{"id":1391,"date":"2021-07-13T20:43:39","date_gmt":"2021-07-14T00:43:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/reslife\/?page_id=1391"},"modified":"2026-07-13T14:04:36","modified_gmt":"2026-07-13T18:04:36","slug":"frequently-asked-questions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/reslife\/frequently-asked-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item\"><details><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__title has-background has-header-secondary-bg-color-background-color has-text-color has-white-color\">MOVE IN DAY- FAQS<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__content\" style=\"border-color:#651d32\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><u>Check-In Days and Times<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">NEW and TRANSFER STUDENTS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Residential students with confirmed residence hall room assignments will move in on August 16, 2026.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For more information, please look under New Student Information Fall 2026 Move-In Information.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">RETURNING STUDENTS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Residential students with confirmed residence hall room assignments will move in on:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Saturday, August 22, 2026<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sunday, August 23, 2026<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For more information, please look under Current Student Information Fall 2026 Move-In Information.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><u>Check-in Location<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Please look under New Student Fall 2026 Move-In Information or Current Student Fall 2026 Move-In Information.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><u>Do I Really Need to Check-In during the scheduled time?<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Yes!<\/strong> Checking in during your scheduled time helps reduce wait times, ensures adequate staffing, manages crowd sizes, improves parking and traffic flow, maintains safety and security, and coordinates support services for a smoother move-in experience.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you are unable to arrive during your assigned check-in time <strong>due to extenuating circumstances<\/strong>, you must contact the Office of Residence Life <strong>before<\/strong> your scheduled arrival to discuss alternative arrangements. Alternate check-in accommodations are not guaranteed and are subject to staff availability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Arriving outside of your scheduled check-in time without prior approval may result in delays in receiving your room keys and gaining access to your assigned residence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Please plan to arrive during your allotted check-in time. If you experience unexpected travel delays and anticipate arriving only a few minutes late, there is no need to notify the Office of Residence Life, simply drive safely and arrive when you can.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you expect to arrive <strong>more than one (1) hour after<\/strong> your scheduled check-in time, please notify the Office of Residence Life by calling <strong>410-651-6144<\/strong> or emailing <a href=\"mailto:umesresidencelife@umes.edu\"><strong>umesresidencelife@umes.edu<\/strong><\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><u>Can I Check-In Early?<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No, early check-in requests&nbsp;<strong>will not be approved<\/strong>. If you are not able to make your scheduled check in date, you may request a later arrival date to occur before noon on the first day of class, August 24, 2026.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><u>What Should I Do to Prepare for Move-In Day?<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Review the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/reslife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/07\/WhattoBring.pdf\"><strong>\u201cWhat to Bring\u201d<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;checklist.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be financially cleared through <a href=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/comptroller\/student-accounts-home\/\">Student Accounts<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Submit your Health History form and Immunizations to <a href=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/studenthealth\/\">Student Health Services<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><u>What Should I Bring to Check-In<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bring your government-issued photo ID to the check-in location.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We highly recommend residents bring their own move-in equipment to expedite their check-in process.&nbsp; Move-in equipment includes dollies, carts, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>Note: Limited Residence Life&nbsp;equipment will be available to assist residents with moving their personal belongings into the residence hall<\/em><\/strong>. <strong><u><\/u><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">***<strong><em>Please remember that all residents are legally bound to their housing contract that ends on&nbsp;May 15, 2027. &nbsp;Further information can be found on the <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/reslife\/\"><strong><em>Residence Life<\/em><\/strong><\/a><strong><em> <\/em><\/strong><strong><em>website under the Housing Terms and Conditions policy in the Housing Contract Booklet.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item\"><details><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__title has-background has-header-secondary-bg-color-background-color has-text-color has-white-color\">OTHER &#8211; FAQS<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__content\" style=\"border-color:#651d32\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">What housing communities are available?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Freshman Females<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Plaza Hall<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>University Terrace<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Freshman Males<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Court Plaza<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wicomico <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Clusters (Student Residential Complex)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hawk Run\/Urban Living<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Student Apartments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Juniors and Seniors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hawk Plaza<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hawk&#8217;s Landing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Honors and STEM STARS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Harford<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Art Loft, Athletics, and Aviation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Murphy Complex<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">How do I apply for housing?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Follow the Apply for Housing instructions on the <a href=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/reslife\/current-students-room-assignments\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/reslife\/current-students-room-assignments\/\">Current Student Information<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/reslife\/office-of-residence-life\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/reslife\/office-of-residence-life\/\">New Student Information<\/a> pages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Current students<\/strong> are expected to participate in the designated <strong>Room Reclaim<\/strong> and <strong>Hawk Select <\/strong>(self-selection) periods, which typically opens March-May. Students are notified in advance of these specific dates. Students who do not complete the housing process during these periods will be assigned housing through the Administrative Selection process.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An additional $100 administrative fee will apply to students placed in the Administrative Selection due to missing the Hawk Select deadline. Room preferences are not guaranteed and are based upon classification and space availability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>New and transfer students<\/strong>, the priority deadline to complete the housing application and participate in Hawk Select (self-selection) is <strong>June 30<\/strong>. Students who submit their housing application <strong>after June 30<\/strong> will be placed into the <strong>Administrative Selection<\/strong> process. <strong>New and transfer students are not required to pay the additional $100 administrative fee<\/strong>. Please note that room preferences are not guaranteed in the Administrative Selection period.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>What is the housing deposit?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>At UMES, all students&nbsp;are required to submit a $300 non-refundable room deposit\/reservation fee to secure a housing assignment. This fee is applied toward your total housing charges. &nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The $300 room reservation fee is non-refundable, even if you cancel your housing at a later date.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Students who cancel their housing contract after June 30 will incur a $500 breach of contract fee.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Can my housing deposit be waived?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No. A waiver means the $300 deposit is completely forgiven and does not need to be paid.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Can my housing deposit be deferred?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Yes, A <strong>deferment<\/strong> allows you to <strong>postpone<\/strong> paying the deposit until a later date (e.g., after financial aid disbursement). The $300 must still be paid but is not needed at the time of application.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">How can I qualify for a housing deposit deferment?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>New and transfer students may be eligible for a housing deposit deferment if they are identified as Foster Care Recipients or Unaccompanied Homeless Youth on their FAFSA when applying for financial aid<strong>.<\/strong> &nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Can I live off campus as a new or transfer student?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Yes. Please see the <a href=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/reslife\/office-of-residence-life-2\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/reslife\/office-of-residence-life-2\/\">First-Year Requirements<\/a> page to determine eligibility for students seeking exemption from the live on campus requirement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>How do I get my room assignment as an athlete?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Office of Residential Life (ORL) works directly with the Athletics Department to arrange housing assignments for athletes. To ensure you&#8217;re included, confirm with your coach that your name has been submitted. Then complete your housing application by logging into the MyUMES portal.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:23px\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">It\u2019s been over 3 &#8211; 5 business days since I completed my application for housing, what<br>should I do?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Log into the MyUMES portal and the Hawkville app to double check that you have a completed form under the \u201cForms and Applications\u201d link.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you have made a payment and there is no completed application, you should email a copy of your payment receipt to <a href=\"mailto:umesresidencelife@umes.edu\">umesresidencelife@umes.edu<\/a> .<br>In your email include your name, Student ID, and a contact phone number for an ORL staff member to contact you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If your application is complete you may send an email to <a href=\"mailto:umesresidencelife@umes.edu\">umesresidencelife@umes.edu<\/a> to request an update.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>I completed my Staff Select housing application but haven\u2019t been able to select a room. Why?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Hawk Select<\/strong> period allows students to complete their housing application, pay the $300 housing deposit, and select a room of their choice. If you miss the Hawk Selection period\/deadline, your application will then move to the <strong>Staff Selection <\/strong>period. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>Staff Selection<\/strong> period allows students to complete the Staff Select Application, pay the <strong>$100 administrative fee<\/strong>, and pay the <strong>$300 housing deposit<\/strong>. Students do not have the option to <strong>self-select a room<\/strong> during this Staff Selection period. Instead, the Office of Residential Life assigns rooms based on student classification and space availability. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Please note that room preferences are not guaranteed. You will receive an email notification once your housing assignment is completed.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">How can I request a different room or choose my roommate?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>All room changes are done during the room swap period which usually occurs the third week of classes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you are not currently assigned with the person you would like to be your roommate, you will need to make the request during the room swap period. At that time, you and your preferred roommate can complete the roommate change process, provided both students meet the eligibility requirements and the requested space is available.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">I have a back bill and I need housing. what should I do?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Students must resolve back bills before applying for on-campus housing. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/comptroller\/student-accounts-home\/\">Student Accounts<\/a> for questions regarding payments and payment arrangements. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Students must complete class registration and be registered for at least 12 credits hours to reside in campus housing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The housing application will become available in Hawkville once you have completed the steps above. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item\"><details><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__title has-background has-header-secondary-bg-color-background-color has-text-color has-white-color\">TRANSFER STUDENT HOUSING INFORMATION<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__content\" style=\"border-color:#651d32\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Why can I only select the freshman housing application?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>First-time new freshman and transfer students only have access to the Freshman\/Transfer housing application.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">I am a transfer student with upperclassmen credits. Can I be assigned to upperclassmen housing?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Yes, once your credit hours have been received and the housing office can verify your class status through the University Registrar, you may be reassigned to upperclassmen housing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">What should I do to be reassigned to upperclassmen housing?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Review the Residence Halls and select the hall that best meets your housing needs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Email <a href=\"mailto:umesresidencelife@umes.edu\">umesresidencelife@umes.edu<\/a> and request to be reassigned to upperclassmen housing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Include the hall you wish to be reassigned to in your email to Residence Life.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8230;<span class=\"cpschool-read-more-link-holder\"><a class=\"btn btn-basic cpschool-read-more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/reslife\/frequently-asked-questions\/\">Read more <span class=\"sr-only\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","footnotes":""},"folder":[],"class_list":["post-1391","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/reslife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1391","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/reslife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/reslife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/reslife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/reslife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1391"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/reslife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1391\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/reslife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1391"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"folder","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/reslife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/folder?post=1391"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}