General FAQs for prospective students

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How safe are the residence halls and apartments?

Housing & Residential Life, in coordination with the University Police, work to provide a safe and healthy living environment for your student

• All doors leading to residence hall rooms and apartments are locked 24 hours a day. Access to these areas require a key or activated U Card issued to your student when he or she checks in at the beginning of the year.
• Residential life staff provides security inside University housing. Each University housing building has a Security Monitor on duty from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. every day of the week, there are video security cameras operating in the public areas of the halls and apartments, and Community Advisors (CA) are on-call weekdays from 4:30 p.m. to 8 a.m. and 24 hours a day on weekends.
• The halls and apartments also have fire alarm systems and sprinkler system, and we strive to maintain these systems with routine checks, training for the staff, and work with the UMPD and the Minneapolis Fire Department for proper emergency response training and drills.
• UMPD also offers an escort service for people who need to be on campus during the evening and night hours. They will arrange to have a person meet you at your campus location and escort you to your campus destination.
• Read more about safety and security in the residence halls

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Why is it beneficial to live in the residence halls?

While convenience is often the number one reason for living on campus, you'll find we offer our students much more than just a place to study and sleep.

• Halls are located close to classroom buildings as well as near libraries, shopping and recreational areas.
• There are many opportunities to meet new people and get involved while living in the halls. Residents are able to participate in social, educational, cultural and recreational opportunities, and participate in student government organizations. For more information on hall programs and involvement opportunities visit Hall Programs. Student employment opportunities are also available.
• Residents will benefit from the services, skills and time of a committed staff in the halls. Both full-time, professional staff members (some of which live within the hall) and a student staff are available for advice or referrals on just about any topic from personal matters to career decisions. For more information on staff in the halls, visit HRL Staff.

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Which hall should I choose?

All of the residence halls and apartments have a lot to offer. To find out more about each and hall and apartment visit Residence Halls and Apartments.

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What are Living & Learning Communities?

In addition to the programs and services provided in University housing, there are 21 Living & Learning Communities specifically designed for incoming first year freshmen. Located within the halls, these communities are designed to deliver a variety of educational, social, and developmental programs and services to support students as they grow into their new lives as U of M students. Read more about Living & Learning Communities

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Can I get a tour of the residence halls and apartments?

If you plan to make a trip to the campus during the academic year or summer, please contact the Admissions Office at (612) 625-0000 to arrange for a tour or schedule online. During the summer, building tours are available Monday through Friday in the buildings that are open during the summer.

In addition, you can view our online video tour of residence halls and apartment buildings. View video tours here.

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Can I bring my car to campus?

Parking is available at the University but is in extremely short supply and can be expensive. We recommend leaving your car at home unless absolutely necessary. For information on parking, parking lotteries, and alternative modes of transportation available to students, Parking & Transportation Services

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Are incoming freshman guaranteed housing?

Incoming First-Year Freshman and PSEO (Post-Secondary Enrollment Option) applicants are guaranteed University Housing if the following conditions are met:

• Their University Housing application-contract is received or post-marked by May 1, 2009
• They have been admitted to the University of Minnesota by May 1, 2009 They have paid the Admissions Confirmation Fee by May 1, 2009 and
• They accept assignment to any available space (even if it is not a preference or is in the Expanded Housing Program)

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When will I be notified of what building I am in and will it be my top choice?

Your building, room type, room number, and phone number will be available to view on the web on July 31st, 2009.

At the time room assignments are made, Housing & Residential Life will attempt to honor the preferences expressed by the applicant for specific buildings, house options, room/apartment types, and roommate requests. Please understand that these are preferences only and that we cannot guarantee to meet your request if such space is unavailable.

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Can I change my preferences after I apply and will it affect my application date?

You may change your application preferences online through May 31 by going to www.housing.umn.edu. Select Online Housing Account, and log-in with your Internet ID and password

Changing your preferences will not have an effect on your application date.

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Can I request a roommate and am I guaranteed to live with them?

Requests for specific roommates are considered only if the request is for a person of the same sex and the request is mutual. While not guaranteed, Housing & Residential Life will make every effort to honor these requests.

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What is expanded housing?

To meet its guaranteed housing commitments, the University of Minnesota has arranged for alternative spaces, referred to as “expanded housing.” Based on the number of standard residence hall spaces available AND the date of your housing application, some students will be assigned a space in expanded housing. An expanded housing space may be a regular residence hall room that has been converted to accommodate an additional person (a single expanded to a double, a double expanded to a triple, etc) or study lounge converted into a residential living space. Every attempt has been made to equip these rooms with furnishings similar to those in regular residential rooms. They may, however, have less closet and drawer space. Expanded housing may be temporary. If spaces in standard residence hall rooms become available, expanded housing residents could be reassigned to a permanent space. If an expanded student moves out, the remaining students will be charged the regular room rate for the duration of their stay in a regular residence hall room that had been converted to accommodate an additional person. Housing & Residential Life offers assistance for cross-campus moves. More information

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Am I required to have a meal plan? Am I able to change it during the year?

We believe that dining service is an integral part of residential life, therefore, meal plans are required of students living in any of the eight residence halls.

Meal plan changes can be made to your application until May 31, you may also change your meal plan through the second week of the first semester.

The University has six residential restaurants and offers convenient, flexible meal plans that are perfect for students. For more information on meal plan choices, options for students with special dietary needs and other services, please visit the University Dining Website.

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