University of Vermont Residence Halls: A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing a university is a significant decision, and where you live plays a crucial role in your overall experience. At the University of Vermont (UVM), the residence halls are more than just places to sleep; they are vibrant communities that foster personal growth, social connections, and academic success. This guide provides an in-depth look at UVM's residence halls, covering everything from room types and amenities to community life and important policies.

On-Campus Housing Overview

UVM requires first and second-year students to live in one of the 41 on-campus residence halls. Each hall is part of an interest-based Learning Community, designed to connect students with shared passions. For upper-class students and those over the age of 20, off-campus housing in the Burlington community is an option. UVM provides resources to help students transition to off-campus living.

Exploring Residence Halls

UVM offers a diverse range of residence hall experiences across its various campuses: Central, Athletic, Trinity, and Redstone. Each area boasts unique characteristics and opportunities.

To get a feel for the different residence halls, UVM offers virtual tours, including brand-new 3D walkthroughs. These tours allow prospective students to explore the halls in their entirety.

Campus Locations

Central Campus: Known for its proximity to key campus resources like the library, student center, and classrooms.
Athletic Campus: Home to the University Heights North dorm, known for its suite-style rooms and proximity to the gym.
Trinity Campus: Offers newer, spacious rooms and is known for its close-knit community.
Redstone Campus: Conveniently located near the gym and the Simpson Dining Hall, with shuttle access to other parts of campus.

Room Types and Amenities

UVM residence halls offer a variety of room configurations to suit different preferences and needs.

Traditional Residence Halls: Primarily for first and second-year students, these halls typically feature double occupancy rooms.
Suite-Style Residences: Examples include University Heights North, which offers rooms with private bathrooms.
Apartment-Style Residences: Available for upper-class students, these offer more spacious living with increased privacy. The Redstone Lofts are an example of apartment-style living.

Standard Room Features

Each room is equipped with essential furniture and amenities:

Desk
Chair
Dresser or wardrobe/dresser combination
XL twin bed (Mattress size: 36” x 80” x 7.25")
Bed safety rail (installed on all beds)
Overhead light
Window blinds/shades
Internet jack
Recycle bin
Composting bags

Composting bags are available at the front desk of each residence hall. Once full, they can be placed in the green compost container in the main lobby.

MicroFridge Rentals

UVM has partnered with MicroFridge to provide students with convenient rental options for mini-fridges and microwaves. The fridge has 2 full-width shelves and space in the door for a 2-liter bottle, along with a separate freezer. The microwave is a 700-watt turntable system with 3 cooking levels.

Community and Activities

Living in a UVM residence hall means becoming part of a close-knit community. The university organizes a variety of events and programs to foster social interaction and personal growth.

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Residential Learning Communities (RLC): These communities group students with shared interests on the same floor or building, creating opportunities for networking and lasting connections.
Hall Councils: Each hall has a Hall Council that helps plan events based on residents' preferences.
Social Gatherings: From floor dinners and game nights to study groups and workshops, there's always something happening in the residence halls.

Dining Options

UVM Dining is committed to social responsibility and works with local and regional businesses to provide quality food to the campus community.

On-Campus Restaurants: Enjoy some of Burlington's favorite restaurants right on campus, offering everything from burritos to crepes.
Discovery Kitchen: A dedicated space for culinary education, offering lessons from UVM Dining professionals.

Important Policies and Regulations

To ensure a safe, healthy, and respectful living environment, UVM has several policies and regulations in place for residence halls.

Alcohol, Cannabis, Tobacco, and Other Drugs

The University is committed to creating a quality learning environment in an atmosphere that is safe, scholarly, and respectful. This goal is best accomplished by providing residence halls that are free from alcohol, cannabis, tobacco and other drugs.

Possession or consumption of Alcohol in on-campus residence halls, regardless of age, is strictly prohibited.
Consistent with the University's Tobacco Free Policy, possession or use of Tobacco is strictly prohibited on University Property, regardless of age. Possession and use of Tobacco by individuals under the age of 21 is further regulated by state law.
Possession or use of Cannabis and Illicit Drugs by students on University Property or at University Activities (on or off-campus) is strictly prohibited by federal law and University policy. Illicit Use of Controlled Substances is similarly prohibited.
All students are responsible for reading and being familiar with the University of Vermont’s Alcohol, Cannabis and Other Drug Use - Students policy. Violations will result in discipline up to and including suspension or dismissal from the residence halls and/or the University by the Center for Student Conduct, as applicable. Students may also be referred to UVM Police Services.

Health and Safety Inspections

To ensure a clean, healthy, and safe living environment for both current and future residents, University Housing and Dining Services conducts health and safety inspections.

All residential students are issued a 24-hour notice before an inspection so that they can coordinate cleaning and health and safety efforts within their bedrooms and/or suite areas.
Following appropriate notice, Resident Advisors (RAs) and University Housing and Dining Services professional staff are authorized to enter student rooms even if resident(s) are not present.
As part of health and safety inspections, University Housing and Dining Services staff may confiscate and secure prohibited items.
Any policy violations will be documented and referred to the appropriate administrative process - University Housing and Dining Services or the Center for Student Conduct. Additionally, students may be referred to UVM Police Services.

Quiet/Noise Policy

Noise that unreasonably disrupts roommate(s), resident(s), and neighboring community members at any time, or that violates quiet hour or courtesy hour policies, or the community’s standards is prohibited.

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During final exam periods at the end of each semester, quiet hours are 24 hours a day.
During courtesy hours, which are any time quiet is requested, noise should not be heard from more than five feet outside a room or building.

Pets

For reasons of health and sanitation, students are not allowed to have pets in the residence halls.

Exceptions are made for service animals as well as emotional support animals when approved by the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) provided the resident maintains appropriate care and control of the animal as described in the University’s Service and Emotional Support Animal Operating Procedure.
Fish in a proper aquarium facility (10-gallon maximum, one per room) are also allowed.

Emergency Evacuation and Tampering with Life Safety Devices

Residents are required to evacuate the building immediately when a fire alarm sounds. Failure to do so is a federal offense and violations will be processed administratively by Residential Life, including imposition of educational sanctions and fines.

Abuse or tampering with any life safety equipment, or misuse of fire extinguishing equipment, is strictly prohibited.

Fire Hazards and Other Prohibited Items

Because student rooms are not designed for cooking and it heightens fire risk, students may not use cooking appliances or grills in their rooms, suites, common spaces, or in the vicinity of the residence halls.

Due to extreme risk of fire and the danger of electrical overload, the use of certain types of electrical equipment is prohibited including: multi-plug adapters, halogen light bulbs (such as those found in most torchière style lamps), spider lamps, sun lamps, salt lamps, lava lamps, LED light strips, immersion heaters, and other high-wattage equipment, and space heaters.

No decorative covering or other flammable items, including but not limited to, tapestries should cover any doorway or be suspended from lofts, bunks, ceilings, exposed piping, or heating units.

Possession/use of candles, oil lamps, incense, storage of charcoal, flammable liquids such as lighter fluid, gasoline, kerosene, “Coleman” fuels, or other items that create fire danger as a result of open flame or smoldering is prohibited.

Other Prohibited Items and Actions

Extension cords are not permitted; however, power strips with over-current protection that carry a UL Mark are allowed.
Mercury thermometers, neon signs, and other items that may contain hazardous materials are prohibited.
Concrete blocks, bricks, and/or other unapproved bed risers are prohibited.
Waterbeds are not permitted in the residence halls.
Students may not use fog machines or other special-effects machines in the residence halls.
Dance/exercise poles are prohibited in student rooms.
Students may not remove screens from any residence hall windows.
Hanging items outside of windows is prohibited, including antennas and satellite dishes.
Students may not install personal air conditioners.
Students may not install personal locks on any residence hall door.
Propping open or otherwise interfering with the closure of any entrance, exterior, or security door is prohibited.
Removal or possession of University property is prohibited.
Hoverboards, e-scooters, e-bikes, and similar battery-powered personal transporters are prohibited.
Students may not place any outward facing displays in room windows.
To avoid accidental sprinkler activation, do not hang items from sprinkler heads, and never store or place items within 18" of the plane below sprinkler heads or water may not reach a fire.

Firearms and Weapons

The possession of firearms, fireworks, explosives, or weapons of any kind, and replicas or facsimiles thereof, is prohibited on campus and in the residence halls as they pose a substantial danger to the safety of all residents.

Laundry Facilities

Laundry facilities (i.e., washers and dryers) are located in each residential complex and are for resident use only.

Access to Residence Hall Buildings

With the exception of administrative offices, dining facilities, classrooms, and common-use areas, the University of Vermont’s residence halls are locked 24/7 for the safety, security, and privacy of residents.

Room and Building Keys

Residents are issued a room key when they check in to their residence hall. Duplicating room keys compromises security and is not permitted.

University Surveillance Systems

The University has installed closed-circuit television cameras in outside areas, entryways, and public indoor areas of the residence halls for the purpose of increasing safety and reducing incidents of crime.

Tampering with Security Systems

Propping, tampering and/or damaging security systems such as security screens, doors, door hardware, hall phones, surveillance cameras, or card-access systems compromises the safety and security of residential students and the residence halls, and is strictly prohibited.

Trespassing and/or Illegal Entry

Trespassing upon, forcibly entering, or otherwise proceeding into unauthorized areas of University owned or leased buildings or facilities, their roofs, or the residential space of another student without permission is strictly prohibited.

Posting

University Housing and Dining Services’ main office, located in Robinson Hall on Redstone campus, will serve as the clearinghouse for the distribution of all posted materials, not to exceed 11x17 inches in size.

Fitness Centers

UVM offers two in-hall fitness centers with hours convenient for students. Memberships are available to all on-campus residents.

Locations: Central Campus Residence Hall and Wright Hall
How to Join: On-campus students can complete the Fitness Center Membership form in their housing portal.

Move-In Information

First-Year Students

First-year students will arrive on either Wednesday, August 26 or Thursday, August 27. Specific move-in dates and times are confirmed in the housing portal in early August.

Early Arrival

A one-day early arrival option is available for a fee. To request early arrival, students must submit an Early Arrival Form on their Housing Portal.

Accessibility Concerns

If you or anyone accompanying you have any accessibility concerns, please share that with the first staff member you see once you are on campus so we can make necessary accommodations.

Elevators

Please note that the following buildings do NOT have elevators.

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