Housing, fafsa, when to apply

I went to a few websites to see when I need to apply for fafsa. Every website I’ve looked at said to ask my financial aid person. But, when I submitted my application for college, it said to apply as soon as possible. I live in Alabama, so I’m not sure when I should apply. Also, when is the best time to apply for housing? I am applying to AUM, its dorms are a first come first serve kind of deal.

Housing - yes, apply as soon as possible. As soon as you are accepted, apply.
FAFSA - apply as soon as you can after January 1st.

Thanks!