2012-2013 Housing Sign-Up
A Parent's Guide to Housing
Your student may be feeling pressured to make a housing decision for next year. We encourage you to browse through all of the available housing possibilities, both on and off campus, so you can discuss this important decision with your student. Costs, leases, safety, support and the effect of housing on academic success are important factors to take into consideration.
Staying with University Housing
Students can apply to return to University Housing in a process called Housing Sign-Up. While students are invited to explore their options now, you should know that the process begins in January, shortly after students return from winter break.
Housing options for returning students will be more limited than in prior years. East Quad will be offline for the 2012-2013 year to undergo a much-needed renovation. Baits I will also be closed effective the fall 2012 semester. The loss of these bed spaces, coupled with our mandate to house all first-year students, means fewer beds for returning students who wish to reside in a residence hall. On-campus apartments are available on North Campus, and the same support systems and social networks exist in these communities as is present in our residence halls.
Please read the “What’s New” page for other developments.
The rates for next year's room and board will be finalized in the spring of 2012 by the University's Board of Regents. Until then, we can provide you with the current housing rates.
What are you signing? Contracts vs. Leases
The University Housing contract, like a lease, is a legal document intended to protect both your student and the University. Unlike a lease, the residence hall contract can be terminated if your student is no longer enrolled in the University (such as a non-local internship, study abroad or withdrawal from the University). Housing contracts are not terminated to accommodate a move to off-campus housing. If your student chooses on-campus housing for next year, please read the University Housing contract carefully, and let us know if you have any questions.
Similarly, if your student chooses off-campus housing, the same care and attention should be given to reading the lease. Before any money changes hands, be sure your student knows what is being signed and agreed to. Any and all agreements or commitments, such as a landlord agreeing to improve or repair the property, should be documented in writing. Remember that a lease is legally binding and difficult to cancel.
Stay updated
There are a number of ways to stay on top of all the latest University Housing developments. In January, when the Sign-Up process begins, more detailed information on how to apply will be available on this site. You can also receive our helpful parent e-newsletter: ask your student to visit the Student Center section of the Wolverine Access website, enter your e-mail address(es) under the Parent/Family Authorization link and click on U-M Housing News.
What's more, you can even get quick reminders about all the important deadlines, by becoming friends with University Housing on Facebook.
