First-Year Students

Congratulations on your acceptance to the University of Maine! We hope your first year here will be a great introduction to the endless experiences that are available to you as a student on the UMaine campus.

Living on campus maximizes opportunities for social, cultural, and extracurricular involvement and is positively linked to students’ persistence toward attaining a degree. The University of Maine believes that residence hall living is an educational opportunity that all new students should experience.

UMaine requires all first-year students to live on campus
All incoming first-year students must submit a housing application

When students are on campus, they are supported in class and beyond. Academically, students who live on campus have proven to be more successful in attaining their degree.

Apply for housing even if you have not confirmed your admission to UMaine.
Housing assignments will be released on July 15.
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 upper class students.
UMaine residence halls do not include general use kitchens, but all floors have microwaves in lounges.
As part of your housing application, you must choose a dining meal plan.
Laundry is included in your housing and available on-site.

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
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

A UMaine student sitting at a desk with dual computer monitors, keyboard, and microphone.

Apply for Housing as soon as possible to secure your spot on campus

You may even apply for housing if you have not confirmed admission to UMaine. All housing assignments are made based on availability and the application date once admission is confirmed.

First-Year Student FAQs

A first-year student is enrolled in, or seeking to enroll in, classes at the University of Maine for the first time within one calendar year of their high school graduation.

Any University of Maine operated residence hall.

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

Over the age of 21
A veteran or transfer student
Living with a parent or guardian from an easy commuting distance within a 35-mile radius of campus
Have exceptional circumstances that do not permit them to live on campus

To request an exemption to the First-Year Live-On Residence

If the exemption is granted before the start of the academic year, your contract will be automatically canceled — no fee.

If the exception is granted during the year, you will be reimbursed through a credit on your student account for a pro-rated amount.

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.

Live with others who share your interests

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

Move-in is part of the Maine Hello (dates change annually so be sure to follow the website). More specific details will be announced closer to August but you may reference our Residence Hall Opening/Closing page in the meantime.

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.

Requests for Living-Learning Communities and Themed Housing will be assigned based upon space availability.

Learn more

Roommates & Roommate Requests

Students who have a specific roommate request should include it on their housing application. Both students should request each other on their housing applications. Roommate requests are guaranteed with both housing applications on file. Housing will accommodate requests received before July 15, if possible.

UMaine uses a roommate matching program within the housing application for first-year students coming in for the fall semester. If a student arrives new for the spring semester, it will either be a random assignment or an assignment with a specific roommate request.

Fall semester first-year students who match with a roommate through the housing application will be assigned their matched roommate, and do not need to contact our office to request a roommate.

If you find a roommate after submitting your housing application, please email us with the name of your requested roommate. Roommate pairings will be honored as much as possible.

Black Bear Bridge Week

For incoming first-year students

Aug. 24-28

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First-Year Students

Apply for Housing as soon as possible to secure your spot on campus

First-Year Student FAQs

Live with others who share your interests

Roommates & Roommate Requests

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