Housing FAQs
Browse our list of UMaine Housing Frequently Asked Questions to find answers to common questions that we receive.
Who is eligible for on-campus housing?
When can I move in for the Fall and Spring semesters and when do halls close?
All residence halls are open for October Break and Thanksgiving Break. DTAV/Patch, Hancock, Hart, Knox, Penobscot, Somerset, Stodder and York Halls are Break Housing Halls and do not close at all during the academic year. All other residence halls close for Winter and Spring Breaks. They reopen the Sunday before classes resume. If you are an International Student, please contact the Office of International Programs for information.
Please see the most up-to-date residence hall opening and closing dates on the Residence Hall Opening Closing page of the Housing website.
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Is housing guaranteed?
We ensure we house all first-year students who need housing and do our best to house as many upper-class students as we can. Current residents have the opportunity to select their own room for the following academic year throughout Room Signup Week during the spring semester. If they miss that opportunity, assignments are made to the remaining spaces by the Housing Office according to application date.
How safe are the residence halls?
Residence halls are locked at all times and may only be entered by students and staff whose MaineCards are encoded to allow entry. This typically includes the hall’s residents, Residence Life staff for that building, and custodial and facilities staff. Additional safety information is available from the University of Maine Police Department.
Do residence halls have gender-inclusive bathrooms?
We have many single-use bathrooms in our residence halls, and we are working to increase that number. The Prism+ community bathrooms on the third and fourth floors of Aroostook Hall are gender-neutral. View a detailed list from the Rainbow Resource Center, which gets updated frequently.
I have a disability. Who should I contact about living on campus?
Students with physical or psychological disabilities may request specific housing/dining accommodations. Disabilities require documentation by a qualified medical provider. Student Accessibility Services provides adaptations including testing accommodations, note takers, ordering alternate format texts, classroom relocation, advisement on disability issues, and housing-related accommodations. To request accommodations, please contact Student Accessibility Services.
Is the Housing Deposit refundable?
No, the Housing Deposit is non-refundable, but may be deferred to the following fall if a student defers their enrollment.
How are room assignments made?
Incoming first-year students may select up to three themed housing or living/learning preferences on their housing application and may be assigned to any one of the three selected. They may also select General First-Year Housing.
Incoming transfer students may request the Transfer Living Community (fourth floor of York Hall) – Space is limited.
First-year transfer students will be assigned to first-year housing, as long as space is available.Upper-class returning and transfer students will be assigned to the appropriate upper-class housing, as long as space is available.
May I choose my roommate?
You sure can! We want you to be comfortable in your home away from home here at UMaine. You may search for a roommate match or request someone in particular through the myHousing Portal.
When do I find out who my roommate is and where I’m living?
We don’t send out housing assignments, but the fall room assignments will be available to students who have been assigned on July 15 in myHousing Portal for the fall semester. If you do not see an assignment and/or roommate information on July 15, it means you have not yet been assigned. We will assign you as soon as possible. Spring room assignments will be available at the beginning of January. Back to top of page
Can I switch rooms or roommates?
We have a two-week room freeze at the start of the fall semester. We need to let the dust settle and find out who has arrived and who hasn’t. Once the first two weeks of the semester are over, students may request a room change through their Community Coordinator in the Residence Life Department. If you have a MicroChill Combo through College Products and are changing rooms, contact College Products at 712.226.3250.
If my roommate moves out, do I get the room to myself?
This option is only available when all requests for campus housing have been accommodated, and we have no one in temporary lounges or temporary triples. Students without roommates who wish to guarantee they will not be assigned one must pay a higher room rate (see “Are single rooms available?” below).
Are single rooms available?
We house students in singles from a waiting list. Students with a documented medical need for a single room assignment are given priority for available single rooms, as approved by Student Accessibility Services. Once these students have been accommodated, any remaining singles will be assigned to students on the waiting list. Please contact us if you wish to be placed on the singles waiting list.
Where are transfer students assigned?
Transfer students will be assigned in either first-year or upper-class housing, depending on class standing and space availability. Transfer students may request the Transfer Living Community, located in York Hall. Space is limited.
Which halls are designated as First Year Experience residence halls as of Fall 2023?
Please see Residence Life’s Residence Hall Communities page for more details.
Can I cancel my room assignment before moving in, or move out of my residence hall prior to the end of the academic year?
If a student needs to cancel their housing or move out during the course of the year, they must send Housing Services an email officially cancelling along with the reason and the date they plan to move out. The Cancellation Fees outlined on our website pertain to any student who breaks the room and board license by staying registered for classes and moving to an off-campus housing situation. If a student withdraws, transfers, studies abroad, or cancels their enrollment at UMaine, there are no cancellation fees.
What should I bring to campus?
Take a look at our list of what to bring to campus!
What are the dimensions of my room?
Room sizes and features vary among our Residence Halls. For more information on each residence hall, please visit the Residence Halls page.
Can I have a car on campus?
Permits are sold as a first-come, first-served basis. All Resident permits require an application/waitlist to be eligible for purchase. This is a required step as a resident student. Students can have vehicles, but they are not always necessary. Please see the Parking website for more information on permit types, how to order, or how to be added to the application/waitlist.
You can also use public transportation, such as the Community Connector and Black Bear Orono Express at no cost when you display your MaineCard.
Can I have a pet?
No, except fish in 10-gallon or smaller fish tanks or a service/emotional support animal that has been approved by Student Accessibility Services. Small reptiles, hamsters, guinea pigs, etc, are not allowed – only fish. See our list of what to bring to campus
Should I bring my bicycle to campus?
Definitely! There are some great bike paths on campus grounds. Make sure that you do the following:
Where can I do my laundry?
Laundry facilities are located in the basement or first floor of each residence hall, and in the DTAV Community Center for those who live in DTAV or Patch. Laundry is free for residents living in the residence halls during the academic year. Learn more about laundry and other amenities at UMaine.
How’s the WiFi?
UMaine residence halls are complete with MyResNet, which allows for lag-free internet signal. Learn more about our connectivity options.
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Do I need a TV?
Streaming services come with your housing! You can choose to bring your smart TV or simply use your computer to watch your favorite shows live or via DVR on Stream2! Each residence hall has a large TV in the community TV lounge. Learn more about Stream2 and devices.
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What is my mailing address?
Use the following format to send mail to residence hall students:
First and Last name
University of Maine
Student Hall, Rm #
Orono, ME 04469
All packages mailed to resident students by the USPS or shipped by a private carrier (eg, FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc.) will be picked up at the Package & Postal Center, the US Postal Substation at the Memorial Union.
Students will receive an email on their maine.edu account to pick up their package once it has been processed. The student will need their MaineCard ID or driver’s license to receive their package at the Package & Postal Center.
Do I need property insurance?
Students are strongly encouraged to have property insurance for their personal belongings. The University does not insure student belongings while they live on campus. Comprehensive, affordable property insurance is available through CSI College Student Insurance.
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Are there banking services on campus?
Yes — UMaine students have access to on-campus banking through University Credit Union (UCU). Services include a full-service Campus Branch and video teller inside the Memorial Union (open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.), as well as 24/7 ATMs at the Union, Rangeley Road (drive-up video teller & ATM), and the Collins Center for the Arts. The Alfond Arena UCU ATM is temporarily unavailable due to construction, but all other locations are open and available.