FALL 2026
HOUSING OUTLOOK
For Residence Hall students and families
Department of Resident Life’s recommended Four-Year Housing Plan
Living and learning in the residence halls at the University of Maryland are critical components of a UMD education. With the Maryland Residential Experience, we create opportunities for all residents to thrive and grow. We support learning, cultivating connections through community and promoting safe, inclusive residential environments to foster a sense of belonging.
The Department of Resident Life suggests that all undergraduate students consider their four-year housing plan:
1st year students begin their UMD experience and LIVE HERE in the residence halls.
2nd year students STAY ON and participate in Room Selection to choose their housing assignment from many on-campus housing options (semi-suite, suite, apartment and traditional style options), plus secure priority leasing in South Campus Commons and The Courtyards for junior year.
3rd and 4th year students (rising juniors and seniors) often choose to explore the public-private apartment options at South Campus Commons and The Courtyards or other off-campus housing apartment options.
Housing Commitments Policy
The vision of the Maryland Residential Experience focuses on serving the needs of undergraduate students in their first and second years to offer an experience that is engaging, diverse, and an indispensable component of their academic success. We also recognize the importance of maintaining the option for some upper-level students to live in our residence halls.
The Housing Commitments Policy, collaboratively established with the Residence Hall Association (RHA), outlines the priority order allocation of residence hall spaces. Resident Life provides the option for housing in the residence halls to upper-level students in exempted groups. To see the full policy and the students with exempted status, please visit go.umd.edu/HousingCommitments.
RESIDENCE HALL ROOM SELECTION ELIGIBILITY
Room Selection gives current eligible students the ability to select their housing assignments for next academic year - live and in real time.
The first step to participating in Room Selection is submitting the Residence Hall Housing and Dining Agreement now available via the Housing Portal at starrez.umd.edu.
The deadline to apply is 4:00 p.m., Monday, February 23, 2026.
Step 1
Submit your Residence Hall Housing and Dining Agreement by 4:00 p.m., Monday, February 23.
Step 2
Consider the various housing options available to students — semi-suite, suite, apartment, and traditional style options. And, begin thinking about potential roommates and group formation.
Rising Sophomores and Exempted Residents*
Step 3
Participate in Room Selection (March 2–March 9, 2026) to choose your space for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Current first-year students (rising sophomores) living in the residence halls for the Spring 2026 semester will have priority for returning to residence halls. Eligible students may choose from many residence hall housing options including semi-suites, suites, apartments, traditional rooms, and some options with single rooms.
Rising Juniors and Seniors
Rising juniors and seniors who wish to return to the residence halls may submit their Housing and Dining Agreement by 4:00 p.m. on February 23, and it will initially be added to the Housing Waitlist while we ensure there is enough housing capacity for first and second-year students. We will notify students about their Room Selection participation eligibility on February 24.
There are many housing options from which to choose, including semi-suites, suites, apartments, and traditional styles, as well as some options with single rooms. Visit reslife.umd.edu to view the various housing options available. For a complete listing of the residence halls and amenities, view the Residence Halls at a Glance at reslife.umd.edu/hallsatglance.
*Exempted students are those who are pre-approved for housing in the residence halls. For a full list of exempted student groups, please visit reslife.umd.edu/terp-housing/apply.
NOTE: Current sophomores (rising juniors) living in residence halls have first priority to select rooms in South Campus Commons (SCC) or The Courtyards (CTY) for their junior year.
SOUTH CAMPUS COMMONS AND THE COURTYARDS
South Campus Commons (Commons) and The Courtyards at the University of Maryland (Courtyards) are the University of Maryland’s public-private partnership undergraduate student apartment communities and are managed by a private management company, Capstone On-Campus Management. Students who sign leases at Commons or Courtyards must be approved by the Department of Resident Life.
Second-year (rising juniors) and third-year (rising seniors) living in the residence halls for the 2025-2026 year who meet the application deadlines will have the highest priority for new leases that will become available. Second and third year students living in the residence halls will also be eligible to be pulled-in to vacancies in these apartments by current residents who are renewing leases for 2026-2027. Both properties require 11.25-month leases and offer the option of a lease renewal for your fourth year in college.
Current first (rising sophomore) and fourth year (rising fifth-year senior) may apply to lease at South Campus Commons or The Courtyards, and will be eligible after all current second-year and third-year students have had leasing appointments.
All interested students must meet the specified Commons/Courtyards leasing application deadlines for eligibility.
For more information, please visit reslife.umd.edu/housing/commonscourtyards
Important Dates
FEB 23 4:00 p.m.
FEB 24
Residence Halls
Deadline for 2026-2027 Residence Hall Housing and Dining Agreement for any student interested in returning to residence hall housing
All students who met the February 23 deadline learn if they may select a room during Room Selection 2026 or will be waitlisted for residence hall housing for 2026-2027
MAR 2 to MAR 9
Room Selection 2026 for all eligible residents returning to residence hall housing for 2026-2027
South Campus Commons (Commons) and The Courtyards (Courtyards)
JAN 5 11:59 p.m.
FEB 18 & FEB 19
Priority Deadline to participate in the Commons/Courtyards Apartment Selection Process
Commons/Courtyards Apartment Selection for Prospective Residents—Group Leaders will select rooms on behalf of their group members
FEB 23 Noon Deadline to sign Commons/ Courtyards 2026-2027 lease
NOTE REGARDING GOOD STANDING: RHA legislation regarding status for room selection eligibility for students with multiple administrative housing probation sanctions will be implemented. Such students will be placed at the end of their priority group for 2026-2027, which will have a direct negative impact on their selection priority. All students affected will be notified before Room Selection 2026.
