While ApplyTexas and Common Application occupy the forefront of seniors’ minds, there’s another application to think about: Housing. With housing applications open at Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at Austin, along with many other schools, seniors need to have a strategy.

1. Be the early bird

While housing may seem like a future concern, it’s actually very pressing. All universities recommend doing your application as soon as possible. At UT Austin, you don’t even have to be admitted to reserve a space to live next year. Also, don’t wait for an Honors Acceptance letter to apply. It’s better to apply to a regular hall that is your second or third choice, then try to transfer if or when you receive your Honors letter. Seniors, please don’t put this off until March, or you may not get any of your preferences.

2. Pick housing with the right learning community

For seniors that don’t know, most universities offer learning communities, typically by college and major, which can be utilized as study groups within residence halls. If the information is provided to you, pick the residence hall with the learning community most beneficial to you.

3. Look at the campus map

Do you think you’ll spend a lot of nights cramming at the university library? If so, you probably don’t want to live in a hall on the opposite side of campus. Plan on staying fit at the rec center? You’ll regret the cross campus trek on leg day. Science majors should probably avoid the hall adjacent to the English building. Ultimately, pick the location that is most useful for you.

4. Do  the research

In order to know what you want, you have to know your options! Assuming all schools are the same isn’t the way to go. Which halls are suite-style? Which ones have community bathrooms? Does that bother you? Make sure to look at laundry facilities and internet options too.  Bust out your computer, you don’t want any surprises on move-in day.