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Home / Campus Life / Residence Life

Off-Campus Housing FAQ

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Updated: April 2024

Doesn’t UT guarantee housing or require that students live on campus?
Like many selective universities, UT does not guarantee housing and has not done so for more than a decade. UT also does not require that students live on campus.

How do I look for off-campus housing?
If you need assistance:

I am a new student who would like to cancel my housing application but still plan to attend UT. How do I do that?
If you are a new student and secure off-campus housing for Fall 2024, complete the Housing Cancellation Request application in Residence by Symplicity by May 1, 2024. Spring 2025 applicants should cancel by Aug. 31, 2024. When Residence Life processes your cancellation, the following will occur:

  • You will be removed from your housing assignment or the housing waiting list.
  • Your $200 housing deposit will be applied to the next semester's student account balance. 

I am a new student and no longer want to attend UT. Can I get my enrollment deposit back?
If you make this decision, please contact admissions@ut.edu to request your $500 deposit be refunded by the dates below:

  • Fall/Summer Admitted Students- May 1
  • Spring Admitted Students- Aug. 31

I am on the no guarantee waitlist; can I be placed in the Barrymore?
Students on the waiting list are not able to select their building or roommates. If spaces become available, it is likely you will be offered a space at the Barrymore. On-campus assignments depend on availability but are less likely.

We will continue to review the no guarantee waiting list throughout the summer and the first week of classes and contact students if space becomes available. Students on the waiting list are not charged for on-campus housing unless they receive a housing assignment.

I have an approved housing accommodation through Student Accessibility Services and I have been placed on the no guarantee waitlist – will I be moved ahead to receive a housing assignment?
Eligible continuing students who have Student Accessibility Services approved accommodations that can only be met through specific room types will receive additional consideration for a housing assignment that meets their accommodation need on a space-available basis only. Accommodations will be made after documentation has been submitted to and approved by the Student Accessibility Services office and when space becomes available.

What about The Henry?
The Henry is a high-rise development in downtown that is UT’s preferred off-campus housing option. Additional information can be obtained by contacting The Henry directly.

Can I have a car/parking?
First-year students who live on campus are not able to bring a vehicle to campus. First-year students who commute and live off-campus can park on campus. More information about parking can be found on the Vehicle Registration page. First-year students assigned to the Barrymore Hotel must still follow the UT parking policies and are not permitted to register a vehicle.

Can I still participate in the meal plan if I live off-campus?
Commuters are not required to have a meal plan. However, commuters may elect to have a residential meal plan (7, 12, 15 or Carte Blanche) or a commuter block meal plan. This can be requested through Residence Life (using the meal plan change request in Residence by Symplicity) or dining services.

I am on the no guarantee waiting list. Are there any opportunities for exceptions? If so, who can I talk to?
We are not granting exceptions. If space becomes available for an on-campus housing assignment, we will contact you. You will need to respond to the offer in writing to accept. Please check your Spartan UT email and review these FAQs for the most updated information regarding housing availability.