Continue with residence hall living and Stay On with us for the 2026-2027 academic year! So many housing options and styles are available for you right here on campus. Get to know how the application process works and key dates to keep in mind!
On this page:
Key Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| November 10, 2025 at 9 a.m. | The Residence Hall Housing & Dining Agreement goes live on the Housing Portal |
| November 11, 2025 at 12 p.m. (noon) | Housing Options Webinar |
| February 9, 2026 | Group Formation tool launches in the Housing Portal |
| February 23, 2026 at 4 p.m. | Residence Hall Housing and Dining Agreements are due! Submit yours by the deadline to be eligible for room selection |
| February 24, 2026 | Room Selection time slots will be emailed |
| March 2-9, 2026 | Room Selection process |
| April 2026 | Room Selection is finalized |
How It Works
- Step 1: Submit your Residence Hall Housing & Dining Agreement
Submit your application by 4:00 p.m., February 23, 2026 through the Housing Portal to be eligible for residence hall housing for the 2026-2027 academic year. Submitting your application is the first step in participating in Room Selection – the process during which eligible students can select a residence hall space, either with a group of roommates or solo. As part of the process, you will need to verify your personal and emergency contact information and agree to the agreement's terms and conditions. - Step 2: Get to know your housing options
Explore all your on-campus housing options, including semi-suites, suites, and apartment spaces. You can view the virtual tours of our residence hall options online anytime. - Step 3: Once approved for housing, search for a roommate(s) and form a Group
Beginning February 9, 2026, find other students who may be compatible as potential roommates using the Group Formation tool in the Housing Portal. Once you’ve identified your group (with a max of 6 total students), make it official. To form a group, the group leader must login to the Housing Portal and can add up to 5 additional members. Keep in mind: Group members must accept their email invitation within two days. Or you can move forward in the housing process solo! - Step 4: Participate in Room Selection
This is your opportunity to select your own space for next academic year – either as part of a group or solo. Room Selection will take place online March 2-9, 2026. If you apply by February 23, 2026 and are confirmed for residence hall housing, you will receive a selection time slot based on how many semesters you have lived in the halls. You or your group leader will need to log into your Housing Portal and select a room for yourself or select as a part of a group.
Agreement Instructions
You can login to your Housing Portal to access your Housing Agreement. If you've already started filling out an application, this allows you to return to that agreement.
Information Update
Complete or verify your contact information.
Preferred Name
By providing your preferred name, we will use this information when communicating with you electronically and in person. Please only use your preferred given name in this field.
For example, if your name is Julian Smith, but you go by Jules, please list your preferred name as “Jules” in this field, NOT “Jules Smith.”
Criminal Conviction
Pursuant to Maryland law, the university may make inquiries into and consider information about a student’s criminal history for certain purposes, including making decisions regarding access to campus residency.
Housing Accommodations
You are responsible for notifying the university of any considerations for a disability, chronic health condition, or other medical or personal issue(s) that have a bearing on your residence hall housing assignment. The Accessibility and Disability Service office determines eligibility. To begin the accommodations request process, visit the ADS portal.
Dining Plans
All residents must initially select a dining plan in order to submit this agreement. Students assigned to a kitchen-equipped apartment may cancel their dining plan via the Dining Services website.
Gender Preferences
Choose your preferred option regarding the genders on your floor or building.
Gender inclusive housing
You can indicate your single, mixed, or gender inclusive housing preference when completing your Residence Hall Housing and Dining Agreement. If you have questions about gender inclusive housing or need additional information, please contact Michelle McCubbin, Assistant Manager for Specialty Housing Assignments, at mmccubbi@umd.edu.
Students in mixed gender housing live in a residence hall room with someone of the same sex or gender, but the room next door may be occupied by students of a different sex or gender. On traditional hall floors, community bathrooms are designated as male or female.
Students in gender inclusive housing in traditional residence halls share the same room (and access to a private bathroom), regardless of sex, gender, or gender identity. Students in gender inclusive housing in a semi-suite, suite, or apartment share the same bedroom, regardless of sex, gender, or gender identity. Gender inclusive semi-suites have a private bathroom. Suite and apartment bathroom designations are determined by residents.
Housing Options
Consider your preference to live near Hillel dining or in a substance-free environment, have limited female visitation, and/or live in a triple or quad room with lower room rates.
Roommate Profile
As part of the Agreement, students can complete a series of questions to build their Roommate Profile. These responses, in the form of “yes” or “no” and selection from drop down menu options, will be used to help determine roommate compatibility. Questions revolve around topics such as preferred bedtime, study location, sociability and neatness.
Community Living Agreement
Residents living in the same room or the same suite/semi-suite/apartment will have the opportunity to complete an online Community Living Agreement. This agreement should be used as a discussion tool for all residents in the living space and to help better understand each other's needs, beliefs and expectations. The roommate agreement is a guideline for a respectful and positive living environment. You will complete the plan together and review it with your RA.
SMS Texting
You may opt-in to text message notifications to include a one-time text message as well as two-way texting or chatting.
Additional Information
This section allows you to provide information regarding your gender, pronouns, and T-shirt size. Providing this information is optional and only shared with Resident Life. It does not change your record with “Testudo” and the University overall.
Terms & Conditions
This final section allows you the opportunity to review Agreement terms and conditions regarding living in the residence halls at the University of Maryland.
Rates
We offer a differentiated rate structure based on style, room type, and amenities, making housing costs more equitable and affordable for students and families. The rates reflect the academic year (9.5 months) with all-inclusive pricing (laundry, utilities, phone, wireless, and high-speed internet connection).
On-campus students can enroll in the Terp Payment Plan to spread payments for tuition, room, and dining plans in manageable monthly installments for the semester.
Housing Rates
View room rates and learn about Terp Payment Plan options.
Dining
Learn about the dining plans, halls, and other food options on campus.