Parents & Family

Housing FAQs

When can students apply for Housing?

Students must first apply and be accepted to UMD.  In January, accepted students are asked to choose an orientation date to come to UMD and register for classes.  A confirmation of their orientation date is sent to the student, at which time they will be able to print off a housing application at home. (ALL HOUSING APPLICATIONS MUST BE PRINTED OFF BY STUDENT)   If a student does not pick an orientation date they will not be able to print an application.  The application/contract and a $200 advance payment by May 1st at the latest.  THE HOUSING CONTRACT IS BINDING FOR THE ENTIRE ACADEMIC YEAR, OR AS LONG AS THE STUDENT IS REGISTERED AT UMD.

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Can students request their roommate?

The housing office tries to place students who have requested each other as roommates together when possible.  If the students have applied to UMD within two weeks of each other we can place them together.  If they applied to UMD more than two weeks apart, the assignment would be made using the later application date, which may move the students out of their first housing choice.  The housing office will contact the student with the earliest date to determine if they would like to live with their roommate request, or be placed in housing based on their own application date.

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When do students receive their housing assignment?

Assignment letters are mailed to students August 1st.  The letter will contain the room assignment, local mailing address and telephone number, and the name(s) and address(es) of the roommate(s).

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Why didn't my student get their first housing choice?

Assignments are made based on the student's application date to UMD.  Students who apply early (before October 1) have a better chance of being assigned to their first building choice.  The housing office cannot guarantee the availability of spaces in a particular building.

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How do students apply for a parking permit?

A residence parking permit must be purchased to park in a residence parking lot.  The number of residence parking permits is limited; the university cannot guarantee parking spaces for every student who brings a vehicle to campus.  After students receive their assignment letters, they will be able to apply for a residence parking permit online. (NO PARKING PERMIT APPLICATIONS WILL BE SENT TO STUDENT)   Students are encouraged to apply on line as soon as possible.

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Can students change their meal plan choice?

Students who live in the residence halls and suites are required to be on a meal plan.  Students may contact the housing office VIA EMAIL through the first week of August to change their meal plan.  During the first two weeks of the semester, students may change their meal plan at the cashier's desk, located in the dining center.

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How are students billed for housing?

The $200 advance payment and the housing charges are placed on the student's account at the beginning of each semester.  A bill that includes all the charges a student has for the semester (tuition, housing, lab fees, etc) is sent to the student the second week of the semester.  All payments are sent to the student accounts receivable office.

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My daughter/son doesn't like her/his roommate.  Can they switch?

After school begins, students are encouraged to discuss conflicts with their roommate.  Resident Advisors are also available to help students work with their roommates to resolve conflicts.  If a student wishes to move to another space on campus, he/she must go to the housing office to inquire about room openings on campus.  A student may move to another open space any time during the academic year.

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What's provided in a residence hall room?

Residence hall rooms are furnished with beds and mattresses (36" x 80"), mattress pad, draperies, desks and desk chairs, drawer and closet space, study lamps, wastebaskets, compact refrigerator and telephone with voice mail.  Students may bring their own microwave oven (1000 watts maximum) and coffee maker.  Rooms are not carpeted.

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Are first-year students required to live on campus the first year?

No; however, about 85% of them do and about 38% of our total population lives either in the residence halls or university apartments. We strongly encourage first-year students to live on campus due to the proximity and accessibility of the residence halls to classes. In addition, the first year is the optimal time to become involved in campus organizations, meet new friends and establish relationships that may continue beyond the college years.

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How is housing assigned?

Housing is assigned on a priority basis according to date of application for admission. Students who return housing contracts postmarked no later than May 1st, will be assigned a space in university housing or university-sponsored housing based on the date of application for admission to UMD and the availability of space. Students who wish to share a room should apply for admission within a month of one another and each should indicate the preferred roommate on the housing application.

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Can I have a computer in my residence hall?

Yes, you can. Each residence hall room has an optional computer connection for each resident. Students can purchase a kit at the Computer Corner (store on campus), which will enable access to the network via an ethernet connection.  All students have access Internet and email on numerous computer labs that are located throughout the campus. Additional information about computers.

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My student received literature about buying sheets for the UMD extra long beds? Is it true that UMD has extra long beds? Do I have to buy the sheets/bedding from this company?

Mattresses provided are 36"x80", which is considered twin, extra-long (Twin XL). Standard twin fitted sheets will not fit the mattresses provided. Twin-Extra Long sheets are available at most major department stores. Students are not required to purchase them from a specific source. Typically, student groups on campus will sell residence hall linens as a fund raiser. It is important for students and parents to note that UMD Housing is not involved in the sale of bed linens and does not sponsor/endorse any of the groups that may do so.

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