Time flies. It is time for our students to think about where they will live next year.
As your student becomes or continues to be an upper-class student, they are afforded a great deal of flexibility in selecting an on-campus living experience that meets their needs. University data shows that students who reside on campus are more likely to succeed academically, and Residence Life and Housing wants to make sure you have important information to support your student through the housing selection process.
Important Things to Note:
- Know and Stick to the Deadlines: From when the application opens and closes, to when they can select their room, knowing our selection timeline will make for a smooth and seamless selection process. Communication about selection will be sent to students’ UMW email. All deadlines can be found here at the end of January.
- Understand Terms and Conditions: Once the Housing and Dining Agreement is signed, it is a binding document and very few exceptions for being released from the agreement exist. If your student is currently a first-year student, remember they are required to live on campus for their first two years. These students must fill out a new application to participate in room selection. All students are responsible for understanding what they sign.
- Selecting Roommates: One of the biggest perks of on-campus living for upper-class students is that students get to select their roommate(s). Your student has learned a lot about what behaviors they live with and which ones are pet peeves. Your student should focus on finding a roommate before the Housing Selection process begins. Singles are limited, so this step is extremely important to avoid disappointment.
- Choosing Your Room: That’s right! Upper-class students will be able to select their actual room, a favorite perk among our students! Have your student check out floor plans and size of each room on the Residence Life website.
All students who complete an application by March 12 will be able to participate in the Housing Selection process. There are some great opportunities afforded to upper-class students. They are:
- Same Room Sign Up. Available to students currently residing in halls designated as upper-class for 2019-2020, students can select the room in which they currently reside (check our website later this month for exceptions).
- Flexible Housing. Students can opt to live with who they want, where they want, regardless of gender. If you have concerns about your student participating in this option, please have a conversation with them. Residence Life and Housing discourages students from residing with significant others, regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation; however our office will not ask students why they are opting into a flexible housing arrangement.
- Theme Living Communities (TLC). Students have the ability to create their own high impact living community. They choose the theme and the community members and we will work with the students to place the community in the building of their choice, where possible.
We have many options to fit everyone’s needs. Did you know that seniors (92+ credits) and those living in the UMW Apartments and Eagle Landing can choose smaller meal plans? Or, if you have nine credits and are part time, you can still live on campus?
We look forward to welcoming your student “home”!
P.S. We have great leadership opportunities available for the 2019-2020 year. RA Applications are currently being accepted.
Dave Fleming, Assistant Dean for Residence Life and Housing