Housing

First-Year Student Information

First year Live-On Residence Requirement

The University of Maine requires all first year students to live on campus. All first-year students must submit a housing application. Living on campus supports students’ success in pursuit of their degree. It also provides students with valuable life experiences in a supportive environment.

For students who would like to request an exemption, they must do so on the housing application, found at myHousing Portal.

Living on campus brings you access to: 

• Secure access to your building and residence hall room tied to your Mobile MaineCard
• New people who will become lifelong friends
• New experiences you won’t get anywhere else
• Opportunities to learn skills for transitioning into adulthood
• Included amenities like electricity, Wi-Fi, and streaming entertainment — no extra bills
• On-site laundry that you don’t have to pay for
• Parking in one of our many lots with a parking pass
• Free or low cost access to campus activities such as athletics, arts and cultural events
• A robust student life activity calendar
• More than 200 clubs, organizations and Greek Life
• Ride the Campus Connector bus for free
• Easy access to academic support like tutoring, career counseling and healthcare
• Academic and personal support from trained residence hall staff and university personnel
• University Police available 24/7
• Access to a large river and trail system as well as MaineBound activities

Simply put: When you’re on campus, you are supported in class and beyond. Academically, students who live on campus have proven to be more successful in attaining their degree.

First year “on-campus residence” requirement

All incoming first year students must fill out a housing application. No exceptions.

A student may apply to waive the on-campus requirement if they are:

• Over age 21
• A veteran or transfer student
• Living with a parent or legal guardian within an easy commuting distance (e.g., 25 miles from campus)
• Have exceptional circumstances that do not permit them to live on campus

Students who meet one of these criteria must request a first-year housing exemption on their application. A representative from UMaine Residence Life will respond to the student regarding their exemption request.

Requesting an exemption:

Housing Application facts

• Apply for housing even if you have not confirmed your admission to UMaine. 
• There is a required $75.00 Housing Deposit paid upon housing application completion.
• Housing assignments will be released on July 15.
• Honors College students
  • Apply and confirm admission early.
  • Honors Housing is limited and fills quickly.
  • You must have accepted the Honors College invitation before applying for Honors housing. 
  • When selecting a roommate, BOTH students must be enrolled in the Honors College to be eligible for Honors housing.
• Housing assignments are made based on availability and the application date once admission is confirmed
• UMaine’s residence halls include non-break and break housing as well as two suite-style buildings for upperclass students. 
• UMaine residence halls do not include general use kitchens, but all floors have microwaves in lounges.
• As part of your application you must choose a meal plan. Details at https://umaine.sodexomyway.com/my-meal-plan.
• Laundry is included in your housing and available on-site.

Communities within UMaine residence halls 

First‑year students may request general first year housing. They may also request up to three themed communities or Living and Learning communities.

What communities are available at UMaine?

UMaine offers: 

• Living Learning Communities (based on academic majors)
• Themed communities (based on shared interests)
• Virtual communities (residential communities with online components)

Requests for Living/Learning Communities and Themed Housing will be assigned based upon space availability. Learn more about them here: https://umaine.edu/reslife/residence-hall-communities

When do I move in?

Move-in is part of the Maine Hello which will start on Aug 30. More specific details will be announced closer to August but you may reference our Residence Hall Opening/Closing page in the meantime.

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. For more information, check out our list of what to bring to campus.