2025-26 Housing Dining Guide by University of Kentucky

KENTUCKY

The Key to Friendships, Fun and Finding Your Place.

WHERE COLLEGE COMES TO LIFE

At the University of Kentucky, living on campus isn’t just convenient—it’s a game-changer. Think late-night study sessions that turn into laughter and connection, pickup games on the lawn and coffee runs that somehow last for hours and spark lifelong friendships.

With your classes, dining, recreation center and support services all just minutes from your front door, you’ll save time and gain something even better: a deeper connection to campus life.

FUN FACT:

Almost every Wildcat starts their UK journey on campus! Nearly 9 out of 10 live here their first year!

Our residence halls aren’t just where you sleep; they’re where you grow, belong and thrive. You’ll be surrounded by a supportive community, new opportunities and the energy of a campus that always has something going on. APPLY EARLY FOR CAMPUS HOUSING!

Once you’re accepted to UK, don’t wait— secure your spot on campus by submitting your Housing and Dining application in the myUK portal. Applying early gives you the best chance at your preferred space!

Boost your GPA while living just minutes from class.

Roll out of bed and still make it to class on time.

Stay on track to graduate in four years.

Find your people and feel right at home.

Never miss out—campus is always buzzing with something fun.

WHY LOVE LIVING ON CAMPUS

Wildcats Wildcats

WHAT’S

Wildly

Possible FOR YOU

WHEN

YOU LIVE ON CAMPUS?

LIVE ON CAMPUS

“I feel more involved on campus in general because I live here. I even work on campus and I walk to work. I can go to any events I want, and I don’t have to plan it into my schedule. It can be a spontaneous or spur-of-the-moment thing.”

– Reese Durham, ‘26, Louisville, Kentucky

“My favorite meal on campus is in the dining hall. They serve either orange chicken or General Tso’s chicken at Zen Wok. I love it so much that I keep going for seconds and thirds.”

– Devon Bester, ‘26, Nashville, Tennessee

“The whole college experience is so much more than academics. UK really lined up with what I wanted my college experience to look like. Residence Life staff are great at connecting you to the right people. There are more opportunities living on campus, especially as a transfer student.”

– Luke Preston, ‘27, Raceland, Kentucky

NORTH CAMPUS

RESIDENCE HALLS

Blazer Hall

Boyd Hall

Holmes Hall

Jewell Hall

Roselle Hall

Wildcat Coal Lodge

NEARBY

UK Bookstore

Gatton Student Center

Downtown Lexington

The Cornerstone

The Study North

CENTRAL CAMPUS

RESIDENCE HALLS

Baldwin Hall

Ball Hall

Chellgren Hall

Donovan Hall

Haggin Hall

Ingels Hall

Johnson Hall

Kirwan-Blanding Hall *New in 2026-27

Lewis Hall

Pigman Hall

Smith Hall

University Flats

Woodland Glen IV

Woodland Glen V

NEARBY

Alumni Commons

Chemistry-Physics Building

Jacobs Science Building

Johnson Recreation Center

Kroger Field

The 90

The Study

William T. Young Library

A Ag Science North

Wildcat Pantry

B Chemistry-Physics Building

Einstein Bros. Bagels

C Erikson Hall

ONE Community Cafe

D Gatton College of Business

PJ’s Coffee

E Gatton Student Center

*Champions Kitchen, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Chick-fil-A, Blenz Bowls, Panda Express, Subway, Starbucks (inside UK Bookstore/Flex Dollars not accepted)

F Haggin Hall

K-Lair

G Healthy Kentucky Research Building

Starbucks

H Holmes Hall

Wildcat Pantry

I Jacobs Science Building freshii

J Kentucky Clinic

Starbucks

K M.I. King Science Library

Subway

L The 90

*Fresh Food Company, Zen Sushi, Chick-fil-A, Blue Agave Grill, Wildcat Pantry

M Rosenberg College of Law

PJ’s Coffee

N W.T. Young Library

Starbucks

* “All-you-care-to-eat” dining locations

RESIDENCE HALLS

DINING LOCATIONS

RESIDENCE HALLS WITH DINING LOCATIONS

ROSELLE HALL

PIGMAN HALL

HALL

BALDWIN HALL

BOYD HALL

GERMAN HOUSE

JEWELL HALL

ROSELLE HALL

HOLMES HALL

BLAZER HALL

WILDCAT COAL LODGE

HAGGIN HALL

DONOVAN HALL

LEWIS HALL

UNIVERSITY FLATS

SMITH HALL

INGELS HALL

CHELLGREN HALL

WOODLAND GLEN V

WOODLAND GLEN IV

PIGMAN HALL

BALL HALL

BALDWIN HALL

JOHNSON HALL

KIRWIN-BLANDING HALL

DON’T MISS OUT ON THE FULL CAMPUS EXPERIENCE!

WHAT IS RESIDENCE LIFE?

Campus housing is where you live—but Residence Life is what makes it home. It’s the energy, support and community that bring your residence hall to life. Through programs, events and everyday connections, Residence Life helps you build friendships, feel supported and find your place at UK. It’s all about creating a true sense of belonging right where you live.

WHAT IS A RESIDENT ADVISOR (RA)?

Resident Advisors (RAs) are your go-to guides for life in the residence halls. They’re experienced UK students who are there to help you feel connected, supported and at home on campus.

RAs are trained in everything from safety and emergency response to conflict resolution and community building. They plan fun events, foster friendships and check in with you one-on-one each semester to offer advice, encouragement and help you navigate all that UK has to offer.

Need a resource? A listening ear? Someone to cheer you on? That’s your RA.

WILDCAT SAFETY: PEACE OF MIND, 24/7

Your safety is a top priority at UK and it starts right where you live.

Every residence hall front desk is staffed around the clock, and Residence Life staff are always on call, even on weekends.

Your WildCard ID is your secure key to campus and is used to access your residence hall, suite and other essential resources.

You and your family can sign up for UK Alerts to get real-time emergency notifications by text, phone or email. (Learn more at go.uky.edu/SafeZoneApp)

The UK Police Department actively patrols campus and works closely with UK Campus Housing and Residence Life to ensure a safe, secure environment for all students. At UK, you’re never on your own; we’ve got your back, day and night.

A CAMPUS DESIGNED FOR STUDENTS A CAMPUS DESIGNED FOR STUDENTS

UK’s residence halls were built for college students. They are modern, comfortable and packed with the features that matter most.

Enjoy state-of-the-art amenities, including high-speed Wi-Fi, private and communal lounges, multipurpose spaces, shared kitchens and free laundry facilities.

Say goodbye to communal bathrooms— every room has its own ensuite bathroom.

Need academic support? The Study North, a free drop-in peer tutoring center, is located right in Jewell Hall.

Hungry? You’re never more than three minutes from a dining location when you live on campus.

Wi-Fi, laundry, maintenance and 24/7 security are all included in your room rate— no surprise fees, just peace of mind.

This isn’t just student housing. It’s your home base for everything UK.

ROOM TYPES AND SEMESTER RATES

FOR FIRST-TIME, FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS

BLUE

4 PERSON SUITE

Semi-private bedroom, semi-private bathroom

Donovan Hall, Haggin Hall*, Johnson Hall

*Indicates full-size XL beds

WHITE

Semi-private bedroom, semi-private bathroom

Baldwin Hall, Ingels Hall, Roselle Hall, Smith Hall

2 BEDROOM SUITE

Individual bedroom, semi-private bathroom, granite countertops

Ball Hall*, Blazer Hall*, Boyd Hall*†, Chellgren Hall*, Haggin Hall*, Holmes Hall*, Jewell Hall*, Kirwan-Blanding Hall*, Lewis Hall*, Pigman Hall*, Woodland Glen IV*, Woodland Glen V*

*Indicates full-size XL beds.

†Boyd Hall is limited to upper-level students

3 PERSON 2 BEDROOM SUITES

Option for 3 students (if needed) Offered at a lower cost

Two bedrooms, semi-private bathroom, granite countertops

Ball Hall*, Blazer Hall*, Chellgren Hall*, Haggin Hall*, Holmes Hall*, Jewell Hall*, Lewis Hall*, Pigman Hall*, Woodland Glen IV*, Woodland Glen V*

*Indicates full-size XL bed in bedroom 1

BEDROOM 1

INDIVIDUAL BEDROOM FULL-SIZE XL BED

BEDROOM 2

SEMI-PRIVATE BEDROOM TWIN XL BEDS BUNKED

(All 3 students share a bathroom)

Our residence halls were purposefully designed with flexible living spaces that can be easily modified to meet the changing needs of students and campus. Our 2-Bedroom Suites may be transitioned to 3-Person 2-Bedroom Suites to accommodate student housing demand.

Finishes, furnishings, colors, views and other information described in these images are representational only and do not necessarily depict the final design of the unit. Housing and Dining contracts are for one full academic year.

TRANSFERRING FROM ANOTHER UNIVERSITY?

View all room types including those reserved for upper-level students here.

go.uky.edu/RoomTypes

A NEW KENTUCKY HOME COMING TO CENTRAL CAMPUS FALL 2026

Kirwan-Blanding Hall

• 314 suites primarily reserved for first-time, first-year students

• Communal kitchen & laundry facility on each floor

• Print stations and dedicated package lockers in the lobby

• 10 flexible study spaces

• 11 flexible social spaces

THE RETURN OF K-LAIR A Wildcat Classic

Back by popular demand, K-Lair is reopening at its original Haggin Hall location! Originally opened in 1961, this beloved spot is once again serving up campus favorites like cheeseburgers, fries, onion rings, wraps, chicken tenders and fresh salads—perfect between classes or for a late-night bite.

PRO-TIP: Got family who went to UK? Ask them about K-Lair!

LIVE WHERE YOU LEARN JOIN A LIVING LEARNING PROGRAM (LLP)

Looking for a college experience that goes beyond the classroom? UK’s Living Learning Program (LLP) connects you with students who share your interests, major or career goals—right where you live.

IN AN LLP, YOU’LL:

Collaborate and grow alongside peers who inspire and support you.

Engage in exclusive events and experiences that foster personal and academic success.

Build a strong community that feels like home from day one.

From your first class to your future career, LLPs help you make the most of your time at UK.

Level Up YOUR Success IN THE LIVING LEARNING PROGRAM

Studies show participation in an LLP can lead to:

• A higher GPA

• Greater success and progress toward your degree

• A greater sense of community

• Increased engagement with faculty, staff and other students

• More participation in connected courses and academic experiences

• Higher satisfaction with your choice to live on campus

SPACE IS LIMITED! Apply early and stay on top of deadlines to secure your spot!

“I was so anxious for my first exam, especially since it was for a course within my major. I thought, ‘Oh my gosh! What is this test going to look like? What should I study?’ One of the Peer Mentors in my LLP hosted an Animal Science Study Night before the test, and I felt so much better. She gave me some tips and showed me what to study. It was probably my favorite event because it involved a game and competition, which made it fun.”

– Amanda Carrithers, ‘27, Animal Science/Pre-Veterinary Science

LIVING LEARNING PROGRAMS

Audre Lorde Living Learning Program Blazer Any

CI Connect Community* Jewell Communication and Information

Creative Arts Living Learning Program* Holmes Any

Engineering Living Learning Program Pigman Engineering

First-Generation Living Learning Community* Chellgren Any

Honors Residential Experience** Lewis/Haggin Lewis Honors College

International Village Blazer Any

Interprofessional Residential Healthcare Community* Ball Health Care

Leadership and Service Living Learning Program* Holmes Any

Martin-Gatton CAFE Community Woodland Gen IV Any

Public Policy and Law Living Learning Program Jewell Any

Transfer Year Experience Boyd Any

* Communities requiring the completion of an additional task, like an essay question, to complete the LLP application.

** Only students admitted to the Lewis Honors College can apply for the Honors Residential Experience.

APPLYING TO THE LIVING LEARNING PROGRAM

1. You can preference up to 3 LLPs within the UK Campus Housing application.

2. If accepted, you will receive an offer via your UKY email.

3. Accept your LLP offer by May 22.

You will receive one LLP offer at a time. An LLP student’s eligibility to participate in Room Selection requires acceptance of the LLP offer within the housing portal and confirmation of attendance to UK by May 1. This list is current as of 2025-26. LLPs and their

TASTE THE Wildcat LIFE

AND FUEL YOUR DAY, YOUR WAY

CRAVING VARIETY? UK Dining has you covered with more than 20 on-campus spots just minutes from your classes and residence hall. From fresh, chef-prepared meals to grab-and-go favorites, there’s something for every taste—whether you’re vegan, gluten-free or just really into mac and cheese. Whatever you’re hungry for, you’ll find it here—delicious, convenient and made to fuel your Wildcat life.

MEAL PLANS

Wildcat All Access

• Unlimited Meal Swipes

• $700 Flex for any UK Dining location

• 10 Guest Meals

All Access White

• Unlimited Meal Swipes

• $400 Flex for any UK Dining location

• 10 Guest Meals

All Access Blue

• Unlimited Meal Swipes per semester

• $250 Flex for any UK Dining location

• 10 Guest Meals

Weekly 10

• 10 Meal Swipes per week

• $100 Flex for any UK Dining location

*Upper-level students living in University Flats are able to opt out of their meal plan. Housing and Dining contracts are for one full academic year.

SAVOR THE FLAVORS OF LEXINGTON RIGHT HERE ON CAMPUS

Why wait to explore the city when Lexington’s best eats are minutes from your residence hall? UK Dining teams up with local favorites to bring you a true taste of the Bluegrass—without needing to leave campus. Both Fresh Food Company and Champions Kitchen offer Local Restaurant Row featuring more than a dozen popular Lexington restaurants. From comfort food to global cuisine, there’s something new to try every week.

YOUR ACE YOUR APPETITE

DATES AND DEADLINES

Dining plan downgrade deadline

Dining plan begins 1st official day of move-in 1st official day of move-in 2 weeks from start of meal plan Friday of finals week 2 weeks from start of meal plan Friday of finals week

Dining plan ends FALL 2026 SPRING 2027

One downgrade is permitted per semester. Downgrades will not be accepted after the deadline. Students who do not select a meal plan by July 12 will be automatically assigned the default (All-Access White) for Fall 2026. The meal plan selected or assigned for the fall semester will carry over to the spring semester if changes are not requested by the student.

MEAL SWIPES can be used at the two all-you-care-to-eat dining halls, Fresh Food Company and Champions Kitchen. These locations offer the best variety and value, allowing you to tailor your meals to your needs with a variety of chef-inspired options made with local ingredients.

FLEX DOLLARS function like a gift card and can be used at all UK Dining locations. Running low? Reload at any time during the semester. Plus, paying with Flex is tax-free. Use your Flex for a snack at our convenient Wildcat Pantry locations, a study break coffee or a meal from your favorite national brand.

YOUR WILDCARD ID is your key to using both your Meal Swipes and Flex Dollars on campus.

To explore all the details about your meal plan, visit uky.campusdish.com.

MEAL PLAN BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Weekly themed events and pop-ups

• Options available from 7 a.m. to midnight

• No need for grocery shopping, cooking or clean-up

• To-go options at all locations

• Grubhub mobile ordering

SKIP THE LINE WITH GRUBHUB + Starship Robots

Order ahead on the Grubhub app for pickup—or have your food delivered by a Starship robot right to your door. Even better? UK students get Grubhub+ free, with no delivery fees from participating off-campus spots.

HOW TO apply apply

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Use the same email address you used when applying for admission to UK

BEFORE APPLYING TO LIVE ON CAMPUS

Before applying to live on campus, make sure you have:

• Received your UK acceptance letter in the mail

• Activated your linkblue account

–– Instructions to activate your linkblue account can be found in your UK acceptance package OR at go.uky.edu/linkblueActivation

• Explored your living options at wildcatliving.uky.edu

APPLYING TO LIVE ON CAMPUS

View step-by-step instructions and all deadlines for completing your UK Campus Housing and Dining application at... go.uky.edu/applyforhousing

Your application is considered complete once you have:

Paid the $50 non-refundable application fee

Signed the 2026-27 UK Campus Housing and Dining contract

Non-LLP Track

LLP Track

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

ADMITTED TO UK

Submit Campus Housing Application (by June 1)

Apply to LLP (by May 15)

LLP Room Selection (March 2 - May 22)

CONFIRM TO UK (by May 1)

Accept LLP Offer (by May 22)

Select Dining Plan (by July 12)

BIG BLUE MOVE-IN (August 16-19)

*Housing assignments are based on the student’s Housing application completion date. Acceptance into a Living Learning Program designates the specific residence hall. Applying early for Housing is strongly encouraged. After the May 1 confirmation deadline, only students who have confirmed their enrollment may participate in Room Selection. If a new student participates in Room Selection and does not confirm attendance to UK by May 1, they could lose their room assignment.