Processes and Procedures

Looking for instructions on how to complete a common residential process, or the guidelines for upcoming procedures?

You'll find all the details you need below. Should you have questions, University Housing is ready to help. Contact us at [email protected] or (248) 370-3570 and we will be happy to assist you.

Cancelling your housing contract

To cancel your on-campus housing, you will need to complete a Contract Release Form online. Please do so by following the instructions shown below.

Please note that cancellation charges will apply as outlined in the terms and conditions of the housing contract

Log into the My Housing portal.
Click the Contracts/Forms drop-down menu, then click on the contract you would like to cancel.
From the What Would You Like to Do with This Application? drop-down menu that appears, select Cancel/Withdraw This Application, then click Submit.
When prompted, confirm that you want to cancel your contract by selecting Yes, Cancel This Application from the drop-down menu that appears.
Select the reason you are cancelling your contract.
In the Add Any Additional Notes box, provide any additional information you feel is important, then click Submit.
You will then reach a confirmation page for the contract release, and notice that the word Canceled now appears at the end of the canceled contract in the Contracts/Forms drop-down menu.

Considerations for graduating students

Graduating students who wish to stay in their Oakland University Housing assignment beyond the end-of-the-year closing date in order to attend commencement ceremonies must submit a request to stay past the designated move-out date. This policy applies to graduating students in all apartment locations and residence hall locations on Oakland University’s campus.

In order to be eligible to remain in on-campus housing beyond the applicable closing date, students must complete the Late Stay Request Form. Details on how to complete this process are shared below. Please note that all requests to stay past the designated move-out date must be received by Friday, April 10, 2026.

Students must be free of conduct violations within Oakland University Housing to receive consideration to stay past the closing date, and must meet the criteria listed in the Late Stay Request Form. Late stay approvals will also be subject to space availability in individual communities.

To submit a Late Stay Request Form, please follow these steps:

Log into the My Housing portal.
Click on Contracts/Forms.
Click on Form - Semester Recess Request
Acknowledge the terms and conditions of the Semester Recess Late Stay Request, via electronic signature, and click Continue.
Answer the questions provided on the form, including your type of request, the reason for your request, the date of your intended departure/early return, and relevant documentation, if applicable.
Click Continue to submit your request.

Current student sign-up, roommate matching and room selection

Current residential students, current commuter students, and incoming transfer students are able to submit their housing contract for the following academic year beginning February 1. Students who submit their housing contracts during the priority submission period between February 1 and March 1 will be eligible to participate in roommate matching and room selection processes.

You will find step-by-step instructions on how to participate in the Current Student Sign-Up processes on our sign-up webpage. Detailed roommate matching instructions are available on our roommate matching guidelines webpage.

End-of-the-year closing procedures

The residence halls and apartments will close for the Winter 2026 semester at 6 p.m. on April 28, 2026.

All residents are expected to be fully moved out of their on-campus assignments by this time, unless they have received approval to remain on campus beyond the move-out deadline. Please see the information below for details on how to submit a request to stay past April 28, 2026.

Due to limited access to parking lots, students are encouraged to begin moving items out of their rooms prior to the scheduled closing date, as time permits, to help minimize traffic congestion and delays.

Carts are available to assist with moving belongings and can be checked out at your community’s service desk.

ARE YOU GRADUATING? Please visit the Considerations for Graduating Students section of this page.

All residents of both the residence halls and apartments are asked to carefully review the following details:

Quiet hours
24-hour-a-day quiet hours will begin at 11 p.m. on April 20, 2026 and will continue throughout the final exam period (April 22 - April 28, 2026). Residents who do not comply with quiet hours may be subject to disciplinary action. Continued disruptive behavior may result in immediate removal from the residence halls or apartments, as determined by University Housing.

Food service
Hillcrest Dining Hall, Vandenberg Dining Hall, Tilly's and The Hive will close at 6 p.m. on April 28, 2026.

Mail service
Mail service will be suspended at 6 p.m. on April 28, 2026. If you will no longer be residing on campus, be sure to update your mailing address in My Sail.

Desk service
Service Desks will close at 6 p.m. on April 28, 2026.

Preparing your room for your departure
As you prepare to leave your on-campus housing assignment, please remember that each member of a room, suite or apartment is responsible for ensuring that their living space is left in good condition. Following move-out, Residence Life staff members will be entering each space to ensure that all expectations have been met. Failure to prepare your room properly will result in charges to your student account. These charges will be divided among all members of the room, suite or apartment.

All residents of the residence halls and apartments should adhere to the following cleaning guidelines to prepare their assigned space for your departure:

Bedroom and Furniture

All furniture should be placed back in its original location.
Lofted beds must be returned to their un-lofted position, and lofting materials must be returned to the Service Desk in your community. Failure to comply with these directions will result in charges to your student account. You can view a video tutorial for how to properly un-loft your beds here.
All windows should be closed and locked.
The thermostat should be set at 70 degrees.
All lights should be turned off when you leave the room for the last time.

Personal belongings

Make sure to remove all personal belongings.
Double check spaces such as drawers, under the bed, and in cabinets to ensure you have collected all items.
University Housing will dispose of personal items that are left behind.

Bathroom

Thoroughly clean the walls of the shower.
Wipe down the entire sink area, including cubbies or cabinets.
Clean the toilet bowl, and wipe down the toilet exterior and handle.

Kitchens and kitchenettes

Completely empty and thoroughly clean the refrigerator, where applicable.
Thoroughly clean the microwave and stovetop, where applicable.
Completely empty all drawers and cabinets, and wipe down the interiors of those spaces.

Floors

Once belongings have been removed, thoroughly vacuum all carpeted areas.
Mop or wipe down laminate floors in kitchens and bathrooms.

Trash and Recycling

All trash and recycling must be removed from the room and deposited appropriately in trash rooms or dumpsters.

Completing Your Checkout
Residents may choose from the two following checkout options:

Express Checkout
To participate in Express Checkout, please complete the following steps:

Prepare your room according to the cleaning guidelines provided above.
Complete a green checkout envelope. Checkout envelopes are available at the Service Desk in your community, and at the main University Housing Office in 448 Hamlin Hall.
Fill out the front of the envelope, enclose your room key inside, and seal it.
If the Service Desk in your community is open, please hand the green envelope to the Desk Attendant.
If your community's Service Desk is closed, please deposit the envelope in the drop box located near your Service Desk, or the drop box outside of 448 Hamlin Hall.
University Housing staff members will visit your assigned space after you have completed your move out in order to assess for damages and related charges.

Standard Checkout - Available April 22-24, and April 27-28
To participate in Standard Checkout, you must register in advance. Available time slots will be filled on a first come, first served basis.

To register for a Standard Checkout appointment, please follow these steps:

Log in to the My Housing portal.
In the Home tab, click on the Assignment section.
Select a time block.
Click the drop-down to view available time slots.
Select your preferred Standard Checkout appointment time.
Click Update My Time.
You will see the time you have selected.
If you wish to change your appointment, select a new time, then click Update My Time.

When it is time for your checkout appointment, please go to the Service Desk for your community. A University Housing staff member will accompany you to your space to assess for damages and potential charges while you are present. Your key will be turned in immediately following the inspection.

Requesting to remain on campus past the move-out deadline
Students who live in the residence halls or apartments who are able to demonstrate exceptional need to stay on campus beyond 6 p.m. on April 28, 2026 may be granted permission to do so at the discretion of University Housing.

You may request permission to stay on campus by completing a request to stay form in the My Housing portal, using the steps shown below. Please note that all requests to stay past the designated move-out date must be received by April 10, 2026.

To submit a Late Stay Request Form:

Log into the MyHousing portal.
Click on Contracts/Forms.
Click on Form - Semester Recess Request
Acknowledge the terms and conditions of the Semester Recess Request via electronic signature and click Continue.
Answer the questions provided on the form, including your type of request, the reason for your request, the date of your intended departure/early return, and relevant documentation, if applicable.
Click Continue to submit your request.

Students who are granted permission to remain beyond the move out deadline should bear in mind the following:

Food service will not be available after 6 p.m. on April 28, 2026.
Service desk locations will close at 6 p.m. on April 28, 2026.

Students who choose to remain on campus beyond the move-out deadline must adhere to all policies and protocol as they are outlined below, and in the University Housing Handbook. Those who do not comply with policies and protocol will be asked to leave campus immediately, and additional disciplinary action will be taken.

All Oakland University and University Housing policies and pandemic protocol will remain in effect. University Housing policies can be reviewed at oakland.edu/housing/handbook/policies.
No guests or parties are permitted.
Any strangers attempting to gain access to the building should be reported to OUPD at (248) 370-3331.

Room reassignment requests

What is the room reassignment process?

The room reassignment process provides residents with an opportunity to relocate to available rooms, suites, or apartments. During designated reassignment periods, residents may request a reassignment for any reason, including preferences related to building location, room type, or roommates.

Who can participate in the room reassignment process?

Summer Reassignment Period

The summer reassignment period is open to current students and incoming transfer students only. Incoming first-year students are not eligible to participate in the summer reassignment period.

Fall and Winter Reassignment Periods

The fall and winter reassignment periods are open to all residential students.

What are the most important things to know about the room reassignment process?

Before submitting a reassignment request, residents should carefully review the following information:

Different buildings and room types may have different housing rates. Residents should review current housing costs before requesting reassignment.
Residents who have questions about how a reassignment may affect financial aid or their student account should contact Student Financial Services before submitting a request. Student Financial Services can be reached at (248) 370-2550 or [email protected].
Dining hall locations and hours of operation vary. Residents should review current dining schedules before requesting reassignment.
Reassignment requests are considered final. Once approved, requests may not be changed or canceled.
Residents whose requests are approved must complete their move and return their previous room key within three business days.
Each resident is limited to one reassignment request per reassignment period.
Residents must submit their own reassignment requests. Requests may not be submitted on behalf of another student.
Reassignment opportunities are limited. Not all available spaces in University Housing will be offered during reassignment periods.
Residents must meet all eligibility requirements for the space they are requesting.
Reassignment requests will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Residents who move from a residence hall to an apartment assignment will automatically have their required residence hall meal plan removed.
Before moving, residents must return all furniture in their current assignment to its original location and configuration. This includes lofting or de-lofting beds, as applicable. After de-lofting a bed, residents must return all lofting pins and materials to the service desk in their community.

How do I participate in the room reassignment process?

Residents are responsible for carefully reviewing these instructions before submitting a reassignment request.

The reassignment request form will become available at 8 a.m. on the first day of the reassignment period. Requests cannot be submitted before that time.

Step 1: Submit a Reassignment Request

Log in to the My Housing portal using your NetID and password.
Select Contracts/Forms.
Select Reassignment Request Form.
Carefully review the terms and conditions of the reassignment process.
Acknowledge the terms and conditions by providing your electronic signature.
Click Continue.
Complete all required fields on the form.

Question 1:

In 300 characters or fewer, please provide the reason you are requesting reassignment.

Use this space to briefly explain why you would like to move. Examples include:

"I was not assigned to my first-choice building and would like to relocate there."
"I have found someone I would like to room with and would like to move into their room."
"I would like to live in a different University Housing community and meet additional residents."

Question 2:

Please select the building to which you would like to be reassigned.

Select your preferred building. If you do not have a preference, choose:

"I am fine with being assigned to any building for which I am eligible."

Question 3:

Do you have a specific room to which you would like to be reassigned? If so, please provide the room number.

If you have a specific room in mind, enter the room number. If not, enter "N/A."

Click Continue to submit your reassignment request.

Step 2: Participate in Room Selection

Return to the homepage of the My Housing portal to view your room selection date and time. This is the earliest time you may select a new space and will remain active until you select a space or the reassignment period ends.
From the navigation menu, select Room Selection, then Select a Room/Suite.

To view available spaces:

Select Search Available Rooms from the Select from Rooms List drop-down menu.
If you are interested in a particular building, select it from the Campus Area drop-down menu before searching.
Review the available spaces and select your preferred room by clicking Select Room/Suite.
Choose a bed for yourself and, if applicable, your roommate.
Click Submit Room Selection to finalize your selection.
Please note that all room selections are final.

When will I receive a decision about my reassignment request?

Upon successful submission of your reassignment request form, you will automatically be entered into the room selection process.

Once you select a new space, your housing assignment will be updated, and you will be able to view your move-in date for the new assignment. Residents participating in the June reassignment period will see their fall housing assignment updated.

Is it possible that my request may be denied?

You will only be able to select spaces for which you are currently eligible. Successfully completing room selection will automatically update your housing assignment.

Please note that students who have been found responsible for certain conduct violations may not be eligible to reside in all University Housing communities.

Roommate matching for incoming freshmen

Incoming freshmen who submit their housing contracts prior to June 1 for the following academic year will be eligible to participate in an optional roommate matching process between June 1-30.

You will find step-by-step instructions on how to participate in the freshman roommate matching process on our roommate matching guidelines webpage.

Scheduling a move-in appointment

How to schedule a move-in appointment:

Log in to the My Housing portal using your Net ID and password.
In the Assignments section of the home page, under Fall 2026 Move-In, click on Select Time Block.
From the drop-down menu that appears, select the time slot during which you would like to move in.
Click on Update My Time to complete the process.
If you would like to change your appointment time prior to your move-in, you may do so using the same instructions as they are listed above. When you select a new time, your old move-in appointment will automatically be cancelled

We also have a video tutorial on how to schedule a move-in appointment available for your convenience.

Semester Recess

During the Semester Recess, the residence halls will close, and all residence hall residents are expected to leave campus for the duration of the recess period. Residents of the apartments are welcome to remain on campus throughout the recess period, as desired, but should review all details shared below.

The residence halls will close for the 2026 Semester Recess at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 15, 2026. All residence hall residents are expected to vacate their assigned rooms or suites by this time unless they have received approval to remain on campus for part or all of the recess period (see below for instructions on submitting a Semester Recess Late Stay Request Form). The residence halls will reopen on Tuesday, January 5, 2027, at 10 a.m.

Residents of both the residence halls and apartments are asked to carefully review the following details:

Quiet hours
24-hour-a-day quiet hours will begin at 11 p.m. on December 7, 2025, and will continue throughout the final exam period (December 8 through December 15, 2026). Residents who do not comply with quiet hours will face disciplinary action.

Food service
Food service will end at 6 p.m. on December 12, 2026. The Vandenberg and Hillcrest Dining Halls will reopen at 12 p.m. on January 5, 2026.

Mail service
Mail service will be suspended at 6 p.m. on December 15, 2026, and will resume at 10 a.m. on January 5, 2027. Mail and packages will not be delivered during this time. Between December 12, 2026 and December 19, 2026 you may visit Mail Services to pick up packages between the hours of 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Mail Services is located in Room 15 in the Police and Support Services Building, 201 Meadow Brook Rd. Between December 20, 2026 and January 4, 2027, package pick-up will not be available.

Personal belongings
Residents of the residence halls may leave their belongings in their room assignments as desired during the recess period.

Preparing your room for the recess period (residence halls)
All residents of the residence halls should follow appropriate measures to ensure safety guidelines for recess periods have been met. University Housing staff members will be entering unoccupied rooms in the residence halls after closing to confirm the following tasks have been completed:

All electrical appliances must be unplugged, with the exception of refrigerators. In Oak View and Hillcrest Halls, microwaves may also remain plugged in.
All garbage must be removed from your room.
On all floors except the first floor, window blinds should be left open. On the first floor, window blinds should be closed.
Special permission must be obtained for aquariums to remain in place and running during the recess period. Please contact your community's Graduate Residence Director for details. If you are unsure of your Graduate Residence Director's email address, you can find contact information on our staff page.

Preparing your room for the recess period (apartments)
Residents of the apartments who plan to leave for any extended period of time over the recess period should not turn off their furnace, as this can cause pipes to freeze and break. Please leave your thermostat set at 60 degrees or above.

Health and Safety Inspections

Please be aware that routine health and safety inspections will begin at 6:00 p.m. on December 15, 2026. Residence Life staff will enter your residential space briefly to ensure it is being used safely and has been properly prepared for the Semester Recess. Before entering, staff will knock multiple times and clearly identify themselves. Inspections will be visual only; drawers and personal belongings will not be searched.

Please note that any policy violations discovered during these inspections will be addressed through the University Housing conduct process, and prohibited items may be confiscated. This includes motorized scooters and eBikes, which are not permitted within University Housing facilities.

Requesting to remain on campus during the recess period
Students who live in the residence halls and are able to demonstrate exceptional need to stay on campus beyond 6 p.m. on December 12, 2026, or throughout the entire recess period, may be granted permission to do so at the discretion of University Housing. Residents of the apartments who wish to stay on campus during the recess period do not need to request permission to do so.

You may request permission to stay on campus during the recess period by submitting a Semester Recess Late Stay Request Form.

To submit a Late Stay Request Form:

Log into the MyHousing portal.
Click on Contracts/Forms.
Click on Form - Semester Recess Request (Fall 2026)
Acknowledge the terms and conditions of the Semester Recess Late Stay Request, via electronic signature, and click Continue.
Answer the questions provided on the form, including your type of request, the reason for your request, the date of your intended departure/early return, and relevant documentation, if applicable.
Click Continue to submit your request.

Please note that the submission of the form does not guarantee approval of your request. All requests must be received by 5 p.m. on December 10, 2026. You will receive a reply to your request within 2-3 business days.

Students who are granted permission to remain on campus during Semester Recess should bear in mind the following:

Food service will not be available from 6 p.m. on December 15, 2026 until 10 a.m. on January 5, 2027.
All service desk locations will be closed during the Semester Recess period.
Outer doors will remain locked throughout the recess period. Residents who remain on campus will need to utilize their room key or their ID card to access their building, as applicable. Propping open entrance doors is prohibited.
Students who require non-emergency assistance may call the residence life staff member on duty. Duty phone numbers will be posted at the main entrances of each building. For emergencies, students should dial 911.

Students who choose to remain on campus during Semester Recess must adhere to all policies and protocol as they are outlined below, and in the University Housing Handbook. Those who do not comply with policies and protocol will be asked to leave campus for the remainder of the recess period, and additional disciplinary action will be taken.

All Oakland University and University Housing policies will remain in effect during the Semester Recess period. University Housing policies can be reviewed on the University Housing website.
No guests or parties are permitted during the recess period.
Any strangers attempting to gain access to the building should be reported to OUPD at (248) 370-3331.

Thanksgiving Recess

Residents are welcome to stay on campus or leave as they prefer throughout the 2026 Thanksgiving Recess period.

If you plan to remain on campus, please review the following details:

There will be no charge to remain on campus during the Thanksgiving Recess period.
Food service will not be available from 6 p.m. on November 26, 2026 until 10 a.m. on November 30, 2026.
All residence halls service desk locations will be closed during the Thanksgiving Recess period. The service desks will reopen at 10 a.m. on November 30, 2026.
Mail and packages for the residence halls and apartments will not be available for pick-up during the Thanksgiving Recess period. They may be picked up when the service desks reopen at 10 a.m. on November 30, 2026.
No guests or parties are permitted during the recess period.
Outer doors will remain locked throughout the recess period. Residents who remain on campus will need to utilize their room key or their ID card to access their building, as applicable. Propping open entrance doors is prohibited.
Any strangers attempting to gain access to the building should be reported to OUPD at (248) 370-3331.
Students who require non-emergency assistance may call the residence life staff member on duty. Phone numbers will be posted at the main entrances of each building. For emergencies, students should dial 911.
Students who choose to remain on campus during Thanksgiving Recess must adhere to all policies and protocol as they are outlined in the University Housing Handbook. Those who do not comply with policies and protocol will be asked to leave campus for the remainder of the recess period, and additional disciplinary action will be taken.

Winter Recess

Winter Recess will begin February 26, 2027, and will last through March 7, 2027. Residence halls residents are welcome to stay on campus or leave as they prefer throughout the 2027 Winter Recess period. There will be no charge for remaining on campus during this time.

Apartment residents are welcome to remain on campus throughout all recess periods, as desired.

All residents of both the residence halls and apartments who choose to remain on campus during Winter Recess should note the following important details:

All residence halls and apartment service desk locations will be closed during the Winter Recess period, and mail and packages will not be available for pick-up by residence hall residents during this time. Residence halls and apartment service desks will reopen at 10 a.m. on March 8, 2027.

Outer doors will remain locked throughout the recess period. Residents who remain on campus will need to utilize their room key or their ID card to access their building, as applicable. Propping open entrance doors is prohibited.
Students who require non-emergency assistance may call the residence life staff member on duty at (248) 866-1704. For emergencies, students should dial 911.
Students who choose to remain on campus during Winter Recess must adhere to all policies and protocol in the University Housing Handbook. Those who do not comply with policies and protocol will be asked to leave campus for the remainder of the recess period, and additional disciplinary action will be taken.

No guests or parties are permitted during the recess period.
Any strangers attempting to gain access to the building should be reported to OUPD at (248) 370-3331.

University Housing

Hamlin Hall, Room 448
550 Meadow Brook Road
Rochester, MI 48309
(location map)
(248) 370-3570
[email protected]

Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.