Contracting Closes at 11:59pm Friday, May 1st.
As of 11:59pm on Friday, May 1, 2026, University Housing has stopped accepting Residence Hall Contracts for the 2026-2027 Academic Year. If you do not have a submitted contract or a submitted exemption at this time, you will be given an automatic exemption from the UWM Residency Requirement and may pursue other housing options through the Off-Campus Resource Center. We do acknowledge that we will have cancellations over the next coming months and encourage you to place yourself on our residence hall wait list through the Housing Portal if you still wish to live with us in University Housing. We will offer contracts based on the wait list as spaces become available.

Contract Cancellation

“Contract Cancellation” refers to the dissolution of a University Housing contract prior to its natural expiration. Under certain circumstances you or University Housing* may cancel your Contract. When and why your Contract is cancelled determines your financial obligations. Dissatisfaction with your housing assignment, suite mates, and/or roommate(s) does not constitute an approved reason for cancellation.

You are liable for charges from your Contract submission date until your Contract is cancelled whether or not you are actually in residence or otherwise physically occupy your assigned room. Failure to use an assigned room does not constitute a change in Contract status or alter your financial obligations.

*University Housing reserves the right to deny issuance of, or cancel an existing, Contract at any time. For a list of those justifications, please see F.1. of your Housing Contract. If your Contract is cancelled due to inappropriate actions and/or behavior, charges will apply as detailed in F.4.d.ii of your Contract.

Early Cancellation

When a Contract is cancelled between the date of signing and the start date, or assigned date of entry, for the contract term, it is considered an Early Cancellation. Your request for cancellation must be received by University Housing at least 24 hours before your assigned entry date OR by the current published Early Cancellation deadline, whichever comes first. If you wish to request an Early Cancellation, you must submit a Contract Cancellation Request through your Housing Portal.

Justification and Fees
You may cancel for any reason if you do so by your Early Cancellation Deadline. You will remain responsible for the Non-Refundable Contract Fee which was due at the time you submitted your Contract.

You may also be eligible for a refund of the Contract Fee, in University Housing’s sole discretion, provided you provide any requested documentation prior to your Early Cancellation Deadline that certifies either a) you are not able to attend school due to military obligations, or b) you are not eligible to live in University Housing facilities due to UWS Administrative Policy 136.

Standard Cancellation

When a contract is cancelled anytime between its start date, or assigned date of entry, and its end date, it is considered a Standard Cancellation. You are responsible for providing proof to University Housing of special circumstances warranting cancellation of your Contract. University Housing will then, in its sole discretion, decide whether to grant your cancellation. In limited cases, Standard Contract Cancellation occurs for an approved reason including, but not limited to, the following bulleted list.

  • graduation, as long as your requested cancellation date is the same or later than the posted graduation date;
  • assignment to a University-sponsored internship or other program which requires living outside of Milwaukee County;
  • withdrawal, transfer or being dismissed by the University
  • called to active military duty; or
  • not eligible to live in University Housing facilities due to UWS Administrative Policy 136.

Health Conditions
Even with medical documentation, most medical conditions DO NOT release you from the Contract. Your medical care provider needs to document your medical condition and outline your specific needs. University Housing will work with you to manage or remove a particular problem. In review of health conditions, University Housing relies on the expertise of the Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) who will review these types of situations and make a recommendation to University Housing.

Financial Difficulty
Lack of funds alone is not an acceptable basis for Standard Cancellation of your Contract. Financial aid is available to those who qualify. You may still be eligible for Financial Aid even if there is no “need.” Standard Cancellations for financial reasons may only be considered when you have experienced a significant change in your financial situation since the start of your contract (that is not otherwise rectified). Finances for the academic year should be considered prior to enrollment to the University and signing your University Housing Contract. Late notices or inadequate notice from the Financial Aid Office are not grounds for approved cancellation. In review of cancellation requests for financial reasons, University Housing relies on the expertise of the Financial Aid Office to determine if you have a sufficient financial aid package to attend UWM.

Unhappiness with Residence Hall Life
Residence hall living is a new experience for most students and requires a certain amount of adjustment. If you have made a concerted effort to adjust to the residence hall environment and are still unhappy, a community change, such as a room/floor change, or a roommate or suite mate change is generally an effective remedy. If you continue to be unhappy, Residence Life Coordinators are available to work with you on an individual basis to find a solution. This requires your active participation.

Course Modality
The choice to take all course work online must be made prior to signing the University Housing Contract.  The election to move to all online courses after the Contract starts would not be an approved reason for cancellation.

Commuting/Living Off-Campus
The choice to commute from home or live off-campus must be made prior to signing the University Housing Contract.

Fees
A list of charges for an approved cancellation can be found in section F.4.d.i. of your Contract, with most being a proration of full Contract charges based on your Approved Cancellation Date, or the date on which you have vacated your assigned room and returned all keys issued to you (whichever is later).

If your cancellation is not approved, you will still owe 85% of the cost remaining on your Contract, above and beyond your daily prorated room charges through the date on which you have vacated your assigned room. This includes a cancellation by University Housing due to inappropriate actions and/or behavior. Other fees are outlined within section F.4.d.ii. of your Contract.

Considerations Before Submitting a Standard Cancellation

  1. Have you provided documentation supporting your reason for cancellation?
  2. Have you explored all your alternatives?
    • Different roommate
    • Moving to a different environment (room, suite, floor)
    • Different study environment (library, hall/floor lounges, Union, etc.)
    • Single room, if available
  3. Were you aware of the situation before you signed the contract?
  4. Have you provided specific background information to allow for a complete understanding of your situation?
  5. Have you demonstrated what significant change has occurred in your financial situation and action(s) taken to prevent contract cancellation?
    • Have you met with your Financial Aid advisor?
    • Have you explored Parent PLUS or alternative loan options?
    • Have you provided sufficient figures regarding your financial picture/situation?
  6. Have you explored other financial alternatives?
    • On- and off-campus job(s) status
    • Investigated off-campus expenses (heat, water, cable, internet, travel, etc.)
    • Reviewed personal expenses for possible reduction
  7. Have you worked with Dining and Retail Services to address your dietary needs?
  8. Have you taken any responsibility to resolve or manage the situation?
    • Talked with your roommate/suite mates about your concerns
    • Talked with an RA or Residence Life Coordinator about your situation
    • Explored University resources such as the Student Health and Wellness Center, Accessibility Resource Center, Academic Advising, Financial Aid, etc.

If you must pursue a cancellation, please consult the cancellation checklist below to follow the appropriate procedure for terminating your Contract.

Vacate Deadline

Residents who will not return for Spring semester must vacate by the last day of the fall semester. For those in a residence hall, this would be the last day of final exams. Kenilworth residents need to vacate by December 31. Vacates after these dates may result in prorated Spring Semester charges.

Any other vacate deadlines for approved cancellations, called your Approved Cancellation Date, will be communicated to you via written notification electronically. You must vacate your University Housing facility by the Approved Cancellation Date. However, if your cancellation is due to your withdrawal from UWM, you must vacate within 48 hours of withdrawing from your classes.

In the event you file an appeal, you must still vacate by the Approved Cancellation Date.

Cancellation Checklist – Vacate Instructions

  1. Review Contract Guidebook for Standard Cancellation policies.
  2. Review your Resident Handbook for a list of all fees related to improper move-out, lock change, damage and cleaning charges.
  3. Submit a Contract Cancellation request and supporting documentation through your Housing Portal.
    • If your Standard Cancellation is approved, you will receive an email with your applicable fees within 2 business days from University Housing staff.
    • If your Standard Cancellation is unapproved, a University staff member will reach out to you within 2 business days to schedule a 15-minute virtual exit interview to verify your reason and determine your applicable fees.
  4. Submit any work orders for outstanding repairs that were not resolved from the room condition report you submitted online when you moved in.
  5. Clean your room (minimal supplies available for check-out at Service Desk)
    • Return room to original condition.
    • Vacuum/mop.
    • Remove all items from door/wall.
    • Put bed in original placement.
    • Loft kit should be taken down and placed under the bed, if applicable. Submit a work order to have the loft picked up.
    • Remove all personal belongings from common areas.
  6. Check your mailbox and pick up any remaining packages from mailroom.
  7. Provide a mail forwarding address on your PAWS account.
  8. Move all personal belongings out of your room and ensure it is clean prior to checking out. Charges may apply for damage and cleaning beyond normal wear and tear. If you are in a double or triple occupancy room, ensure your vacant spaces (desk, dresser, bed) are clear of all items.
  9. Contact mymicrofridge.com to return your rented micro-fridge, if applicable.
  10. Remove bike from bike locker, if applicable.
  11. Check out with the Service Desk to return your assigned key(s). If you have lost your key(s), you are still required to check out with the Service Desk and inform them that you have lost your key(s). Lost key lock change charges will apply.
  12. Panther Cash can be refunded by contacting the Panther Card Office.

Financial Appeals

If you believe that your Standard Cancellation fees were assessed inappropriately or disagree with the Standard Cancellation fees, you have the right to appeal. Appeals and supporting documentation must be submitted online within 120 calendar days of when you completed your Contract Cancellation Exit Interview.

If you fail to schedule an exit interview or miss your initial appointment, your appeal must be submitted within 14 days of when your Contract Cancellation Form was submitted to University Housing. Financial Appeals submitted after this deadline will not be considered.