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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 Accommodations Office of the Housing Division at (434) 924-6873 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.
  • Convenience: Your electricity, water and heat are included in your room rate.
  • Flexibility: You can change rooms, if necessary - a luxury you won't have off-Grounds.
  • Services: Maintenance and Housekeeping staff clean the facilities and take care of problems; the 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.
There are many other reasons why living on-Grounds is a good choice for you.

2. What housing options are available for me?

  • Apartments: Lambeth, Bice, Copeley and Faulkner.
  • Suites: Gooch/Dillard.
  • 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, Japanese, Hindi/Urdu, Persian and Italian language groups.
For more information on each area, including floorplans and photos, see Housing Options for Upperclass Undergraduates.

3. 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 December 1st deadline.
If you don't receive your first choice initially, you can always request a Future Assignment Change at a later date.

4. 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 room for the following years. If you wish to change rooms, there has always been enough space so that you will receive an offer.

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

You can apply now using our online Housing application. There is no advantage to applying before the December 1st deadline.

6. When are the application forms due?

For current First Year students:
  • If you are applying to live in a Residential College or a Language House program, your application to each program is due by November 14th.
  • The application for Suite and Apartment housing is due by December 1st.
For current upperclass students:
  • If you are applying to live in a Residential College or a Language House program, your application is due by November 14th. This includes students applying to a new language house or residential college, as well as students who wish to live in a different room in their current residential college.
  • If you currently live in upperclass housing and you wish to remain in the same space, the contract and prepayment are due by December 1st.
  • If you are applying to live on the Lawn, applications are due January 9th by 5:00 p.m.
  • If you wish to apply to live in a different room in Suite and Apartment housing, the application is due January 23rd.

7. When will I know whether or not I got my first choice?

For current First Year students:
  • Offers will be available on December 12th.
For current upperclass students:
  • If you applied to live in a Residential College or a Language House program, offers will be available on December 12th.
  • If you applied for a different room in Suite and Apartment housing, offers will be available on January 23rd.
  • If you applied to live on the Lawn, offers will be available on February 6th.

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 suites and 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 or suite, we will keep as many of you together, or as close together, as possible.

9. 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 5 business days of the date your contract is due.

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

Study abroad during future academic years:
  • You may sign up for the same room. 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.
  • If you are studying abroad for the full academic year, you will forfeit the $100.00 prepayment.
  • If you are studying abroad for the fall semester only, the $100.00 prepayment may be applied to your student account if you accept an on-Grounds housing contract for the spring semester.
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.

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

Yes, there is an Open House scheduled during Parents Weekend, from 12:00 noon - 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 25th! Upperclass students will be available to show you their suites and apartments and the Language Houses. Buses will be scheduled to pick up students and parents at both the Alderman and McCormick Road Areas. The residential colleges also host receptions that weekend if you are interested in visiting with students and staff living in those programs.