Future Resident FAQs
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Housing Contract
- How do I apply?
- To apply, login to your UTRGV.EDU. Under APPLICATIONS, you will find a Housing icon, click it and it will take you to the Housing Portal where you can either begin a brand new application, or you can continue a saved application.
- Is there a requirement to live on campus?
- UTRGV has a First Year Housing Policy and on Campus Residence Requirement. If you live outside one of the counties located in the Rio Grande Valley, you may be required to live on campus. Please visit the first and second-year housing policy page for policy and exceptions.
- How much is the Housing deposit and application?
- The Housing security deposit is $150, of which $100 is refundable when the resident graduates or completes their contract. The deposit is used to cover cost of any cleaning fees or damage that the resident may have left behind. There is a one time $50 application fee that is non-refundable. You do not have to prepay the fees and all charges are posted on the student's UTRGV account.
- Is my security deposit refundable?
- The 100$ of the deposit is refundable after the resident has either graduated or completed the contract and there are no cleaning or maintenance fees. The deposit is not refundable if the contract is broken. You will be required to fill out a deposit request form when you check out and you have 30 days to request it or you forfeit the deposit.
- Can I cancel my contract?
- Yes, you may cancel anytime but a cancellation fee may be applied depending on when the contract is canceled. For more information, please contact our administrative staff or review your student housing contract or visit our Cancellation Policy https://www.utrgv.edu/housing/en-us/future-residents/housing-cancellation/index.htm.
- How much are the cancellation Fees?
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- From July 1 to August 1 - $300 fee plus forfeit of deposit
- August 1 to 12th Class Day (September 11) - $500 fee plus forfeit of deposit and prorated room and board charges.
- After 12th Class Day until end of contract date - $1000 fee plus forfeit of deposit and prorated room and board charges.
- Summer Semesters do not have cancellations fees but once you move in there are no refunds.
- Details at: https://www.utrgv.edu/housing/en-us/future-residents/housing-cancellation/index.htm
- How do I pay for Housing?
- A student may pay for Housing in the full amount or in monthly payments as per our installment plan. Financial Aid is the best resource to consult on available aid to help pay for rent and meal plans. Residence Hall room and board fees may be paid in full at the time of move-in. An installment plan of four scheduled payments is also available. The installment option has an additional fee for set up.
- How does the installment plan work?
- Installment Plan consists of four payments; first one due by the initial due date and three subsequent payments due on the first business day of each month after the semester has begun. This plan is available only during the fall/spring semesters and does not cover prior unpaid balances. Any credits to the account (financial aid, etc) must first be applied to any unpaid balances. A $50 late fee is accessed after the due date if payment is not received. Fall Due Dates are August 24, October 1, November 1, and December 1. Spring Due Dates are January 9, March 1, April 1, May 1.
- Can I break my contract if I take all classes in the Edinburg campus one semester and then all classes in the Brownsville campus?
- Because UTRGV offers Housing on both campuses, the resident will make arrangements with the Residence Halls' Housing Coordinator to be re-assigned a room on either campus.
- Can I break contract if I graduate in the fall?
- If a student graduates in the fall, their cancellation fee will be waived after they have submitted their graduation confirmation email to the Housing Coordinator.
- What is the length of my lease/contract?
- The contract period for fall/spring starts right before 1st class day in the fall and ends in the spring on the last day on finals. It is a 9 month contract typically from August 26 to May 10. Review your contract for specific dates.
- How do I pay my room charges and meal plan?
- You can pay online through my.utrgv.edu ASSIST, in person at the Bursars (Payments and Cashiers Office) or over the phone. All charges are posted to your UTRGV student account.
Residence Halls
- What living spaces are available in Edinburg?
- The Residence Halls available in Edinburg are Heritage Residence Hall, Troxel Residence Hall, and Unity Residence Hall, and the Village Apartments. Conditions may apply, please read student housing contract for details.
- What are shared spaces and communal living?
- Housing facilities have shared and communal common spaces like study rooms, living rooms, restrooms and kitchens and residents have to learn how to co-exist civilly with roommates. Our Resident Assistants will work with our residents and provide guidance on how to share and compromise to avoid conflict. Residents will be expected to communicate to resolve any small issues that may arise and communicate your living preferences with your roommate. RA's require all residents to complete a Roommate Agreement contract before the beginning of the semester.
- Can I get a single room?
- There are a limited number of single rooms available in the residence halls. Those with a medical need for a single room will take priority and must be registered with the Office of Student Accessibility Services. Not all requests for a single room will be honored.
- What living spaces are available in Brownsville?
- In Brownsville we offer the Casa Bella Apartments and offers single and double occupancy rooms.
- How much does it cost to live in the Residence Halls?
- Please visit http://www.utrgv.edu/housing/en-us/rates/cost/index.htm for latest rates.
- Can I choose my roommate?
- While applying through the Housing Portal, all students are given an opportunity to give an input on who they would like their roommates to be. All requests are taken into consideration, but are not guaranteed.
- Can I choose my room?
- While applying through the Housing Portal, all students are given an opportunity to give an input on which room they would prefer. You rank your top choices on the room preference section of the housing portal. Preference on room assignments are given to students who apply early. All requests are taken into consideration, but are not guaranteed.
- Are the Residence Halls coed?
- The Residence Halls are not coed, so all residents will have the same gendered roommate.
- Are pets allowed?
- No pets allowed except for service animals and emotional support animals approved through Student Accessibility Services.
- Can I have sleep overs?
- A resident may have a guest overnight so long as they follow overnight guest process and get their roommates permission. There is an $11 per overnight guest fee.
- Can my family visit me whenever they want?
- A resident's family are welcome during visiting hours. Children under 18 require the parent or guardian to be present.
- Can my friends visit me whenever they want?
- Residents' friends are welcome to sign in for visitation from 10AM-1AM.
- Can I move rooms if my roommates and I don't get along?
- The UTRGV Residence Life staff aims to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all residents. If you and your roommate are having problems, Resident Assistants are available to help resolve issues. If issues cannot be resolved we may also offer a room change.
- What do I need to bring on move in day?
- For more information on what items to bring when moving in, please visit http://www.utrgv.edu/housing/en-us/residents/what-to-bring/index.htm
- Can I bring my bike or scooter?
- All Residence Halls have bike racks for students to use, and the University Police department offers bike security by tagging the bikes and keeping them on record in case the bike is misplaced or stolen.
Meal Plans and Dining
- Do I need to purchase meal plans?
- Yes, as a condition of living on campus you must purchase a meal plan. For more information, please visit http://www.utrgv.edu/housing/en-us/rates/cost/index.htm
- How does the meal plan work? What are Dining Dollars?
- You can find information on meal plan and dining dollars on our website at http://www.utrgv.edu/housing/en-us/rates/auxiliary-services-dining/index.htm
- What is the difference between Dining Dollars and V-Bucks?
- Dining Dollars are for residents and can be used on any on campus eatery and convenience store. V-Bucks can be purchased by any student and can be used at any on campus eatery, convenience store and bookstore.
Breaks and Holiday Policies
- Do I have to move out during holidays and breaks?
- Heritage, Unity, and Troxel halls are closed during the Thanksgiving break, the winter break, and Spring break. We do allow students to stay for free during the breaks if there is a legitimate UTRGV business they need to attend to or have travel restrictions that prevent them from going home. All holiday break stays have to be pre-approved by the Housing Coordinator.
- The Village and Casa Bella apartments remain open during all breaks.The Village and Casa Bella apartment are the only living spaces available during the summer. Summer fees are separate from the school year contract.
- Why do the Residence Halls close during the holidays breaks?
- Since classes are no longer in session and most campus services closed, like the Dining Hall and Student Union, we close the Residence Halls (Unity, Heritage). Students may keep their belongings in their room and must vacate during the winter break. The halls typically close the last day of finals in falls and reopen before the first day of class in the spring semester. Exceptions are available for students who need to stay during the break.
- How can I stay during the holiday break?
- On a case by case basis you may request to stay on campus during the winter break. We do allow students to stay for free during the breaks if there is a legitimate UTRGV business they need to attend to or have travel restrictions that prevent them from going home. All holiday break stays have to be pre-approved by the Housing Coordinator.
Contact Information
Send an email to home@utrgv.edu or call (956) 665-3439 Monday through Friday between 8:30 and 4:30.