How to Cancel or Terminate Your Undergraduate Housing Contract

Overview

This article explains the difference between cancelling and terminating an undergraduate housing contract, when each option applies, how to submit a request, and what financial responsibilities to expect.

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What’s the Difference Between a Cancellation and a Termination?

Cancellation

A cancellation applies when you decide not to move into on-campus housing.

You may cancel your contract only if:

• The contract start date has not occurred, and
• You have not picked up your keys

Once either of the above occurs, your contract is considered active, and cancellation is no longer available.

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Termination

A termination applies after your housing contract becomes active.

Termination is required if:

• The contract start date has passed, or
• You have picked up your keys

All termination requests:

• Require supporting documentation
• Must meet established criteria
• Are reviewed by Housing Administrative Services

Approval is not guaranteed.

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When You Can Cancel Your Contract

To qualify for a cancellation, all of the following must be true:

• You submit your request before the contract start date, and
• You have not picked up your keys

Important: Picking up keys indicates the start of your contract and makes you ineligible for cancellation.

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How to Submit a Cancellation

Submit your request through the Undergraduate Housing Portal:

• Cancellation fees may apply
• Refer to the housing contract and cancellation schedule for current fees

Important: Cancelling your contract means you forfeit your housing guarantee.

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When You Can Request a Termination

You may request a termination only after your contract is active.

Common Qualifying Reasons

• Graduation
• Loss of enrollment eligibility (withdrawal, dismissal, leave of absence)
• Unanticipated and documented medical or financial hardship
• Participation in a study abroad program beginning mid-year

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How to Submit a Termination Request

1. Log in to the Undergraduate Housing Portal
2. Select “UG Housing Terminations & Move Outs”
3. Upload all required documentation
4. Wait for approval before taking any action
5. Complete check-out with your Residence Life Office once approved

Do not move out or return keys until your request is approved.

If your request is denied, you may:

• Submit additional documentation, or
• File an appeal

Termination details and proration information: https://hdhughousing.ucsd.edu/living-on-campus/housing-contract/index.html

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Your Financial Responsibility

Before the Contract Start Date

• Cancellation fees may apply

After the Contract Start Date

You are financially responsible until:

• Your termination is approved, and
• You complete the official check-out process

Moving out early or failing to return keys will not stop charges.

Important: The first and last two weeks of each quarter are not prorated, regardless of move-out date.

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Dining Plan Considerations (Over-Usage)

Dining Dollars and Triton Cash are intended to last the full academic year.

If you are approved for an early move-out:

• Housing and dining charges are prorated based on your approved move-out date
• Dining usage is evaluated using a daily rate

If your usage exceeds the prorated allowance, you may be billed for the difference. We recommend reaching out to the Triton Card Account Services team for an overview of your dining plan spending.

 

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Who to Contact for Help

Housing Administrative Services
(Contract cancellations and terminations)
Submit a ticket: https://support.ucsd.edu/students
Email: housingcontracts@ucsd.edu
Phone: 858-534-4010

Triton Card Account Services
(Dining Dollars and Triton Cash)
Submit a ticket: https://support.ucsd.edu/students
Email: tritoncardaccounts@ucsd.edu
Phone: 858-534-4010