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Frequently Asked Questions

""Housing & Room Assignments
""Facilities & Amenities
""Fall Opening & Activities
""Policies
""Safety & Security
""University Dining

Housing & Room Assignments

  1. Are Freshmen required to live on campus?
  2. Do all Freshmen live in the same residence hall?
  3. When and how should I apply for housing?
  4. How do I request a roommate?
  5. How do you match roommates if I do not request one?
  6. Are single rooms available?
  7. When will I receive my hall and roommate assignments?
  8. How do I request a reassignment/change of hall assignment?
  9. What utilities are included in the rent?
  10. How and when do I pay for my hall rent?
  11. What if I need to cancel my housing assignment?
  12. Why did Residence Life cancel my housing assignment?
  13. Is summer housing available?
  14. Can I take a virtual tour of the residence halls?
  15. Are the residence halls co-ed?
  16. I need to send some of my belongings by mail ahead of time to my hall. How should they be addressed?

1. Are Freshmen 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’s about making new friends, building relationships, and being part of a caring and diverse community.  It’s also an opportunity to learn more about yourself, make informed decisions, manage your time effectively, and succeed academically. [TOP]

2. Do all Freshmen live in the same residence hall?
Freshmen live in all 21 residence halls.  A few halls have 50% returning students, primarily sophomores. [TOP]

3. When and how should I apply for housing?
As soon as you’re admitted to the UA you can apply online. You’ll need your nine-digit Student Identification Number and your 4-digit PIN found in your Admissions letter.  A $100 non-refundable application fee is due when you apply and can be paid online with Visa, MasterCard, American Express or check.

NOTE: Fall applications are for the entire academic year.  You are responsible for Fall and Spring semester rents.  Details on your financial obligations are included with your hall assignment. [TOP]

4. How do I request a roommate?
On your application, you’ll need to include the student’s name and ID number in the roommate section of the form, and also, your friend must enter and submit your name and student ID number on his/her application.  Roommate requests must be mutual and are not guaranteed.  They depend on your housing application date, hall preferences, and available space.  It’s best to apply at the same time and preference the same halls.  Roommate requests are accepted only for a limited amount of time.[TOP]

NOTE: If you have already turned in a housing application, you may submit a Housing Change Form [PDF] if you have been assigned a hall, or a Hall Preference Change Form [PDF ]if you have not been assigned. Roommate requests must be mutual as noted above. Although we strive to accommodate all requests, we cannot guarantee that your roommate request will be honored. [TOP]

5. How do you match roommates if I do not request one? 
We use a random computerized matching system based on your housing application date, hall preferences, and available space. [TOP]

6. Are single rooms available?
There are a limited number of single rooms available in some but not all halls.  Check Hall Rates & Payments to learn which halls have singles.  We encourage you to apply early if you would like to request a single room. [TOP]

7. When will I receive my hall and roommate assignments?
It depends on the date we receive your completed housing application, the halls you selected, and where space is available.  Hall assignments are mailed out periodically between February and the end of July.  It includes instructions on how to secure your housing.  You may check your assignment status at any time.  Your roommate assignment is 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. [TOP]

8. How do I request a reassignment/change of hall assignment?
If you have already turned in a housing application, you may submit a Housing Change Form [PDF] if you have been assigned a hall, or a Hall Preference Change Form [PDF ]if you have not been assigned. If you are looking to request a room or hall reassignment afetr you have checked into your room, details can be found in the Room Transfers for Current Residents section. [TOP]

NOTE: Hall reassignments and roommate requests are not guaranteed and depend on available space and cancellations throughout the spring and summer months.[TOP]

9. What utilities are included in the rent?
Electricity, gas, water, air-conditioning and heating, cable television (“Extended Basic”), local phone service (one line per room or apartment) and one data connection per student.  Residence Halls have mail delivery, custodial service to public areas and community bathrooms; and bi-weekly custodial service to suite bathrooms.  Residence Life staff does not clean student rooms or the inside of Sky View apartments, but does maintain common areas.  [TOP]

10. 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 account.  You may pay directly online through Student Link.

An optional Payment Plan [PDF] gives you the opportunity to pay rent in three installments per semester. 

Rates [PDF] generally increase in March each year following approval by the Arizona Board of Regents. New rates will be posted by the end of March each year. [TOP]

11. 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, the Housing Confirmation Rent Payment, if paid, will be refunded. Note: After May 1 each year, it is not refundable.  The $100 application fee is not refundable at any time. [TOP] 

12. Why did Residence Life cancel my housing assignment?
If you’ve been assigned to a residence hall and do not pay your University Enrollment Deposit and Confirmation Rent Payment on time, or fail to submit your signed License Agreement by the deadline specified, your housing assignment will automatically be cancelled. If you need more information contact Residence Life at 520-621-6501 [TOP]

13. Is summer housing available?
Yes, on campus summer housing [PDF] is available each summer.  In order to be eligible, you must be admitted to The University of Arizona and enrolled in University classes or be employed by Residence Life.  Housing is limited and is based on a first-come, first-served basis, so apply early when applications are online usually in March for the upcoming summer. [TOP]

14. Can I take a virtual tour of the residence halls?
Yes, virtual tours are available under Hall Description.  You can also see a gallery of photos for each hall, and on some additional videos. [TOP]

15. Are the residence halls co-ed?
Almost all of the residence halls are co-ed with the exception of two all female halls- Coconino(will be co-ed starting Fall 2007) 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. [TOP]

16. I need to send some of my belongings by mail ahead of time to my hall. How should they be addressed?
Mail and packages can be sent directly to your hall address which can be found under each individual Hall Description. Packages sent via UPS, FedEx, etc., must arrive no earlier than Hall Check-in Days [PDF]. [TOP]

Facilities & Amenities

  1. How does the telephone service work?
  2. How do I get cable TV in my room?
  3. How do I get Internet access in my room?
  4. Can I bring any extra furniture?
  5. Can I bring a refrigerator or microwave to the residence hall?
  6. What are the standard bed sizes?
  7. Are vacuums and cooking utensils provided in the residence halls?
  8. What other items are available for check-out at the front desk?
  9. Do the residence halls have laundry facilities?
  10. What does my hall and room include?
  11. Where can I store my extra stuff or extra furniture?
  12. Where should I park my bicycle?
  13. What should I leave at home?
  14. How often are rooms cleaned?
  15. Are there elevators in the halls?
  16. Will my room be carpeted?

1. How does the telephone service work?
Each room has an installed and active phone line for local calls.  Please bring your own phone and answering machine and plug it into the phone jack in your room.  University staff will call you on your local phone line, not your cell phone.  There are no additional charges for local calls and 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 Parents & 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.  [TOP]

2. How do I get cable TV in my room?
Basic ‘Extended’ 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.  For more information on what is and isn’t provided in your hall, review the “Things to Bring Checklist” [PDF]. [TOP]

3. 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.  Internet access is available through Residential Computing. In order to qualify for this service, you must be an on-campus student with his/her own computer. Your computer must meet the following minimal requirements.

Your computer will need to be equipped with a “10/100 Base-T” Ethernet card adapter and you will need a CAT5e network cable.  [TOP]

4. Can I bring any extra furniture?
No, additional furniture is not allowed.  Due to fire and safety regulations students must use the university furniture provided in the student rooms. You can find more information on what’s included in our Hall Furnishings section. Be sure to print off our “Things to Bring Checklist” [PDF] for more details on what you can, and cannot bring to campus. [TOP]

5.Can I bring a refrigerator or microwave to the residence hall?
Every room has one small refrigerator.  You may not bring an extra refrigerator or a freezer.  If you have a medical condition or religious requirement for additional refrigeration, Residence Life will provide one based on documentation you submit to Residence Life. A microwave is allowed in your room.  Be sure to print off our “Things to Bring Checklist” [PDF]for more details on what you can, and cannot bring to campus. [TOP]

6. What are the standard bed sizes?
The bed size for residence halls varies and the 80” beds need extra-long sheets. Each Hall Description identifies the specific size of bed and you can also find more information in our Hall Furnishings section. [TOP]

7. Are vacuums and cooking utensils provided in the residence halls?
Most residence halls have vacuum cleaners and cooking utensils available for check-out at the front desk. [TOP]

8. What other items are available for check-out at the front desk?
Some Front Desks check-out recreational equipment and movies.  All equipment must be returned or late fees may be charged to the students’ accounts.  [TOP]

9. Do the residence halls have laundry facilities?
Yes, each hall has its own laundry facility.  You will use your Cat Card to pay for the laundry machines.  You can insert money onto your Cat Card via the Cash-to-Chip machines located around campus and in your residence hall.  Wash is $1.00, dry is $.75.  Don’t forget to bring laundry detergent! [TOP]

10. What does my hall and room include?
Your room includes: a bed, desk, desk chair, closet, dresser, and a trash can and recycle tote for each resident; one 3.6 to 3.8 cubic ft. refrigerator; peephole in door; carpeting in all student rooms except Navajo-Pinal and Yavapai.  Bed types and sizes are noted under Hall Description. [TOP]

Typical shared community facilities in residence halls include: laundry machines (operated by CatCard access), community kitchen sink, stove, refrigerator (in some halls) microwave, ice and vending machines; study rooms and some lounges with TV, pool and ping pong tables; swimming pool at Babcock, outdoor courtyards and barbeque areas; bike racks outside all buildings (bikes are not permitted inside rooms or hallways). Vacuums and cooking utensils are available for check out at the front desk at most halls. [TOP]

Sky View Apartment furnishings and features include: Beds, dressers, desks and chairs, closets, couch, dinette set, coffee table, lamps, kitchen appliances include full-size refrigerator, stove, cupboards and sink; swimming pool, community room, coin-operated laundry facilities and outdoor bicycle racks (Bikes are not permitted in hallways or apartments).  [TOP]

11. Where can I store my extra stuff or extra furniture?
There is no additional storage space in the residence halls. Everything you bring must fit in your room. All residence hall rooms are fully furnished so please do not bring extra furniture. [TOP]

12. Where should I park my bicycle?
Bicycle racks are available outside most residence halls.  Bicycles are not allowed in student rooms or the halls.  [TOP]

13. 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, extra refrigerator, freezer, alcohol, drugs and weapons.  Be sure to print off our “Things to Bring Checklist” [PDF] for more details on what you can, and cannot bring to campus. [TOP]

14.  How often are rooms cleaned?
Students are responsible for cleaning their own rooms.  Our custodial staff does daily (M-F) cleaning of common bathrooms, lounges, and other public areas.  [TOP]

15. Are there elevators in the halls?
Halls with elevators include: Arizona-Sonora, Coconino, Colonia de la Paz, Coronado, Manzanita-Mohave, Pima, Posada San Pedro, Pueblo de la Cienega, Sky View, and Villa del Puente. [TOP]

16. Will my room be carpeted?
All rooms are carpeted except in Navajo-Pinal and Yavapai. [TOP]

Fall Opening & Activities

  1. When do the residence halls open and close each academic year?
  2. What can I expect on opening day?
  3. What type of activities will be available for students during the first few weeks of school?

1. When do the residence halls open and close each academic year?
Typically, for Fall semesters there is early check- in during a day in mid August and regular checking for a few days following that.  In the Spring semester the halls open in early January.  Please refer to Academic Year Move-in dates. [PDF] [TOP]

2. What can I expect on opening day?
First, you’ll need to go the lobby/main lounge of your assigned hall to check-in during the move-in dates and times. [PDF] During check–in you will complete all the necessary paperwork and be issued keys for your room and hall. While checking in, parents may wish to stay with your vehicle and begin unloading.  Once you’ve been issued a key, you can begin moving into your room.  Members of the H.I. (Hall Involvement) Team will be around on opening days to assist with move-in. If you have any questions, please stop at the desk of your residence hall or find a staff member who can assist you. [TOP]

NOTE to Parents & Families: Your student (not you) must check-in and accept keys.  You are now a “guest” in the residence hall and must be escorted by your student. [TOP]

3. What type of activities will be available for students during the first few weeks of school? 
The move-in period and first week of classes are a special time for all incoming residents, staff members, and returning UA students.  Residence hall staff will be planning floor and hall activities so students can become familiar with other residents within their community.  The University continues its traditional Wildcat Welcome week for all incoming students with organized events every day, most of which are free!  After checking in to your residence hall, you can see free movies at Gallagher theater, eat delicious food at the Wildcat Welcome Barbeque, and shop at the Tucson Mall, to name a few.  [TOP]

Policies

  1. Can I stay in the residence halls during breaks?
  2. May I paint my room?
  3. What is your policy with room decorations?
  4. Residence halls close at noon on Saturday at the end of each semester.  Are there exceptions to stay longer?
  5. If I’m dropping below 12 credits, do I have to move out?
  6. Can I have guests and overnight guests?
  7. How do disciplinary sanctions affect my housing?
  8. What kind of pets can I keep in my room?
  9. What is the Quiet Hours/Noise Policy?
  10. What appliances are allowed in the room?
  11. Who is responsible for a student’s property?
  12. What about alcohol and drugs in the residence hall?
  13. Is smoking allowed in the residence halls?
  14. How do I appeal a charge I received from Residence Life?
  15. How do I recycle in the residence halls?
  16. What do I do if a washing machine or dryer breaks in the laundry room
  17. Oh no!  The toilets won’t flush!  How do I request a work order?
  18. My son/daughter was supposed to call me when they got back to school but I haven’t heard  from them and it’s Tuesday!  Can you help?
  19. I need to move in before the halls officially open, is this possible?
  20. What do I do if I lose my keys?
  21. What do I do if I lose my CatCard?
  22. How can I apply to be a Resident Assistant (RA)?
  23. How can I appeal my student conduct decision?

1. Can I stay in the residence halls during breaks?
Residence halls remain open during Thanksgiving Break and Spring Break.  Students are not allowed to remain in the residence halls during Winter Break which occurs between fall and spring semesters.  Student’s personal belongings remain in the student’s rooms during this time but everyone must vacate and the halls will be locked during Winter Break.  [TOP]

2.  May I paint my room?
Students may not paint their rooms under any circumstances.  All painting is done by professional painters from Residence Life Maintenance.  [TOP]

3.  What is your policy with room decorations?
The following items are prohibited: nails, thumbtacks, pins, crepe paper, acetate and adhesives (such as gum labels, decals, contact stickers, contact paper, scotch tape, or rubber cement).  Blue masking tape may be used with care.  If damages result, appropriate chargers will be assessed.  Live trees are not permitted in your room or on the floors.  Room decorations are to be in the interior of your room and may not extend into the hallway.  Staff may ask you to remove door decorations deemed sexually explicit or derogatory.  [TOP]

4.  Residence halls close at noon on Saturday 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 Director well in advance.  [TOP]

5.  If 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’re dropping below 12 credits for a second consecutive semester, you will need to meet with your Hall Director to review your situation more closely. [TOP]

6.  Can I have guests and overnight guests?
You can have guests, but they are requested to follow the Guest policy in the Community Standards document. All guests must be accompanied by their host at all times.  Hosts are responsible for the behavior of their guests.  You are permitted to have guests in your room overnight as long as your roommate(s) has given his/her permission.  Guests may stay with you for a maximum of 72 hours.  You are not allowed to have any overnight guests during the first two weeks or last two weeks of each semester.  [TOP]

7. How do disciplinary sanctions affect my housing?
Refer to your Housing License Agreement [PDF] and Community Standards for details on behaviors and disciplinary sanctions which lead to eviction from campus housing. [TOP]

8. What kind of pets can I keep in my room?
Students may keep fish in a single 10 gallon or smaller tank. All other animals or pets are not allowed within the residence halls. [TOP]

9. What is the Quiet Hours/Noise Policy?
Noise which is disruptive to other residents is prohibited both inside and outside of residence halls according to the Community Standards. [TOP]

10.  What appliances are allowed in the room?
Appliances should be limited to TVs, microwaves, radios, stereos, electronic clocks and hair care devices.  Basically, appliances with an open heating element or burner and/or those that may cause ventilation problems are not permitted in students rooms.  Be sure to print off our “Things to Bring Checklist” [PDF] for more details on what you can, and cannot bring to campus. [TOP]

11.  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 [PDF]. Consult your family’s home owner insurance policy to potentially add your personal items.  [TOP]

12.  What about alcohol and drugs in the residence hall?
If you are not 21 years of age, you cannot possess or consume alcohol in the residence halls.  Any alcohol violations will be addressed through the University discipline system.  The University takes a firm stance against illegal drugs and underage drinking as noted in the Community Standards. [TOP]

13.  Is smoking allowed in the residence halls?
Smoking is not allowed in any campus residence hall or building.  All residence halls in all locations, including student rooms, are smoke-free.  Smoking is allowed on the common grounds fifty (50) feet beyond any building. [TOP]

14.  How do I appeal a charge I received from Residence Life?
In most cases you may not appeal a charge; for clarification of a particular charge, contact Residence Life at 520-621-6501 or email: housing@life.arizona.edu [TOP]

15.  How do I recycle in the residence halls?
Residence Life has a proactive recycling program in each hall. Eco-reps are student volunteers in each hall.  Appropriate recycling bins are available throughout the halls and you will have a recycle tote in your room for paper. [TOP]

16.  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. [TOP]

17. Oh no!  The toilets won’t flush!  How do I request a work order?
Submit an Area Maintenance Form (AMF) immediately and notify the Front Desk or RA on duty. [TOP]

18.  My son/daughter was supposed to call me when they got back to school but I haven’t heard  from them and it’s Tuesday!  Can you help?
Please contact the Front Desk at their residence hall. Front Desk telephone numbers are listed on our Contact page. [TOP]

19.  I need to move in before the halls officially open, is this possible?
Early Check-in for fall semester is typically on the Wednesday before school starts from 8am-7pm and a $35 fee is charged to your Bursar account, no reservation is required. There is no earlier check-ins allowed. [TOP]

20.  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 entrance key.  It is a violation of state law and University policy to duplicate a key to any lock on University property. [TOP]

21.  What do I do if I lose my CatCard?
You will need to contact the Cat Card office to get a new card. Card Access buildings require the use of your University Cat Card to enter the exterior doors of your building. You can request a PIN change online. [TOP]

22. How can I apply to be a Resident Assistant (RA)?
Information about the RA application process is posted in October-November each year. At that time:

  1. Go to the Jobs link
  2. Click on the Resident Assistant Link. [TOP]

23. How can I appeal my student's conduct decision?
Refer to the Conduct Process referenced in the User Guide to Community Living given to you during Check-in. [TOP]

Safety & Security

  1. What fire safety precautions are in place in the residence halls?
  2. What security measures are in place in the residence halls?

1. 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 toaster ovens, halogen lamps, candles, incense etc. in the rooms and smoking is not allowed in the halls. You should also review our Safety & Security section for additional safety issues. [TOP]

2. 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.

There is a Safe Ride Program on campus that 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. [TOP]

University Dining

  1. What is a meal plan?
  2. Do I have to sign-up for a meal plan?

1. What is a meal plan?
A meal plan allows you to put a specific amount of money on your CatCard that can be used at more than 25 eateries in the Student Union Memorial Center, Park Student Union, Highland Market, and other campus locations.  Review the “Where to Eat on Campus” website for more information. [TOP]

2. Do I have to sign-up for a meal plan?
Meal plans are not required, but they are highly encouraged.  There are no dining facilities in the residence halls.  [TOP]