Planning ahead

With your student officially being on campus now, the majority of our communications will go directly to them, the occupant and contract holder. We want to ensure the following things are on your radar:
 

  • University Bill (u-bill) is due by the 22nd of each month. 
  • Meal plan changes for Fall 2024 end on August 30.
    • Your student can adjust their spring semester meal plan, if desired, January 6 - 31, 2025.
  • Returning student housing application opens at 12pm on November 6
    • Students that wish to return to the residence halls for 2025 - 2026 can apply for housing November 6 - February 1.
    • Room selection timeslots are determined by a randomized lottery. 
    • In order to qualify for housing, your student must have their University Bill (U-bill) in good financial standing with no registration holds.
  • Fall break (November 24 - December 1)
    • Students can stay in the residence halls over fall break at no additional charge. We ask they complete a simple form within the housing portal to indicate their fall plans October 30 - November 20.
  • Final exams (December 16 - 20)
    • Final exam schedules will be published on September 23. Students may access their individual final exam schedules through MYUI.
  • Winter Break (December 21 - January 17, 2025)
    • Our residence halls will close at 12pm on Saturday, December 21. Any student that is not registered for winter break housing will need to be out of the residence hall no later than 12pm on Saturday, December 21.
    • Winter break housing is not included in your student's academic year housing contract. If your student is in need of winter break housing, they will need to complete the winter break housing application no later than December 11, 2024. Winter break housing is $350.
    • Students that are registered for a minimum of 7 credit hours for Spring 2025 do not need to remove their items from their assigned room for winter break.
    • Students can return to campus for spring courses on January 18, 2025.

Supporting your Hawkeye

  • Offer Reassurance: Remind them that it’s okay to feel stressed and that you’re there to support them.
  • Provide Practical Advice: Suggest manageable steps they can take to address their stress, such as breaking tasks into smaller parts or seeking campus resources.
  • Navigating Roommate Conflicts: Remind them that it takes time to adjust to sharing a space with someone new. Encourage them to try to solve the conflict on their own by having open, and engaging conversations. 
    •  Resident Assistants (RA's) are available to assist with roommate mediations.
    • We are not able to solve roommate conflicts when parents call/email our office. 
  • Urge Self-Care: Emphasize the importance of taking breaks, eating well, and getting enough sleep. 
    • Has your student eaten in all of our dining locations yet?  Try all of our market places!
    • Locate the nearest health center and pharmacy. In Iowa, our peak allergy seasons are April, May, June, and September. It's always helpful to have cold medicine and allergy medications handy.
    • Encourage self-care and seeking support if needed. Did you know that University Housing and Dining has embedded therapists that are just for students living in the residence halls? Learn more here.
    • Students have access to several recreation facilities on campus.
  • Encourage community engagement: We often hear of students being homesick or lonely as they adjust to being in a new environment. Encourage your student to attending their residence hall meetings, social events, and other on campus activities. University of Iowa has over 600 student organizations for students to join, too!