Question 1

Who is the local Realtor for SMU?

Accepted Answer

Drew Burroughs of Compass is the CollegeHousing.ai real estate contact for Southern Methodist University.

Question 2

How can I schedule a callback with Drew?

Accepted Answer

Use Schedule a Callback and include your preferred day and time, housing plan and contact details. You can also call 214-207-0731. Appointment availability is confirmed with the professional.

Question 3

How should I compare renting and buying?

Accepted Answer

Compare the complete housing arrangements, upfront cash, monthly costs, expected time near campus and plan after graduation. The rent-vs-buy calculator provides an editable illustration.

Question 4

Who can help review financing?

Accepted Answer

Matt Dean of NEXA Lending, NMLS #227603, is the financing contact. Share the property, intended occupancy and your assumptions for an eligibility review.

Question 5

Is CollegeHousing.ai affiliated with SMU?

Accepted Answer

CollegeHousing.ai and the local professionals are independent of Southern Methodist University.

Question 6

How do I confirm current property availability?

Accepted Answer

Ask Drew for current properties that fit your budget and timing. Confirm availability, price, lease or sale terms, and the specific address before making plans.

Question 7

Do first-year students have to live on campus at SMU?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SMU continues to require first-year undergraduates to live on campus, normally in a Residential Commons.

Question 8

Do sophomores have to live on campus at SMU?

Accepted Answer

No for students entering in fall 2025 or later. SMU removed the second-year residency requirement while keeping optional sophomore housing subject to space.

Question 9

When does the 2026–27 SMU housing application open?

Accepted Answer

SMU states that the 2026–27 housing application becomes available in February 2026.

Question 10

When should an incoming first-year student apply for SMU housing?

Accepted Answer

SMU tells incoming first-year students to apply as soon as they pay the enrollment deposit and by May 10 unless admitted later.

Question 11

Where does my student apply for SMU housing?

Accepted Answer

The student applies in the SMU Housing Portal using SMU credentials and multifactor authentication.

Question 12

What happens if my student applies late for SMU housing?

Accepted Answer

Late applications may receive rolling assignments when space permits; preferred community, room type, and roommate are less certain.

Question 13

Is on-campus housing available for transfer students?

Accepted Answer

Transfer housing is very limited and space-available. Transfers have had no residency requirement since fall 2023 and should maintain an off-campus plan.

Question 14

Can returning SMU students live on campus?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Returning residents apply through reapplication and room selection; availability and eligibility rules control the assignment.

Question 15

Can a current off-campus student apply to return to SMU housing?

Accepted Answer

The student may contact RLSH; SMU may open applications in April if space is available, with assignments made later on a space-available basis.

Question 16

Does SMU have a housing waitlist?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SMU publishes 2026–27 returning-student waitlists in the Housing Portal beginning in late March.

Question 17

Is the SMU Housing License Agreement binding?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SMU publishes formal cancellation and release processes with financial penalties, so families should treat acceptance as a binding commitment.

Question 18

Is there an SMU housing deposit?

Accepted Answer

SMU cancellation guidance refers to a housing deposit and says certain non-required students forfeit it when canceling before assignment. The exact universal amount should be confirmed in the student’s agreement.

Question 19

What are the fall 2026 SMU housing cancellation penalties?

Accepted Answer

SMU lists $1,500 for May 2–June 1, $2,500 for June 2–30, $3,500 for July 1–31, and full fall rent beginning August 1.

Question 20

What are the spring 2027 SMU housing cancellation penalties?

Accepted Answer

SMU lists $2,500 for December 1–31, $3,500 for January 1–14, and full spring rent beginning January 15.

Question 21

How does my student cancel an SMU housing agreement?

Accepted Answer

Submit the request electronically through the Housing Portal or in writing to RLSH; email requests must come from the student’s SMU email.

Question 22

How can a first-year student request release from the SMU residency requirement?

Accepted Answer

Complete the housing application, then submit the portal release process with a written statement and proposed address. RLSH reviews requests on a rolling basis.

Question 23

When should a first-year residency-release request be submitted?

Accepted Answer

SMU says students submitting by April 15 receive a response in May; decisions are sent to the student’s SMU email.

Question 24

What happens if SMU approves a residency-requirement release?

Accepted Answer

SMU says approval forfeits the student’s guaranteed-housing position for the remainder of the student’s time at SMU.

Drew Burroughs

Your Southern Methodist University Realtor®

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