International Students (2024)

What are Residence Halls or Dorms?

The terms “residence hall” and “dorm” are often used interchangeably, however there is a difference between the two. At the University of Texas at El Paso, we offer apartment-style residence halls that will offer you more than a place to sleep. We will provide you with opportunities for personal and educational growth. Our highly trained Residence Life staff create engaging activities and programs in each residence hall. You will find that living in the residence halls is much more convenient than living off-campus. You are closer to classes; you won’t have to drive to a laundromat or hunt for a parking space close to campus. Your residence hall bill will come on your UTEP statement, so you won’t have to keep track of several bills.

Housing and Residence Life Staff: Here to help you Succeed

A period of adjustment is to be expected when you are entering a new school, especially if you are new to the United States. University Housing and Residence Life staff will be there from day one to help you navigate through the University of Texas at El Paso and everything it has to offer.

Don't be shy about seeking out staff members for assistance— whether it's for roommate issues, advice on meeting new friends, finding your way around campus, or ideas on how to get involved. We want you to have a great experience at UTEP

Resident Assistant:Your Resident Assistant (RA) is a student who lives on your floor (or near your floor) He or she was selected and trained to assist and support you. RAs throughout the buildings provide programming and various other support services in addition to ensuring that University policies are followed. They are a great resources for getting involved in activities, resolving roommate dilemmas, or if you just need a little help acclimating to campus.

Residence Life Coordinator:Your Residence Life Coordinator is a professional, live-in staff member responsible for overall programming, RA selection, student involvement and leadership, student government advising, and supervising the paraprofessional staff.

Can Graduate and Doctoral students live on-campus?

Absolutely. Our apartment-style housing is suitable for graduate and doctoral students providing them with the privacy to work on their projects.

Where can I live on campus?

As an international student, you have several options. All of our residence halls are open to international students. When you submit your housing application, you can select the type of room you want. Miner Canyon, Miner Heights, and Miner Village have furnished apartments with kitchens. Room assignments are based on the availability of rooms at time you submit your application. It very important that you rank all room-styles from 1-10 (1 being your most desirable room-style option to 10 being your least desirable room-style option). To learn more about our room-style options and floor plans click HERE

Do I have to sign a contract?

Yes. When you submit your housing application you are agreeing to all terms and conditions of the Housing Contract (link). The housing contract is a document that tells you what the rules and expectations are for a resident living with us. When you sign the contract you agree to the rules and guidelines. It is legally binding for the entire academic year, August – May or remainder thereof if you contract during the year. There is no single-term contract option.

Do I have to submit a new housing application every year?

Yes. Applications are only for one academic year. Before the end of the academic year, you will have the opportunity to apply for housing for the following academic year. As a returning resident, you will have the option of choosing to keep your same room or selecting a new room-style for your assignment for the following year.

Can I Stay in My Room Over Breaks?

You can remain on campus during the Summer. However, most residents will be asked to relocate to their summer hosing assignment. If you want to live on campus during the Summer term (May-August), you will have to submit a Summer application prior to the end of the academic year.

Can I move out before the end of the academic year?

Your contract is set from August to May. If you choose to move off-campus before the end of the academic year, there may be penalties associated with terminating your contract before the end of the academic year. Please refer the housing contract for more information.

I’m an exchange student, do I have a special contract?

No, exchange students sign the same contract to live on campus. Exchange students will not have to pay a cancellation fee if they properly check out of their room and inform Housing and Residence Life of their check-out date at least 4-weeks before their departure.

When can I move in?

International students with on-campus housing assignments may have orientation beginning prior to campus move-in dates. Students who need to arrive early to campus for orientation may request to move in one day prior to the start of orientation. To submit your Early Arrival Request via the Resident Portal.

I have a medical condition/disability that requires special accommodations in the residence halls, what steps do I need to take to get those?

We work closely with the Center for Accommodations and Support Services (CASS) and follow the recommendations of their office. Visit the CASS website HERE and contact them to discuss your accommodations for the residence halls and any other support you may need on-campus. Accommodations can include (but are not limited to) things like: assistance or service animal approval, a single room, access to a handicap-accessible bathroom, etc. Please discuss with CASS what you think you will need to be successful at UTEP.

Will my appliances work?

All residence space has standard North American outlets with 120 volts. An adaptor and/or converter may be needed for items (computer, hair dryer, etc.) purchased outside of the United States. To see a list of appliances that are allowed in the residence space, see this list.

What if I have problems with my roommate?

Many first year college students have never had a roommate before. A great roommate match takes effort from both people. As long as you and your roommate communicate well and discuss issues ahead of time, such as schedules, cleanliness of the room, and visitors, you will find that having a roommate is not a bad thing (in fact, it can even be a great thing). However, if you discover that you and your roommate can't resolve your conflicts, find a staff member in your Residence Hall. These trained individuals are available to assist in solving conflicts.

What is the check-out process for international students/exchange students?

The check-out or also known as move-out process is the same for all residents. Please visit the general guidelines for more information (link). However, if you are international students or exchange students and you are going back to your home country and you will not return to UTEP, you need to make arrangements with the Housing and Residence Life staff to get your $200 back (if applicable) before you leave UTEP and/or the United States.

This means that you must contact your Residence Life coordinator at least 4 weeks prior to your departure. This will give you enough time to schedule a check-out time with your Resident Assistant so that they can confirm that the room is in good conditions. To avoid any cleaning or damage fees, review our cleaning expectations: (link).

If you have any questions contact us at housing@utep.edu or at 915-747-5352