University of Michigan - Flint

University of Michigan-Flint

FAQs

UM-Flint's Riverfront Campus

All good pioneers want to learn as much as possible before heading into uncharted territory. Here are the basics for student adventurers who register to live in the new UM-Flint student residence hall.

Important Information

Where is the Housing Application?

To Apply for Housing Fall 2009, click here: 

How much will a student pay to live in the residence hall on campus?

Housing Rates (per occupant) – Room and Board:

Academic Year: September 2, 2009 - April 28, 2010* 
      
                                 
  •   Single Suite 4 person: 4 single bedrooms with 2 bathrooms - $7,993
  •   Double Suite: 2 double bedrooms with 2 bathrooms (bedroom is shared with one other person)-$6,874
  •   Single Suite 2 person: 2 single bedrooms with 1 bathroom - $8,196

                

                           The residence hall closes for semester break December 22, 2009 - January 5, 2010.

                

                      Non-Refundable Meal Plan information:        

                         Mandatory Meal Plan Rates (rates are subject to change):

                              Freshman/Sophomore are required to participate in the meal plan at a rate of $2,600 per academic year.

                               •Junior/Seniors are required to participate in the meal plan at a rate of $800.00 per academic year.

                               Graduate Students are NOT required to participate in a meal plan, however, voluntary meal plan options are available through Dining Services.  Voluntary meal plan rates may be viewed at http://www.umflint.edu/diningservices/meal_plans.htm.


The dining center is located in the University Center (UCEN). You can use your meal plan at this location. Your meal plan is a debit meal plan account that is encoded on your Mcard.  Graduate students can purchase dining dollars at Event & Building Services, located at 176 Harding Mott University Center.  Enjoy the convenience of dining on campus and saving doing it!   For more information please visit our Dining Services Web Site at http://www.umflint.edu/diningservices/.

 

The University of Michigan-Flint First Street Residence Hall is located at the corner of Chavez and First Streets in Downtown Flint.

Will there be food service for students?

When students arrive in the Fall, they will find dining that includes a deli, grill and an area that is all-you-care-to-eat.  As part of the contract, students will have $1300/semester to use in any of the dining areas.  In addition, if students prefer a dining plan with more spending power, they will have an opportunity to upgrade in the next couple of months.

Dining Services is located in the University Center (UCEN) close to the residence hall.

If you choose a meal plan you can use it at this location. Your meal plan is a debit meal plan account that is encoded on your Mcard.  Enjoy the convenience of dining on campus and saving money doing it!

Check out Dining Services Web site for more information Dining Services.

Are there Hall Government dues?

Residence hall government dues are added to the August 2009 Student Account statement as a one-time special assessment.  Once billed, this amount is nonrefundable and is not prorated in any way.  The amount is $20.00 and will be used to support the operation of the Hall Council in the residence hall.

What will the university do to make the housing safe?

Security camera and lighting will be incorporated into the design. The front desk near the central entry will be staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week—no exceptions. To gain entry into the building, a picture-id card must be used, and then the card must be presented at the front desk. 
Our policies and procedures can be viewed here.

Is there parking available for residence hall students?

Residents of First Street Residence Hall will be able to bring cars to campus.  Parking for residence hall students will be in the Mill Street Parking Deck.  Below, you will find important information regarding parking on campus found in “A Resident’s Guide to Community Living”.

Student parking permits are required for all UM-Flint parking lots. Parking permits can be obtained from Information Technology Services (ITS). It is a violation of the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities and UM-Flint Traffic Control Orders to participate in any fraudulent use, manufacture, or duplication of a University parking permit. Go to http://www.umflint.edu/safety/services/parkingpermit.htm for additional information on obtaining a parking permit.

State law requires registration and insurance coverage on any automobile parked in a residence hall parking lot, including those with a University-issued parking permit. The University and Housing and Residential Life assume no liability for theft or damage to a vehicle parked in a University-owned parking lot.

History/General Information

Why was this location chosen for student housing?

Based upon several studies that have been done over the years, it was determined that student housing on the UM-Flint campus would be most successful if it was located within walking distance of the business district along Saginaw Street in Downtown Flint. This location will create an ideal synergy between the campus and the city. Not only will the residence hall be close to businesses, but it will be in close proximity to the Recreation Center, the Harding Mott University Center, the Frances Willson Thompson Library, and classroom buildings.

Who designed the new facility?

Neumann Smith of Southfield, Michigan designed the plans for UM-Flint’s first student housing facility. The firm specializes in designing residence halls for a number of universities, including Michigan State University and Wayne State University.

How much will the project cost?

The project is estimated to cost approximately $21.3 million. UM-Flint’s student housing project will be financed by issuance of $21 million of tax-exempt debt by the University of Michigan and repaid from residence hall rental income. Student housing will also be supported by a grant from the C.S. Mott Foundation and UM-Flint resources. State allocated general fund dollars will not be used on this project.

With a residential base on campus, would the university consider athletic programs?

Intramural sports already exist at UM-Flint, and there is a committee that is exploring the possibility of other athletic programs.

Will the loss of the parking lot cause parking problems?

No. There is more than sufficient parking for all students, faculty and staff on campus, including parking structures and lots that are currently under-utilized.

How will this project impact Willson Park?

With the addition of the student housing complex, a large portion of asphalt parking lot will be converted to green space adjacent to Willson Park. While some trees on the southeastern edge of the campus will need to be removed because of disease or location, several trees will be relocated to make way for the residence hall. In addition, there are plans for several more trees to be planted, so by the end of the process, there will be more trees on campus then there are currently. No trees will be cut down in Willson Park.

Will the new housing structure impact the greenhouse in the Murchie Science Building?

The new residence hall will be constructed away from the greenhouse. Planning has been done to ensure that the greenhouse’s access to sunlight will not be obstructed because of the new building.

Are there plans to use the housing year-round?

We are planning to use the residence hall year-round, including during the spring and summer months for conferences, campus, and other activities.

Why has this taken so long to get to this point? The university has been talking about this for years.

The residence hall will be the first for the University of Michigan that is built outside of Ann Arbor. A number of studies have been done over the years to look at the feasibility of constructing student housing on the Flint campus. Careful, strategic planning is required to ensure that the residence hall will be a successful, vital part of UM-Flint.

Has the university had discussions with local businesses about providing special services to students?

The entire Flint community is enthusiastic and supportive of student housing at UM-Flint. Entities such as MTA and the Farmer’s Market, as well as other local businesses are meeting with university representatives to work on providing additional services to accommodate our residential students, as well as the other 6,000 students who commute to UM-Flint everyday.

If the Durant Hotel is revitalized with the goal of housing students, how will that affect UM-Flint?

There is considerable demand for residential living near the campus, and we welcome all efforts to develop sites in Downtown Flint for student housing.

Information About the Residential Hall

When will student housing open?

Mid-August 2008.

 

What is the size of the new residence hall that will be built at UM-Flint?

The new facility will be a four-story structure, with 310 beds for students. The total square footage will be approximately 101,163 gross square feet.

Does the university expect to reach full occupancy in the first year?

Yes.

 

If housing is successful, would you consider more units?

Absolutely.

 

What services will actually be provided for students?

  • Laundry rooms located on each floor
  • Recycling centers on every floor
  • A multipurpose area that can also serve as a classroom for special programming and seminars
  • The entire building will have wireless Internet
  • Study lounges on each level

 

Will UM-Flint’s housing be the same or have some unique features compared to other campuses?

The residential hall is consistent with new construction on other campuses. It will feature apartment-style housing with two room options:

1. Four students in individual bedrooms sharing two bathrooms, a common living area and a kitchenette.
2. Four students sharing two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a common living area and kitchenette.

Is the housing co-ed?

While floors will be co-ed, rooms will not.

What about smoking?

The residence hall will be a smoke-free environment.

Will alcohol be allowed for students over 21?

The residence hall will be completely alcohol-free.

Who is the target audience for student housing at UM-Flint?

The primary audience for student housing will be freshmen.