Issue 4: Housing
Today's Tip: Finding Housing
After securing your visa, finding a place to live is probably one of the most important things on your to-do list.

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.
Housing Options
ON-CAMPUS HOUSING FOR NEW (FRESHMEN) UNDERGRADUATES AND EXCHANGE STUDENTS
Students who applied for housing will hear directly from Residence Life regarding your application. Important dates for Resident Life can be found here, room assignments will be released no later than July 18, 2022. Students should go to Freshmen Housing for more information. 

WHAT TO BRING
You can find a list of items to pack, residence hall policies, and other useful information on the website of the Department of Resident Life.

EARLY MOVE-IN
New international students who have an on-campus housing assignment may request an early move-in date of August 22, 2022 no earlier than 8am. 

Once housing assignments are released (starting the week of July 18), students may request an early arrival via their Housing Portal by choosing Early Arrival Request. The requests will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and the students should continue to check the request in the Housing Portal for updates. Resident Life attempts to update the status within two business days, but as we get closer to opening staff may be in training sessions which delays the process, please apply early.

HOUSING FOR NEW UNDERGRADUATE TRANSFER STUDENTS
On-campus housing cannot be guaranteed for transfer students. New transfer students who requested residence hall housing should also explore other housing options using the resources offered by the university's Off-Campus Housing Services.


HOUSING FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS

UMD Department of Resident Life
There are no facilities within the residence hall system exclusively for graduate students. See the Department of Resident Life's website for more info.  

As a pilot program for Fall 2022 semester, one on campus building at The Courtyards has been made available for graduate student rentals. Limited availability exists, those interested should reach out to The Courtyards at UMD.

There are two all-graduate student apartment communities on university property. The Graduate Gardens and Graduate Hills communities are owned by the University of Maryland and managed on the university's behalf by a property management company. A separate application and leasing process applies for these apartment Communities. 
All students
OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING
Off-Campus Housing Services (OCH) is UMD's office that supports you in your housing search. The OCHS office provides assistance in person, over the phone and via email at och@umd.edu. The OCH DATABASE is a housing search database that lists available rentals in the area and includes a useful Roommate Finder tool. 
 
Review this Off-Campus Housing Resources guide to understand how this works in the U.S. 

In June ISSS held a two part series on living in the U.S. the first session focused on Off-Campus Housing resources (View Recording), and the second on the legal aspects of Leasing in the U.S. (View Recording) webinar.

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.
PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST SCAMS

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.
Warning: Wait to sign a lease
We recommend that you WAIT to sign a lease until AFTER you secure your visa and even after arriving in the US. If you sign a lease and are not able to attend for the Fall 2022 term, you may still be responsible for lease payments. If you have additional questions about leases please direct them to the Graduate Legal Aid Office via email at glao@umd.edu.
Airport Shuttle
Each fall semester Graduate Student Government organizes free airport shuttles from the Dulles Airport (IAD) to the College Park area. Below you will find a tentative schedule.

Once you have your flight booked, you can complete the following form to inform GSG of your flight arrival and your interest in a pick up.

Please keep in mind the completion of the form does not guarantee your pick up, you will be contacted by GSG with a confirmation.
Aug 10 - Aug 13
Departures
(tentative):
11am, 4pm
Aug 14 - Aug 16
Departures
(tentative):
9am, 2pm,
6pm, 11pm
Aug 17 - Aug 19
Departures
(tentative):
11am, 4pm
No shuttles have been planned yet for dates after August 19th.
Engaging with ISSS
Connect with us 

Ask your questions via our Live Chat, available on our website Monday-Friday from 9-11 a.m. ET.

Schedule a Virtual Appointment with an ISSS advisor. Appointments can be scheduled under newly admitted students Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m. ET.

Beyond Immigration Series
July 7th
9am ET
 
Graduate Student Life

Incoming Graduate students are invited to join us for a webinar overview of Graduate student life at UMD. We'll share ways you can stay engaged and connected with the campus and other students throughout your graduate school journey.
July 19th
9am ET
 
July 20th
10am ET

Newly arriving students will have an opportunity to talk with International Orientation Leaders in small group virtual sessions. You will be able to ask questions about what it is like to study with UMD, where students live, get tips and advice on how to make the most of your time, and get to know current and newly admitted students ahead of the spring semester.
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 2022 semester. If you do not intend to enroll at UMD, 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.