority deadline.
  • Students who complete Step 1 after April 1 or who are not currently living on campus for Spring 2024 and choose to move into summer housing on Friday, May 3 (9 am – noon), are unable to participate in roommate pairing.
  • It is recommended that the applicant with the earliest selection timeslot is the group leader.

Learn About Self-Selection for Summer

Starts Wednesday, April 10 – Friday, April 12, 2024 based on timeslots

Summer Housing Locations: Antelope Apartments, Jerome Apartments, Cactus Apartments and Diamondback Apartments

  • Students will be able to select their own bed for Summer 2024 during Step 2 of the summer housing application.
  • Selection timeslots will be assigned in order of most completed credits to least.
  • Due to varying university needs, there are limited buildings open for summer housing and no student can stay in their current spring bed, even if they are in a summer building.
  • Though it will be avoided whenever possible, after a student selects a bed for summer they may have to be moved by the university. Please see the Summer FAQs for more information.

Learn About Contingency Housing

  • Contingency housing is designed as a temporary place for students whose Fall 2024 housing is not yet available.
  • Contingency housing will be in a residence hall, in double occupancy suites.
  • It is advised that if you are a summer resident or approved for early move-in to not select any of the summer buildings for your Fall 2024 housing.

Please see the Summer FAQs for more information.

Summer Important Dates

Summer 2024 housing application opens Friday, March 1
Summer 2024 housing application Step 1 priority deadline Monday, April 1
Summer 2024 housing application Step 2: Housing Selection for students who complete Step 1 by the priority deadline Wednesday, April 10 – Friday, April 12
Summer 2024 housing application Step 2: Housing Selection for students completing Step 1 after priority deadline Friday, April 12
Deadline to cancel with no cancellation fee Saturday, April 20
Summer housing move-in for students with no Spring 2024 booking Friday, May 3 (9 am – noon)
Summer 2024 room switch deadline Thursday, May 2
Deadline to cancel with $200 cancellation fee Monday, May 6 (before 5 pm)
Housing cancellation deadline, residents responsible for full summer rent Monday, May 6 (after 5 pm)
Spring to Summer 2024 move-in Friday, May 10 – (9 am – 8 pm)
Saturday, May 11 – (9 am – 8 pm)
Sunday, May 12 – (noon – 8 pm)
Monday, May 13 – (9 am – noon)
Spring 2024 move-over deadline Monday, May 13 (by noon)
Summer to Fall 2024 or contingency move-in Friday, Aug. 2 – (9 am – 8 pm)
Saturday, Aug. 3 – (9 am – 8 pm)
Sunday, Aug. 4 – (noon – 8 pm)
Monday, Aug. 5 – (9 am – noon)
Summer 2024 move-over deadline Monday, Aug. 5 (by noon)
Deadline for students with no Fall 2024 booking to move-out Saturday, Aug. 17 (by noon)
Deadline for students in contingency housing to move-out Friday, Aug. 23 (by noon)
Meal plans (optional): (per semester)
No Meal Plan $0
Canyon $250 $250
Canyon $500 $500
Canyon $825 $825
Canyon $1,100 $1,100
Summer housing rates: (per semester)
Apartment $2,000

Housing Costs

GCU is committed to keeping housing costs low. Housing and meal plan costs are dependent on the accommodations you seek and the type of meal plan you select. Explore our room and board rates to find a plan that fits your needs and budget.

Room and Board Costs

Cancel Housing

If you need to cancel housing before the end of your Housing Contract, you will need to fill out the Housing Cancellation Form. The form can be found by logging into your housing portal and clicking on "Forms." 

 

Residence Life

The Department of Residence Life offers a co-curricular experience for students by providing a community learning plan developed by our student leaders. Visit the Residence Life page for information about what to bring, student conduct and living with roommates.

Welcome Programs

The Department of Welcome Programs is committed to supporting new students as they transition to GCU by creating an impactful orientation experience and facilitating meaningful connections to GCU resources and community. Please visit the Welcome Programs webpage for more information on Welcome Week, New Student Orientation, move-in and Fostering Futures.

Virtual Housing Tour

Visit the housing accommodations on GCU's beautiful campus from wherever you are in the world. These virtual tours provide a 360-degree views, photo and information to help you choose the best on-campus housing for your lifestyle.

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