Frequently Asked Questions

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. 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:

1. How you answer the Profile questions in the application process, including opting into Themed Residential Community or Mixed-Gender Housing.
2. On the Roommate Options step, include yourself in the roommate search process, enter your desired screen name and provide a brief description of yourself.
3. 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.

If you have a medical/disability-related need that impacts where you will live, please initially reach out to the Housing Office (studenthousing@utsa.edu) as some accommodations can be handled through standard business practices. Otherwise, you will need to register for services with Student Disability Services (SDS). They will review the documentation you provide and forward our office the recommendations regarding your housing accommodations. All disability information will be kept confidential within SDS. Your request will not be processed unless you submit the documentation to SDS.  Learn more about the complete accommodation request process

Mixed-Gender Housing (MGH) 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 Mixed-Gender Housing. During your housing application, you must indicate either "Yes" to live within MGH, 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 Mixed-Gender Housing. We recommend you choose the option that best works for you in your living situation.

Mixed-Gender Housing 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 MGH, you are guaranteed to live with other MGH students in your individual unit/suite, however you are not guaranteed to be with other MGH students in your building or floor.

If you opt-in to MGH, you can be assigned to a unit with anyone else that has opted-in to MGH. 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 MGH, you can be assigned with anyone else that opted-in to MGH. 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 MGH, you must both opt-in to MGH. 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 MGH opt-ins without your specific roommate request in the event that you are not placed together for any reason.

No. Those students opting into MGH are willing to live with any other students that have opted into MGH.

As an applicant who is choosing to live within Mix-Gender 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 Mixed-Gender 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 Mixed-Gender 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 Mixed-Gender 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 Mixed-Gender 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.

1. Go to Room Swap tab on housing portal
2. Select your 2023-2024 Academic Year Fall booking
3. Indicate your top housing preferences for where you would like to switch (this will help you locate students who are wanting to swap who are in that floor plan)
4. Search for available rooms based upon other students who are wanting to swap
   This availability will be dynamic and change based upon the number of students going through Room Swap at a given time. Just because you don’t see anything in that exact moment, does not mean that a space will not open later.
5. Message the person for more information on why they are swapping, or to connect with them. Messages will be sent in your housing portal under “messages”
   If you are happy with the information of the room, you can request swap.
6. Once you have requested the swap, the request will show up in your “Outgoing” requests list. Any requests sent to you from other students, will be in your “Incoming” requests lists for you to review.
7. If you have requested a swap, the other student must respond to the swap either Accept or Decline the request.
8. Based on the other student’s response, one of two things will occur:
   1. They Accept the swap. As the requester, you must now log back into your housing portal to click “SWAP” to confirm the change. If you do not select SWAP, then the change will not occur.
   2. They Decline the swap. You will receive a message in your portal that they have declined your request and the request will be removed from your “Outgoing” requests lists.

For a video tutorial on Room Swap, check out our Application Information page.

Room Swap will open on Monday, April 3 and will close at 12 p.m. noon CT on Friday, June 30 so that you can prepare for fall move in.

Room Swap will reopen after move in on August 28 and will remain open until November 1. Your swap date will be coordinated with housing staff so that your key access and billing can be updated appropriately.

Students who have a housing assignment can do a room swap at any time between those dates.

Firstly, have you messaged them and gotten to know them on a more personal level first? The “About Me” profile on the housing application can only give so much information, and is often answered by students for the type of roommate they want, rather than the type of roommate they will be. Ex) student 1 indicates they study all the time because they want to be left alone and paired with a roommate who would study all the time, but in reality, student 1 is not very studious.

Also, if you are making assumptions based on your current roommate’s social media profile, please note that people are often very different in person than they are online.

If you still feel like you want to swap rooms, then go through Room Swap on your housing portal.

You and your friend need to talk to your current assigned roommates (you can do so through the housing portal) to discuss who will be switching with whom. However, if your current roommates are not willing to swap rooms just so you and your friend can be placed together, that is their decision. Housing staff will not “force” them to move to accommodate you. Any tactics of bullying, intimidation, or coercion to make your current roommate switch with your friend is unacceptable and you may face behavioral repercussions with the UTSA Student Conduct Office.

You can view the room number under the “Room Details” on the room swap page.

You are not able to view their profile until you complete the swap. This is for their security so that other students are not able to view, contact, or message them until you are confirmed roommates.

If you chose to live in one of the Themed Residential Communities you will only be able to swap with students from that group who are also requesting to swap. If you are wanting to swap out of a SIH community then the other student swapping with you must be wanting to join the community.

If you are choosing to swap out of MGH, then the other person must be wanting to swap IN to MGH. Contact housing staff at studenthousing@utsa.edu so that we can assist in changing your gender on your housing application.

Housing staff will not force any student to swap with you. You will need to wait until someone wants to swap with you.

You are able to swap rooms as many times as you would like. There is no limit to the number of swaps you can perform. However, Room Swapping will close at 12 p.m. CT on Friday, June 30 so that all assignments are completed in preparation for August’s move in.

No. Once you have swapped with another student, you will not be able to go back to your original unit unless you and that student choose to swap back.

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 deactivate 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 Student Disability Services/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 1 with applicable cancellation fees. Transfers after August 1 will not be approved.

Must fill out the housing cancellation form located on housing portal as well as linked here:

2023-2024 Cancellation form

*Students 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 1.
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 1.
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 Student Disability Services/Wellbeing Services.

Must fill out the housing cancellation form located on housing portal as well as linked here:

2023-2024 Cancellation form

*Students not approved for cancellation in writing by the Housing Office remain fully under contract and bound to the financial implications listed therein.

Depending upon the date you submit your cancellation documentation, the fees for cancelling prior to the start date are listed below:

Academic Year 2023-2023 Applicants:

After the Contract Period start date:

You may also be assessed prorated housing charges to your checkout date and/or your cancellation date. For example, if you cancel your contract 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

2023-2024 Academic Year Contract

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.

Visit the on-campus UPS Store inside the Student Union 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.

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

1. 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.
2. 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).
3. Choose Fabric Type. Normal, permanent press or delicate.
4. Select the Water Temperature. As a general rule, wash only whites in hot water, permanent press fabrics in warm water and colors in cold.
5. Press the Start Button to begin washing. The door will lock and cannot be opened until the wash cycle finishes.

Steps for Drying

1. Clean the lint filter of the dryer to improve drying. Place clothes into the dryer.
2. Add dryer sheets to help reduce static cling and add softness to fabrics.
3. Set the temperature. Use high heat for normal fabric and low heat for delicates.
4. 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 through your housing portal. 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.

Non-emergency

Students should report all maintenance or housekeeping problems when the issues first occur.  Submit your request online by logging into your housing portal, and clicking the "Maintenance Request" tab. 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. 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.
• 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 five UTSA Housing communities. 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. Residents who wish to receive USPS mail may rent a mailbox from The UPS Store in the Student Union.

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.

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.

• 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.

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 (Prices per unit and will be divided by number of roommates)
• Cleaning Living Room $50 (Prices per unit and will be divided by number of roommates)
• Cleaning Bathroom $75 (Number of roommates will divide prices per unit and)
• Cleaning Bedrooms $50 (Number of roommates will divide prices per unit and)
• Painting Walls $75 (Price is per wall and will be divided by number of roommates)
• Painting Ceiling $50 (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.

Similar to the move in process, you are allowed a maximum of 2 visitors to assist you with removing your belongings.

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 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 30. Requests are not guaranteed to be approved and are subject to the discretion of the housing department. 

If approved, there will be a daily rate assessed for the two week period between terms.

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 prior to November 1st for Fall graduates, and April 1st for spring graduates. 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.

• If you see the 2023-2024 Academic Waitlist application when you log into your Housing Portal, then you do not have a signed contract on file.
• You have not signed the contract via DocuSign or via your Housing Space Offer email (for waitlist applicants)

Log into your housing portal and complete the 2023-2024 Academic Waitlist application.