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FAQ’s for students living in undergraduate on-campus housing

We appreciate your patience and understanding as the university navigates these challenging and unprecedented times caused by the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). This FAQ will help provide the information you need under these new circumstances and will be updated regularly.

Room Assignments

• If I want to change rooms, are there still spaces available?
  
  • There are still spaces available in most of the residence halls. If you wish to make a room change go to this link to complete the room change request.
• Will I have to move out of my room at the end of the fall semester?
  
  • Students who are returning to the campus and to their assigned room for the spring 2021 academic semester do not have to move any of their belongings out of their room.
  • Students who are not returning to their room or the University will need to check out of their space and remove all their belongings by the end of the fall semester.
• When do I have to leave the halls for winter break?
  
  • Students must vacate their residence hall room by the end of the semester and will not have access to their room until the residence halls re-open in January, unless they have a contract for winter break housing. Details on winter break housing will be provided later in the semester.

Housing Contracts

• Can I cancel my housing contract if I choose a remote only schedule without paying the cancellation fee?
  
  • If a student chooses a remote only schedule, we will waive the cancellation fee. Students may be asked to provide their class schedule to verify their remote only schedule.
  • If a student wishes to cancel their contract, or has questions regarding this matter, they are asked to contact our office at housing@austin.utexas.edu, or request to speak with someone by calling (512) 471-3136.
• What is the process if I cancel my housing contract for the fall semester and want to live on campus in the spring?
  
  • If you cancel your housing contract due to a COVID-19 related reason for the fall semester you will have to reapply for housing in the spring. 
  • Students who had a completed contract for the 2020-2021 academic year will be marked as waived for the $50 spring application fee. 
  • If you previously applied, the application process consists of going to the housing portal, verifying that the pre-populated information is still accurate and submitting.
• Do I have to move out at Thanksgiving break?
  
  • Students are contracted through Dec. 17 and can remain in their assigned room after Thanksgiving break until Dec. 17.
  • All students need to depart the residence halls by 9 a.m. on Dec. 17. You will not have access to your room until the halls reopen at 9 a.m. on Jan. 15. Only students who have been approved for Winter Break Housing will be permitted to stay on campus from Dec. 17 until Jan. 15, 2021.
• Will my housing bill be adjusted if I leave campus when in-person instruction ends?
  
  • Those who leave before November 30 will receive an adjustment to their housing bill that will be posted to their student account.
  • To request this option, you must log in to your housing portal and complete the Early Fall Departure Request by 8 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 2. If you select this option, you must depart prior to 9 a.m. on Nov. 30. You will not have access to your room until the halls reopen at 9 a.m. on Jan. 15.  We will apply the credit on your student account on Dec. 1.
• Will there be an on-campus housing option if I don’t have anywhere else to go over the winter break?
  
  • Winter break housing will be available. Details on winter break housing rates and availability will be provided later in the semester.
• What If I don’t plan on returning in the spring for COVID-19 related reasons?
  
  • Students will not be billed for the spring semester if they cancel before January 7.
  • Students canceling before moving in will receive a credit for the spring housing bill, without penalty and prepayments will be returned.
  • Students canceling after moving in will receive a prorated credit for the spring housing bill and the prepayment will not be returned.
  • If a student wishes to cancel their contract, they are asked to contact our office at housing@austin.utexas.edu, or request to speak with someone by calling (512) 471-3136.
• What is the timeline for the spring 2021 housing application process?
  
  • The application opened on Tuesday, Sept. 1 for all students who wish to receive a housing contract offer for spring 2021.
  • Spring contract offers will begin in mid-November. Students can continue to apply for spring 2021 housing after this date, but the earlier the student applies, the better their chances for receiving a spring 2021 contract offer. There is no penalty for applying and not accepting a contract offer.
  • Housing reserves the right to delay the contract offers in November for COVID-19 related reasons. 
  • If a student makes a prepayment for spring 2021 and hasn’t moved in yet, we will process a refund if the student chooses a remote only schedule and cancels their contract.
• Will I automatically receive a contract offer for spring 2021 if I had a contract offer for the 2020-2021 academic year?
  
  • We cannot guarantee anyone a contract offer for the spring at this time. We will be monitoring vacancies, application numbers and any new safety guidelines prior to making decisions about contract offers. 
  • Any student who had a completed contract for the 2020-2021 academic year will get priority over those who did not. Students who had a completed contract for the 2020-2021 academic year should apply for spring housing at their earliest ability since contracts will be offered in application date order. 
• What will the spring 2021 room assignment process look like?
  
  • Room selection will be done first by students who had a completed contract for 2020-2021 and in order of spring 2021 application date.
  • Room assignments will be based on availability.
  • We cannot guarantee that a room a student was assigned to for the 2020-2021 academic year will still be available for spring 2021.
• Can I still apply for housing?
  
  • Students who have accepted enrollment to the university are eligible to apply for on-campus housing. The application fee is $50. Applying does not guarantee that a student will be offered a housing contract.
• What will happen to my housing contract if the university closes again like it did in March?
  
  • If we have to cancel housing contracts due to University guidelines, we will issue a pro-rated credit to your account.
• Are accommodations available if it is medically necessary for me to have a single occupancy room?
  
  • If a student has a medical or disability-related need that impacts where they will live, they need to indicate the type of accommodation they require in the space provided on their housing application. Students need to submit a request and documentation to Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). They will review the documentation provided and forward our office the recommendations regarding housing accommodations. All documentation will be kept confidential within the SSD office. Please refer to the housing and dining accommodations page for the complete accommodation request process.
• What is the best way for me to get a question answered about my housing contract?
  
  • For questions regarding housing, please contact our office as soon as possible. For quicker responses, email us at housing@austin.utexas.edu, or request to speak with a housing representative by calling (512) 471-3136.
• Will the housing office be open for in-person visits?
  
  • The housing office is temporarily closed to in-person visits until further notice. To speak with a housing representative, email us at housing@austin.utexas.edu, or request to speak with someone by calling (512) 471-3136.

Safety Protocols

• What is the notification process for COVID-19 positive tests in the residence halls?
  
  • The process begins when (1) a student tests positive at University Health Services (UHS) or UT Health Austin, (2) Austin Public Health notifies the UT Austin Contact Tracing Team about a student with a positive test result who was tested off-campus, or (3) a student self-reports their positive test.
  • The UT Austin Contact Tracing Team reaches out to the student’s close and primary contacts, asks them to quarantine and provides them with testing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines a close and primary contact as anyone who has spent more than 15 minutes at less than six feet away from the person who has tested positive.  
  • As an additional measure, University Housing and Dining (UHD) reaches out to students in the wing or floor, depending on the size of the building, and notifies them about the positive case. These people could be secondary or casual contacts who may have had a brief or passing exposure not consistent with a close and primary contact. These contacts are advised to self-monitor and are encouraged to get tested through the UT Proactive Community Testing program. If more than one student on a wing or floor receives a positive test result within five days of each other, students will not be sent an additional notification. If a student on a wing or floor receives a positive test result after five days since the last notification, UHD will send out another notification.
  • Students residing in University Apartments will not receive casual contact notifications since individual units have exterior doors and no shared hallways.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, whose guidance the university follows, has no recommendation to notify the entire residence hall, and communicating a positive case to an entire residence hall, when increased risk of transmission is unlikely. Our current approach is based on current public health guidance and principles of transmission. For example, if a resident on the first floor contracted the virus, someone on the third floor would have no greater risk than they would in all other areas of their life.
• If my roommate tests positive, how do I get my room disinfected?
  
  • University Health Services will contact the roommate of a student who tests positive and ask if they want their room disinfected, or the roommate can directly inform their resident assistant or front desk if they want their room disinfected.
  • We will coordinate with the resident, temporarily moving them to another room if needed, while their room is being cleaned.
  • The room will be cleaned using an electrostatic sprayer. This includes all furniture, mattresses, floors, walls and closet area.
• What steps are being taken for students’ health and safety?
  
  • Students were asked to sign an amendment to the University Housing and Dining Terms and Conditions prior to Mooov-In agreeing to expectations around health and safety including wearing recommended protective face masks and social distancing.
  • University Housing and Dining is implementing policies and practices in alignment with the university’s health and safety guidelines. Facilities staff is taking precautions to ensure staff have appropriate personal protective equipment prior to working on the floors and entering student rooms to perform work.
• How are the shared facilities being cleaned?
  
  • Our facilities staff are cleaning and disinfecting daily. All high touch areas, such as door handles, faucet handles, flush handles, elevator buttons and drinking fountains are disinfected a minimum of three times daily. All study area furniture and table tops are disinfected a minimum of two times daily.
• Will students be required to wear protective face masks in the residence halls and dining venues?
  
  • Students will be required to wear a recommended protective face mask anytime they are outside of their room in the residence halls or dining facilities.
  • Students will also be required to wear a recommended protective face mask when requested by staff who may need to enter student rooms for routine maintenance, an issue of safety or policy enforcement.
• How will University Housing and Dining enforce social distancing and wearing protective face masks?
  
  • Students who do not comply with the university’s Institutional Rules or University Housing and Dining policies may be referred to Student Conduct and Academic Integrity in the Office of the Dean of Students for further action.
• What steps are being taken to ensure staff members are staying healthy and following guidelines?
  
  • University Housing and Dining is implementing policies and practices in alignment with University health and wellness guidelines.
• How does social distancing work in community bathrooms?
  
  • Students should follow all posted guidelines and wear their recommended protective face mask except for when showering, brushing their teeth, washing their face, applying make-up or shaving.
  • Plexiglass dividers have been placed between sinks in community bathrooms.
  • All showers are single-occupant facilities.
• Are there guidelines for social distancing in elevators or other small spaces?
  
  • Guidelines are posted for these spaces. Students should follow all posted guidelines in elevators and other public spaces. Students who live on lower floors are encouraged to take the stairs, if able.
• Will study lounges and spaces be monitored for social distancing?
  
  • Furniture in study lounges and other spaces are arranged to facilitate social distancing. Moving of furniture is prohibited.
  • Students who do not comply with the university’s Institutional Rules or University Housing and Dining policies may be referred to Student Conduct and Academic Integrity in the Office of the Dean of Students for further action.
• Will I be allowed to have guests in my room this fall?
  
  • Guests are not permitted in University Housing and Dining facilities at any time until further notice.
• What is the COVID-19 amendment?
  
  • Students are asked to sign an amendment to the University Housing and Dining Terms and Conditions prior to Mooov-In agreeing to expectations around health, safety and social distancing.
• After I have moved in, what do I do if I think I might have COVID-19?
  
  • Students who are concerned they have COVID-19 should immediately contact University Health Services (UHS). Students can contact the UHS Nurse Advise Line 24/7 at (512) 475-6877 to find out any necessary next steps.
  • For more information about COVID-19, visit the UHS website.
• If I test positive for COVID-19, can I stay in the residence halls?
  
  • Student Emergency Services (SES) will work directly with students who test positive to identify the best option for them. Our staff will connect the student with SES. The University has a partnership with the Travis County Isolation Facility for students who do not have another option to isolate.

Resident Opportunities

• Will there be resident programming in the fall?
  
  • The University Housing and Dining Residence Life staff is working hard to provide residents with a variety of engagement opportunities. Staff are preparing virtual community building and individual opportunities to make sure residents feel connected to the UT campus and to each other. Additionally, in-person activities may be conducted in alignment with university health and safety guidelines, including small group and outside activities.
  • Each resident is assigned a resident assistant (RA) who can help students find ways to be involved in the halls and on campus.
• What opportunities are there for me to get involved in my residence hall community?
  
  • The University Residence Hall Association represents all residence halls on campus, and each individual residence hall has its own Residence Hall Council. These leadership organizations advocate for the students of their halls and provide engagement opportunities for residents. Additional information about how to get involved in these organizations will be forthcoming.

Dining

• How does a student living in the residence halls get food if they need to self-quarantine?
  
  • Residents who are in quarantine can pick up food from the dining venues.
  • They can use their meal plan to pick up an express meal from Cypress Bend Cafe, Jester City Market and Kin’s Market during peak hours. Learn more about express meals here.
  • Residents can also pre-order a meal with our Resident Meal Request program and designate someone to pick up the meal for them.
  • If a resident test positive for COVID-19, Student Emergency Services (SES) will work directly with student to identify the best option for them. The University has a partnership with the Travis County Isolation Facility for students who do not have another option to isolate.
• How does dining on campus work with the resident unlimited meal plan?
  
  • Residents can use their unlimited meal plan as many times a day as they choose but must wait a one-hour grace period between visits.
  • They have a choice of serving line at Jester 2nd Floor (J2) and Kins Dining, where they can select an entrée, two sides, soup, salad, dessert and a bottled beverage.
  • Residents can also use their meal plan to get express meals during peak hours at Cypress Bend Cafe, Jester City Market and Kin’s Market. These meals are a limited extension of offerings in the dining halls and consist of an entree, two sides, a side salad, a dessert and a bottle of water. Learn more here.
  • Residents can swipe themselves in or use the hand scanner for contactless dining access. All transactions are cashless. Learn more about our hand scanner program with this video.
  • Residents also receive $300 Dine In Dollars per semester and $200 in Bevo Pay funds to spend at Jesta’ Pizza and our convenience stores and coffee shops.
• How are dining operations supporting the health and safety of the UT Austin community?
  
  • Patrons are encouraged to maintain social distancing with 6-foot distance markers and follow traffic flow with signage and barriers.
  • We have occupancy tracking measures in our dining facilities and digitally display our current occupancy levels to ensure appropriate social distancing. View the live occupancy status of our dining locations with the links on this page.
  • Staff are wearing recommended protective face masks at all times and patrons must wear a face mask unless eating
  • Hand washing stations are set up at the entrances of the dining locations.
  • Hand sanitizing stations are available throughout the serving and seating areas.
  • There are sneeze guards or clear barriers between patrons and dining staff at cash registers and all serving lines.
  • All food, condiments and beverages are served by staff in to-go containers. There is no self-service.
  • Napkins and dining utensils have touchless dispensers.
  • Please watch this video to learn more about our fall semester dining operations.
• Can I see the menus before entering the dining locations?
  
  • We encourage patrons to view the online menu before visiting the dining locations and make their selection.
  • Patrons will select which line they want to go to and choose their entrée and sides. They can make selections from the soup, salad and dessert line. They will also be able to pick a bottled beverage. Patrons may take their meals to go or wait to enter the seating area.
• What if I have a dietary concern?
  
  • We believe that menu transparency is an important part of the dining experience, especially for those who follow a specific diet plan. Our online menu provides nutrition facts, ingredients and allergen information in addition to weekly menus.
  • It is recommended that all students with a dietary concern speak with one of our registered dietitians at dietitian@austin.utexas.edu for guidance and support managing their diet while on campus.
• Can I get my meals to go?
  
  • All meals are served in disposable to go containers, including disposable utensils.
  • Patrons have the option to take out their meals or enter a different line to a seating area.
• What are my dining options on campus?
  
  • Please visit our dining page to view locations, menus and hours of operation.
• If J2 and Kins Dining are busy during peak times, are there other options to get a meal on campus?
  
  • Residents can use their unlimited meal plan to pick up express meals at Cypress Bend Cafe, Jester City Market and Kin’s Market.
• What are the late night dining options?
  
  • Jesta’ Pizza serves pizza and quick bites until 1 a.m.
  • Visit our hours page for up-to-date service hours.
• Is there a way to track how busy the dining halls are at any time?
  
  • At the entrance of each location there is a monitor tracking the number of patrons entering and leaving the serving and seating areas to ensure appropriate social distancing.
  • You can view the live occupancy status of our dining locations with the links on this page to help you plan ahead. Please note: you will need to refresh/reload your browser page to see real-time occupancy statuses.
• Has dining reduced the amount of available seating in dining halls?
  
  • The seating area capacity is reduced to allow for tables to be set up six feet apart with one person per table. Moving the furniture is prohibited.
  • Due to the limited availability of seating in the dining area, we ask that students only eat in this area and study elsewhere.
• How will these dining changes impact the Eco2Go program?
  
  • Since no reusable containers will be allowed in the fall due to health and safety precautions the Eco2Go program is temporarily suspended.
• How do residents register for the hand scanner program to get contactless dining access?
  
  • Residents can register for our hand scanner program for contactless dining access whenever we hold hand scanner enrollment. We will post more details on our social media accounts when we have upcoming dates.
  • Watch this video for more details about the program.
• Are meal plans available to students who live off campus, faculty and staff?
  
  • Students living off campus, faculty and staff can sign up for our Commuter Meal Plan and enjoy hot meals at the dining halls plus an additional $50 flex dollars to spend at on-campus restaurants, coffee shops and convenience stores. View the two Commuter Meal Plan options and sign up here.
  • Faculty and staff can also sign up for Dine In Dollars. Learn more here.
• Will dining facilities be accepting cards and cash to purchase food and beverages?
  
  • All of our dining facilities are cashless. We accept debit and credit cards, Bevo Pay, Dine In Dollars and meal plan swipes.