Campus Housing and Amenities

Residence Halls

Dorward Hall is where all residential students are housed. It offers the following room types: Double Rooms, Doubles as Singles, Regular Singles, and Double Room Suites (suites are for upper-class students). Unless otherwise requested and/or available, all individual rooms will be double occupancy. Each floor is equipped with bathrooms. Each bathroom is equipped with locking shower and toilet stall doors. There is one study room located on the second floor in addition to two main lounges. The ground floor lounge includes a kitchenette with a microwave, sink, and refrigerator, as well as a pool table, an air hockey table, and a television. The first floor lounge includes a pool table, extra tables and chairs for studying and other use as well as a television. There are also two laundry rooms. Laundry is free for UMaine Machias residential students.

Housing Application

Residence Hall Association

Residence Hall Association (RHA) is the student body which advocates for particular needs and issues concerning students life and living environment in the residence halls. RHA works with Residential Education and Commuter Life staff to ensure the best possible living experience at UMaine Machias. All students are invited to attend RHA meetings. Elections for executive positions are held every Fall Semester towards the end of September. Becoming involved is a great way to build leadership skills, meet new people, advocate for your peers and looks good on a resume.

Amenities

  • Rooms are equipped with regular twin mattresses, desks, dressers, wardrobes, desk chairs, bookcases, and curtains.
  • The laundry rooms are free to use.
  • Access to WiFi as well as Ethernet Internet access.
  • Access to the mailroom where students receive their packages and mail.
  • Large social spaces and quiet study spaces.
  • Exterior doors to the residence hall are locked 24/7 and are only accessible to residential students with a valid ID card.

Not sure what to pack?

See suggested packing list

Live on Requirement

The University of Maine at Machias believes that living on campus is an integral part of a student’s experience and aides students in their transition to UMaine Machias. We believe that living together in a community provides students with opportunities to interact with peers, faculty, and staff and enhances their social, cultural, and interpersonal growth as global citizens through shared living experiences.

Furthermore, residing on campus enhances a student’s prospects for academic excellence, since they are more likely to use campus resources such as the Library, Study Center, or tutoring services; receive academic and emotional support from staff, faculty, and other students; and become more engaged in the campus community.

In support of this philosophy, UMaine Machias requires first-year students to live on campus unless they meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • aged 21 or older
  • live with a parent or legal guardian within easy commuting distance (35 miles)
  • a veteran or transfer student
  • have exceptional circumstances that do no permit them to meet the requirement

Exceptional circumstances include the following:

  • Financial: If the reason is financial, please attach a copy of the student’s financial aid award, plus any other related financial documentation in support of the request.
  • Medical: If there is a medical reason the student cannot live on campus, please find the disability documentation guidelines at Student Accessibility Services.

MicroChill®

MicroChill® is a combination refrigerator/freezer and microwave appliance that is approved for use in the residence halls.

  • One MicroChill® combo unit or one dorm-size refrigerator is permitted per room
  • If you want both a microwave unit and a refrigerator unit, you must rent a MicroChill®
  • You must have your housing assignment to rent a unit
Rent a Microchill

Student Housing Calendar

Fall Semester

2025

  • First-Year & Transfer Student Move-In

Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 | 8 a.m.-noon

  • Returning Student Move-In

Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025 | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • Fall Break

Saturday, Oct. 11 – Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025 (residence hall remains open)

  • Veterans Day

Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025

  • Thanksgiving Break

Wednesday, Nov. 26 – Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025
Note: The residence hall closes, however students who sign up for break housing are able to remain in the residence halls over the Thanksgiving Break. The Dining Hall does not serve meals over breaks so students who stay are responsible for their own meals.

  • Semester Break

Halls Close: Friday, Dec. 19, 2025 at 5 p.m.

Spring Semester

2026

  • New Student & Transfer Student Move-In

Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026 | 8 a.m.–noon

  • Returning Student Move-In

Monday, Jan. 20, 2025 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

  • Spring Break

Saturday, March 14 – Sunday, March 22, 2026
Note: The residence hall closes, however students who sign up for break housing are able to remain in the residence halls over the Spring Break. The Dining Hall does not serve meals over breaks so students who stay are responsible for their own meals.

  • End of Spring Semester

For Non-Graduating Students – Hall Closes Friday, May 8, 2026 at 5 p.m.

For Graduating Seniors – Hall Closes Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 5 p.m.

Let the Adventure Begin

Apply now