So, for new applicants, application priority is first come, first serve. The problem is that in order to get your application in asap, you may need to be willing to commit the housing deposit prior to knowing whether you’ve received any merit or need-based aid, which may be determinant in your ultimate decision to attend. That is unfortunate, but it is what it is. If UC is a frontrunner in your list of accepted universities, I’d risk possibly losing all or part of the housing deposit in order to get my housing app in when the application becomes available.
Daapmom’s daughter had a very bad experience with two of her three roommates in a Daniel’s quad, and, frankly, I think housing moved too slowly to resolve the situation. But, while there is always a possibility of a situation like that occurring, the vast majority of roommates get along well. Their aren’t many single rooms available either. Some people feel that it’s harder to meet others and make new friends while in a single. I, however, feel that whether you have a single, a double, or a quad, there are many opportunities to meet others and make friends from classes to one of the many student clubs available.
Good luck!