UTSA Housing & Residence Life FAQs
You also can email or call us at 210-458-6200 if you need more information!
Applying
Step 1
Login to the Housing Portal and select the correct application to complete based on when you expect to live on campus.
Step 2
Complete all the steps available and check the Housing Portal regularly for updates. The application process is phased over time.
Step 3
Check your UTSA preferred email regularly for updates or instructions.
Students that have an active contract and are in good standing with UTSA Housing and Residence Life have the ability to renew a Housing Contract for the next academic year without paying any additional housing applications or deposits. Space may be limited.
Multiple Options
The Housing Portal offers multiple options for you to search and match with roommates. Please keep in mind the housing application process is a rolling process and you are only able to search and match with someone that has submitted the same application, completed all the required steps by the same application deadline and has opted to be included in the roommate search option. If your preferred roommate has not completed all the required steps or has missed the deadline, you may not be able to be placed together as roommates. Please refer to the important Dates and Deadlines listed on the home page.
During the Application Process
Three main steps in the application have an impact on the roommate pairing process:
- How you answer the Profile questions in the application process, including opting into Special Interest Housing.
- On the Roommate Options step, include yourself in the roommate search process, enter your desired screen name and provide a brief description of yourself.
- The Roommate Request step allows you to search for roommates in multiple ways as well as provides updates regarding the roommates that you have requested. Again, you must have completed the application within the same assignment round to be able to view each other.
All roommate pairings must be confirmed and approved by all parties. Early completion of the application process and pairing with preferred roommates before the third round of housing assignments improves the likelihood of reserving your housing together. While we try to accommodate roommate preferences within our process, not all requests can be honored. Roommate pairings grow increasingly more difficult to accommodate as spaces fill. Students are not able to go through roommate selection after the third round of housing assignments, on April 15th.
If you do not have a specific roommate request, we match you with roommates using your answers to the Profile questions and your housing preferences. There is no guarantee that roommates will get along no matter what criteria is used to match, including those that complete their own roommate pairings. However, our staff is committed to assisting you with meeting and interacting with your new roommates after move-in day.
Gender Inclusive Housing
Gender Inclusive Housing (GIH) is an option that is affirming and supportive of LGBTQIA+, transgender, gender non-conforming, non-binary (TGNC), and ally students. An ally is someone who stands up for, supports and encourages the people around them. In this case it refers to someone who is heterosexual and/or cisgender, but who tries to make the world a better place for people who identify as LGBTQIA+. By opting into this gender inclusive housing option, you will be assigned to live within the same-shared suite, with other students who have opted into gender inclusive housing.
University Housing at The University of Texas at San Antonio welcomes students of all gender identities and expressions and is committed to providing an equitable and inclusive community for all residents. Please contact studenthousing@utsa.edu to learn about all available housing options. It is our goal to provide an affirming, non-discriminatory, and educational housing experience. An affirming housing experience is one that recognizes and acknowledges a person’s stated gender identity.
All residential students have the option to choose to live in Gender Inclusive Housing. During your housing application, you must indicate either "Yes" to live within GIH, or "No" if you do not feel that it is the best housing option for you.
No student is required to opt-into or opt-out of Gender Inclusive Housing. We recommend you choose the option that best works for you in your living situation.
GIH units may exist within any university housing facility. These units are not publicly identified or distinguished from other University Housing units.
If you choose to live in GIH, you are guaranteed to live with other GIH students in your individual unit/suite, however you are not guaranteed to be with other GIH students in your building or floor.
If you opt-in to GIH, you can be assigned to a unit with anyone else that has opted-in to GIH. See the examples below of suitemate pairings:
- Heterosexual Male, Heterosexual Female, Gender Non-Conforming Individual, and Gay Male in a 4 Bedroom/2 Bath Unit in Chaparral Village.
- Heterosexual Male and Transgender Male in Single Bedrooms with a Shared Bathroom in Alvarez Hall.
- Heterosexual Female, Gay Male in a 2 Bedroom/1 Bath Unit in Laurel Village.
- Heterosexual Female, Heterosexual Male, Heterosexual Male, Heterosexual Male in a 4 Bedroom/2 Bath in Chaparral Village.
These are just four examples of possible suite-mate pairings. Again, if you opt-in to GIH, you can be assigned with anyone else that opted-in to GIH. Additionally, we will do our best to match students based on their personal habit and hall/room type preferences.
If you have a specific roommate in mind, and would like to be assigned together in GIH, you must both opt-in to GIH. Keep in mind that the earlier you individually complete your housing applications, the better chance you have of being assigned together. Additionally, you should only opt-in if you are willing to live with other GIH opt-ins without your specific roommate request in the event that you are not placed together for any reason.
No. Those students opting into GIH are willing to live with any other students that have opted into GIH.
As an applicant who is choosing to live within Gender Inclusive Housing, I agree to the following:
* I understand The University of Texas at San Antonio is committed to providing an educational, living and working environment that is welcoming, respectful and inclusive of all members of the University community.
* I will adhere to all University Housing policies, Student Code of Conduct, including the Nondiscrimination and Sexual Harassment and Misconduct policy
* I understand Gender Inclusive units may house students of all gender identities and expressions.
* I understand that an inclusive, affirming, and comfortable living environment is contingent upon the effort of all roommates and their guests.
* I will assist and support my roommates and their guests in order to maintain a space that is inclusive, affirming, and comfortable.
* I will promote and attempt to use inclusive language within the Gender Inclusive unit. This includes referring to others by their self-identified gender pronouns.
* I will respect my assigned roommates’ different motivations for choosing this living option.
* I understand I can be removed from this environment if I fail to abide by these standards.
For support:
I am encouraged to have open dialogue with my parent(s) or guardian(s) about my choice to reside in a Gender Inclusive unit.
* I am aware that the Student Counseling Center offers general mental health services, including counseling that is affirming of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
> Please note: All residents who self-identify as transgender should be made aware that their status will not be shared with their roommates, Peer Advisors, or any other individual without their express consent, except the information may be shared with professional staff if the information is necessary in order for the staff to fulfill their job responsibilities on behalf of the University.
Additionally, should you wish to opt out of Gender Inclusive Housing at a later time, you can contact us at studenthousing@utsa.edu. You must do so prior to your room assignment so that we can ensure that there is suitable space. If you choose to change your decision after housing assignments have been conducted, your room change will be based upon the availability of spaces at that time.
Contract Cancellation (Academic Year)
If a student has only started the housing application, and you no longer want to complete it, you can email the housing office at studenthousing@utsa.edu and we will inactivate your application. Please note if you have already paid the $100 application fee that is non-refundable.
Incomplete applications that remain inactive for longer than 30 days will be deleted.
A student who has a signed housing contract must meet one of the qualifications listed within the contract to cancel:
1. Is no longer enrolling at University or is withdrawing from University as confirmed by the Registrar.
2. Has a documented disability or medical condition requiring accommodations that the University is unable to reasonably provide which must be reviewed by University Disability/WellBeing Services.
3. Enters into military service or receives orders for active duty military service during the Contract Period.
Transfers between on campus housing facilities (University Housing and Campus Living Villages) will only be permitted prior to August 1st with applicable cancellation fees. Transfers after August 1st will not be approved.
Must fill out the housing cancellation form – located on housing portal as well as linked here:
*Student's not approved for cancellation in writing by the Housing Office remain fully under contract and bound to the financial implications listed therein.
On the form you must indicate the term you are trying to cancel your housing contract i.e. summer, spring only (if graduating/transferring/study abroad) or the full academic year
A student who has a signed housing contract must meet one of the qualifications listed within the contract to cancel:
1. If a student is not registered as of the 12th class day during the contract.
2. If a student voluntarily or involuntarily withdraws from the university.
3. If a student is graduating from the University at the end of the Fall semester and completes the cancellation request prior to November 1st
4. If a student enrolls in an UTSA study abroad program, Exchange Program, or a UTSA internship abroad and completes the cancellation request prior to November 1st
5. Enters into military service or receives orders for active-duty military service during the Contract Period.
6. Has a documented disability or medical condition requiring accommodations that the University is unable to reasonably provide which must be reviewed by University Disability/WellBeing Services.
Must fill out the housing cancellation form – located on housing portal as well as linked here:
*Student's not approved for cancellation in writing by the Housing Office remain fully under contract and bound to the financial implications listed therein.
Must fill out the housing cancellation form – located on housing portal as well as linked here:
Depending upon the date you submit your cancellation documentation, the fees for cancelling prior to the start date are listed below:
After the start date:
You may also be assessed prorated housing charges to your checkout date and/or your cancellation date. Ex) if you cancel your contract in mid-semester, you would owe prorated fees for the dates your contract remained active.
This list includes, but is not limited to financial reasons, online classes, did not get housing assignment that was desired, signed lease off campus etc.
Pages 4-6 of your housing contract outline the cancellation policy
Amenities
There is an outdoor pool located at Chaparral Village and indoor pool in the Chisholm Hall activity center. Pools may be used by all University Housing residents during the designated times as posted. All swimmers must wear swimwear. No diving, horseplay, or overly-loud noise of any kind is allowed in the pool area. There are no lifeguards on duty; therefore, residents swim at their own risk. Emergency phones are located around the pool area in case of an emergency. Non-alcoholic drinks in plastic containers are allowed at the pool area. Glass containers are not permitted. No unsupervised children are permitted in the pool at any time.
Yes, basketball courts may be used by all University Housing residents from 10:00am to 10:00pm. Players must wear rubber soled athletic shoes. No horseplay, slam dunking, overly-loud noise, or obscene behavior of any kind is allowed. Food or liquids are not permitted on the courts. Use of the court is on a first-come, first-served basis. Games are limited to 30 minutes. Afterwards, the court must be relinquished to the next group. Waiting groups must remain at the court to insure the group's turn.
No. Students are encouraged to visit UTSA's public computer labs or use the computers available in the UTSA Libraries.
Snack and soda vending machines are conveniently located in each community. Locations vary by community. For refunds, please contact the UTSACard office at 210-458-7275
If you would like to cook, you can use kitchen areas that are located at each housing community. Please note that the kitchens are for residents use only. As you are cooking, please do not leave the kitchen area unattended. After you use the kitchen, you are responsible for cleaning the area and turning off the stove/oven. Residents must take their own cooking pots and pans to use in the kitchen because these materials are not available for residents to check out.
A meal plan is required for all students that have not completed more than 48 credit hours as recognized by the University Registrar by the beginning of the Contract Period. Unused portions of the meal plan contract are not refundable, nor do they roll over to another semester unless specifically defined by the meal plan.
For more information regarding meal plans please refer to Campus Services at: https://www.utsa.edu/campusservices/dining/
Services
Visit the on-campus UPS Store for a free one-time Post Office Box address to list on your voter registration. If you have any questions about this process contact studenthousing@utsa.edu or the virtual office.
Students residing in Laurel Village, Chaparral Village, Alvarez Hall, Guadalupe Hall or Chisholm Hall with 48 or fewer completed semester credit hours are required to purchase a meal plan. Students residing in University Oaks may purchase a meal plan, but it is not required.
More information is available on the UTSA Campus Services Meal Plans page.
Wi-Fi is available in all properties of UTSA Housing. Apogee/MyResNet provides the Internet service and can assist with any connection problems. To report an Internet issue, contact MyResNet Help Desk at 877-632-3356, or support@myresnet.com, Text “ResNet” to 202-980-7135 or Chat at MyResNet.com. MyReNet account setup instructions are available online.
Laundry services are located in each facility, and may be used by residents of Chaparral Village, Laurel Village, Alvarez Hall, Chisholm Hall and Guadalupe Hall. You will need your ID card to access the laundry facilities. Please report all laundry service emergencies to your complex's front desk staff during business hours or contact your RA on-call for after hours emergencies.
Steps for Washing
- Load the Washtub. Without OVER FILLING the washer, loosely load dry clothes into the washtub. If the washtub is overfilled, clothes will not be able to spin or be cleaned thoroughly.
- Add Detergent.Use ¼ cup or less as suggested (DO NOT use more than ¼ cup of detergent or clothes will be sudsy upon cycle completion).
- Choose Fabric Type. Normal, permanent press or delicate.
- Select the Water Temperature. As a general rule, wash only whites in hot water, permanent press fabrics in warm water and colors in cold.
- Press the Start Button to begin washing. The door will lock and cannot be opened until the wash cycle finishes.
Steps for Drying
- Clean the lint filter of the dryer to improve drying. Place clothes into the dryer.
- Add dryer sheets to help reduce static cling and add softness to fabrics.
- Set the temperature. Use high heat for normal fabric and low heat for delicates.
- Press the Start Button to begin drying. You can open the door to check your laundry at any time. Press the start button after closing the door to continue the dry cycle.
Maintenance operates Monday through Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm. Report standard maintenance online or by calling (210) 458-6833 during business hours. For emergency maintenance or housekeeping needs, contact the front desk Monday through Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm or contact your RA On-call for assistance after business hours. For more information on Maintenance requests, click here.
Non-emergency
Students should report all maintenance or housekeeping problems when the issues first occur. Submit your request online by clicking the "Submit Request" button. Unless an emergency exists, maintenance repairs will be made between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Requests for service are reviewed and prioritized with safety being the primary concern. Maintenance requests are typically completed within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the time of day the request is submitted. There may be times when some work may take longer due to the scope or availability of parts.
Students reporting maintenance or housekeeping concerns are authorizing the staff to enter their room to assess the reported issue. Maintenance personnel will leave a card indicating they have been in your unit along with the status of the reported problem. It may be necessary to reassign rooms to perform some types of maintenance. In these cases, we will contact you and work through any resulting issues.
Emergency
Residents with an emergency maintenance issue should report problems immediately. Utilize the following schedule for reporting emergency maintenance:
Mon - Fri 8:00am - 5:00pm: contact the front desk of your complex.
Mon - Fri 5:00pm - 8:00am: contact the RA on call for your area to report the problem.
Sat - Sun: contact the RA on call for your area to report the problem.
HRL personnel will respond immediately to assess the situation and maintenance personnel will be contacted to complete repairs when necessary.
Examples of emergency maintenance issues include, but are not limited, to the following:
- Toilet overflowing onto the floor.
- Toilet that is running continuously and will not stop.
- Faucet or plumbing leaking onto the floor or inside kitchen cabinets.
- Toilet that is clogged (when there is no other toilet available within the unit).
- Electrical wiring that is exposed.
- Fire (whether smoke detector is activated or not).
- No power in your unit.
Package or parcel carriers such as UPS, FedEx and DHL deliver packages directly to all community desks. Packages are scanned at each location for identification and tracking purposes. Residents are notified their package has arrived via their UTSA designated email address. Packages can be picked up anytime the desk area is open. Please reference the following address information to ensure that you receive your packages:
Alvarez Hall Residents
Your Name
Room Number
6908 North Loop 1604 West
San Antonio, TX 78249
Chaparral Village Residents
Your Name
Room Number
6910 North Loop 1604 West
San Antonio, TX 78249
Chisholm Hall Residents
Your Name
Room Number
6960 North Loop 1604 West
San Antonio, TX 78249
Guadalupe Hall Residents
Your Name
Room Number
6902 North Loop 1604 West
San Antonio, TX 78249
Laurel Village Residents
Your Name
Room Number
6904 North Loop 1604 West
San Antonio, TX 78249
For residents that want to receive mail and/or packages from the US Postal Service, the UPS Store located in the Student Union rents mailboxes to all students. This is a convenient option for any student that prefers to have one mailing address for both package and mail services. A student could have one address while at UTSA and not need to worry about updating addresses each year by renting a mailbox.
Extermination is usually conducted on a regular schedule. A notice will be left in the unit on the day of extermination. If your unit needs extermination before the next scheduled treatment, please submit a work order request. The baseboards of every room must be accessible to the escorted technician.
Safety
The officers of the UTSA Police Department are fully-certified Texas Peace Officers who provide police services for UTSA as well as University Housing. For the convenience of our residents, many additional safety features such as closed circuit monitoring, card access, and front desk operations are provided.
If you are a victim of a crime, suspect a crime has been committed, or witnessed a crime in progress, report this to the UTSAPD at the Physical Plant Building; via phone, non-emergency at 210-458-4242, or emergency 210-458-4911. Anonymous reporting can be completed using the Report a Crime link on the UTSAPD website.
Emergency Links & Resources
- LiveSafe App – Download ‘LiveSafe’ from Google Play or the App Store
- UTSA Alerts webpage for emergency updates by text, email or voicemail
- Campus Closure / Weather 210-458-SNOW(7669)
- National Weather Service - San Antonio
- UTSA Police Department
Throughout campus there are "blue light" phones. These phones have a red emergency button that puts the caller in immediate contact with the UTSAPD. When activated, this button provides the police with the caller's location, which allows officers to be immediately dispatched to the location in the event the caller is unable to speak. Phones should work even if the light is not illuminated.
Sprinkler systems are installed in all apartments as a safety measure. In the event of a fire alarm sounding, all occupants are to calmly exit the building immediately. Gather at the meeting point for your building, or 50 to 150 feet away. Once at their meeting point, occupants should provide Residence Life staff members with their contact information to help the department keep accurate track of residents.
For lockouts, dead batteries, etc., call the UTSA Police Dispatch at 210-458-4242. Please be prepared to give the make, model, license plate, and color of your vehicle, as well as the location. The response time will depend on the availability of the Roadside Assistance Vehicle and on the time of the request. Nevertheless, every effort will be made to give a speedy response.
UTSAPD provides safety escorts to locations on campus during nighttime and early evening. To request a safety escort, call 210-458-4242.
Move Out
- Clean and empty the unit of all personal items - Remove any items you brought with you or are trash.
- Once you have emptied your belongings and are ready to depart, leave your room access card on your desk and we will retrieve it when we inspect your room following your departure.
- Close your bedroom door so it cannot be accessed prior to our staff inspection.
- Vacate the unit and make sure the unit door is closed and secure behind you.
After emptying and cleaning your unit, once you have vacated, please complete the Express Check-Out form here. You may also scan one of the Express Check-Out QR Codes posted in the residential area using the camera on your smartphone.
Failure to follow the check-out procedures will result in a $50.00 Improper Check-Out Fee.
You must check out by 12:00 noon the day following your last final examination during the Contract Period or by noon on the day after the close of the Contract Period.
If you fail to follow the University’s check-out procedures at the end of the Contract Period or within 24 hours after you withdraw from the University, prior to the end of the contract period, you will be charged the Daily Room Rate plus assessed three (3) times the Daily Room Rate for each day until you follow such check-out procedures or the University removes your property from the room.
Failure to clean your sleeping/shared space may result in housing charges being added to your account.
Below is a listing of chargeable items of damage that will be assessed in the event your room/unit is left unattended to:
- Cleaning Kitchenette $75.00 (Prices per unit and will be divided by number of roommates)
- Cleaning Living Room $50.00 (Prices per unit and will be divided by number of roommates)
- Cleaning Bathroom $75.00 (Number of roommates will divide prices per unit and)
- Cleaning Bedrooms $50.00 (Number of roommates will divide prices per unit and)
- Painting Walls $75.00 (Price is per wall and will be divided by number of roommates)
- Painting Ceiling $50.00 (Prices are per ceiling, per room and will be divided by number of roommates)
- Blinds (Prices vary based on size and will be divided by number of roommates unless it is a replacement in a bedroom)
- Carpets (Prices vary on size and whether it is a cleaning or replacement)
Other repairs and replacements are subject to cost and labor charges. These prices are to be used as a guide. They are subject to change without notice. The amount charged will be determined on a case-by-case basis. The charges are not all inclusive.
The $250 deposit will be refunded to you 45 days after you move out as long as there are no outstanding housing balances to your account and you have not signed a contract for a future term with UTSA Housing and Residence Life. If there is a charge on your account then the $250 deposit will be used to offset the balance.
Similar to the move in process, you are allowed a maximum of 2 visitors to assist you with removing your belongings. Masks and social distancing from other residents is still recommended.
First make sure that your room is fully packed and ready to be transported to your vehicle before checking out a bin. Once ready to move your belongings, you may visit the front desk with your driver's licenses which you must leave with the front desk staff to receive a blue bin. When the bin is returned, your licenses will be returned. The bins are only available Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.
Failure to return the bins in original condition will result in a $150 fee
If you have signed a summer or full year contract, please check out of your space and return for the summer check in date. If you are unable to do so, you will need to request a late departure with an explanation of your situation. The deadline for the request is April 30th.
If you graduate at the end of a semester, you may stay in your assigned room without additional charge through the date of the University commencement. You must notify Housing and Residence Life staff via email. You must follow the University’s check-out procedures by 12:00 noon the day following commencement, and if you fail to check out by such day, you will be charged the Daily Room Rate plus assessed three (3) times the Daily Room Rate for each day until you check out.
If a resident moves out prior to the other residents of that unit, residents can request to document the condition of the common areas. An agreement between all the residents should be reached to determine who is responsible for any damages or potential cleaning charges. If no agreement is reached or no documentation exists to guide the decision-making process, charges will be divided between all residents of the area. An incident report along with any necessary maintenance requests should be completed to document check-out conditions or agreements between residents.
The entirety of the contract amount will remain regardless of the date you checked out in accordance with the agreed upon contract.
For all other move out questions, please direct them to the UTSA Housing and Residence Life at 210-458-6200 or via email at studenthousing@utsa.edu
Still have questions?
You also can email or call us at 210-458-6200 if you need more information!
Ready to apply? Let's get started!
Housing typically fills up early in the spring semester, so apply as soon as you have been accepted to UTSA.