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First Year Housing: Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a list of our most frequently asked questions. If you find that your question has not been answered, please Contact Us.


Since all First Year students live in University housing, the Housing Division's Accommodations Office plays an important role in your first year. The staff in this office are responsible for making all of the on-Grounds housing assignments. They are here to help you if you have any questions regarding the assignments process. The office is located in the basement of Page House, in the McCormick Road Area.

1. Applications

1.1. How do I apply for housing?

Incoming First Years should complete the online First-year Housing Application (you will need to activate your University computing ID before attempting to access the application). Please be sure to read the application carefully before submitting it. Your assignment will be made after your Admissions deposit AND Housing Application and Agreement are received.

1.2. What is the $250 deposit for?

The $250 deposit referred to in the Housing Application and Agreement is the Admissions deposit. First-years are not required to pay a deposit for housing. You will be billed for your housing fees later this summer.

2. Assignments

2.1. How is my assignment made?

A computer-generated random selection process held after the application deadline determines your order of assignment. The following information from your application is saved in the Assignments software program:
  1. Your ranking of Programs (note: First Year students may apply to live in one of the three residential college programs, or they may select to live in the First Year Program. The First Year Program includes the McCormick Road and Alderman Road Areas and the Hereford Complex. Assignments to any of the facilities in this program are made on a random basis.)
  2. Mutual roommate request
  3. Information about smoking, study habits, and neatness preferences.
Your assignment is then generated by computer. We regret that the Accommodations Office cannot consider special requests.

2.2. What's a triple and how are students assigned to one?

Triples are rooms located in the Alderman Road area that can accommodate three people. Students are placed in triple occupancy rooms after all double rooms are assigned. As space becomes available, students placed in triples will be moved to double rooms.

2.3. May I request a roommate?

Roommate requests must be mutual and designated on your Housing Application and Agreement. The Accommodations Office tries to place roommate requests together, however, often preferred roommates are admitted to the University at different times. When this occurs, preferences for residential areas may not be possible in order to honor roommate requests. Also, requests for a specific roommate takes precedence over smoker/non-smoker requests, so be sure to talk this over with your potential roommate before you decide to live together!

3. What if I'm an Echols or Rodman Scholar?

The Echols/Rodman Deans will provide a list of scholars to the Accommodations staff during the summer. (Scholars will be assigned to live in one of the designated scholar buildings in the Alderman Road Residence Area - Webb, Maupin and Lile). Scholars can also make a note on their Housing Application and Agreement to expedite the process. Be aware that preference in Echols/Rodman housing is given to scholars signing up by themselves or with another Echols/Rodman scholar.

4. How can I receive assistance from the University if I have a disability or allergy?

If you need special housing accommodations due to a disability or allergy, you will need to submit a Disability Related Needs Request and appropriate documentation to the Learning Needs and Evaluation Center (LNEC). You will also need to submit your Housing application by June 5, 2009. If you have any questions, please contact LNEC at 434-243-5180 or send an email to lnec@virginia.edu.

5. When do I find out where I'll live?

You will receive your room and roommate assignment after July 2, 2009, as long as you submit your application in a timely manner.

6. Do I have to live on-Grounds?

All First Year students must live on-Grounds in residence unless married, a single parent, or a non-traditionally aged student. If you believe your circumstances qualify you for consideration to live off-Grounds, please send your request in writing, to: University of Virginia Housing Accommodations Office, PO Box 400735, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4735

7. What to bring / not to bring


We have put together this list of suggestions to help you make some informed decisions about what to bring to U.Va. Of course, this is not an exhaustive list; it is only meant to help you decide what to pack and what to leave at home. Ask the Housing Division any questions you have about anything questionable that you are considering bringing with you.

7.1. What should I bring?

  • computer equipment
  • 1 microwave and 1 small refrigerator, or 1 combination microfridge unit (see clarification below for details)
  • lamp(s)
  • alarm clock
  • TV
  • power strip (with surge protector)
  • hair dryer
  • iron
  • radio (with speakers suitable to living space)
  • bed linen, towels, etc.
  • carpets can be ordered from the U.Va. Bookstore - Note: carpets are not necessary in Hereford or Gooch/Dillard
  • fan, maybe even two (also available from the U.Va. Bookstore)
  • bicycle (with a good lock)

Clarification on microwaves, refrigerators and combination microfridges: Students may rent a microfridge from the Melvin Corporation, or bring your own combination microfridge, or bring your own separate microwave (1200 watts or less) and refrigerator (5.0 cubic ft. or less) with a surge supressor (available from the U.Va. Bookstore).

7.2. What should I not bring?

  • pets - only small non-lethal fish are allowed
  • any halogen lamp (torchiere, desk, spotlights, etc.)
  • any lamp with a plastic shade (see examples)
  • extension cords
  • air-conditioner, unless pre-approved for medical reasons
  • oversized refrigerators
  • cooking appliances
  • hotplates
  • Fry Baby or any other deep fryer
  • waterbeds
  • lofts which do not meet University safety regulations*
  • cinder blocks to raise beds
  • incense & candles - burning of these items is strictly prohibited
  • space heaters
  • firearms & ammunition (including BB Guns, paintball guns, bows, etc.)
  • firecrackers or explosives of any type
  • alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs
  • car - First years may not register, store, or park vehicles on Grounds (Requests for exceptions due to physical disability are made to the Department of Student Health. All other requests for exceptions should be made to the Dean of Students.)
* lofts are not allowed at Hereford College, Hereford Complex, McCormick Road (except at Hancock and Bonnycastle), Cauthen, Woody, Kellogg, Munford or Brown College

8. What kind of decorations are allowed for my room?

For specific policies related to decorations and fire safety, please see our page dedicated to Fire Safety Policies.