FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Am I required to live on campus?
No. UWF does not have an on-campus residency requirement. We would love to have you live with us!

When should I apply to live on campus?
You are encouraged to apply as soon as you have chosen to attend UWF and you want to live on campus. Applicants may request to cancel their Housing Contract as late as June 1st to receive their prepayment back. Please refer to the Housing Contract for all cancellation deadlines.

What do I do if I need special accommodations?
A limited number of spaces are designed, or can be modified, to accommodate students with physical disabilities. The specified nature of your disability should be identified so we can work with you and try best to meet your needs and make your assignment. You are required to contact the University's Student Disability Resource Center. As with all students, we recommend a visit to our campus in order to be familiar with our services and facilities.

What is the Housing Contract?
The Housing Contract is a legally binding agreement between a UWF resident student and the UWF Department of Housing and Residence Life. Students who sign the contract are held to all terms and conditions of the contract.

How long is the contract in effect?
The Housing Contract is a two semester contract (Fall and Spring) or one semester (Spring Only). We do not offer “Fall Only” housing. Residents who move in beginning in the Fall Semester are held to the contract for both semesters. Spring Only Contracts are available

How do I request cancellation of my Housing Contract?
Please refer to the terms and conditions of the housing contract. All requests to cancel must be submitted by the legal contract holder by using the online form http://uwf.edu/housing/onlineforms/cancellationform.cfm or in writing to the Department of Housing and Residence Life, 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola FL 32514. Questions can be directed to the Department of Housing Central Office at 850.474.2463, Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm CST.

How do I appeal Miscellaneous Housing Charges?
Appeals must be submitted by the legal contract holder by using the online form http://uwf.edu/housing/onlineforms/appealchargeform.cfm or in writing to the Department of Housing and Residence Life, 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola FL 32514.

What is the Florida Prepaid Dormitory Program?
The Florida Prepaid Dormitory Program allows parents in the State of Florida to begin purchase semesters of on campus housing and thus paying for university housing before their children enroll. The program is a 529 investment plan managed by the Florida Prepaid College Board. If you are unsure if you have contributed to the plan or if you are unsure of to which plan you have contributed, (Tuition, Dormitory and or Local fee) please visit the The Florida Prepaid College Plan web site.

How will I be assigned my room?
Residents are assigned their room in date priority. Please remember that you are not guaranteed to be assigned the room type(s) you request but we will make every effort to accommodate your request.

When will I be notified of my room assignment and roommate?
For the Fall semester, we will mail out assignments beginning early to mid-May.

May I select my roommate?
There is a space on the Housing Contract for applicants to make specific roommate requests. All roommate requests must be mutual and listed by all requested roommates. We do our best to honor those requests but we cannot guarantee them.

What happens if there is more demand for housing space than available?
If we are unable to meet our demand, we will offer to place you on a Wait List and contact when space is available. We may also have temporary housing on campus after Fall check in to which a small number of residents may be assigned.

What may I bring to Campus?
Please review this document for a helpful list of what to bring and what to leave at home. If in doubt please e-mail us at housing@uwf.edu
What to Bring, What Not to Bring (PDF)

Can I have Pets?
No, only fish in aquariums less than 10 gallons are permitted.

When can I move in?
Please refer to the Important Dates tab on the main Housing Web Page. Move in dates are different for freshmen and upperclassmen. Call the Housing Central Office for more complete information.

When do I pay my Housing Fees?
All housing fees are due on or before the established UWF “Fee Payment Deadline” each semester (Tuition, Housing and Meal Plan are due by the same date as determined by the University).

May I change rooms or residence halls once I move in?
Room change request forms are available each semester after the first 10 business days of the semester; this is called Open Room Change and at this time residents may request to change rooms without reason. After Open Room Change ends subsequent room changes will be requested online and they must be approved on a case by case basis. Room changes will not be approved for roommates who have not attempted to mediate their differences. Room changes are processed on a first-come first-served basis and their approval is not guaranteed.

May I decorate my room?
Yes, minor decorating is allowed. You may not use any prohibited items or anything which may damage the room, walls or furniture. Painting, construction projects or furniture removal is not allowed. Please keep in mind that a Room Condition Report (RCR) is filled out each time a resident moves into or out of a room. This is to ensure the room is kept clean and serviceable. When you move out, you will be charged for any damage which is not documented on your RCR.

Is Housing open during holiday breaks (Thanksgiving, Winter break, Spring Break, etc.)?
Residence Halls and the University Village Student Apartment Communities at the University of West Florida remain open for residents during Thanksgiving, Winter Break, Spring Break, and all other holidays during the academic year. Please be aware that there may be reduced services and staffing on campus. In addition there will be a Break Housing Fee for the breaks between semesters.

Does the University offer insurance to protect my belongings against damage or theft?
No. As noted in the Housing Contract, UWF is not responsible for insuring residents' belongings. Residents are also encouraged to check with their parents/guardians to see if their insurance provides coverage or they may contract for private renters insurance. An example of a company providing coverage is available at the following link: http://nssinc.com/

Does University Housing close during hurricanes and severe weather?
In the event of a hurricane, the University may close, and all on-campus resident students and guests (this includes camp and conference attendees) will need to evacuate University Housing if determined necessary by the President of the University of West Florida. For severe weather situations residents must follow instruction of University of West Florida Staff.