Issue 6: Housing
Greetings!
Before starting off with today’s tip of the week. We wanted to invite all of you to attend the 
TownHall on Vaccine requirements for International students taking place tomorrow July 7 at 8:30am ET. Registration is required. The panelists include the Directors of the University Health and Conference & Visitors centers, the Dean of the Graduate School and the Associate Director for ISSS. Susan-Ellis Dougherty, ISSS director will moderate the town hall. 

REMINDER: If you have already received the COVID-19 vaccine please provide documentation here. International students should review this page for complete information on COVID-19 Vaccination requirements
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 on July 14, 2021. Students should go to Freshmen Housing for more information. Review the Fall Move-in information as it requires an appointment. Review the FAQs for fall move-in. 

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
Students who have an on-campus housing assignment may be able to move in early depending on availability. For more information, please contact the Department of Resident Life.

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.



OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS

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.

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. We understand at this time there is a waiting list for these properties.
All students
OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING
Review this Leasing guide to understand how this works in the U.S., and also be aware of the top 10 Renter’s Mistakes

Off-Campus Housing Services (OCH) is UMD's office that supports you in your
housing search. OCH office provides assistance in person (by appointment), 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. This Off-Campus Housing Resource guide also provides useful information.

If you missed the Off-Campus Housing Webinar review this record to see a virtual walk-through on how to find off-campus housing at UMD. 

If you missed the Leasing in the U.S. Webinar review this recording and listen to William Zachariah Mundy, attorney and Director for the Graduate Student Legal Aid Office. For questions about your lease or contracts, please contact the Office of Graduate Legal Aid at glao@umd.edu

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.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS, AND 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 2021 term, you may still be responsible for lease payments.
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.

Thursday, July 8

9am ET
 
Career Services Webinar: Prepare for your future now

Join us for a virtual introduction to UMD’s Career Services support offices and professionals available to you.

Thursday, July 9

9am ET
 
Understanding the U.S. Healthcare System

The U.S. does not have socialized health care as is available in many countries. Learn about the U.S. healthcare system, general terminology, and understand the importance of carrying insurance while in the United States.

Thursday, July 13

9am ET
 
Learn about UMD Academic Resources with IOLs

Come learn about academics at UMD! Current students will present on a variety of topics including class registration, academic resources, fee payment, and class structure. The session will also include time to ask questions.

Thursday, July 14

11am ET
 
Welcoming Big Ten: Enjoying and being comfortable with the food language in America

Food must continue to taste good away from home. The UMD Dietetics program is happy to share their nutrition knowledge, and provide you with tools and resources that will allow you to thrive on and off campus.

Thursday, July 15

9am ET
 
University Health Center & Health Insurance

Health insurance can be intimidating. This session with representatives from the University Health Center and Insurance provider will demystify the process of signing up, explain how to use your student insurance; and all of the services and programs offered through the University Health Center.

Friday , July 16

9am ET
 
Living in the U.S.: Learn Tips and Tricks from IOLs

An all-in-one student panel discussing topics pertaining to transitioning to the US such as - cultural adjustment, making friends, campus life, mental health, logistics of settling in, travelling and more! Tune-in for a resourceful How-To crash course with your friendly neighborhood IOLs, with a Q&A in the end (time permitting)!

IOL Meet & Greets
Meet & Greet with International Orientation Leaders - 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. Register for as many as you would like to attend.
Monday, July 12 at 9:00 a.m. ET
Thursday, July 14 at 10:00 a.m. ET
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 Fall 2021 semester or have been attending remotely and will join us in-person starting in Fall 2021. 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.