Residential Safety and Security

Building Access

ResidentialSafetySecurityResidential Student Access

Upon entering a residence hall, residential students are required to produce their UCARD, tap it on the lobby desk scanner, and wait to be approved to enter by the staff member who is working at the lobby desk. Failure to tap your UCARD for verification or listen to a directive of University staff is a violation of the Residence Life Community Living Guidelines.

Unauthorized Access

No individual shall use or possess any key or ID card to any residence hall room or area to which they are not specifically assigned. Residents may not grant permission or give use of keys and/or ID to an unassigned student.

Illegal Entrance

Unauthorized Presence: No student shall break into, or without authority or permission, enter any residence hall, office, or bedroom (of any other residence hall); nor shall any unauthorized student enter or remain in any residence hall at a time when that facility is officially closed.

Restricted Areas

No unauthorized student shall enter into any restricted area; nor shall any student assist or make possible the unauthorized entry of any person into any restricted area. Restricted areas may include tunnels, roofs, posted or enclosed construction sites, secured utility areas, and identified staff parking spaces.

Trespassing

No individual may enter a residence hall without an host to escort them at all times. University staff and affiliated contractor who have approval to be in a residence hall to perform work will be provided access. Community members should report the presence of unknown people in their hall to residence life or to the UMass Lowell Police Department (UML PD).

Solicitations and Distribution of Literature

All persons are strictly prohibited from solicitation of any product, service, non-university group or organization, or alcohol establishment within the residence halls and/or parking lots. Posters and fliers must be approved by the Director of Residential Education or their designee and may only be posted by Residence Life Staff.

Room Entry

Residence Life, Facilities Management, UML PD, and other approved University employees/contractors may access a residence hall room at any time for the purpose of health, safety, and/or maintenance (emergency or student requested). In addition, the University reserves the right to enter a room when state, local or federal laws and/or the UMass Lowell Student Conduct Code or Residence Life Community Living Guidelines, as related to the safety and well-being of a resident or community member, are suspected of being violated. Whenever possible, the University will attempt to provide resident(s) with advance notice.

Abandoned Property

Due to the need to turnover rooms for incoming occupants, if any item is discovered in a room beyond the check-out date, it will be deemed abandoned property.

  • If the items are considered not valuable they will be immediately disposed of and the previous occupant may be charged for cleaning/disposal.
  • In the case of items considered to have possible value, the Office of Residence Life will communicate with the previous occupant(s) via email.
    • The previous occupant(s) will be notified that abandoned property has been identified and given 48 hours to arrange for pickup. If requested in writing, a designee can be appointed by the previous occupant to complete this pickup.
    • The notification process will include an initial email, followed by a phone call, and, if necessary, a final notice of disposal if the property remains unclaimed.
    • Any costs associated with the removal, storage, or disposal of abandoned property will be billed to the previous occupant(s) of the room.

UCARD (Student Identification Card)

All students are provided with an official University Identification card that must be carried at all times as it allows you to access university services like parking gates and meal plans to name a few. Students are required to produce and show their UCARD upon by request by a university officials, which includes resident advisors (RAs).

UCARDs are also used to provide access to your assigned residence hall main entrance doors, and in some cases to a students room, suite, or apartment door. It is important to keep your ID in an easily accessible, yet safe place. Bending, cracking, or puncturing your ID will render the data chip inside useless and ruin the card. Lost or damaged IDs must be replaced within a reasonable time period. Please take good care of it and your ID will last you for your entire college career.

Lost UCARD (Student Identification Card)

As soon as you have determined that you have lost your UCARD check with your staff office to find out if it has been turned in. If it is not there, call UCARD, Access and Parking Services (UCAPS) at 978-934-2800 to see if it has been turned in. If UCAPS does not have your card, ask them to please cancel your old card and ask when you can come in to pick up a new UCARD. There is a replacement cost for a new UCARD.

Keys

Upon check-in, residential students assigned to residence halls that use keys to provide access to traditional halls room doors, suite main doors, or apartment apartment main doors will be issued a key for their assigned space. When a residential student checks out of their assigned residence hall, they are expected to return issued keys. If a residential student fails to return their keys upon check out, the residential student will be charged for the cost of the lock change and new keys. Residential students will also be charged.

In suite or apartment style residence halls, residential students will be issued a key for their bedroom if the building has a lock mechanism that allows bedroom doors to be locked from outside of the bedroom. In all other suites or apartments, residents have the ability to lock their bedroom when they are physically inside the space.

Lost Keys

When residential students become aware that they have lost or are no longer in control of their room, suite, apartment, or bedroom keys, they are expected to immediately report this to their hall's office during business hours. If no one is available in your hall's office, please contact the Office of Residence Life. If residential student discovers that they have lost their keys after university business hours (Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.) or over the weekend, they should contact their building's duty Resident Advisor (RA) to report their keys are lost.

If a residential student knows or believes that their keys have been stolen, they should contact the UMass Lowell Police Department (UML PD) to file a police report and then inform residence life.

Trespasser

Any person living in or visiting the residence halls, without a valid housing contract or without following Residence Life guest and visitor guidelines is a trespasser. Trespassers shall be subject to a minimum charge of $25 per day during the period of occupancy and subject to criminal charges."

Complying with an Official Directive

Within the University and city, authority is delegated specifically to some individuals and some official bodies to direct the action of other members of the University and city in fulfillment of legitimate purposes and functions of the University and community. 

  1. No student shall refuse to comply with the directions of University/city officials, instructional or administrative, including police and residence life staff, acting in performance of their duties. 
  2. UCard (Student ID Card) —All students must immediately surrender their UCard upon request by an authorized University/city official such as police, administration, residence life staff, etc. Altering, improperly possessing, or lending a University Identification Card to another person for any reason not expressly authorized by the University is a violation of this code. A UCard falling into any of these categories may be confiscated by any student, staff or faculty member in the course of their charged work responsibility. 

Staff and Residential Student Leader Directives:

Students must comply with the appropriate directives of University officials exercising assigned duties. University officials include police, security officers, fire safety personnel, residence life staff, administrative staff, and faculty. Students must not interfere with the actions taken by staff or residential student leaders (RAs).
When a resident, their guest, or their visitor is asked to open their backpack or bag(s) for suspicious contents and the student refuses to comply, the bag(s) or backpack will not be allowed into the residence hall. 

Medical Assessment Directives

Students must comply with the directive to accept medical assessment if failure to do so may cause a medical emergency or injury to the student.

Residential Safety

Prohibited Activities

Air Conditioners: The installation and use of window air conditioners is prohibited. Exceptions are allowed for portable air conditioners only, and must be granted through the alternative housing for health needs process.

Misuse of elevators: No student shall overload, jam, jump in, or in any way misuse, damage or create an unsafe condition in any elevator in the residence halls. Vandalism to elevators will result in disciplinary action and restitution.

Sports and Activities: Use of sports equipment including but not limited to balls, bicycles, metal tipped darts, skate boards, hoverboards, electric or motorized scooters, and roller blades are prohibited in the residence halls. Physical activities including wrestling, martial arts demonstrations, and sports games are prohibited in the residence halls. Students and guests should don recreational equipment (i.e. roller blades) outside of, or in the foyer of their buildings. The use of water guns and water balloons is prohibited in the residence halls.

Bicycles and Motorcycles: Bicycles may not be stored in public areas such as hallways or stairwells unless stored in a designated area. Bicycles may be stored in designated storage areas, as well as student bedrooms or suite living rooms within the residence hall or outside the building. Bicycles may not be hung on walls or ceilings. All motor vehicles (including motorcycles and motorized scooters) may only be parked in parking lots. Fuel and fuel storage tanks are not permitted in the residence hall for any reason. All motor vehicles must be registered. Bicycles need to be removed / taken home, at the end of the academic year; bicycles not removed will be considered abandoned and will be disposed.

Fire Alarm

You must leave the building immediately when a fire alarm is sounding. If safe to do so, close your window, room/suite/apartment doors, and safely exit the building at once using the nearest stairs.

If There is a Fire

  • Sound the fire alarm by activating the nearest fire alarm pull station
  • Leave the building using the nearest exit or stairwell
  • Once safely outside, call University Police at 978-934-4911 to report the emergency
  • Remain outside until informed by emergency personnel that it is safe to re-enter

Residence Hall Short-Term Evacuation Plan

In the event that a residence halls needs to be evacuated (example: extended fire alarm), residents will be instructed to immediately leave the building. In case of inclement weather, students will go to one of the locations below. In the event of a long-term evacuation, you will receive additional information and instructions from your residence hall's staff. If you have questions about where to go during a residence hall evacuation, please contact your residence hall' staff or the Office of Residence Life by phone: 978-934-5160 or email: reslife@uml.edu.

Residence HallEvacuation Location 1Backup Evacuation Location
Bourgeois HallFox HallDonahue Hall
Concordia HallO'Leary LibraryWeed Hall
Donahue HallFox HallLeitch and Bourgeois Halls
Fox HallLeitch and Bourgeois HallsDonahue Halls
Leitch HallFox HallDonahue Hall
River Hawk VillageUniversity SuitesCampus Recreation center
RiverviewO'Leary LibrarySheehy Hall
Sheehy HallO'Leary LibraryWeed Hall
University SuitesFox HallCampus Recreation Center

Residence Hall Safety Precautions

  • Keep your room door locked, when you’re asleep, down the hall, in the shower, or visiting others in your building
  • Carry your UCARD and keys with you at all times
  • Make sure doors close and latch behind you
  • Confront persons you don’t know; if you can’t confront, report information to staff or the UMass Lowell Police Department (UML PD)
  • Report suspicious persons or activity to police and to any staff member or UML PD
  • Avoid isolated areas inside residence halls
  • Report damaged or malfunctioning doors, locks, etc. using the Residence Life work order form
  • Report “salespeople” or “solicitors” to your hall's office or UML PD; they don’t belong
  • Don’t let your guests wander the building
  • Don’t prop doors open
  • Don’t open doors for workers; staff who are conducting authorized business in your building must arrange for their own access

Occupancy Limits

To ensure the health and safety of all residents, Residence Life has identified the maximum number of individuals who may occupy a residential unit at any time. The design of a residence hall (traditional, suite, or apartment) drives the identified maximum occupancy number to allow for safe egress in an emergency. Occupancy limits must be strictly followed by all residents and by their guests or visitors.

The following traditional style residence halls may have a maximum occupancy of up to three (3) times the residents who are assigned to a room:

  • Bourgeois
  • Concordia
  • Fox
  • ICC
  • Leitch

The following suite and apartment style residence halls may have a maximum occupancy of to two (2) times the number of residents who are assigned to the suite or apartment:

  • Donahue
  • River Hawk Village
  • River Hawk Village Townhouses
  • Riverview
  • Sheehy
  • University Suites

Health & Safety Inspections

In addition to the room inspection and inventory conducted before occupancy and upon your departure from your room, your residence halls Resident Assistant (RA) team will conduct periodic room inspections during each semester to make sure that safety rules and regulations are being followed. During these inspections, RAs will also insure that prohibited items, such as candles or common area (lobby) furniture, are not present; such items will be removed from the room. When possible, residents will be informed minimally 48 business hours in advance of the health & safety inspections. Notification of entering a room will only be emailed to the residents if the residents fail the first inspection. At times, Residence Life staff may institute recurring health & safety inspections to ensure that acceptable living conditions are maintained in a student unit. A schedule of recurring inspection dates and times will be provided to all residents in the unit.

Guest & Visitor Guidelines

Choosing to live on campus means that you have chosen to be part of a diverse community of scholars. In an effort to ensure that the needs of the community are prioritized over the needs of an individual, Residence Life has developed the following 4 level Guest and Visitor guidelines to assist residential students, and their visitors, to understand who is permitted in the residence halls at any given time. Residence Life reserves the right to move between the different Guest and Visitor Guideline levels at any time and for all of campus, a specific residence hall, or a specific residential floor community.

The current level of Guest and Visitor Guidelines will be communicated to all residents upon check-in via their UMass Lowell (UML) student email, and through posters located near the front desk in all residence hall.

It is important to note, that having residential guests visit and visitors in the residence halls is a privilege, not a guaranteed right – and may be revoked due to violations of the code of student conduct.

Guest & Visitor Definitions

Residential Students: are defined as an UML student with an active housing contract who resides in one of the University owned residence halls which include: Bourgeois, Concordia, Donahue, Fox, Leitch, River Hawk Village, Riverview Suites, Sheehy, and University Suites.

  • Residential Guests: are defined by UML as an individual who currently resides in a UMass Lowell residence hall or a resident of the same hall who does not have an active housing assignment for the apartment, suite, or room they are visiting.
  • UML Student Visitor: are defined as any UML student currently enrolled in face to face classes but does not resident on campus.
  • Visitors: are defined by the University as any non-student who does not reside in a UML residence hall.

Guest & Visitor Access Levels

LEVEL 1

  • No residential guests or visitors are allowed in the residence halls at this time.
  • No access for non-essential staff.

LEVEL 2

  • No visitors are allowed at this time
  • Overnight residential guests are permitted.
  • Roommate approval is required prior to having any residential guests in your room.
  • Residential guests must be pre-registered using the online check-inform through the Housing Portal and check-in with staff at the front desk upon arrival.
  • Guests are limited to 2 guests per resident. Residential guests must be escorted by the host resident at all times.
  • Review non-essential staff requesting access; non-essential staff granted access to halls on a case by case basis determined by the potential need.

LEVEL 3

  • In addition to residential guests, UML commuter student visitors who are enrolled in-person classes are permitted in the residence halls.
  • Roommate approval is required prior to having any residential guests or UML student visitors in your room.
  • Residential guests and UML student visitors must be pre-registered using the online check-inform through the Housing Portal and check-in with staff at the front desk upon arrival.
  • Residential guests and UML student visitors must be escorted by their host at all times.
  • Residents may sign in a total of either 2 residential guests or 2 UML student visitors for a maximum of 2 consecutive nights during a 7 day period.
  • Review non-essential staff requesting access; non-essential staff granted access to halls on a case by case basis determined by the potential need.

LEVEL 4

  • Residential guests and visitors, regardless of UML affiliation, are permitted in the residence halls.
  • Roommate approval is required prior to having any residential guests or visitors in your room.
  • Residential guests and UML student visitors must be pre-registered using the online check-inform through the Housing Portal and check-in with staff at the front desk upon arrival.
  • Residential guests and visitors must be escorted by the host resident at all times.
  • Residents may sign in a total of either 2 residential guests or 2 visitors for a maximum of 2 consecutive nights during a 7 day period.
  • Non-essential staff access permitted per standard Residence Life Community Living guidelines.

Guest & Visitor Registration and Sign-In Process

Guest & Visitor Registration

Guest-visitorIn order to ensure the safety and security of our students, it is necessary that we strictly enforce our guest and visitor sign-in process. Every individual is required to present valid, picture identification at the desk when they enter the building. This includes residents of the building. All non-resident guests, including residents of other buildings, must follow the guest sign-in policy. This guest policy is valid for those guests who enter the building prior to 5 p.m. and must follow the same guest procedures. All guests will receive a dated guest pass or electronic approval (depending on building). These guest passes are only good for the building and date issued. Guests must have this identification on their person at all times. Their host must escort them at all times while in the building.

  1. Click the guest and visitor tab on the Housing Portal.
  2. Read the acknowledgement of the Guest & Visitor guidelines and sign with your student ID number.
  3. Click on new reservation. If you are signing in a new guest click "Add a visitor."
  4. If you are signing in a previous guest again, click on the three dots to the right of their name and click "Reserve Again."
  5. Enter your guest's information and click "Save & Continue."

Guest & Visitor Sign-In Process

In our efforts to ensure the safety and security of our students, it is necessary that we strictly enforce our guest sign-in process. Every guest or visitor entering a residence hall must present a valid picture identification at the hall’s lobby desk when they enter the building. This includes residents of the building. Guests and visitors who enter a residence hall before 5 p.m. must return to the lobby, escorted by their host resident, so that they can be officially signed into the hall. Guests & visitors will receive an electronic approval or dated guest & visitor pass (depending on the building). These guest visitor passes are only valid for the building and the date on which they are issued. Guests & visitors must have this identification on their person always and produce it when requested by a University official, which includes Resident Advisors (RAs) and Office Assistants (OAs).

Guest & Visitor Sign-In Limits

Guests and visitors, regardless of roommate approval, are limited in spending more than two (2) consecutive nights within a seven (7) day period in any residence hall. Guests and visitors are not permitted to be signed in by a different host in the same residence hall, or by a host in any other residence hall until seven (7) days after their last second consecutive night period has expired.

How Residence Life determines if someone is an overnight Guest or Visitor

An individual is defined as an overnight guest or visitor in a residence hall when they either sign in or remain signed in between 1:59 a.m. and 4 a.m. All guests & visitors who show as registered and signed in under their host will count towards the two consecutive night maximum within a 7-day period. Residents who fail to ensure their guests or visitors are officially signed out of the hall via the security desk between 5 p.m. and 4 a.m. may not appeal guest & visitor overnight numbers as recorded in StarRez.

Failing to register guests at 5 p.m. when the lobby desk is staffed is a violation of our Residential Community Living Guidelines.

Guest & Visitor Maximum

With the permission of their roommate(s), residents may have up to a combination of two (2) guests or visitors in accordance with the sign-in procedures, and must have prior permission of their halls Area Coordinator or Resident Director to exceed this limit.

Guest Sign-In Hours & Locations

Guests & visitors, who have been preregistered, are able to be signed in daily from 5 p.m. to 4 a.m. at the residence hall's lobby desk.

Guest & Visitor Photo Identification

Guests and visitors attempting to enter UMass Lowell (UML) residence halls will be required to show a valid, unexpired, physical form of picture identification from the following list. No other forms of identification will be accepted including pictures or scanned copies of photo identification.

  • UML Student ID (for currently enrolled students)
  • Driver's license
  • State identification card
  • Passport
Host residents are responsible for ensuring that each guest or visitor has one form of acceptable identification listed in the Guest & Visitor Photo Identification guideline.

Alcohol with Guest and Visitors

Guests and visitors who are 21 and older are permitted to drink alcohol in the residence halls but only in the room of a resident who is at least 21 years of age. Regardless of age, no guest or visitor is permitted to bring alcohol into any residence hall.

Guests and visitors may be restricted from being signed into a residence hall if University Police or the Residence Life Staff determines this is in the best interest of the community, or the guest appears to be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Parents or guardians may be called to transport the guest or visitor to their home.

Denial of Overnight Guest or Visitor Accomodations

An area coordinator, resident director, or an area duty supervisor may deny a guest or visitor permission to remain overnight or be a guest in the future. The guest or visitor shall be informed of why they are being asked to leave. Appeals for denial of overnight accommodation must be directed to the Director of Housing or their designee.

Guest & Visitor Extended Stay

In rare circumstances, a resident may request permission for an extended stay which if approved would allow their guest or visitor to spend more than two (2) consecutive nights within a seven (7) day period in their residence hall. This request should be made by emailing their hall’s area coordinator or resident director. Residents found to have a guest or visitor remaining for an extended stay without approval are subject to a $25 nightly charge which will be billed to the host student’s account.

Visitor Age Restrictions

Without exception, visitors to our residence halls who are under the age of 17 need to possess approved, valid picture identification. Visitors under the age of 17 who wish to be in the residence halls past 11 p.m. or overnight visitors, must be approved 48 business hours in advance by emailing Residence Life: residencelife@uml.edu. Residence Life staff will ask for parental/guardian permission and contact information so please be prepared and plan in advance as day of requests will be denied. 

Host Responsibility

A host is defined as the resident signing the guest or visitor into their residence hall. When a resident signs a guest into their residence hall, the host is agreeing to be with their guest & visitor at all times as well as assuming ultimate responsibility for the behavior and actions of their guests and visitors. A host may not transfer the responsibility of their guest or visitor to their roommate(s) or another residence hall student.

Host residents are responsible for ensuring that each guest or visitor has one form of acceptable identification listed in the Guest & Visitor Photo Identification guideline. Hosts whose guests or visitors fail to have an acceptable form of photo ID when they arrive on campus will be referred to the Office of Rights and Responsibilities for violation of this guideline. 

We do hold guests and visitors accountable for our Residence Life Community Living Guidelines, the Code of Student Conduct, and all University policies. Failure to follow the guest and visitor procedure or any University policy can result in a guest or visitor losing their privilege of visiting anyone on the University campus. All University students will be held to the standards set for behavior on campus and will be adjudicated through the University disciplinary process for failure to follow policy and conduct unbecoming to a University of Massachusetts Lowell student. When a resident has a guest or visitor, they assume full responsibility for the conduct of that guest or visitor even if they are separated in the building. The host is subject to disciplinary action as a result of their guest’s or visitor's behavior.

A guest or visitor may not be unaccompanied or left unattended by their host at any time. The host must be in the presence of all guests at all times within the residence hall.

Missing Persons

Any time that Residence Life staff receive a report (e.g. from a roommate, friend, parent) that a resident has been out of contact and unreachable by phone, email, etc., our staff will take steps to respond to the report that includes attempting to contact the missing student and notifying the University of Massachuesetts Lowell Police Department and the Residence Life duty system about the missing student. 

Under federal law, you have the right to confidentially register with Residence Life and the University the name and contact information of an individual who you would like to have contacted (within 24 hours) if it is determined that you have been missing from the campus and your whereabouts unknown for a period of 24 hours or more. You can register the name and phone number of this contact person by updating your information in the Housing Portal.  

For students under the age of 18 (who are not emancipated individuals), federal law requires the university to notify your custodial parent or guardian (within 24 hours) if it is determined that you have been missing from the campus and your whereabouts are unknown for a period of 24 hours or more.

Residential Alcohol Policy

As in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth, no alcoholic beverages shall be offered, gratuitously or for sale, to a person under the age of 21, either privately or at a group function, whether it is at an approved function or informal gathering in the residence halls. The possession, consumption or being in the presence, of alcoholic beverages in the residence halls by a person less than twenty-one years of age is prohibited.

  1. Students under the age of 21 years are not permitted to possess, consume, or be in the presence of alcoholic beverages. A resident or guest who is of legal drinking age may possess and consume alcoholic beverages in the residence hall only in the privacy of the resident’s own room or in the room of another resident who is of legal drinking age and who is present during the consumption. The door of the room must be kept closed. Alcohol and alcohol containers, including decorative bottles and cans, whether empty or full are prohibited from Halls at all times. Behaviors committed under the influence of alcohol will be considered a violation of the Alcohol Policy.
  2. The purchase or delivery of alcoholic beverages in the residence halls, gratuitously or for sale, to a person under the age of 21 is prohibited and shall constitute a major infraction of University regulations. Commercial deliveries of alcoholic beverages to the residence halls are prohibited.
  3. Only residents of legal drinking age may bring alcoholic beverages into their own residence hall. At no time may a guest of any age or resident under the age of 21 bring alcoholic beverages into a residence hall. University Police or Residence Life staff will confiscate all alcohol in the possession of any guest or resident students under the age of 21 in public areas; in addition, any open containers of alcohol will be confiscated regardless of age.
  4. The possession or use of alcoholic beverage containers such as kegs, partial kegs, mini-kegs, punch bowls, beer balls or any common containers, whether partially full or empty, in any residence hall or grounds by anyone, whether of legal age or not, shall constitute a major infraction and will result in immediate removal from housing. The possession or use of funnels is strictly prohibited.
  5. Drinking games, funnels, drinking challenges, and other methods that promote consumption of alcohol in an accelerated manner are expressly forbidden.
  6. Upon request by University personnel (i.e. residence hall staff, University Police, administration personnel) residents must provide a valid form of identification upon entering a residence hall or while transporting or consuming alcoholic beverages within a building or on University grounds.
  7. In the event that a resident or guest is deemed by University Police or Residence Life staff to be intoxicated, the resident and or guest will be asked to remain in the residence hall under host supervision until determination can be made that the intoxicated person(s) is in a safe condition. In addition, drunken disorderliness in any University building or grounds is prohibited and shall constitute a major infraction of University regulations. In a situation where a student is determined to be in an unhealthy state the University Police or Staff may call the parent or guardian to take custody of their student.
  8. All persons are prohibited from drinking alcoholic beverages or having open or previously opened alcoholic beverage containers in all residence hall public areas, including hallways, stairwells, bathrooms, lounges, lobbies, and outside grounds including, stairs, lawns, roofs, parking lots, patios, etc.
  9. Parties and gatherings where alcohol is present, informally or otherwise, are strictly prohibited in all residence halls. Any gatherings where more than two guests per occupant are present, and alcohol is present will constitute a party or gathering and may be disbanded by University Police or Residence Life staff. In these events, the alcohol will be confiscated regardless of the amount or age of the residents.
  10. No more than 1 open container, cup, bottle or can may be present for each individual above the legal drinking age when in the presence of underage individuals in a room occupied by of age students. University staff will construe additional open containers in excess of the number of legal age individuals as consumption by minors.
  11. Alcohol may not be stored or displayed in suite common areas unless all assigned occupants are of legal drinking age, this includes empty decorative bottles and cans.

Quiet & Courtesy Hours

Quiet Hours

Quiet hours are defined as the time when noise cannot be heard outside of a residential room, suite, or apartment.

Quiet hours are in effect during the following days and times:

  • Sunday - Thursday nights: 9 p.m. - 8 a.m.
  • Friday - Saturday nights: Midnight to 10 a.m.

Noise inside of a suite or apartment should not be heard outside of individual bedrooms or from the living area into individual bedrooms. To assist you in being a good community member and roommate, it is highly encouraged that during this stressful time individuals utilize headphones when listening/singing along to music, watching TV, watching a movie or having a telephone/video call. Keeping bedroom doors shut during quiet hours to cut down on noise traveling. 24 hour quiet hours will be in effect from reading day at the end of every semester to allow residents to prepare for the exams.

Courtesy Hours

Courtesy hours are defined as the time between quiet hours, 9 PM – 9 AM, Sunday – Saturday, where noise should only be barely heard outside of your suite or apartment if coming from the living area, or just outside of your bedroom door. It is the expectation that when a resident is asked by any other community member to lower the volume of music, TV shows, movies, virtual meetings, or telephone conversations that you comply immediately.

Roommate Relationships

Realistic Roommate Expectations

Living with people can be both an enriching and challenging experience. When beginning any roommate relationship it is important to have open, honest communication about your beliefs, your values, and your goals for the academic year.

While being someone's college roommate can sometimes lead to the formation of lifelong friendships, it is important to understand that not every roommate may want to have any form of relationship outside of sharing a living space. It is important to understand and remember to not place your roommate relationship expectations on the other person

Managing Roommate Conflicts

Residence Life staff normally attempt to mediate roommate conflicts in-person to help all parties come to an amicable living arrangement or to submit a room change. To help manage your expectations around roommate relationships, here are some tips and suggestions for you and your room, suite or apartment-mates:
  • Talk early about any issues. Letting concerns build up over time often leads to anger and resentment – neither of which lend themselves to effective conflict resolution.
  • Try to communicate clearly with your roommate. Not fully sharing how you feel can lead to frustrations and arguments.
  • Use I statements when communicating, “I feel disrespected when you leave dishes in the sink.”
  • Develop a schedule. Whether it is for whose turn it is to clean, or when study times are in the apartment or suite, a schedule can help you set clear boundaries and expectations for each other.
  • At the end of the day remember, all residents in a room, suite, or apartment contribute to what the living environment is like. Step back and ask yourself, “What could I be doing to contribute to this conflict?”

Approved and Prohibited Items

What to Take with You to Campus

  • Clothing for the season
  • Hangers
  • Bedding
    • Blankets
    • Comforter/bedspread
    • Sheets (Twin XL in all halls)
    • bed pillow
  • Towels & washcloths
  • Small Fan
  • Toiletries / container to carry toiletries to shower
  • Sewing kit
  • Backpack/Carrying bags/foldup boxes/Laundry bag
  • School supplies
  • Flashlight
  • Umbrella
  • Waste paper basket/ Recycling bin
  • Dishware
  • Iron/ ironing board
  • Personal electronics
  • Hobby supplies
  • Environmentally safe cleaning supplies and air fresheners
  • High Efficiency or Environmentally Friendly Laundry detergent

Energy Star Rated Appliances

Residence Life at UMass Lowell is committed to decreasing our carbon footprint generated by our residence hall communities. In an effort to support our efforts, we ask all resident to purchase Energy Star rated appliances whenever possible.

The following appliances are permitted in our residence halls:

  • MicroFridge
  • Refrigerators up to 4.4 cubic feet (maximum of 1 per 2 residents.
  • Microwave (1,100 watt maximum)
  • Coffee maker (automatic shut off)
  • Power strips (Surge protected and automatic shutoff)

What to Leave at Home

Appliances & Technology

  • 3D printers
  • Air conditioners (unless medically approved through the university)
  • Amplifiers or high powered speakers
  • Gas, electric, or charcoal grills
  • Griddle
  • Hot plate
  • Toaster (permitted in apartments)
  • Deep fryer
  • Air fryer
  • Any appliance with an open coil or exposed hot surface such as George Forman Grills
  • Lava lamps, halogen lamps, & octopus lamps
  • Space heaters
  • Smoke/fog machines
  • Wired/wireless routers
  • Switches/hubs or other networking equipment

Dangerous Materials

  • Fireworks or explosives
  • Gasoline or other flammable liquids
  • Gas-powered equipment
  • Highly combustible materials
  • Noxious Chemicals
  • Weapons/firearms/knives

Outside Furniture

  • Sofas
  • Armchairs
  • Mattresses
  • Desks
  • Wardrobes
  • Other upholstered furniture

Recreational Items

  • Dartboards
  • Nerf or water guns
  • Slingshots
  • Hoverboards, self-balancing scooters, and hands-free Segways are prohibited from being inside all residential facilities including dining halls.
  • Large scale and potentially dangerous sporting equipment (track and filed equipment, paintball guns, etc.). Please contact athletics, your coach, or the Campus Recreation Center for assistance.

Animals/Pets

  • No animals or pets with the exception of fish, unless you have received an approved accommodation, may be brought into the residence halls.
    • Fish are permitted be kept in aquariums not to exceed 10 gallons / 37 liters.

Services & Technology

Student Mail

For information on mail services, including locations, hours of operation, and how to receive mail please visit the Student Mail Centers website.

Cable Television

XFINITY Streaming is included with your campus housing!

  • 100+ live channels (all are available from on-campus, some available from anywhere)
  • Thousands of FREE on-demand selections
  • Stream directly on your PC, Mac, and mobile device (Apple, Android, Kindle, Roku)
  • Access your DVR library on the go and download recorded shows to watch offline
  • Add subscription channels yourself

On a PC or Mac:

  1. Visit Xfinity On Campus
  2. Enter “Lowell” in the search field and select "University of Massachusetts Lowell" from the list.
  3. Sign in using your standard UMass Lowell credentials.

On a Mobile Device:

  1. Install the “XFINITY Stream” app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
  2. Log in by tapping “XFINITY On Campus Students Sign in Here”
  3. Enter “Lowell in the search field and select "University of Massachusetts Lowell" from the list.
  4. Sign in using your standard UMass Lowell credentials.

On a Roku device:

  1. Connect your Roku to the “UMassLowell” WiFi network. You will need to first register the device through the My Devices Portal.
  2. On the Roku, add the “XFINITY Stream Beta” channel from the Roku Channel Store.
  3. On the Roku, open the “XFINITY Stream Beta” channel and make note of the 6-digit authorization code.
  4. In a web browser on a PC or Mac, go to www.xfinity.com/authorize and enter the 6-digit authorization code from step #3 above. You will be directed to an XFINITY login page.
  5. Near the bottom of the page, click “XFINITY On Campus Students Sign in Here”.
  6. Sign in using your standard UMass Lowell credentials.
  7. Your Roku will automatically open the XFINITY Streaming menu.

If you’re having technical difficulties:

  • Make sure you are entering your UMass Lowell student email address properly, including “@student.uml.edu”.
  • Ensure that your password is correct. If you find that you cannot log into other UMass Lowell sites, please contact the IT Service Center at 978-934-4357 or help@uml.edu. Remember to update your password in the XFINITY On Campus web browser, smartphone/tablet app, or Roku device wherever you change your UMass Lowell password.
  • If you are seeing an error message saying “Sorry, but we’re having trouble signing you in” or “We received a bad request,” try clearing the cache in your web browser.
For more information, visit www.uml.edu/XOC.

High Speed Data Access

All of our residential areas have a robust wireless network throughout the building including common areas, student rooms, and green space around the building. In order to connect to this network, you will need a device with network capability as outlined below.

Hardware & Software needs:

  • As of fall 2023, we no longer provide wired network connectivity in student rooms. Residential students will need to use wireless devices to connect to the Wi-Fi networks. 
  • For in-room high-speed data access, you will need a wireless card (802.11a/g/n/ac preferred for fastest connection).
  • Game consoles, streaming devices, and any other Wi-Fi enabled device that cannot connect to eduroam (don’t support WPA2-Enterprise) may be connected to the "UMassLowell" network through the My Devices Portal on campus.
  • Wireless printers may be connected to the "UMassLowell" network through the My Devices Portal on campus. Wireless printers may not be used as a wireless access point.
  • Modems, routers, hubs, and switches, along with devices that broadcast their own wireless network, interfere with 802.11 access point frequencies, or provide server related services/functionality are prohibited in the residence halls. Offending devices may be disabled and confiscated as they can interfere with the security and reliability of the University network.
  • Tampering with or attempting to bypass any university network device, equipment or security mechanism is prohibited and will result in a referral to the University Campus Conduct Process.

Student Email

All UMass Lowell students receive an email account through the university. It has been set up before you even arrived on campus. Learn how to activate and access your student email account. It's critical that you utilize this as many offices will only communicate with your student email address.