The 2023-2024 academic year saw the University of Oregon welcome the second-largest class in school history, numbering 5,057 students. The number of new students was only surpassed by last year’s incoming class of 5,338 students.

According to the U.S. News and World Report, only 29% of UO students live in university-owned, operated or affiliated housing. 
UO freshman Ivan Luna Larios lives with two others in Global Scholars Hall and is prioritizing having his own space next year. When asked what the hardest part of finding housing has been, Luna said “roommates, probably, finding roommates.” 
The housing search for students can be complicated, as they must consider things like location, price, amenities and who they choose to share their living space with.
Krystina Shank is the office manager at AG Campus Housing. She said that the primary reason students miss out on properties is because of a lack of communication between roommates and co-signers. “The prospects who are able to secure them have all applications and co-signers informed of where they want to apply,” Shank said. 
The application and approval process for students renting from AG Campus Housing is fairly quick and straightforward. “Once students are approved, we provide 48 hours to sign the lease and secure the unit,” Shank said.
AG Campus Housing does the majority of its application processes online, so students do not need to come into an office to apply for a property or sign a lease. “Make sure everyone in the group, including co-signers, are on the same page and ready to sign for the unit,” Shank said. 
Like many rental companies, AG works on a first-come, first-serve basis. Applications are processed in the order they are received. Once students have been approved to be tenants, rental companies communicate quickly over text and email. 
UO freshman Carter Lapp said that his situation, like many other students, is still up in the air. Cost is the biggest factor in Lapp’s search for a house, “[I’m] just trying to figure out what’s the best situation in terms of distance to campus, and what I can get for what price,” Lapp said.
Lapp cited growing class sizes as part of the scramble for housing that freshmen are grappling with. The influx of students to UO in the past few years has played a role in the construction of multiple residential buildings. 
Apartment complexes such as Union on Broadway and The Rive Eugene (formerly Identity) have both opened within the last two years. 
Students looking for affordable units may have to give up certain luxuries. Larger and pricier complexes around West University and Downtown often include pools, fitness centers and communal kitchen spaces. 
According to apartments.com, the average rent for a 600-square-foot apartment in the West University neighborhood is just under $1,600 a month. 

“Living off campus provides students with a sense of freedom and adulthood,” Shank said. “You can still be close to campus, events, restaurants and bars but come home to your private space that feels like home.”