Housing Options For American University Law Students

American University in Washington, D.C., does not provide housing for graduate students, including law students. However, the university offers resources to help admitted law students find housing in the D.C. area, including a housing guide, off-campus housing postings, and a discussion board for connecting with other students to find roommates. While on-campus housing is guaranteed for first- and second-year undergraduate students, many upper-class students, as well as graduate and law students, choose to live off-campus in the metropolitan area.

On-campus housing for first- and second-year students

On-campus housing is guaranteed for first- and second-year undergraduate students at American University, Washington, D.C. The housing application process for the 2025-2026 academic year is straightforward and consists of three simple steps.

Step 1: Submit your application

The housing application for the upcoming academic year will open at noon on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, for students who have already submitted a housing deposit. The application can be accessed through the AU Housing Portal, where students can complete their Roommate Matching Questions and review and agree to the Housing License Agreement (HLA). The priority deadline for first-year students to submit their applications is Wednesday, May 7, at 11:59 PM. Students who apply after this date will receive a selection timeslot at the end of the process.

Step 2: Choose your roommate(s)

Roommate matching begins at noon on Monday, May 12, 2025. Students can match with 1-3 roommates through the AU Housing Portal. The majority of available first-year rooms are traditional double rooms, with a limited number of traditional triples (3 students) and Centennial Suites (4 students). Students can choose to match with someone they know or search for a potential roommate using the roommate profile questions. It is important to note that if you are part of a Special Housing Community or participating in All-Gender Housing, you can only view and match with others in the same category.

Step 3: Select your home at AU

Students will be assigned a timeslot between June 2 and June 9, 2025, to select their room. The earliest timeslots are given to Early Decision students, followed by regular decision students who are randomly assigned a timeslot. Students will receive their timeslot for selection on Friday, May 16, 2025. Using the AU Housing Portal, students can select a room when their timeslot begins and must make a selection by noon on Tuesday, June 10. Those who do not select a room by this date will be automatically assigned a space by Housing & Residence Life.

First-year students at American University typically reside in Anderson, Centennial, Hughes, Letts, McDowell, and Roper Halls. It is important to note that while Centennial Hall offers suite-style rooms, most first-year students should expect to reside in a traditional residence hall.

While on-campus housing is guaranteed for first- and second-year undergraduate students, many upper-class students, as well as graduate and law students, choose to live off-campus in the DC-metropolitan area. American University provides resources to assist students in finding off-campus housing, including an Off-Campus Housing Posting Site and a Graduate Student Housing Guide.

Off-campus housing for law students

American University, Washington, D.C.

American University in Washington, D.C., offers on-campus housing for law students. However, for those seeking off-campus housing, there are several options available. The university provides resources and guidance to help students find suitable accommodations. The following are some important considerations and resources for law students looking for off-campus housing:

University Resources

The university's Office of Residence Life supports all students in selecting and securing off-campus housing. They host a housing fair each spring, connecting students with local rental opportunities. The office also provides year-round guidance through its website, offering resources for selecting apartments, reviewing leases, and resolving landlord-tenant conflicts.

Online Platforms

Various online platforms, such as ForRentUniversity.com, offer a wide range of off-campus housing options near American University. These websites allow you to filter and search for apartments based on criteria like price, number of bedrooms, distance from campus, pet policy, safety features, and amenities.

Georgetown Law, Washington, D.C.

Georgetown Law also offers resources for law students seeking off-campus housing in Washington, D.C. While they provide on-campus housing options, they also assist students in exploring off-campus opportunities. Here are some resources available to Georgetown Law students:

Off-Campus Housing Website

Georgetown Law has a dedicated Off-Campus Housing Website, where students can register and search for housing and roommates. The website also provides information on nearby rental properties close to the main campus.

Office of Residence Life and Student Housing

The Office of Residence Life and Student Housing supports law students in finding off-campus accommodations. They provide rental listings specifically for Georgetown Law students and offer guidance on important considerations when selecting off-campus housing. Their website offers resources for apartment selection, lease review, and conflict resolution between landlords and tenants.

Housing deposit and application process

On-Campus Housing

American University does not provide housing for graduate students, including law students. However, there are on-campus housing options for first- and second-year undergraduate students. The housing application process for these students involves three main steps: submitting a housing deposit, applying through the AU Housing Portal, and choosing a roommate and selecting a room.

To secure their preferred housing option, students should submit their enrollment and housing deposits to the Office of Admissions as soon as possible. The housing application typically opens in April for students who have already submitted their housing deposit, and there is a priority deadline in May for first-year students.

Off-Campus Housing

For those seeking off-campus housing, American University offers resources such as an Off-Campus Posting Site, a housing guide, and an admitted students housing discussion board. The Off-Campus Posting Site allows students to search for housing options, find roommates, and even search for sublet opportunities. Additionally, the university provides a Graduate Student Housing Guide and a Graduate Student Housing Portal with information on popular DC neighborhoods and apartment buildings.

Summer Housing

American University also offers summer housing options for participants of specific programs, allowing them to stay in the university's dorms on the main campus. Reservations can be made for a period that begins two days before the start of the program and ends two days after the last day of classes. The rates for summer housing are usually provided per person per night and do not include taxes or other fees.

Roommate selection

American University in Washington, D.C., provides on-campus housing for first- and second-year undergraduate students. However, the university does not provide housing for graduate students, including law students. Despite this, the university offers resources to assist graduate law students in finding housing in the D.C. area. These resources include a housing guide, off-campus housing postings, and an admitted students housing discussion board to connect with other students looking for roommates.

When selecting a roommate as a law student at American University, there are several steps you can take to find a suitable match. Here are some instructive and focused guidelines:

• Utilize the Off-Campus Housing Postings: American University provides an Off-Campus Housing Posting Site specifically designed to help students find housing and roommates. Sign up using your AU student email address, and create a roommate profile by filling out information about your preferences and interests. This platform allows you to search for potential roommates by filtering based on criteria such as gender preference, smoking habits, pet ownership, cleaning habits, graduation year, and more.
• Connect with Other Law Students: Focus your search on connecting with other law students who are also seeking roommates. You can use the admitted students housing discussion board provided by the university to link up with fellow law students. This way, you can find roommates who understand the demands of your program and may have similar schedules and lifestyles.
• Consider Compatibility: When selecting a roommate, consider your own preferences and lifestyle habits. Think about factors such as sleep schedules, study habits, cleanliness, social preferences, and any other aspects that are important to you in a shared living space. Be open and honest about your expectations to ensure a harmonious living environment.
• Communicate and Ask Questions: Once you've identified potential roommates through the Off-Campus Housing Posting Site or other sources, take the time to communicate with them directly. Ask questions about their daily routines, habits, and preferences. Discuss important topics such as guests, noise levels, shared spaces, and any other concerns you may have. This will help you determine if you are compatible as roommates.
• Set Ground Rules: Before finalizing your roommate selection, establish ground rules and expectations for living together. Discuss topics such as chore division, shared expenses, quiet hours, and any other guidelines you feel are important for a respectful and comfortable living environment. By setting these rules in advance, you can avoid potential conflicts and misunderstandings.
• Be Open-Minded: Keep an open mind during your roommate search. You may be matched with someone who has different interests or habits, but that doesn't mean you can't live together harmoniously. Embrace diversity and be willing to compromise and adapt to create a positive and inclusive living environment.

Remember, selecting a roommate is a mutual decision, so be respectful of others' preferences as well. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of finding a compatible roommate who aligns with your lifestyle and expectations as a law student at American University.

Housing options for summer school

American University in Washington, D.C., offers a variety of housing options for students attending summer school. The university guarantees on-campus housing for first- and second-year undergraduate students, but not for graduate students, including law students. Here are some options for housing during the summer school period:

On-Campus Housing

American University's main campus dormitories are available to summer school participants, with reservations allowed from two days before the program starts until two days after the last day of classes. The rate for summer housing in 2020 was $65.00 per person per night, not including taxes.

Off-Campus Housing

The university provides resources to help students find off-campus housing in the DC-metropolitan area. The Off-Campus Housing Postings site allows students to search for housing options and find potential roommates with similar interests and preferences. Additionally, the Graduate Student Housing Portal offers a comprehensive site for graduate students, including guides to different neighbourhoods and listings of popular apartments.

Nearby Apartments

There are numerous apartments available for rent near the American University campus. Options include studio, one-bedroom, and multi-bedroom apartments, with a range of prices to suit different budgets. Some specific options within a few miles of the campus include:

• The Seasons Apartments (studio and one-bedroom options)
• The Residences at Capital Crescent Trail (studio to three-bedroom options)
• The Barton at Woodley (studio and two-bedroom options)
• Harvard Hall Apartments (studio and two-bedroom options)

Frequently asked questions