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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

• When can I make my room selection?
  
  • Students received their room selection date and time via email from University Housing and Dining on July 13. At their assigned time, students will log in to their housing portal for access to the room selection page.
  • Room assignments are made in housing application date order. Students who submitted their application early are more likely to receive their top preferences.
• How does room selection work?
  
  • Prior to room selection, students are encouraged to review the information about each residence hall, floor plans and our published rates on the room selection page in the housing portal. These links are also posted on students’ preference selection page completed earlier in the contract process. Students have the ability to filter by residence hall location and room type.
  • During their assigned time for room selection, students select a room by adding it to their cart (similar to online shopping) and then are directed to a page where they confirm their assignment and that of their roommate if they paired with another student. The room is reserved for 10 minutes in the student’s cart while they confirm their decision.
• Can I get a single room rather than a double?
  
  • There are very few single spaces on campus. If a student requests a single space and we are unable to accommodate their request, the student will be offered a shared space. Additionally, the student will automatically be added to our single space waiting list.
• When do I have to make a decision about my room and roommate?
  
  • Students will need to make a decision about their room and roommate prior to their move-in date. Students who wait may not receive their top preferences, based on room availability.
• 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. If a prepayment was made and the student hasn’t moved in yet, we will process a refund.
  • If a student wishes to cancel their contract, or have questions regarding this matter, they are asked to contact our office as soon as possible. For quicker responses, email housing@austin.utexas.edu, or request to speak with someone by calling (512) 471-3136.
• 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.
• 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.
• Will my housing bill be adjusted if I leave campus on November 25 when in-person instruction ends?
  
  • Housing bills will be adjusted to accommodate the shortened fall semester.
  • Students will still be billed for the spring semester, unless they don’t plan on returning for the spring for COVID-19 related reasons. In this case, students would be reimbursed for the spring semester charges, but not given their prepayment back. Prepayments won’t be returned after students move in.
• 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.
• 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 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.

Mooov-In

• When is Mooov-In?
  
  • Mooov-In centralized check-in begins on Aug. 20 and ends on Aug. 23.
• Can I move in prior to August 20?
  
  • A limited number of early check-ins will be available beginning Aug. 17 at 3 p.m. Occupancy during approved early check-in period will result in a $50 room charge per day, billed upon check in, or as otherwise noted, and due on the first housing payment due date. Early check-in must be requested by the contract holder prior to selecting that option and must receive written approval from University Housing and Dining before the contract holder can check-in early.
• How do I schedule a check-in time?
  
  • Students will schedule a check-in time on their housing portal. Check-in times will be available after room selection is complete and students will be notified when they are able to schedule their date and time.
• What is the plan for Mooov-In?
  
  • We look forward to welcoming students back into the residence halls. Please reference the Mooov-In website for updates.
• How are you going to maintain social distancing when so many students are moving in?
  
  • Mooov-In will take place over an extended time period with fewer students per move-in timeframe. University Housing and Dining is developing social distancing procedures for students and staff.
  • This year it is especially important for students to arrive at their scheduled appointment time (reserved through the housing portal) in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Students and families will be asked to wear a protective face covering at Mooov-In and follow all signage and staff directions. Please try to only bring essential belongings and limit the number of accompanying helpers to no more than two. Helpers will be asked to stay in their car within East Campus Garage while the student picks up their room key to prevent crowding.
  • Please refer to the Mooov-In website for updates.
• If I don’t feel well or someone in my family is sick and I can’t get to campus during Mooov-In, what do I do?
  
  • If a student needs to change their Mooov-In time for any reason, contact us at housing@austin.utexas.edu, or request to speak with a housing representative by calling (512) 471-3136.
• How will I get my UT ID?
  
  • Please submit your photo using the ID Center online photo submission process by Aug. 10.
  • If your photo is submitted by Aug. 10 and approved, your UT ID card will be available for pick up when you arrive during centralized check-in Aug. 20 – 23, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. at UFCU Disch-Falk Field.
  • If your photo is submitted after Aug. 10, it may not be available when you check-in and you should expect a delay in receiving your UT ID card.
  • If you choose an early, overnight weekend or extended check-in time, or do not submit a photo online, you must visit the ID Center at the Flawn Academic Center to pick up your UT ID card.
  • We will issue you a temporary card if your ID isn’t ready when you pick up your key.
  • You will need to present a current government-issued photo ID to pick up your UT ID card. 
  • If you are a minor (under 18), you will need to bring your parent or guardian, who will also need to present a current government-issued photo ID.
  • If you have questions about your UT ID card, please contact the ITS help desk at 512-475-9400 or help@utexas.edu.

Safety Protocols

• What steps are being taken for students’ health and safety?
  
  • Students will be 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 protective face coverings 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 coverings in the residence halls and dining venues?
  
  • Students will be required to wear a protective face covering anytime they are outside of their room in the residence halls or dining facilities.
  • Students will also be required to wear a protective face covering 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 coverings?
  
  • 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 is my room being disinfected before my arrival?
  
  • We are disinfecting each room using an electrostatic sprayer. This includes all furniture, mattresses, floors, walls and closet area. Each MicroFridge is also cleaned and disinfected. All community, private and connecting bathrooms will be cleaned and disinfected.
• How will social distancing work in community bathrooms?
  
  • Students should follow all posted guidelines and wear their protective face covering 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 will be 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 will be 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 will be 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. More information will be forthcoming.
• 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? How do I get food?
  
  • The university is working on a community partnership to provide space and meals for self-isolation to students who do not have another location in which to self-isolate. More information about self-isolation will be forthcoming.

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 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 is dining on campus going to 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), Jester City Limits, Kins Dining and Littlefield Patio Cafe, 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 Bliss, 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 going to support the health and safety of the UT community?
  
  • Patrons are encouraged to maintain social distancing with 6-foot distance markers and follow traffic flow with signage and barriers.
  • Staff will wear face coverings at all times and patrons must wear a face covering unless eating.
  • Hand washing stations are set up at the entrances of the dining locations.
  • 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 will be served by staff in to-go containers. There will be 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 will be served in disposable to go containers, including disposable utensils.
  • Patrons will 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, will there be other options to get a meal on campus?
  
  • Residents can use their unlimited meal plan at Jester City Limits and Littlefield Patio Cafe in addition to J2 and Kins Dining. There will also be express meals available at Bliss, Cypress Bend Cafe, Jester City Market and Kin’s Market.
• What are the late night dining options?
  
  • Jester City Limits and Kins Dining offer a limited late night menu between 9 – 11 p.m.
  • 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.
• 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. They will be able to enroll during Mooov-In. We will post more details on our social media accounts.
  • Watch this video for more details about the program.
• Are there options if I don’t feel well and can’t go to the dining hall myself?
  
  • If students are feeling unwell, they can rest in their room and order one meal at a time for pick up using our online form. A designated person can pick up on the student’s behalf at either J2 or Kins Dining, with no admission into the dining venue required.
  • Requests need to be submitted at least two hours before the planned pickup time, which needs to fall within the dining venue’s open hours.
  • If assistance is needed, students can contact the UHD Nutrition and Wellness team at dietitian@austin.utexas.edu.
• Will meal plans be 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.