I want to room with my friend at mcmaster, but he is not guaranteed residence. Is there no way to request him as a roomie if he isnt guaranteed residence?

If he isn't guaranteed, did he apply before the deadline with the deposit and whatnot, if so, there's a good chance he'll get in depending on his position on the waiting list. Just fill out the application with the same preferences as each other and request each other as roommates and hope for the best!

same thing happened with me last year. you still request each other. but in the end if your roommate isn't guaranteed residence then they'll put you with someone else. my friend ended up living in an apartment