Navigating Housing Options for Graduate Students at the University of Maryland

Finding suitable housing is a crucial step for graduate students embarking on their academic journey at the University of Maryland (UMD). With a diverse range of options available, from on-campus apartments to off-campus rentals, understanding the landscape can significantly contribute to a positive and productive graduate experience. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of housing resources and choices for graduate students at UMD.

On-Campus Housing

Graduate Hills and Gardens

Graduate Gardens and Graduate Hills apartments, managed by Southern Management Corporation, offer on-campus living within University property. These apartment communities require a separate application and leasing process. The Graduate Hills & Gardens apartments come Internet ready with free utilities for your convenience. Application fees and deposits are waived for full-time UMD graduate students.

Discovery House

A brand-new graduate student community, Discovery House, is scheduled to open in August 2026. All units are fully furnished, with utilities - including electricity, water, and UMD internet - covered in the housing license fee. Watch the Discovery House video to learn more.

New Apartment Building (Opening August 2026)

A 465-unit apartment building is scheduled to open in August 2026. The 465-unit building, which will be located on the site of the now-demolished Old Leonardtown apartments on the east side of Baltimore Avenue, will offer another housing option for some of the university’s more than 10,000 graduate students.

Residence Halls

Residence halls or "dorms" are located on campus so undergraduate students have easy access to campus services. Priority is given to first-time freshmen and those returning to on campus housing. Pay attention to deadlines, as a missed deadline may result in you being on a waitlist.

Residence Halls:

Burntside Hall
Griggs Hall
Ianni Hall
Lake Superior Hall
Vermilion HallResidence hall rooms are furnished with beds and mattresses, draperies, desks, chairs, drawer space, wastebaskets, compact refrigerator, and wireless internet. Almost all rooms in the residence halls are designed for two students. Students living in the residence halls must provide their own bed linens (pillows, sheets, pillow cases, blankets and bedspreads).

Apartments

Apartments:

Goldfine Apartments
Heaney Hall
Junction Apartments
Oakland ApartmentsApartment units are furnished with refrigerator, stove, couch and chair, end table, dining table and chairs, beds and mattresses, desks, chairs, dressers, desk lamps, draperies, and, wireless internet. Students living in the apartments must provide their own cooking and eating utensils, shower curtains & rings, wastebaskets, and bed linens (pillows, sheets, pillow case, blanket and bedspread).

Off-Campus Housing

The Greater College Park area and National Capital Region offer a wide range of living options for University of Maryland students. Whether you prefer to be within walking distance or plan to commute.

Off-Campus Housing Services (OCH)

The Off-Campus Housing Services Office (OCH) provides resources to students and the University Community to educate them on off-campus housing topics and assist them in finding off-campus housing. It is free for students, staff, and faculty to search and list.

Off-Campus Housing Resource Guide

This printable PDF provides resources and guidelines for UMD students seeking off-campus housing, including tips on avoiding common renting mistakes, a checklist for housing searches, budgeting and safety information.

Read also: Funding Your Graduate Education

Key Resources for Graduate Students

Graduate Student Legal Aid Office (GLAO)

The Graduate Student Legal Aid Office (GLAO) provides a Legal Review Tool to assist students in understanding the leasing process. If you have questions upon completing the review, you can request an appointment with GLAO for further information.

Graduate Student Life (GSL)

The Graduate Student Life Office offers resources for graduate students to feel welcomed, included, connected, and supported at the University of Maryland.

ShuttleUM

The University of Maryland's ShuttleUM Bus service is fare-free and provides on-campus transportation, as well as convenient access to rail stations and direct routes to many nearby apartment complexes. Review the New Rider Guide.

City of College Park

Learn more about living in College Park from the City's various neighborhoods, rental guidance, homeownership programs, and more.

Roommate Resources

Shared housing is a common way to reduce housing costs as a graduate student. The OCH Database hosts a Roommate Search function accessible only to University of Maryland Students. UMD also provides a multitude of resources for students to meet their diverse mental health and wellness needs, from building community and connection, navigating finances and essential needs support, and academics. Attending International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) pre-arrival events can be a great opportunity to meet potential roommates.

Read also: Graduate Fees at CMU

Financial Considerations

To help you plan ahead the Office of Student Financial Aid provides an annual graduate student cost estimate as an example of what a year at the University of Maryland (UMD) may cost you.

Additional Tips

Start Early: Begin your housing search well in advance of your move-in date, as demand for graduate student housing can be high.
Utilize the OCH Database: Start your search with the OCH Database. The database is the most comprehensive resource offered by Off-Campus Housing Services. It is free for students, staff and faculty to search and list.
Attend ISSS Events: Attending International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) pre-arrival events can be a great opportunity to meet potential roommates.
Be Aware of Deadlines: Pay attention to deadlines, as a missed deadline may result in you being on a waitlist.
Shared Housing: Housing in the area is expensive and it is common to share housing to reduce costs.

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