CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — A significant adjustment is underway at the University of Illinois regarding the housing sign-up process for returning students. Officials believe this revamped system offers a fairer approach for all involved.

Chris Axtman-Barker, the Associate Director of Communications and Marketing for University Housing, explained that this new procedure unfolds in multiple phases. The initial phase kicked off on October 20.

The first step required students to inform the university of their intention to reside in University Housing for the 2026-2027 academic year. Given the high demand and limited capacity, there is a strict cap on the number of returning students who can be accommodated.

Subsequently, those who expressed their intent to return were entered into a random lottery to decide the timing and possibility of room selection.