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Upperclass 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.


We've compiled the following information to help clarify some of the questions and myths regarding on-Grounds living. For any questions you have, contact the Housing & Residence Life Accommodations Office at (434) 924-3736 or email housing@virginia.edu.

1. Why should I live in on-Grounds housing?

The reasons students share with us for choosing to remain in on-Grounds housing include:
  • Location: Closer to classes, bus stops, libraries, and food service outlets.
  • Flexibility: You can change rooms, if necessary - a luxury you won't have off-Grounds.
  • Services: Maintenance staff take care of problems and are available 24/7 for emergency repairs. Housekeeping staff clean the common areas. Resident Staff members support your personal and academic success.
  • Safety and Security: You live exclusively with other students in an environment where your safety is a priority. Lock and access card systems govern access to the buildings. Lock cores are changed whenever keys are lost. The University has to meet high standards for fire safety and our facilities are inspected annually by the State Fire Marshal's Office.

2. Which is a better value, living on or off Grounds?

Due to the wide variety of options both on and off Grounds, it is hard to say definitively which one is less expensive. When comparing on-Grounds to off-Grounds housing there are a few things to keep in mind that will often show on-Grounds to be the better value:
  • On-Grounds contracts are for 9 months, meaning you only have a contract for the time you are in school. Off-Grounds contracts are almost always 12-month, so more than likely you will be paying for 3 months you don't need, or have to deal with the sublet process in a difficult market.
  • On-Grounds housing includes all utilities, so you don't have a separate bill for electricity, water, heat, Internet, etc. Some off-Grounds accommodations require the tenant to pay some or all utilities; this can drastically increase your cost.
  • On-Grounds housing requires no damage deposit. Some off-Grounds locations may charge as much as one month's rent as a deposit.
  • All on-Grounds apartments are fully furnished in both the living room and bedrooms, whereas most off-Grounds accommodations come unfurnished.

3. What housing options are available for me on Grounds?

  • Apartments: Lambeth, Bice, Copeley and Faulkner.
  • Hallway-style: Johnson, Malone, Weedon.
  • Residential Colleges: Brown College, Hereford College and the International Residential College.
  • Language Houses: Russian, Spanish, French, German and the Shea House, which includes Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew, Hindi/Urdu, Italian, Japanese, Korean and Persian language groups.
For a summary of options, see the Upperclass Housing flyer. For detailed information on each area, including floorplans and photos, see Housing Options for Returning Undergraduates.

4. Is there space available for me in on-Grounds housing?

Yes! Housing is guaranteed to all Rising 2nd Year students who complete and submit an application by the February 1st deadline.

5. Am I guaranteed housing as a 3rd or 4th year student?

If you stay in on-Grounds housing as a 2nd Year student, you can stay in University housing as long as you remain enrolled. You always have first priority to reapply to live in the same area for the following years. If you wish to change areas, there is usually enough space so that you will receive an offer.

6. When can I apply for housing for next year?

You can apply for 2013-14 housing beginning on October 19, 2012 if you want to stay in the same area or apply to a residential college or language house. General housing applications for first year students will be available November 30, 2012, and Upperclass students can apply for a new area beginning on February 1, 2013. Assignments are made based on a lottery, and there is no advantage to applying early.

7. When are the application forms due?

See our Application Dates page to find deadlines applicable to you.

8. Will I be able to live with my friends?

It will depend on the results of the lottery number you are assigned in the room selection process. Vacant apartments will be assigned to groups, before individual students are assigned. We are able to keep most groups together. If it is not possible to keep your group together in the same apartment, you may reapply in a later stage as smaller groups.

9. How many roommates will I have?

We have accommodations in upperclass housing ranging from single rooms up to 6-person units.

10. How will I get to and from class and activities?

On-Grounds housing locations are just that: on Grounds. They provide easy access to on-Grounds resources. Upperclass housing is spread out in different locations, and all units are serviced by UTS buses, so whenever you don't feel like walking, UTS transportation is right there.

11. Should I sign an on-Grounds housing contract while I continue to look for off-Grounds housing?

Please do not sign a contract for on-Grounds housing unless you intend to live in on-Grounds housing. If you sign a contract you don't intend to honor, you are taking a space away from another student. Please understand that the Housing contract is a binding legal document and can only be cancelled within 3 business days of the date your contract is due.

12. How does studying abroad affect my on-Grounds housing, and what steps do I need to take once I decide to go abroad?

We will release students studying abroad from their housing contracts. The steps to be released are as follows-

Study abroad during future academic years:
  • You may sign up for the same area. Once you know for sure that you are studying abroad, our office will need this information in writing (or by email) in order to cancel your contract.
Study abroad during the current academic year, spring semester:
  • All you need to do is email our office that you are not returning for spring semester due to study abroad. We will cancel your contract for the spring and remove the housing charges from your student account.
  • Please note, you must vacate your housing by the end of fall semester and return your room key(s).
Study abroad during the current academic year, fall semester:
  • If you wish to return to housing for spring semester, just complete the spring semester housing application online (available in early November). Spring semester housing offers are available around the first of December.

13. What if I'm planning to graduate mid-year?

If graduating in December you will need to inform Housing and Residence Life in writing (email to housing@virginia.edu) in order to ensure you are not charged for spring term housing. Your account is updated once your room keys are returned to our office in Kent House.

14. Is it possible for me to visit any of the Upperclass Housing options?

Yes, there is an Open House scheduled during Parents Weekend, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 27th! Upperclass students will be available to show you their rooms and apartments. The residential colleges and language houses also host receptions that weekend if you are interested in visiting with students and staff living in those programs.