Frequently Asked Questions

Applications and Assignments

When and how should I apply?

You can apply for campus housing as soon as you are admitted to the University, even before you officially commit. Once you set up your NetID and password, you can complete the online housing application. The application also requires you to pay a $150 non-refundable application fee within 72 hours. Upon completion, you will receive an email confirmation; if you don’t, contact Residence Life immediately. If you do not have access to a computer, contact Residence Life at (520) 621-6501.

NOTE: Fall applications are for the entire academic year.

When will I receive an assignment?

You will be invited, via your UA email, to Self-Assign to a hall. Self-Assign allows you to pick the hall and room type or themed community you want to live in, based on availability. Students are invited in groups, based on a variety of assignment priorities, starting in late February, and ongoing till school starts. You may check your assignment status at any time at My UAHousing. 

Your roommate assignment will be mailed in mid-July. It includes your hall address, room number, phone number and your roommate’s contact information. Roommate assignments are not available before mid-July.

How do I change my hall assignment?

Once you have completed your hall Self-Assign process, submitted your License Agreement, and paid you Confirmation Rent Payment you are eligible to select another hall (reassignment).

• There will be specific times when reassignment is available
• Your first hall reassignment is free
• Any additional hall reassignments are $15 each
• Reassignment hall options depend on availability
• There are no hall changes after June 30

What if I need to cancel my housing assignment?

If you need to cancel your housing, you must notify Residence Life in writing (letter, fax, or email). If you cancel your housing by May 1, 2013, the Confirmation Rent Payment, if paid, will be refunded. After May 1, it is not refundable. The $150 application fee is not refundable at any time. 

Why did Residence Life cancel my housing assignment?

If you have completed the Self-Assign process to select a residence hall and did not pay your University Enrollment Deposit and Confirmation Rent Payment by May 1, 2013, or failed to submit your signed License Agreement by the deadline specified, then your housing assignment will automatically be cancelled.

How do I request a roommate?

To request a roommate you must complete the online roommate request form before July 1. To complete the form you will need your requested roommate’s first and last name, NetID and birthday.

Before you can complete the roommate request application either you or your roommate must have already self-assigned to a hall.

• What if I have an assigned hall but my roommate doesn’t yet? – You can request that your roommate be assigned to your hall by completing the Roommate Request Application in My UAHousing (depends on availability and as long as your requested roommate has an active housing application).
• What if both my roommate and I have an assigned hall? – Once both of you are assigned to the SAME hall (one or both of you may need to reassign yourselves), one of you needs to initiate the roommate request application.
• What if I don’t have an assigned hall yet? – If your roommate has an assignment, he/she can complete a roommate request application and request that you be assigned to his/her hall (depending on availability).

How do I find a roommate?

Residence Life has partnered with the outside vendor, RoomSurf to provide a free roommate matching service. The service is a Facebook-enabled application that helps you connect and find a roommate that is also moving into UA campus housing. RoomSurf now allows you to sort your matches by hall. If you find a roommate on RoomSurf, you must complete the online Residence Life roommate request form, in order to be assigned together.

How do you match roommates if I do not request one?

Our random computerized system matches roommates based only on gender and smoking preferences.

Should I request a roommate?

It isn’t required. About 50% of our students do not request roommates and our research shows they are just as happy as students who do request a roommate.

What do I do if I don't get along with my roommate?

At the beginning of the semester roommates have the opportunity to sit down with their RA and discuss expectations in the room. It is important to fully engage in this conversation and give serious thought to your expectations and clearly communicate them. If issues arise your RA is your best resource.

Can I change room or halls once I move in?

Yes, we have a process detailed on the Hall/Room Transfer page.

Are the residence halls co-ed?

Almost all of the residence halls are co-ed with the exception of two all female halls – Parker and Maricopa. Co-ed halls have single gender rooms and typically single gender floors or wings. A few halls have co-ed wings. Bathrooms are single gender, not co-ed.

Are single rooms available?

There are a limited number of single rooms available in some but not all halls. Check the Rates page to learn which halls have singles. We encourage you to apply early if you would like to request a single room.

Can I take a virtual tour of the residence halls?

Yes, hall videos for each hall can be found on their hall description page.

Are freshman required to live on campus?

Incoming freshmen are not required to live on campus but are encouraged do to so. More than 80% of the students who live on campus are freshmen. Life in a residence hall is more than just a place to sleep and study; it is about making new friends, building relationships, and being part of a caring and diverse community. It is also an opportunity to learn more about yourself, make informed decisions, manage your time effectively, and succeed academically.

Did you know that first-year students who live in the halls have an 11.8% higher GPA than first-year students who live off-campus.

Do all freshman live in the same hall?

We do not have halls designated to class standings. Each of our 23 residence halls can house freshman through seniors.

Is summer housing available?

Yes, on campus summer housing is available each summer. In order to be eligible, you must be admitted to the University of Arizona and enrolled in University classes. Housing is limited and is based on a first-come, first-serve basis, so apply early when applications are online, usually in March for the upcoming summer.

We also offer 12-month housing for students interested in living with us for the entire year.

Is winter housing available?

Yes, we now offer 12-month housing for students interested in living with us for the entire year.

Is housing available on campus during the summer for student workers?

Yes, you must be enrolled in a summer session class or be employed by Residence Life to live in a hall during the summer.

Residence halls close at 5pm on Friday at the end of each semester. Are there exceptions to stay longer?

Students who have extenuating circumstances that would make it difficult or impossible to move out by noon on the last Saturday of the semester should consult with the Hall Community Director well in advance. 

When is move-in?

Please visit our Move-in page for specifics.

I need to move in before the halls officially open, is this possible?

We do offer some early move-in options. Please visit our Move-in page for specifics. We also offer 12-month housing for students interested in living with us for the entire year.

I'm dropping below 12 credits, do I have to move out?

Generally, if this is the first semester you have dropped below 12 credits, you will receive a letter reminding you of our policy of housing full-time students. This letter will also refer you to campus resources that might be helpful such as Academic Advising and the Tutorial Center. If you are dropping below 12 credits for a second consecutive semester, you will need to meet with your Hall Community Director to review your situation more closely.

Amenities and Services

How and when do I pay for my hall rent?

• Your rent will be billed each semester (60% in the fall and 40% in the spring) to your student bursar account. You may pay directly online through UAccess.
• You can register for an optional payment plan which allows you to pay rent in three installments each semester.
• Rates are reviewed in April each year by the Arizona Board of Regents. Any changes to the rates will be posted in April as soon as they are announced.

What utilities are included in the rent?

Rent includes: Electricity, gas, water, air conditioning and heating, cable television (“Extended Basic”), local phone service (one line per room or apartment), one internet data connection per student and  WiFi in every residence hall.

What's included in my room and hall?

Your room includes:

• Furniture for each resident: twin size bed, desk with chair, closet, dresser, trash can and recycle tote
• Carpet (except Yavapai), window blinds and peephole in door

Your hall includes:

• Laundry facilities, community kitchens, study rooms, recreation lounges and outdoor courtyards with barbeque areas
• ATMs, vending machines and ice machines
• Bike racks outside all buildings
• Staffed front desk with vacuums, pots and pans for check out
• Mail service
• Maintenance, trash and recycling
• Free tutoring

For more information visit the Amenities and Services page

What are the standard bed sizes?

The bed size for all residence halls is 80” extra long twin. Yavapai is the only exception with a 74” twin bunk bed.

Can I bring any extra furniture?

Additional furniture is permitted but students are encouraged to consider space. Also, fire and safety regulations do not allow extra furniture to block any fire exit paths.

Will you store my extra furniture?

No, all residence hall rooms are fully furnished. Please do not bring extra furniture. 

Where can I store my extra stuff?

There is no additional storage space in the residence halls. Everything you bring must fit in your room.

Will my room be carpeted?

All rooms are carpeted except in Yavapai.

How does the telephone service work?

Each room has a phone line already installed and active for local calls. Please bring your own phone and answering machine and plug it into the phone jack in your room. There are no additional charges for local calls. Long distance calls can be placed using your cell phone or any toll free calling card. All students will receive the phone number for their room upon checking in to the residence halls. 

Note to Families:  For security purposes Residence Life can not give out any personal student information including room number and phone number. Please be sure to get this information from your student before leaving.

How do I get cable TV in my room?

“Extended Basic” cable TV service is provided in your room and is included in your housing fee. Televisions and cable cords are not provided, so please bring your own coaxial cable.

How do I get internet access in my room?

You and your roommate each have a computer port for access to the University’s high speed internet. For more information visit the Technology page.

Can students bring a refrigerator or microwave to the residence hall?

Residence Life has contracted with Collegiate Concepts to provide residents a Microfridge rental program. The Microfridge is a refrigerator and microwave combination unit which can be rented for $194 for the academic year. Each resident can rent one unit. Any resident who rents a Microfridge before August 8th receives a $25 discount!

If students choose not to rent or purchase through the program, they are allowed to bring a fridge and microwave that meet the following specifications.

How often are rooms cleaned?

Students are responsible for cleaning their own rooms. Our custodial staff cleans community and suite bathrooms, lounges, and other public areas daily (Monday through Friday).

What appliances are allowed in the room?

• Permitted appliances in your room include TV, microwave, rice cooker, crockpot, radio, stereo, electronic clock and hair care devices. 
• Non-Permitted appliances include appliances with an open heating element or burner and/or those that may cause ventilation problems. Examples of Non-Permitted Appliances: toasters, toaster ovens, George Foreman grills and halogen lamps.

Are vacuums and cooking items provided in the residence halls?

Vacuums and pots and pans are available for check-out at the front desk at most residence halls.

What other items are available for check-out at the front desk?

In addition to vacuums and pots and pans, some front desks check-out recreational equipment and movies. All equipment must be returned or late fees may be charged to the students’ accounts.

Do the residence halls have laundry facilities?

All of our halls have laundry facilities with high-efficiency washers. Don’t forget to bring the HE designated laundry detergent.

What should I leave at home?

Do not bring candles, toasters, toaster ovens, George Forman-type grills (or other open plate heating devices), pets (other than fish), halogen lights, refrigerator, freezer, alcohol, drugs and weapons. Our What to Bring Checklist provides you with a complete list.

How do I recycle in the residence halls?

Residence Life has a proactive recycling program in each hall. Recycling bins are available throughout the halls and you will have a recycle tote in your room for paper. If you are interested in getting involved with recycling in the halls check out the Eco-Rep program.

How do I submit a maintenance request?

The Online Maintenance-Custodial Request allows University housing residents and staff to file a maintenance or custodial work order to request a problem within a residence hall be fixed or corrected. Click here for step by step instructions.

What do I do if a washing machine or dryer breaks in the laundry room?

Notify your Hall Director or front desk immediately and check the posted information in the laundry room.

Oh no! The toilet won't flush! How do I request a work order?

Speak to your RA or the on-duty RA and then submit an online maintenance request.

Are there elevators in the halls?

Halls with elevators include: Árbol de la Vida, Arizona-Sonora, Coconino, Colonia de la Paz, Coronado, Likins, Manzanita-Mohave, Pima, Posada San Pedro, Pueblo de la Cienega and Villa del Puente.

Dates and Deadlines

There are a number of dates and deadlines that are important for students applying to campus housing and for those already living in campus housing. Please refer to our Dates and Deadlines page for the most up to date information.

Procedures

What do I do if I lose my keys?

If you lose a key, you are responsible for the cost of changing the lock(s) and key replacement. Key charges are $50 per room/apartment keys, and $30 per hall entrance key (if applicable). It is a violation of state law and University policy to duplicate a key to any lock on University property.

What do I do if I lose my CatCard?

Since most of our halls require the use of your University Cat Card to enter the exterior doors you will need to have your card replaced, if lost. That can be done at the Cat Card office in the Student Union.

What if I forgot my PIN number?

Each resident must select a 4-digit PIN which will be entered after swiping your Cat Card to gain access to a hall. Click here to change your PIN.

How do disciplinary sanctions affect my housing?

Refer to your Housing License Agreement and Policies and Procedures for Hall Living for details on behaviors and disciplinary sanctions which lead to eviction from campus housing.

How do I appeal a charge I recieved from Residence Life?

In most cases you may not appeal a charge. See the License Agreement page for more information about appealing charges or contact us.

How can I appeal my student conduct decision?

Refer to the Conduct Process referenced in the Policies and Procedures for Hall Living.

My son/daughter was supposed to call me when they got back to school but I haven't heard from them yet, what do I do?

Please contact the front desk at their residence hall; front desk telephone numbers are listed on the Hall Contact Sheet.

Safety and Security

What fire safety precautions are in place in the residence halls?

Rooms, hallways and public areas are equipped with smoke detectors. We do not allow candles or incense in the rooms and smoking is not allowed in the halls. For more information see the Emergency Procedures page.

What security measures are in place in the residence halls?

• Residence halls are locked 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You must use your key or Cat Card to enter the building. Any guest not living in the building must call up to your room in order to be escorted into the building. Safety and security issues are taken seriously and discussed at length when you move into your residence hall.
• Our staff conducts several nightly duty rounds in each residence hall to monitor our facilities and maintain the standards of the community.
• We highly encourage students to lock their doors and to carry their keys with them whenever they leave their rooms. When rooms are left wide open or doors are left unlocked this creates an opportunity for crime.
• The Safe Ride Program on campus provides a free ride to students who do not wish to walk alone. Emergency “blue lights” are installed all around campus. These stations have emergency phones for contacting the University Police directly.

Who is responsible for a student's property?

The student is. Although precaution is taken to maintain adequate security, the University cannot assume the responsibility for the loss of or damage to student possessions. We encourage you to download the Electronic Item Inventory Form. Consult your family’s home owner insurance policy to potentially add your personal items.