Dalhousie University said there will not be enough room for all incoming students right away. (Dalhousie University)

Dalhousie University says at least 75 incoming students will have to spend some time in temporary accommodations when the school year begins because of a shortage of space in residences.

Four of the university's seven residence halls are in the process of converting common areas into provisional sleeping spaces to accommodate the overflow.

All new undergraduate students are guaranteed a spot in residence if they apply before Aug. 1.

But a representative from the residence and housing office said even students who applied before the deadline are feeling the pinch because there just isn't enough space for everyone right away.

The university guarantees everyone will eventually get into a room.

"We're just asking them to bear with us. We will do the best on their behalf and moving our way through the rooms as quickly as possible," said Heather Sutherland.

Students who live in the temporary spaces will not have to pay for their accommodations, Sutherland said.

"They don't pay for their room until they get assigned to a permanent space," she said. "They live for free with us. They only pay for their meals."

Sutherland said students on the waiting list might have to live in the makeshift rooms for a few days or even a few weeks.

For Kaitlin Miles, an incoming first-year engineering student, living for free is not enough of an enticement.

"I only live in Bedford," she said. "I can stay home until the last possible minute, until I get a permanent housing spot."