If you are a student who has secured a visa and can enter the U.S., you will have a need for housing. Finding a place to live is probably one of the most important things on your to-do list.
Due to the uncertainty of securing visas and travel restrictions,
we recommend that you wait to sign a lease until after arriving in the U.S.
Whether you plan to live on or off campus, the tips below will help you get started.
Before you begin your housing search, understand that students should expect changes to their living environments. These changes include efforts by the university and surrounding communities to limit large gatherings, requirements to wear masks in public places, reducing housing density, and implementing other measures to stop the spread of COVID-19. The Department of Resident life
has outlined steps they are taking to ensure student safety
for those living on campus. If you have health concerns, we encourage you to consider whether your housing selection can offer you the environment needed for your health and safety.
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This week's tip contains information for both
Undergraduate
and
Graduate
students. Information differs for each group, so make sure you refer to the appropriate information by locating your respective icons throughout this email.
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Today's Tip: Finding Housing
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Housing options for new international students are dependent on whether you are
entering the university as a new first-year student, as a transfer student, or as a graduate student. No matter where you live, you will still have an opportunity to become an active member of the University of Maryland community.
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Undergraduate Housing Options
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On-Campus Housing for New (Freshmen) Undergraduates
In the university’s June 15 message, President Loh stated the intent “to offer University housing to more than 75% of all the students who applied for housing, including all first year students.”
New freshmen entering the university are given priority for residence hall housing. Students should go to
Fall 2020 On-Campus Housing
for more information. Students may cancel their On-Campus Housing and Dining Agreement without financial penalty by submitting a cancellation request to the Department of Resident Life by
Friday, July 17, 2020.
Send an email to
reslife@umd.edu
that includes your name, UID and reason for canceling.
Students are assigned to rooms in the order in which requests are received. A variety of
options are available and preferences for roommates, areas of campus, specific
buildings, etc., will be taken into account. For best consideration, all preferences should
be submitted to
reslife@umd.edu
as soon as possible. Residence hall housing is
renewable for a second year and typically for a third year for students who enter the
residence halls as freshmen.
What to Bring
You can find a list of items to pack, residence hall policies, and other useful information
Early Move-In
Students who have an on-campus housing assignment may be able to move in early
Housing for New Undergraduate Transfer Students
On-campus housing cannot be guaranteed for transfer students.New transfer students who request residence hall housing or who want to live near the campus should explore other housing options using the resources offered by the university's
Off-Campus Housing Services
.
Register
for the Virtual Off-Campus Apartment Resource Fair, on June 30 from 2 p.m.-4 p.m.
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UMD Department of Resident Life
Housing on campus for graduate students is extremely limited. There are no facilities
within the residence hall system exclusively for graduate students. See the
Graduate Hills and Graduate Gardens
There are two all-graduate student apartment communities on university property.
Maryland and managed on the university's behalf by a property management
company. A separate application and leasing process applies for these apartment
communities.
Off-Campus Housing
housing search. The
OCH
DATABASE
is a housing search database that lists available rentals in the area and includes a useful Roommate Finder tool. This
Off-Campus Housing Resource
guide also provides useful information.
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We recommend that you WAIT to sign a lease AFTER arriving on campus.
If you sign a lease and are not able to attend for the Fall 2020 term, you may still be responsible for lease payments.
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Leasing in the U.S. Webinar
Wednesday, June 24, 2020, 9 a.m. EDT
Join us for a virtual discussion with William Zachariah Mundy, attorney and Director for the Graduate Student Legal Aid Office, to discuss best practices in leasing in the U.S.
Off-Campus Housing Webinar
Friday, June 26, 2020, 9 a.m. EDT
Join us for a virtual walk-through on how to find off-campus housing at UMD. Presented by Jennifer Ruth Lindstrom, Manager for Housing Partnerships, Off-Campus Housing Services.
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Know Your Rights, and Protect Yourself Against Scams
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Whether you use the University of Maryland's Off-Campus Housing Services or not, they offer a wealth of
resources and information
that we encourage you to review. Remember never to send any money until you have seen the accommodations and signed a lease.
Disclaimer: Off-campus housing information is provided solely as a courtesy. The
University of Maryland does not inspect, endorse or assume any responsibility for any
properties, accommodations, or other housing options or websites; and it expressly
disclaims any and all responsibility for any problems that may arise within connection
therewith. Individuals are strongly advised to thoroughly investigate and inspect any
properties, accommodations, or other housing options before making final
arrangements.
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Missed a Tip of the Week?
You can find previous Tips of the Week on our website by
clicking here
!
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We hope that you find these emails informative and helpful. You are receiving
them because you have been accepted to the University of Maryland for the Fall
2020 semester. If you do not intend to enroll at UMD and would like to stop receiving ISSS emails, please inform ISSS via your iTerp checklist, your department, and either the Graduate School (graduate students) or the undergraduate admissions office (undergraduate students) that you decline your admission.
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