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In accordance with applicable federal, state and local disability laws, The University of Tampa will make every effort to provide reasonable housing accommodations for students who have a qualifying disability. Any student needing accommodations related to University housing or meal plan options should contact the associate director of Student Accessibility and Academic Support in Student Accessibility Services to request appropriate accommodations and provide supporting documentation. Student Accessibility Services and Residence Life work collaboratively in order to provide appropriate housing accommodations for eligible students living on-campus.

Accommodation requests and documentation should be submitted by the deadlines (NEW Fall students – May 1, NEW Spring students – Oct. 1, CONTINUING students – Feb. 1); requests submitted after posted deadlines will still be considered but will be subject to space availability. Student Accessibility Services will notify Residence Life regarding students who are approved for accommodations. Assignments will be made directly by Residence Life based on the approved accommodations.

If reasonable accommodations cannot immediately be satisfied due to capacity/facility design/availability/etc., the student’s request will be given priority over other housing requests. Each student’s request will be reviewed on an individual basis and may require a meeting with the associate director of Student Accessibility and Academic Support in Student Accessibility Services.

Documentation for housing accommodations should include:

• diagnosis or statement of the student’s condition from the student’s treating professional;
• clear description of the desired housing configuration. This does not include requesting specific residence halls; and
• an explanation of how the request relates to the impact of the student’s disability or condition.

All documentation must be typed, on letterhead and with a signature from the student’s treating professional.

Students should submit their housing accommodation requests and supporting documentation via an Accommodation Request. Any questions concerning documentation requirements should be directed to the associate director of Student Accessibility and Academic Support at accessibility.services@ut.edu or (813) 257-3266.

Accommodations we are unable to provide include:

• A separate low-distraction living environment accommodation. If a student needs to live or sleep in a near-silent environment we cannot guarantee this environment.
• A different bed. We can remove the existing bed from the room if it is deemed medically necessary so a student can bring their own bed.
• Guaranteeing rooms with a private bath.
• A dust or allergen-free environment.

The $200 housing application fee is required along with the $300 Admissions deposit to gain access to the housing application. A few days after making the housing deposit, students will receive their Spartan Domain information needed to access the housing application in Residence by Symplicity. Residence hall space is limited. Prospective students historically deposit and complete housing applications early at UT. Given the popularity of living on campus, it is never too early to submit the housing application once the deposit is made. Accommodation requests and documentation are due by May 1 for the fall semester and Oct. 1 for the spring semester.

Each student signs a housing agreement for the entire academic year (fall and spring semesters). Housing Agreement start and end dates and the length of the agreement will be adjusted to align with the University academic calendar. The housing agreement contains essential information including terms, conditions, responsibilities, conditions for release from the agreement and University regulations. Since the housing agreement is a legal and binding document, all students, parents and guardians are encouraged to read the document carefully before signing it.

A continuing student who notifies the Office of Residence Life by June 1 in writing or via a Residence by Symplicity cancellation request application shall be released from this agreement. Continuing students who are not registered as full-time students by June 1 may be removed from their housing assignments. The student can be placed on a waitlist once they re-register.

A new student who submits a written request to be released from this agreement to the Office of Residence Life before taking occupancy of the assigned room shall be released from this agreement.

The housing agreement terminates 24 hours after the student’s last class/exam or at the end of the spring semester of that academic year (whichever is first), or upon withdrawal from the University. The student shall be granted release from the housing agreement within the sole discretion of the University during the academic year if: (a) student graduates from the University, (b) student withdraws from the University, or (c) student is academically dismissed or for such other reason as determined by the University in its discretion. A student officially released from the housing agreement in writing for one of the aforementioned reasons will be refunded pro-rated housing and meal plan charges. The pro-rated charge shall be calculated from the opening date of the residence halls for the semester until written notification from the University of the release.

A student desiring to be released from this housing agreement once the academic year has begun for reasons other than the aforementioned must initiate an appeal to the Office of Residence Life, although there is no guarantee that any appeal will be approved. Any student who leaves the residence halls during the agreement period without official, written release from the Director of Residence Life or designee will continue to be billed for the charges during the agreement period and agrees to be financially responsible for such charges.

If a student exhibits inappropriate behavior according to University standards or constitutes a detriment to orderly community living, the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students or designee may within his/her sole discretion change the room assignment or the license to occupy or use the University residential premises granted by the housing agreement immediately without refund. Students who fail to abide by the Campus Living Policies and Housing Agreement may be referred to the Office of Student Conduct who will determine potential violations of the Campus Living Policies and/or Student Code of Conduct and if found responsible for violations any applicable sanctions which may include a housing reassignment or termination of residency. A student whose housing agreement is canceled or who is suspended or who is expelled from the University for disciplinary reasons may forfeit the semester’s room charges.

Any student registering or dropping below full-time status must request approval to remain in the residence halls from the Office of Residence Life and may be subject to housing agreement cancellation and removal from the residence hall.

Any student who withdraws from the University must cease use of the University’s dining facilities and vacate the assigned residential room within 24 hours or be held liable for housing and/or meal charges beyond the last date of attendance and be subject to removal.

1. Furniture and equipment in residence halls and individual rooms are inventoried and may not be relocated from a designated area, temporarily or permanently, without prior authorization from a residence life staff member.
2. Residence hall exit doors are to be locked at all times. No student or guest is permitted to prop open exterior building doors.
3. Residence hall keys are not to be duplicated or loaned. Students are prohibited from placing their own locks on individual doors.
4. Posters, pictures and other decorative objects (with the exception of dart boards) may be attached to interior surfaces of rooms with the understanding that students will be financially responsible for resulting damages. Permanent and semi-permanent (ex. paint, wallpaper, etc.) alterations to walls, furniture, and other surfaces are prohibited and will incur damage fees of $250 per wall.
5. Any objects stacked or otherwise fashioned to serve as barriers or borders within a bedroom or common room are not permitted.
6. Students are not allowed to tamper with window mechanisms, open windows, remove window policy clings or remove screens.
7. Anything in or on windows that can be seen from outside the building is not permitted in residence hall windows/sills.
8. Throwing, bouncing or kicking or any object in or from a window, ledge, roof, stairwell, balcony, hallway or any other indoor common area is prohibited.
9. Apartment, suite and room trash must be disposed of in the appropriately designated receptacles.
10. Students are prohibited from access to and entry in unauthorized areas on University property. The prohibited conduct includes but is not limited to:
    • Accessing roofs of University buildings, fire escapes, ledges, minarets, service elevators, balconies, fountains, athletic fields and other areas that are designated closed.
    • Breaking into or entering an office, residence hall building/room, meeting space or other University facility without authorization or permission of the rightful occupant.
11. Students are required to respect the property of others and The University of Tampa. The prohibited conduct includes but is not limited to:
    • Misusing, possessing or stealing the property belonging to others or The University of Tampa.
    • Defacing or damaging property belonging to others or to The University of Tampa.
    • Riding bicycles or using skates, skateboards or any other personal transportation devices in University buildings, breezeways, hallways and balconies. Any exceptions must be approved by the Office of Student Disabilities Services.
    • Littering on University property.
12. Students are required to manage the airflow and air quality within their assigned space. Behaviors that negatively affect the airflow and air quality of an assigned space will be communicated to students via their Spartan email address by the Office of Residence Life. Students are required to address these behaviors within 24 hours of receiving notification. Notifications may include:
    • Relocation of items or furnishings within the assigned space.
    • Adjustments to the temperature of the assigned space.
    • Removal of items from the space that are impacting airflow or negatively contributing to air quality.

When moving in or when changing rooms, a student must have on file a housing agreement, emergency contact information and room keys. Students may not swap or change rooms or keys without written permission from the Office of Residence Life.

When moving out of a residence hall or when changing rooms, students must make an appointment with their Resident Assistant (RA) to complete the check out.

The RA will walk the room with the student, note any damages that may have occurred, and will collect all room keys from the student.

Failure to return keys could result in a lock change with associated fees added to the student’s bursar account.  Rooms must be clean and free of damages upon departure or additional fees may also be assessed. 

All students are required to set up and utilize their University email account. Students are responsible for information sent through University email and University mailbox and should check all forms of communication on a daily basis. The Office of Residence Life will communicate with students via a student’s University email account.

Appropriate conduct, as outlined by any and all University policies and procedures applicable to the student’s status at the University, including the Student Handbook and Student Code of Conduct, and the policies contained or referenced herein, is expected of all individuals living in University residence halls, especially when it pertains to another's legitimate use of a residential area for sleep, study or privacy. These standards of conduct also pertain to any guests of students, and students are responsible for the actions and behavior of their guests, including any damage caused to University property. Behavior that infringes on the rights of other students is prohibited and may result in relocation and/or disciplinary action. Students must respond to all official University directives or requests. Students are advised to acquaint themselves with the Housing Agreement and Student Code of Conduct. Students may be held responsible through the Student Code of Conduct for failure to adhere to the Campus Living Policies.

Students are responsible for restitution of any damage to personal property, facilities or grounds owned by the University. Students are billed for damages to their rooms or its contents and for lock changes because of lost or stolen keys. They will be billed for cleaning if the room is left in an unacceptable condition. Damages occurring in the common areas of the residence halls are charged to the individual or group responsible when it can be determined. When this is not possible, all students of the hall or floor will become collectively responsible for the costs involved. Damage charges are assessed to student accounts at the end of each semester. If you wish to anonymously report individual and common damages, please email us at reslife@ut.edu.

For a detailed list of possible charges, please see the damage fees webpage.

Students may not tamper with the elevator or elevator equipment. Students cannot ride on the top of any elevator at any time. Passengers must maintain orderly conduct.

All individuals entering residential facilities must provide proper identification. All individuals must enter and exit the residence halls through designated entry doorways. Entry or exit through windows, loading docks, exit-only doors or unauthorized areas is prohibited.

Fire drills are conducted periodically to familiarize students with emergency evacuation procedures. Any student requiring special assistance or any accommodation during fire alarms or emergencies is requested to notify their residence hall staff at the beginning of the academic year or as soon as the student becomes aware of the need for assistance.

Students are prohibited from taking any action that would be considered a fire safety violation. These prohibited actions include but are not limited to:

1. Unauthorized, negligent, careless or improper handling of or tampering with any fire safety or emergency equipment or fixtures.
2. Failing to evacuate any building during a fire alarm.
   • University staff members may enter rooms during fire drills to ensure cooperation.
3. Tampering with any fire safety signs and/or instructions.
4. Hanging, adhering or affixing any item to any fire equipment or ceiling, including sprinkler systems.
   • Care should be taken to avoid anything touching fire equipment and sprinkler systems.
5. No items inside a student room, suite, apartment, or common space shall obstruct the doorway or impede entering or exiting the room. A clear view from the doorway into the room, suite, apartment, or common space is required. No items are permitted to block clear view into or out of a room, suite, apartment, or common space.

Residential students living in all halls are required to participate in the University's meal plan. The seven-meal plan per week option is only available to students living in an apartment with a kitchen (Palm, Straz and Urso).

University of Tampa Visitor Policy

Any individual not registered as a student, employed by the University, or employed by affiliated vendor partner is considered a visitor. Visitors include, but are not limited to, non-registered students, friends, spouses, children, guest speakers, and UT-sanctioned event participants. More information can be found on University of Tampa’s Visitor Policies.


Residential Guest Policy

Residential Guests are defined as any persons who are not affiliated but invited to The University of Tampa by a resident assigned to on-campus housing. Residents may have guests (including overnight) with authorization from their roommate(s). This authorization may be in the form of verbal or written consent.

Guests in the residence halls are not a right but a privilege granted with the agreement of the roommate(s). Guests are not permitted in a room unless all occupants of that room are in agreement; consent to a guest may be withdrawn by a resident or roommate at any time. Guests are subject to University regulations and residence hall policies and must be escorted by their resident host at all times.

Resident hosts are responsible for the actions of their guests and may be referred to the Office of Student Conduct for the actions of their guests or any violations of the residential guest policy. Students are not permitted to give their Spartan Cards or room keys for a guest to access the residence hall or room under any circumstances.

Residential Guests may stay a maximum of three consecutive nights and 15 total nights per semester in the residence halls. Cohabitation by anyone other than the individual assigned to that room is prohibited.

Residential Guests may stay in a room overnight with a maximum of two overnight guests per host at a time. Gatherings with more than three times the designated occupancy of a residence hall room/apartment is prohibited. For example, an apartment with four residents cannot exceed twelve occupants at any time, a room with two residents cannot exceed six occupants at any time, etc.

If a student feels their roommate(s) are not abiding by this policy, it is the responsibility of the student to notify an Office of Residence Life or Campus Safety staff member. 

Resident assistants will complete a health and safety inspection at least once a semester. Students will be notified within 48 hours (minimum) in advance of this inspection. During this time, Residence Life staff will be entering each room to complete a visual inspection for the health and safety of our students and the well-being of our community. Residence Life staff will be locking your doors upon completion of the inspection. Please note that any policy violations observed at time of inspection will be documented. You can review the Student Code of Conduct online at www.ut.edu/studentcode. Common violations include (but are not limited to):

• Candles, wax melt warmers, incense or item that have an open flame
• Two-prong extension cords (without fuse/surge protectors)
• Items on sprinkler heads/covering smoke detectors
• Excessively dirty rooms (food, trash, laundry, etc.)
• Blocking exit and/or AC vents
• Items attached to or hanging off the ceiling
• Unapproved animals and/or animal paraphernalia (please note that animals awaiting approval are not permitted on campus or in residence halls)
• Halogen/torchiere and lava lamps
• George Foreman-type grills, hot plates and cooktops
• Alcohol containers (empty or full) or displays of any kind if the student is not at least 21 years of age
• Drug and/or drug paraphernalia
• Weapons
• Grocery carts/traffic cones/building signs/signs or any other property considered to be University, government or another's property

Students will have 48 hours to remove any items found in violation of housing policy. Any items confiscated during room inspections, with the exception of pets, will be disposed of or delivered to Campus Safety immediately.

Housing Agreement start and end dates and the length of the agreement will be adjusted to align with the University academic calendar. Each student will complete and sign a housing agreement. This document is a formalized, legal and binding agreement between the student and the University. By signing the agreement, the student confirms he or she understands and will abide by all terms set forth in the agreement. Housing agreements are effective for one academic year (fall and spring), unless otherwise indicated on the agreement and approved by the Office of Residence Life, provided the student has been accepted to the University. Please read the housing agreement carefully for all terms, conditions and responsibilities. The housing agreement is subject to change.

The University is not liable for damage or loss of personal property, for interruption of utilities, for mechanical failure of its equipment or for damage resulting from electrical problems, including electrical surges. No consideration will be given to a student who suffers loss or discomfort due to the aforementioned.

Students should verify that their personal belongings are covered under their family's homeowner's insurance policy. If this is not the case, students may wish to purchase renter's insurance. For more information on purchasing rental insurance, please visit www.nssi.com. Regardless of coverage, it is recommended to engrave valuable personal items, such as electronic equipment, for identification purposes. Engravers are available at each residence hall desk.

Laundry facilities are located in each residence hall and are inclusive for residential student use only. For your convenience, the campus laundry rooms are equipped with High-Efficiency (HE) washers and dryers free of charge. For best results, use HE detergent. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions on the detergent bottle label, since it’s specially formulated for HE machines. With HE washers, less detergent is recommended to get the cleanest clothes. Pre-measured HE liquid packets are also recommended.

Laundry machine issues should be reported via the CSC Serviceworks.

You can report online directly to CSC or call (877) 264-6622. CSC Serviceworks Repair app can be downloaded by using one of the following links:

CSC for Apple
CSC for Android

If a student loses their key, the student must report the loss to the Office of Residence Life or to the Vaughn Information Desk. Students can also report their key as lost in Residence by Symplicity. Additionally, if a student fails to return their key at time of move-out, the keys will be noted as lost and the student will be charged. There is a charge of $150 to change the lock and issue new keys. The total amount will be billed to the student’s account.

High-speed wireless connection is available at many locations around campus including in classrooms and in the residence halls. Use of the UT Campus Network and other technology resources is governed by the Acceptable Use Policy. Connect all devices to UoT_Secure using MyUTampa username and password. If you have a smart TV or gaming device, please connect them to UoT_Rec. The Office of Information Technology and Security HelpDesk provides technology support for students: servicedesk@ut.edu or (813) 253-6293.

Possessing, caring for, or hosting pets or other animals on the University of Tampa campus, which include all University buildings, residence halls, athletic facilities, and shared or common area spaces is prohibited. In residence hall rooms, fish contained in aquariums no larger than 10 gallons are acceptable. Only one 10-gallon container per room is permitted. Fish must be removed from the premises during any semester break.

If a student does not abide by this policy, the student will be asked to remove the pet and will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct. The student may be in jeopardy of housing termination or other disciplinary sanctions. Guests and visitors are not permitted to bring pets into the residential facilities.

Please note students may qualify for an exception as noted in the Service, Assistance and Emotional Support Animal Policy.

In addition to the items listed elsewhere in these policies, for the safety of the community, there are a number of items that are prohibited from the residence halls. These items include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Alcohol containers (empty or full) or displays of any kind if the student is not at least 21 years of age;
2. Vaping products of any kind;
3. Animals (alive or dead) except approved emotional support animals, service animals, service animals in training and fish kept as pets in a 10-gallon or smaller aquarium;
4. Candles (with or without wicks), candle/wax melt warmers and incense;
5. Halogen lamps, lava lamps and incandescent bulbs. Permitted lamps are those using low heat emitting light bulbs, compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) or light-emitting diode (LED) lighting;
6. Combustible materials, including charcoal and lighter fluid, may not be stored or utilized inside residence halls. Barbecuing is permitted only in designated outdoor areas. No barbecue grills may be stored in residence hall rooms, apartments, patios or balconies.
7. No heat-emitting devices for cooking, including but not limited to George Foreman-type grills, hot plates, air fryers, instapots, toasters, toaster ovens, crockpots and cooktop burners are allowed in the residence hall rooms. If these items are found, residents will be provided 24 hours to remove or dispose of the item.  Blenders, can openers, juicers, and coffee makers with automatic shut-offs are permitted. Students living in Palm, Straz, and Urso residence halls may keep heat-emitting cooking devices, provided they are stored and used in kitchen areas. Students are responsible for cleaning their own stoves and refrigerators and are expected to make sure the appliances are clean at check-out time.
8. Devices or other equipment intended for the moving of persons medically issued, including but not limited to Segways and self-balancing scooters, must be approved by Student Accessibility Services. Approved medical devices or equipment must adhere to a respectable and reasonable speed limit when operated indoors. Skateboards, bicycles and approved medical devices or equipment may be stored in rooms as long as a clear exit emergency path is maintained. Bicycles must be registered with Campus Safety and should be stored in bike racks/storage areas when stored outside. Skateboards and bicycles are not permitted for use indoors.
9. Motorcycles, motor scooters, mopeds and other fuel or electric-powered vehicles are prohibited in residence halls (unless approved as a medical device), and must be parked in accordance with University parking regulations;
10. Extension cords (unless multiple outlet-type with built-in fuses and/or surge protector). Additionally, electrical outlets must not be overloaded;
11. Holiday decorations are permitted only if City of Tampa fire codes and the Office of Residence Life guidelines are followed;
12. Live cut trees, cornstalks, leaves and hay;
13. Space heaters;
14. Items obstructing egress/exit paths in rooms or hallways;
15. Lofts and bed risers are not permitted in residence hall rooms unless issued by the University;
16. Outside antennas/satellite dishes;
17. Overstuffed or inflatable furniture including waterbeds and indoor pools;
18. Signs considered to be University, government or another’s property.
19. Items that may reduce the airflow or negatively impact the air quality of a room or community (i.e., excessive plants, items of furnishings that block air vents, the improper storage of wet materials, tampering or removal of air conditioning vents or covers).
20. Self-adhesive LED lights are not permitted. Students found to possess these lights will be given 24 hours to remove them. A minimum damage fee of $250 per wall will be charged to students in violation of this policy. 

For the first two weeks of each term, no room changes will be granted while vacancies are being confirmed.

During the third week of each semester, once all vacancies have been verified, students will have a chance to move or swap rooms during an open room change period. If students are asking to join a friend in another suite, they will be required to obtain approval from all future suitemates in order to finalize their room change requests.

Immediately after the room change period, the consolidation process will begin. Students who are living by themselves and/or have a vacancy, may be required to move in together. Students assigned to the Barrymore Hotel may be consolidated to available rooms on main campus or in the hotel. This will be completed based on occupancy and at the discretion of the University. The University, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to utilize vacant spaces however it deems necessary. Room assignments may be changed or cancelled by the University in the interest of order, health, discipline or maximum utilization of facilities, necessary repairs, disaster or other necessity in the sole discretion of the University. This includes making temporary assignments, cancellations and re-assignments when necessary. Vacant spaces in rooms or apartments that are not filled to capacity must be kept clear so the space is available to a new occupant at any time.

It is the philosophy of the Office of Residence Life that room changes should be utilized only after mediation has not been effective in resolving roommate issues. An important aspect of the collegiate experience is living and learning with different types of people with varying interests. Students working together, with the assistance of their resident assistants and building supervisors, can solve problems and resolve differences. These experiences can benefit everyone involved and students may develop life skills to become Spartan Ready. Interpersonal Abilities and Teamwork are vital to residential success through Spartan Living. As a result, it is an expectation that a Roommate Agreement is kept on file for all shared residential spaces. Roommate Agreements are completed at the beginning of the semester or updated when a new resident moves in. They are a valuable tool to facilitate open communication and establish healthy boundaries between roommates/suitemates. Requests to move outside of Open Room Change will only be considered after a mediation has taken place with an RA using the Roommate Agreement on file.

After the open room change period, if a student would like a room change due to a roommate conflict, the students will be required to attempt resolution of their differences through mediation with the assistance of the resident assistant. If a room change is the best option after mediation, students are encouraged to contact the residence life staff for assistance to locate an alternate space. Students who change rooms without permission from the Office of Residence Life will be required to return to the original room and may be subject to a $100 fine.

Vacant spaces in rooms or apartments that are not filled to capacity must be kept clear so the space is available to a new occupant at any time. The Office of Residence Life reserves the right to fill any open vacancies throughout the year. As a courtesy, Residence Life may contact you before placing residents in any vacancies in your space throughout the year. It is an expectation that you are honoring these communication efforts by responding in a timely manner. If it is determined by the Office of Residence Life that students are rejecting all potential roommates regardless of compatibility, the student(s) rejecting potential roommates may be reassigned to another space.

Requests to relocate roommates or suitemates from shared rooms, suites or apartments will not be considered. We will only consider individual requests to change rooms.

Payment in full for housing and meals is due before the beginning of each academic term. Damage billing is automatically applied to student accounts at the end of each semester.

Housing and Meal rates are typically updated each April for the following academic year.

Students are encouraged to keep their doors locked whenever they leave the room even for a very short time. It is also recommended that students keep their doors locked whenever students are inside the room especially when they retire for the night. Students should report any missing items or alleged theft to Campus Safety and notify a residence life staff member.

As of Aug. 1, 2016, smoking and the use of tobacco products is prohibited on The University of Tampa's campus and other properties, including residence halls. While students are permitted to store smoking and tobacco products in their residential room assignment if over the age of 21, use of all forms of tobacco/nicotine, including cigarettes, chew tobacco, electronic cigarettes (including juul pods), bidis, cigars, cigarillos, shisha, hookah, and other paraphernalia is prohibited. Students under 21 may not possess any tobacco products in compliance with Florida State Law. Questions about this smoking policy can be directed to wellness@ut.edu or (813) 257-1877.