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 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. Review this Leasing Guide to understand how this works in the U.S., and also be aware of the Top 10 Renter’s Mistakes.
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.
As more information becomes available in the coming days and weeks, we will continue to keep you informed. Please check our FAQ During COVID-19 page regularly as this will be updated as information is made available. Visit the UMD 4Maryland website for updated information on campus operations and requirements.
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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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UPCOMING WEBINARS
Leasing in the U.S.
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
Wednesday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m. ET: ( Register) 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.
Pre-arrival staff continue to be available to answer individual questions via online chat Monday-Friday, 9-11 a.m. ET and via virtual appointments. |
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Undergraduate Housing Options |
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On-Campus Housing for New (Freshmen) Undergraduates
Housing on-campus will be limited in the Spring 2021. New freshmen for Spring as well as those freshmen who cancelled for Fall 2020 and have reapplied for Spring 2021 will get priority. Students who applied for housing will hear directly from Residence Life regarding your application. 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
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.
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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 Department of Resident Life's website for more info.
Graduate Hills and Graduate Gardens
There are two all-graduate student apartment communities on university property. The Graduate Hills & Graduate Gardens 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.
Off-Campus Housing
Off-Campus Housing Services is UMD's office that supports you in your 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 Spring 2021 term, you may still be responsible for lease payments.
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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. 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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