New Student Information

Apply for Housing

We are excited that you have chosen the University of Maryland Eastern Shore! The goal of the Office of Residence Life is to ensure that you have a comfortable and safe experience while with us. Before joining our community, you must apply for a space in one of our housing communities. This page is dedicated to providing all new students directions for navigating the Housing Application Process.

Learn About Your On-Campus Living Options

Traditional halls are gender specific and designated as either all female or all male. Murphy Complex and Harford Hall are co-ed living facilities. Floors in Murphy and Harford are designated as all female or all male. Room assignments are designated by gender assigned at birth.

Traditional Residence Halls

All residents in a suite-style unit will be of the same gender. Room assignments are designated by gender assigned at birth.

Suite Style Halls

Living Learning Communities

The Office of Residence Life at University of Maryland Eastern Shore is committed to fostering Living Learning Communities (LLCs) that integrate students’ academic pursuits with their residential experience. These communities are designed to create supportive, inclusive environments where students with shared academic interests or goals live together, collaborate, and engage in meaningful learning beyond the classroom. Through intentional programming, faculty and staff partnerships, and peer engagement, LLCs promote academic success, personal development, leadership, and a strong sense of belonging. By connecting residential life with the university’s mission, Living Learning Communities enhance student retention, encourage lifelong learning, and prepare students to thrive in a diverse and global society. We offer the following LLCs:

The Art Loft – Athletics – Aviation – Honors

To request placement in one of the LLCs please complete the Living Learning Community Request form.


Submit a University Housing Application

New first-year students are required to live on-campus for their first two semesters.  Housing after the first year requirement is optional. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. We encourage all students to apply for housing as soon as they are accepted and have confirmed their seat in the incoming class.

  • The Fall 2026 – Spring 2027 Housing Application opens on Thursday, April 9, 2026
  • Applying for Housing as a new student is only FIVE steps:
    1. Once you have been offered acceptance and paid your $100 Acceptance Fee, establish your UMES login by going to www.umes.edu/newaccount
    2. After creating your UMES login account, go to https://wwwcp.umes.edu/
    3. Login at MyUMES and select the Hawkville icon to complete your Fall 2026 – Spring 2027 New/Transfer Student Housing Application
    4. Pay your $300 non-refundable room deposit
    5. Applicants may self select through June 30. Beginning July 1 applicants will be manually assigned by Office of Residence Life staff. Assignments will be visible in Hawkville.
  • The University Housing application is separate from the admissions application, so don’t procrastinate! You will need to complete both in order to secure housing for the Fall 2026 – Spring 2027 academic year
  • Review our Housing Contract before applying
  • If you are seeking a 2026-2027 Live On-Campus Exemption, please CLICK HERE for additional information on this process

View the Housing Application Step-by-Step Video for Additional Help

    Secret Link