Study Abroad & Housing: Important Considerations for Fall Semester 2026
by Betsy Chapman
In this Issue: we talk about study abroad and timing vs. housing considerations
Study abroad or study away (like Wake Washington) is a truly transformative experience, and we highly encourage all students to consider it! As current students (typically sophomores) begin planning for their junior year, there’s a critical housing nuance regarding which semester they choose.
The Trade-Off: Fall vs. Spring Abroad
At Wake Forest, we see significantly more juniors choose to study abroad/away in the fall semester compared to the spring. While this offers social benefits, it creates a practical housing challenge upon their return.
The core issue: Housing is assigned in the spring for the entire following academic year. When a large group of students leaves for a fall semester abroad, their on-campus rooms do not sit empty waiting for them.
The Key Takeaway for Fall Travelers:
Students who study abroad/away in the fall semester must understand they are highly unlikely to be able to live with their friends or select a full suite/apartment upon returning in the spring.
It is very likely that returning fall travelers will be placed into a vacant bed in an existing, occupied room to fill a space created by a student who graduated or moved out. This means:
New Roommates: Your student may be living with a new roommate they don’t already know.
Limited Choice: Housing options are extremely limited, and students do not select their hall, suite, or apartment.
What Students Need to Consider NOW
Before committing to a fall program, your student should ask themselves these critical questions:
Is the Fall Semester Worth the Housing Compromise? Will the experience of going abroad/away in the fall outweigh the likelihood of losing their choice of roommates and room type for the spring?
Does Spring (or Summer!) Make More Sense? By staying on campus for the fall of their junior year, students can participate in the regular housing selection process and choose their roommates and preferred on-campus housing.
Academic Fit: Which semester best aligns with required course sequencing, potential internships, and graduation requirements?
Residency Requirement and Off-Campus Leases
A common misunderstanding involves the university’s residency requirement.
Important Reminders:
Residency Requirement Applies: The semester abroad/away counts toward the six-semester residency requirement. Students who have not met this requirement must live on campus unless officially released in writing from Residence Life and Housing.
Off-Campus Lottery: Students abroad in the fall can enter an off-campus lottery to be released from their residency requirement. If they are chosen in the lottery, they are expected to live off campus spring semester of junior year and all of senior year.
Deacon Place (where many students wish to live their senior year) is considered University housing, even though it is located just off campus. So if your current junior wants to have a shot at getting a room in Deacon Place, they would NOT want to enter the off-campus lottery.
Spring Housing Selection: Students abroad in the fall will select their spring housing online in December from the vacancies available.
We share this now so your student can make an informed decision. If the idea of living with a new, randomly assigned roommate is a significant concern for your student, we strongly encourage them to consider applying for a spring semester abroad/away program instead.
