Residence Life FAQ

The Office of Residence Life’s contact information can be found on the Contact Residence Life page.

Please see room and board rates.

Residents of all halls are required to participate in the University's meal plan. The 7-meal plan per week option is only available to students living in an apartment with a kitchen, which are Urso, Palm and Straz halls. The Resident Meal Plan provides you with an option to choose from four different meal plans to use in the cafeteria. Students also receive Spartan Dollars for use at other food establishments on campus. During academic breaks, dining hours and availability are subject to change. For more information, please see Dining Services.

Research in student development and our own student experiences indicate that residential living supports student transition to a university. Residential living for new students may ease student transition to the UT environment and provide significant support for the inherent challenges of heightened academic rigor and increased independence in the first year of college. Additionally, the Office of Residence Life follows a residential curriculum, Spartan Living, which provides learning and social events for residents to “thrive where they reside.”

Housing Agreement start and end dates and the length of the agreement will be adjusted to align with the University academic calendar. Typically, residence halls remain open during spring break. Each year certain residence halls will be open for winter break; students wishing to remain on campus must sign up and pay an additional charge for winter break housing. Hotel residents will pack their belongings and the University will store them over the winter break.

Coming in as a first-semester student, one application is used to apply for housing. This application does not provide the opportunity to preference certain residence halls due to the high demand for housing from new students. However, continuing students are able to participate in the housing selection process each spring semester to choose their room for the following fall.

A resident assistant (RA) is a student staff member working and living in a residence hall. Resident assistants provide support, guidance and assistance for resident students. RAs also engage residential students in meaningful experiences to learn about themselves, about others and develop skills to become Spartan Ready.

A variety of student employment opportunities are available through the Office of Residence Life. Please refer to the Leadership Opportunities page for employment information. The resident assistant application process opens in the fall semester for the upcoming academic year.

A lead resident assistant (LRA) is a student staff member who has experience serving in the resident assistant role. LRAs provide guidance to current resident assistants in addition to connecting with a floor of students within a community.

An area coordinator (AC) is a professional staff member who oversees a residential community. They are responsible for the training of resident assistants in addition to communicating with campus partners to provide students with resources based on needs. Area coordinators hold office hours in most residential communities and serve on-call to assist students with after-hours emergencies.

An LLC, or Living-Learning Community, is a community building or floor with common coursework or themed experiences for the students living within it. LLCs include faculty and staff programming and engagement opportunities and are no additional cost to participate. For additional information, please visit the LLC webpage.

The Barrymore Hotel is UT’s off-site residence hall. It is considered on-campus housing due to its proximity to campus and the availability of UT services to all residents, including Campus Safety patrols, free laundry and resident assistant/staff presence. Additional information regarding The Barrymore Hotel can be found on The Barrymore community page.

During the academic year, the Barrymore shuttles run every 30 minutes between the hours of 5:30 a.m. and 11:45 p.m. on weekdays and 5:30 a.m. to 1:45 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

Meal plans are required for students living at the Barrymore Hotel.

Furniture in the Barrymore includes two queen-sized beds (linens are provided), a private bathroom, a desk, a chair, a dresser (3-4 drawers), a nightstand, a microwave, a mini-fridge and a TV with cable included.

Beds in the Barrymore Hotel are queen size, and linens are provided. If a student prefers to bring their own linens to the Barrymore, we ask that they bring linens that are not solid white.

The Barrymore Hotel includes resident assistants on each residential floor to help provide a traditional residence hall experience.

Room concerns can be reported to the front desk in person or via phone at (813) 223-1351. Students can also report concerns via email at reservations@barrymorehotel.com or can contact the Office of Residence Life via our contact information. We encourage students to report any concerns immediately so that the issue can be addressed as soon as possible.

Yes, housekeeping is provided to Barrymore residents via the housekeeping team. This includes bathroom sanitizing, vacuuming and laundering of hotel-provided linens.

Both Campus Safety and private security officers regularly patrol the Barrymore Hotel. Additionally, the front desk is open 24 hours a day and resident assistant team members are available for student calls between the hours of 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily.

UT students are not required to live on campus.

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.

Information on the emotional support animal approval process can be found on the Student Accessibility Services website. Animals must be approved by Student Accessibility Services prior to coming to campus.

Information on service animals can be found on the Student Accessibility Services website. UT welcomes service animals in all of its facilities when the animal is accompanied by a handler and has been individually trained to perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.

The Office of Residence Life is committed to working to meet the housing needs of all students in a nurturing community that values diversity and promotes the dignity of all people. For continuing students, specific spaces on campus will be designated gender-inclusive in the online housing selection process each spring semester. As these spaces are chosen, additional spaces may be added to this option. Continuing students must apply with their prospective roommate(s) following the same processes and deadlines of all students entering the housing election process. First-year and transfer students may request gender-inclusive housing or roommates of any gender on the housing application. Students may be contacted by the associate director of housing or designee to discuss housing that best meets the needs of the student. Find out more about LGBTQ+ Resources.

As of Fall 2021, students who live on-campus will have their housing deposit applied to the first semester’s costs.

For students on campus prior to Fall 2021, withdrawal or off-campus plans can request their damage deposit back by filling out a form on Residence by Symplicity. The highest amount returned is $200; $300 of your initial $500 admissions deposit is non-refundable. If a student has any previous damages to any rooms occupied, there may be a deduction from the $200 to cover those damages.

New students should apply for housing using the New Student Housing: Residence by Symplicity application on the forms page. Due to limited availability, we encourage students to apply as soon as possible.

The No Guarantee Wait List is intended for continuing students only. New students should apply for housing using the New Student Housing Application.

New students should complete the New Student Housing application through MyUTampa or by clicking the link on the forms page.

New students should indicate roommate preference on their housing application. Due to the volume of housing requests, requested roommates are not guaranteed. Fall term students are allowed to request only one or two prospective roommates. Changes to roommate requests and groups can be made through the May 1 deadline. Please note if you choose none or only one roommate through our matching process, you may still be placed in a triple room with additional roommate(s). It is also possible that requested roommates be placed in the same suite rather than the same bedroom.

Currently, new incoming students (this includes transfers) cannot request to room with someone who is a current student at UT.

Fall room and roommate assignments are released mid-July in Residence by Symplicity. We will email you on your spartans.ut.edu email account once these assignments are posted.

Transfer students who have not lived on campus at The University of Tampa previously should complete the New Student Housing Application through MyUTampa or by clicking the link on the forms page.

UT students are not required to live on campus.

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.

Information on the emotional support animal approval process can be found on the Student Accessibility Services webpage. Animals must be approved by Student Accessibility Services prior to coming to campus.

Information on service animals can be found on the Student Accessibility Services webpage. UT welcomes service animals in all of its facilities when the animal is accompanied by a handler and has been individually trained to perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.

The Office of Residence Life is committed to working to meet the housing needs of all students in a nurturing community that values diversity and promotes the dignity of all people. For continuing students, specific spaces on campus will be designated gender-inclusive in the online housing selection process each spring semester. As these spaces are chosen, additional spaces may be added to this option. Continuing students must apply with their prospective roommate(s) following the same processes and deadlines of all students entering the housing election process. First-year and transfer students may request gender-inclusive housing or roommates of any gender on the housing application. Students may be contacted by the associate director of housing or designee to discuss housing that best meets the needs of the student. Find out more about LGBTQ+ Resources.

Students leaving UT housing due to a cancellation, withdrawal or off-campus plans can request their damage deposit back by filling out a form on Residence by Symplicity. The highest amount returned is $200; $300 of your initial $500 admissions deposit is nonrefundable. If a student has any previous damages to any rooms occupied, there may be a deduction from the $200 to cover those damages.

Continuing student housing applications open each December for the upcoming academic year. Additional information on the process can be found on the Continuing Student Housing Selection page.

The No Guarantee Wait List is for continuing students who were unable to select a room during the room selection process. Vacancies will be filled from this list only if spaces become available at a later date. There is no guarantee that students will receive an assignment on campus by being on the list.

Room availability for those on the No Guarantee Wait List is difficult to predict as it based on vacancies. Due to cancellations, openings often become available in the summer months. There is no guarantee that students will receive an assignment on campus if they are on the list.

If a student has not lived on campus previously, they should complete the New Student Application form located on the forms page.

Continuing students are able to create roommate groups after they complete their continuing student housing application. Roommates will pick their own rooms as a group during the online housing selection process. Please see the Continuing Student Housing Selection page for more information.

Transfer students who have not lived on campus at The University of Tampa previously should complete the New Student Housing Application through MyUTampa or by clicking the link on the forms page.

The University employs custodial workers to clean bathroom areas, lounges, lobbies, hallways, laundry rooms, study and TV lounges. Residents are responsible for cleaning their own rooms. Maintenance problems in student rooms should be reported promptly by contacting Facilities Management. Maintenance personnel respond in the order that maintenance requests are received. They are unable to predict the exact day and time the repair will be done, but usually complete the work within 24-48 hours of the request, depending on time of the semester. They work Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m., except in cases of emergencies.

The housekeeping team prioritizes the cleaning and sanitizing of common areas, such as bathrooms, lounges, lobbies, hallways, laundry rooms and community lounges. These cleaning are scheduled throughout the week, with a daily emphasis on common-touch locations such as door handles. Specific schedule and/or product questions can be directed to the Facilities Management Department.

Work/repair requests should be reported promptly by contacting Facilities Management. Unless there is an emergency, requests are completed in the order they are received. In most cases, work is done within 24-48 hours of the request during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Residents will need to log onto Residence by Symplicity and report that they lost their key(s) and need them replaced. There is a charge of $100 to change the lock and $15 for each new key. Key replacement prices vary depending on which key was lost and if a loan key replacement is needed. The total amount will be billed to the resident's student account. The time frame to replace a key(s) could be between two to three business days. During certain hours, loan keys can be checked out at the Information Desk at the Vaughn Center. If a loan key is not returned accordingly, the student will automatically be assigned and charged for a lock change.

Laundry facilities are located in each residence hall. 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 Repair app, which can be downloaded by using one of the following links: CSC Service Repair app for Apple or CSC Service Repair app for Android.

To provide a hassle-free laundry service option to its students, The University of Tampa has partnered with Tampa Laundry Company, a family-owned Tampa business known for its fresh approach to pick-up and delivery laundry services. There is a laundry list of things to do as a college student. Unfortunately, laundry does not always fit on that list! Leave the laundry to Tampa Laundry Company. They will wash, dry and fold your laundry, all semester long. All you have to do is put your laundry in your Tampa Laundry Company laundry bag, and they will pick it up once a week and drop it off two days later – clean, folded and ready to put away. To sign up or for more information, visit tampalaundry.com.

All student addresses are "401 W. Kennedy Blvd.; Campus Box #___; Tampa , FL 33606." Please inform those sending you mail and packages of the correct address. With the proper address, your mail will arrive faster and be distributed efficiently.

Mail Services is located in the Southard Family Building. Packages may be sent to students at their post office box. Residential students living on campus with properly addressed packages and first-class mail will receive an email notification from mail services indicating they have items to pick up. The email will direct students as to what type of item they have and where to pick up the item.

Residents receiving deliveries of perishable items such as flowers and/or food will not be delivered to their room or box number directly, but to the Information Desk at the Vaughn Center, where they will be contacted to pick up their item(s). A picture ID is required to retrieve deliveries.

The Vaughn Center Information Desk serves as a hub for general campus services information, residential loan key checkouts, small item lost and found, and special deliveries. More information on the Vaughn Information Desk can be found on their Vaughn webpage.

The Residence Life staff are available to assist students 24 hours a day through community desks, the Vaughn Information Desk and the resident assistant on-call team. Additionally, the Department of Campus Safety patrols campus 24 hours a day, every day of the year. For more detailed information, please review the Department of Campus Safety’s webpage.

Yes, refrigerators and microwaves are welcome on-campus, provided the restrictions below are met:

1. With the exception of Urso Hall, Palm Apartments and Straz Hall apartments (which already have full-size refrigerators), refrigerators should be no larger than 6 cubic feet, 36 inches high, 24 inches wide, 26 inches deep, 1.8 amps, 110 volts. In the interest of fire prevention, electrical outlets must not be overloaded.
2. No devices for the purpose of cooking are allowed in residence hall rooms, with the exception of the following: pop-up toasters (not toaster ovens), blenders, can openers, coffee makers and juicers. Microwave ovens are permitted in student rooms provided the microwave oven has been UL approved and does not exceed 700 watts.
3. Residents in communities with provided appliances are responsible for cleaning their own stoves and refrigerators. Appliances are expected to be clean at checkout time.

The Urso Hall, Palm Apartments and Straz Hall communities have refrigerators and stoves in the room for resident use.

For student convenience, we have partnered with a reputable vendor to service your MicroFridge needs, Campus Specialties, inc. MicroFridge units are perfect for any residence hall and are equipped with a microwave, freezer and refrigerator all in one attached unit. Before you move in, your MicroFridge will be delivered to your room so you can avoid the hassle of transporting your unit. They will also pick up the MicroFridge unit at the end of the year once you are moved out. All MicroFridge units must be purchased through the Campus Specialties website, www.mymicrofridge.com, or by phone at (800) 525-7307.

Linens are not provided to students, with the exception of those at the Barrymore Hotel. All residence hall mattresses are extra-long twins, measuring 80" x 36". This is longer than the average 76 inches. These extra-long beds require specifically-sized sheets, comforters and blankets.

Residence Hall Linens offers a huge variety of custom-sized linens guaranteed to fit your residence hall bed and to last until graduation. They also provide a selection of extra-long thermal blankets, extra-long mattress pads, pillows, storage solutions and extra-long comforters. Information regarding linens will be mailed directly to students during the summer, or you can visit Residence Hall Linens at ocm.com/tmp.

Beds in the Barrymore Hotel are queen size, and linens are provided. If a student prefers to bring their own linens to the Barrymore, we ask that they bring linens that are not solid white.

For student comfort, all residence hall mattresses are extra-long twins, measuring 80" x 36". This is longer than the average 76 inches. These extra-long beds require specifically-sized sheets, comforters and blankets. Therefore, University of Tampa has been providing the Residence Hall Linens program to students since 1998.

On move-in day, it's important to have those XL sheets that can be hard to find. Our goal is to make sure every parent and student is ready with the right size sheets. Residence Hall Linens offers a huge variety of custom-sized linens guaranteed to fit your residence hall bed and to last until graduation. They also provide a selection of extra-long thermal blankets, extra-long mattress pads, pillows, storage solutions and extra-long comforters.

Information regarding linens will be mailed directly to students during the summer, or you can visit Residence Hall Linens at ocm.com/tmp.

Beds in the Barrymore Hotel are queen size, and linens are provided. If a student prefers to bring their own linens to the Barrymore, we ask that they bring linens that are not solid white.

Each student gets a desk, desk chair, bed, dresser and closet space/wardrobe.

Resident rooms are carpeted in the Barrymore Hotel. All other residence halls do not have carpet in bedrooms.

All residential students have the ability to connect to the University Wi-Fi using their student credentials. Information on setting up connections, including placing work/support tickets can be found on the Information Technology webpage.

With a computer equipped with an Ethernet or wireless card, students can enjoy free, direct, unlimited access to email and the Internet from any residence hall room. Wireless networking is also available throughout much of campus. Students without their own computer can use the conveniently located computer labs in the Vaughn Center and Plant Hall. Visit the Incoming Student ITS Checklist page for more tips on-campus technology.

Please see the Packing List for information on what to bring to campus.

A detailed list of items to leave at home can also be found on the Packing List website. We also encourage students to review the Campus Living Policies page to ensure that prohibited items are not brought to campus.

Throughout the academic year, social events and learning opportunities will be provided to on-campus students within the Spartan Living Residential Curriculum. For more information, please refer to the Spartan Living webpage. Residence Life staff plan and participate in the programs offered and can provide additional information on events.

We recommend that students having roommate concerns inform their resident assistant (RA) who can mediate or refer them to a professional staff member. Residents are permitted to change rooms during the official room change period that will occur during the third week of classes each semester.

Students may have fish as pets with the consent of their roommate(s). Each room/apartment may have one 10-gallon aquarium. Students who have fish should arrange for someone off-campus to care for them during holidays and breaks. No other pets are permitted with the exception of service animals. Emotional support animals (ESAs) are only permitted in the student's room if accommodations have been given to the student by the UT Student Accessibility Services Office for an ESA. Animals are not permitted to visit in the residence halls including interior and exterior hallways.

Find policies on the Campus Living Policies webpage.

Courtesy hours are in effect 24 hours a day. At no time should the noise coming from a room or apartment significantly disrupt the community. Quiet hours are in effect from 10 p.m.-10 a.m. on weeknights (Sunday- Thursday) and 1 a.m. -10 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. As determined by the Office of Residence Life, 24-hour quiet periods are in effect during the examination period of each term and at other times as announced. Any student has the right (at any time of day or night) to request that other students reduce their noise level.

Renters/property insurance is not currently required. Since UT is not responsible for loss or damage to personal property from any cause, we highly recommend that you check to see if your belongings are covered under your family's homeowner's insurance policy. If this is not the case, you may wish to buy renter's insurance, which is reasonably priced. For more information on rental insurance, please visit www.nssi.com/.

Regardless of coverage, items such as your stereo, TV, camera, refrigerator and computer should be engraved for identification purposes. Engravers are available at each residence hall front desk.

Soliciting (by persons not affiliated with UT) is not permitted in the residence halls. Students should ask salespersons to leave the building if they are approached. If they refuse, call the resident assistant, Residence Life or Campus Safety.

Students may have guests or visitors (including overnight) with prior authorization from their roommate(s). Guests are defined as any persons who are not affiliated but invited to The University of Tampa by a member of the University community. Visitors are defined as any persons who are visiting campus and hold a relationship with The University of Tampa.

Guests and visitors in the residence halls are not a right but a privilege granted with the agreement of the roommate(s). Guests and visitors are not allowed in a room unless all occupants of that room are in agreement. All guests and visitors are subject to University regulations and residence hall policies.

Students are responsible for the actions of their guests. Guests and visitors must be escorted in the residence halls at all times. Visitors may stay a maximum of three consecutive nights and 15 total nights per semester in the residence halls. Students are not permitted to give their Spartan Cards or room keys for a guest or visitor to access the residence hall or room under any circumstances.

If a student feels his or her roommate(s) are not abiding by this policy, it is their responsibility to notify an Office of Residence Life staff member. During the first week of the academic year, students are adjusting to the University and transitioning to a new living environment. Therefore, the Office of Residence Life discourages students from having overnight visitors during orientation and the first week of classes.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please contact 911 or visit the nearest hospital/urgent care center.

It is recommended that students experiencing an illness contact Medical Services via the Dickey Health and Wellness Center for support.

Effective Spring 2023, students diagnosed with COVID-19 will not be relocated to isolation spaces and will instead isolate in their current room.

Students experiencing other illnesses may need to be relocated at the discretion of their medical provider. Please contact us at reslife@ut.edu or visit the Dickey Health and Wellness Center for assistance.

For those in need of isolating in-room, meal pick-ups can be arranged via dining services by emailing reslife@ut.edu. In the email, the student should specify the name of the person(s) assisting them with meal pick-up. Meal pick-ups are limited to those experiencing illness and have been working with a medical provider.

Students unable to attend classes due to illness should contact their instructors for additional information. Please see the UT Attendance Policy for additional information.

It is recommended that students experiencing an illness contact Medical Services via the Dickey Health and Wellness Center for support.

Sophomores, juniors and seniors are permitted to bring cars to campus. Learn more about vehicle registration and parking regulations.

Bicycles may be kept in rooms as long as both roommates agree. Bike racks are also located outside residence halls. All students bringing bicycles to campus are asked to register their bicycle with Campus Safety.

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.

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.

Currently, shuttle services are provided to residents of the Barrymore, the Henry and Madison 220. For off-campus resources and information, please refer to the Off-Campus Housing page.

Please refer to the transportation resources page through the Office of Campus Safety.

The University of Tampa welcomes outside storage and moving companies and their box trucks on campus to assist students and their families with their move-in and move-out process with the exception of designated University move-in days. Box trucks will not be permitted on campus from 7 to 9 a.m. on University designated move-in days, typically held in August and January.

Students must be checked into their residence hall assignment, present on campus, and must escort the representative from their chosen storage or moving company at all times inside the residence hall. Storage and moving companies cannot be scheduled prior to a student’s arrival to campus and Residence Life cannot give storage and moving companies access to any residential facility on campus. Any box truck blocking campus or city traffic will be asked to move regardless of whether or not their move is complete.

The University of Tampa does not partner with specific storage and moving companies and has no preferred vendor.