UMich Housing Deadline Question

So I just got an email saying that the first deadline for housing applications is May 7th. However on the email I received it said you can pay the housing deposit within 30 days. I dont understand what they mean by this…Anyone has any clarifications??

It does seem contradictory, but the website states that the deadline is May 7 in order to be guaranteed housing. After that it’s on a first come first serve basis.

As freshmen, you must meet this deadline to be put in the housing lottery for guaranteed housing. Unless you applied and were accepted to a RC, all remaining housing will be lottery based. You will eventually receive an email to accept your housing assignment. If not addressed within the short response window, it will be released back into inventory for the next “lottery” recipient pulled.