Applying for a Housing Contract

Welcome home to UNC!

Housing

Congratulations on your admission! We’re excited to help you find your place on campus—starting with a home that’s affordable, convenient, and designed for every student.

Why live on campus?

  • Save money – On‑campus rates are often lower than off‑campus living once you add up rent, utilities, maintenance, and groceries.
  • One payment, no hassle – Your housing cost includes utilities, maintenance, and more—no juggling extra bills.
  • Stay connected – Live steps away from classes, dining, events, and friends.
  • Built‑in community – Meet people, join activities, and make campus feel like home from day one.

From your first year to graduation, we’re here to make sure you have a comfortable place to live—and thrive.

How to Apply for a Housing Contract

Select your student type below to learn more about how to apply for housing and purchase meal plans:

Helpful Videos

How to Apply

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How to Pick a Roommate

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How to Pick a Room

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2025 - 2026 First-Year/Transfer Students

Congratulations on being admitted to UNC! Housing & Residential Education is here to provide you with a home for your first year & beyond. Housing on-campus is affordable, convenient, and designed for all students.

Before You Start Your Housing Contract

A little prep now will make completing your housing contract quick and easy. Here’s what to do first:

Once you’ve done these steps, you’ll be ready to dive into your contract and secure your spot on campus.

Begin Contract

Completing Your Housing Contract

Ready to lock in your spot on campus? Here’s how to complete your housing contract step‑by‑step:

  • Log into the UNC Housing Portal using your Ursa/BearMail (SSO) login.
  • On the Home page, find “Your Housing Applications” and click “View Applications.” You’ll see all contracts available to you.
  • Click “Apply Now” next to the contract you want to submit.
  • Answer all required questions—read carefully to make sure everything is correct.
  • Click “Save and Continue.”
  • Review the Terms and Conditions and confirm your contract.
  • Click “Pay deposit with TouchNet” to go to the payment page.
  • Once your deposit is paid, you’ll see a confirmation screen with next steps and get a confirmation email sent to your UNC BearMail.
  • You’re all set—contract complete, and your campus home is officially on the way!

Save the Dates: Housing Contract & Lottery

  • Thursday, January 2 12:00 PM (Noon): 2025-26 Academic Year contract available
  • Friday, January 31 11:59 PM: Students completing the contract on or before this date will be in Priority Group A
  • Saturday, February 1 12:00 AM (midnight): Students completing the contract on or after this date will be in Priority Group B
  • Tuesday, March 11 beginning at 3:00 PM (MDT): Lottery open to Group A students
  • Tuesday, March 18 beginning at 3:00 PM (MDT): Lottery open to all students

2025 - 2026 Continuing Students - Residence Halls/Houses

Current Residents: Call Dibs on Your Space Love living on campus? Keep the good thing going! During our Call Dibs campaign, you can lock in your spot for next year and stay close to friends, classes, and everything you love about UNC.

Before You Start Your Housing Contract

A little prep now will make completing your housing contract quick and easy. Here’s what to do first:

Once you’ve done these steps, you’ll be ready to dive into your contract and secure your spot on campus.

Begin Contract

Purchase a Meal Plan

Renewing Your Housing Contract

Ready to lock in your spot on campus? Here’s how to complete your housing contract step‑by‑step:

  • Log into the UNC Housing Portal using your Ursa/BearMail (SSO) login.
  • On the Home page, find “Your Housing Applications” and click “View Applications.” You’ll see all contracts available to you.
  • Click “Apply Now” next to the contract you want to submit.
  • Answer all required questions—read carefully to make sure everything is correct.
  • Click “Save and Continue.”
  • Review the Terms and Conditions and confirm your contract.
  • Click “Pay deposit with TouchNet” to go to the payment page.
  • Once your deposit is paid, you’ll see a confirmation screen with next steps and get a confirmation email sent to your UNC BearMail.
  • You’re all set—contract complete, and your campus home is officially on the way!

Save the Dates: Housing Contract & Lottery

  • Thursday, January 2 12:00 PM (Noon): 2025-26 Academic Year contract available
  • Friday, January 31 11:59 PM: Students completing the contract on or before this date will be in Priority Group A
  • Saturday, February 1 12:00 AM (midnight): Students completing the contract on or after this date will be in Priority Group B
  • Tuesday, March 11 beginning at 3:00 PM (MDT): Lottery open to Group A students
  • Tuesday, March 18 beginning at 3:00 PM (MDT): Lottery open to all students

2025 - 2026 Continuing Students - Arlington Park Apartments

Just one block south of the University Center, Arlington Park Apartments is ideal for graduate, continuing and transfer students. 12‑month contracts billed in three installments: fall, spring, and summer. Live close to campus with the space and flexibility you want.

Before You Start Your Housing Contract

  • Choose your apartment type – Pick the layout that works best for you.
  • Have a roommate request? – Make sure to create a roommate group after you apply
  • Activate your Ursa account – You’ll need it to complete your application.

Begin Contract

Purchase a Meal Plan

Completing Your Arlington Park Contract

Ready to secure your Arlington Park Apartment? Here’s how:

  • Log into the UNC Housing Portal using your Ursa/BearMail (SSO) login.
  • On the Home page, go to “Your Housing Applications” and click “View Applications.” You’ll see all available contracts.
  • Click “Apply Now” next to the Arlington Park contract you want to submit.
  • Answer all required questions—read carefully to make sure your details are correct.
  • Click “Save and Continue.”
  • Review the Terms and Conditions and confirm your contract.
  • Click “Pay deposit with TouchNet” to move to the payment page.
  • Once your deposit is paid, you’ll see a confirmation screen with next steps and get a confirmation email sent to your UNC BearMail.
  • And just like that—your Arlington Park home is officially yours.

Save the Dates: Housing Contract & Lottery

  • Thursday, January 2 12:00 PM (Noon): 2025-26 Academic Year contract available
  • Friday, January 31 11:59 PM: Students completing the contract on or before this date will be in Priority Group A
  • Saturday, February 1 12:00 AM (midnight): Students completing the contract on or after this date will be in Priority Group B
  • Tuesday, March 11 beginning at 3:00 PM (MDT): Lottery open to Group A students
  • Tuesday, March 18 beginning at 3:00 PM (MDT): Lottery open to all students

Spring 2025 First-Year/Transfer Students

Welcome to UNC! We’re excited to help you get started this spring. After you’ve submitted your confirmation deposit, you’ll be able to complete your housing contract using your Ursa login. A quick note: It may take up to 24 hours (one business day) after paying your deposit before you can access the housing application.

Before You Start the Contract

As a transfer student, you might be looking for housing that offers more independence while keeping you connected to campus life. Here’s how to get ready before you start your contract:

A little prep now will make completing your housing contract quick and easy. Here’s what to do first:

A little planning now will help you land the space that’s the best fit for your transfer experience.

Begin Contract

Purchase a Meal Plan

Important Dates

  • Monday, October 7 8:00 AM MDT: Contract available

Completing the Housing Contract

  1. Log in to the Housing and Dining contract using your Ursa credentials. Note: use only the first part of your login before the @bears.unco.edu. For example if your login is klaw1889@bears.unco.edu, only enter klaw1889.
  2. Read the Housing Contract Terms and Conditions.
  3. Review your student information for accuracy. If you need to make changes contact the Office of the Registrar at 970-351-4862.
  4. Consider living in a Residential Learning Community. You’ll be asked if you’re interested in living in a Residential Learning Community, so it’s a good idea to review the Residential Learning Communities to see if you’d like to call one of these communities home.
  5. Rank housing tiers in your order of preference. If you selected a Residential Learning Community, you’ll be placed in the hall where the Residential Learning Community resides. This doesn’t guarantee you’ll be assigned to your top-tier preference and will only be used if you don’t assign yourself to a room in step 9, below.
  6. Request a roommate. If you want to request a roommate, you can do so via the Housing contract. Just include their Bears @bears.unco.edu email address and Bear number in the roommate preference field. This doesn’t guarantee you’ll be assigned with your roommate preference and will only be used if you don’t assign yourself to a room.
  7. Select a meal plan. All first-year students living on campus must carry at least a 14-meal plan.
  8. Pay the housing deposit. Pay the $100 housing deposit via credit card or by selecting “”pay later”” in the housing contract. If you select pay later, your housing contract will be incomplete until your payment has been made. If your $200 enrollment confirmation deposit was waived by admissions, your housing deposit will be postponed, not waived, until your first student bill in August. Once the deposit is paid you’ll receive an email confirmation via your UNC email address. If you don’t receive a confirmation email, please contact us at 970-351-2721 to confirm payment.
  9. Select your room (not available for spring contracts). You’ll be able to select your room based on which priority group you’re assigned to, which is based on the date we received your completed Housing and Dining Contract. The “Find A Room” link will be activated in your contract when your assigned priority group is scheduled.

2025 - 2026 New To UNC Graduate and International Students

Graduate and international students can feel right at home with UNC’s affordable, convenient housing and dining options—perfect for settling into a new academic and cultural experience.

Top choices:

  • Lawrenson Hall – Apartment‑style living right on campus with easy access to classes, resources, and campus life.
  • Arlington Park Apartments – Just one block from the University Center, offering spacious layouts and a little extra independence.

Why you’ll love it:

  • Affordable rates – Often lower than comparable off‑campus options once you factor in rent, utilities, and maintenance.
  • First‑come, first‑served – Apply early to secure your preferred space.
  • Flexible meal plans – Even if you live off campus, many grad students opt for a meal plan for quick, convenient dining between classes, research, and work.
  • Focus on your studies and research—while enjoying the comfort, convenience, and community of living at UNC.

Before You Start the Contract

As a transfer student, you might be looking for housing that offers more independence while keeping you connected to campus life. Here’s how to get ready before you start your contract:

A little prep now will make completing your housing contract quick and easy. Here’s what to do first:

A little planning now will help you land the space that’s the best fit for your graduate and international student experience.

Begin Contract

Purchase a Meal Plan

Completing Your Graduate or International Student Housing Contract

  • Ready to secure your space in Arlington Park Apartments or Lawrenson Hall? Here’s how to complete your housing contract:
  • Log into the UNC Housing Portal using your Ursa/BearMail (SSO) login.
  • On the Home page, go to “Your Housing Applications” and click “View Applications.” You’ll see all contracts available to you.
  • Click “Apply Now” next to the contract you want to submit.
  • Answer all required questions—read carefully to make sure your details are correct.
  • Click “Save and Continue.”
  • Review the Terms and Conditions and confirm your contract.
  • Click “Pay deposit with TouchNet” to move to the payment page.
  • Once your deposit is paid, you’ll see a confirmation screen with next steps and receive a confirmation email in your UNC BearMail.
  • And just like that—your graduate or international student housing is set.

Important Dates

  • Thursday, January 2 12:00 PM (Noon): 2025-26 Academic Year contract available
  • Tuesday, March 18 beginning at 3:00 PM (MDT): Lottery open to all students

2025 Extended Campus and Graduate Students - Summer Programs

This summer, students will live in South Hall or North Hall, both located in UNC’s Ridge Neighborhood on West Campus.

Why these halls?

  • Close to everything you need – Walk to Holmes Dining Hall, the Campus Recreation Center, Turner Green, Campus Commons, the University Center, and West Campus academic buildings.
  • Convenient for summer living – Stay near classes, campus events, and outdoor spaces to relax or study.
  • Part of a vibrant neighborhood – The Ridge Neighborhood offers a friendly, connected community perfect for a shorter summer stay.

We’ve chosen these halls so you can make the most of your summer—whether you’re in class, grabbing a meal, or enjoying campus life.

Before You Start the Contract

A little prep now will make your summer housing process quick and easy:

Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll be ready to secure your spot for summer.

Begin Contract

Purchase a Meal Plan

Completing Your Summer Housing Contract

Follow these steps to secure your summer housing in South Hall or North Hall:

  • Log into the UNC Housing Portal using your Ursa/BearMail (SSO) login.
  • On the Home page, go to “Your Housing Applications” and click “View Applications.”
  • Find the “2025 Summer – Extended Campus” or “2025 Summer – Extended Campus – ASLEI” housing contract (whichever applies) and click “Apply Now.”
  • Answer all required questions—read carefully to ensure your information is correct.
  • Click “Save and Continue.”
  • Review the Terms and Conditions and confirm your contract.
  • Click “Pay deposit with TouchNet” to move to the payment page.
  • Once your deposit is paid, you’ll see a confirmation screen with next steps and receive a confirmation email in your UNC BearMail.
  • Once complete—you’re all set for summer living in the Ridge Neighborhood.

Important Dates

  • 2025 Art and Design M.A.
    • Check In on Sunday June 8
    • Check Out on Saturday June 21
  • 2025 ASL – BA American Sign Language – English Interpretation (ASLEI)
    • Check In on Sunday, June 15
    • Check Out on Saturday, July 12
  • 2025 ASL – MA Teaching American Sign Language (TASL)
    • Check In on Sunday, June 15
    • Check Out on Saturday, June 28
  • Dance Education MA
    • Check In on Sunday, July 6, 2025
    • Check Out on Saturday, July 19, 2025
  • EDSE 547
    • Check In on June 1, 2025
    • Check Out on June 28, 2025
  • Music Education MA
    • Check In on Monday June 16
    • Check Out on Sunday July 6
  • 2025 Speech Language Pathology
    • Check In on Sunday, July 6
    • Check Out on Saturday, July 19
  • 2025 MAT-PEPAL – Master of Arts in Teaching Physical Education and Physical Activity Leadership
    • Check In on Sunday, July 13
    • Check Out on Saturday, July 26
  • 2025 Theater Education
    • Check In on Sunday, June 29
    • Check Out on Sunday, July 20

2025 - 2026 Fall/Spring Early Arrival

We’re excited to welcome you to campus! Early move-in is a great option if you'd like to get settled before the semester begins. In some cases, it may be required if you’re arriving early for a campus job or a group you’re involved in.

Before You Start your Early Arrival Request

  • Apply for housing and have selected a space
  • Know the date you need to arrive
  • Know the reason/group you are arriving if you are arriving with a group

Begin Contract

Completing the Contract

  • Log into the UNC Housing Portal and log in using your Ursa/BearMail information (SSO)
  • On the Home page, on the left side of the page, look for “Early Arrival Request” under “Forms”
  • Click on “Early Arrival Request”
  • Enter the date the form is being submitted at the top of the page
  • Enter the date you will be arriving
  • Select from the options provided the reason you are arriving early
  • Carefully review the “Terms and Conditions”
  • Select “I Agree” to submit
  • Once you have selected I Agree you can view your completed form under “My Forms” on the UNC Housing Portal

Important Dates

  • Monday, June 23, 12:00 PM (Noon): Fall Early Move In Request available
  • Friday, August 15: Fall Early Move In begins
  • Tuesday, August 19: Fall Early Move In Concludes
  • Monday, December 8, 2025, 12:00 PM (Noon): Spring Early Move In Request available
  • Monday, January 5, 2026: Spring Early Arrival begins
  • Thursday, January 8, 2026: Spring Early Move In Concludes