Admitted and Prospective Students

Hello Future and New Union Chargers!

Union is designed as a residential campus where the staff strive to create a residential environment which meets the needs of the students while promoting an involved campus life. The Residential Education & Housing staff oversees all on-campus housing, including our Fraternity & Sorority Life houses and the Minerva Programs.

Union has a residency requirement for all students unless given written notification from the Office of Residential Education of approval following a commuter application or the senior off-campus release program.

All first-year students (traditional first-year and transfer students) will live in one of our first-year residence halls with their classmates and participate in the residential curriculum. Where appropriate and available, we will house transfer students in the upperclassmen halls. Our first-year students should expect to be placed in double rooms or suites with roommates/suitemates, except if Accommodative Services has approved your accommodation for a single room.

If you have questions, please contact The Office of Residential Education & Housing at housing@union.edu or (518) 388-6117.

Fall 2025 Timeline Information:

First-year and Transfer students will be able to begin applying for housing and dining on June 1st, 2025. This application will be able through your housing portal, which can be found in your application area. Students will be given the opportunity to select up to 1 roommate and will receive directions on this process upon completion of their housing registration form.

Room assignments and roommates are traditionally released around August 1st and will be available in your housing portal. Except in emergency circumstances, room changes are not processed once assignments are released. Students who opt to participate in our First Year Quiet Study or First Year Gender Inclusive Housing will receive additional information once assignments are released.

Move-in is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, August 28, 2025 for First Year Students. Information about pre-orientation and other early arrival programs will be available as we approach the 2025-26 school year.

Generally, early arrivals are not available for incoming first-year students. Students whose plans may necessitate an early arrival for the fall semester must receive permission from the Office of Residential Education & Housing. Students will only be permitted to arrive one day prior to their on campus commitment. Students who need to apply for an early arrival should reach out to us at housing@union.edu.

Transfer students:

The Office of Residential Education & Housing will contact you via email to work through logistics related to your housing assignment. Please note that transfer students under 21 years of age should expect to be placed in standard first-year housing.

Commuters:

Commuter students are those who live with their parent/guardian at the parent/guardian's permanent residence which is within 30 miles of the Union campus. Proof of residency is required. Students who apply through Admissions as a commuter student are not given commuter status until the Res Ed Housing Exemption Form is complete and approved. Please email us if you plan to commute from home.

Residential living options:

First-Year Housing

Upper-class Housing

FAQs

Can I live with my friends in my first year?

In your first year at Union, you can request a specific roommate. To do so, both students will have to list each other on the housing application for the request to be considered.

Because of our philosophy as a small college, we encourage our first years to try to live with someone new, so you have an opportunity to learn and grow. It is very important that YOU, not your parents or friends, fill out your housing profile.
Once I’ve moved in, who is there for me to talk to if I need anything?

There are several great resources on campus available to you including our office and the Dean of First-Year Students. But your first point of contact is the group of Community Advisors. There is a Community Advisor on every floor of our Residential Education & Housing operated communities. In addition to answering any of your questions, Community Advisors also help maintain the standards of the community.
What should I bring to Union with me?

See what to bring to Union.
What are the basic rules and policies on Union’s campus?

View the student code of conduct.
Do I select my own housing after my first year?

Yes, and you have lots of options! In the spring term of your first year, you will participate in the selection process for standard residence halls, apartments, Theme Houses, or Minervas. Additionally, you can live in your Fraternity or Sorority’s house after your Sophomore year.