How to Submit Your Request

To submit a request to terminate your housing and dining contract, follow the steps below: 

1. Log on to my.pitt.edu using your University username and password.
2. Once you gain access to the website, search for Housing and Dining.  
3. Select Housing and Dining Information from the search results.
4. Find Housing and Dining Termination Request Form and choose Proceed to the Form.
5. Complete the form, attach documentation, and submit your request.

If you have any questions, please contact Panther Central. 

Incoming Guaranteed Students (“First Year Students”)

Terminating the entire contract before the fall term begins

• On or before July 1 – The Contract can be terminated for any reason, and the Housing Deposit will be refunded.
• Between July 1 and the day the residence halls open, as specified by the University Academic Calendar – The Contract can be terminated for any reason, but the Housing Deposit will be retained by the University. 

Terminating the contract after a term has begun (fall or spring, as applicable)

• After the day on which the residence halls open (as specified by the University Academic Calendar) but on or before 60% of the term is completed: The Contract can be terminated for qualified reasons, but the Housing Deposit will be retained by the University and the Student will be liable for a percentage of Housing and Dining Services Fees.
• After the date on which 60% of the term has been completed, the Contract cannot be terminated, except for qualified reasons, and no refunds or proration will occur.

Terminating the contract for the spring term before it has begun

• The Contract is for both the Fall and Spring terms; however, the Student may terminate this Contract for the Spring term for a qualified reason, and the housing deposit will be refunded as long as the Student submits a Housing and Dining Termination Request Form by December 1st of the Fall term specified by this Contract. 
• Please note: Panther Central is not able to release the Student from their Contract between terms in order to move off-campus or commute.

Returning Guaranteed Students (“Upper-Class Students”)

Terminating the entire contract before the fall term begins

• On or before April 15 – The Contract can be terminated for any reason, and the Housing Deposit will be refunded.
• Between April 15 and June 1
  • Students who wish to terminate for one of the unqualified reasons, will have their termination request approved but will forfeit their Housing Deposit. The remainder of their Housing Guarantee will also be forfeited.
  • Students who wish to terminate for one of the qualified reasons will have their termination request approved. Their Housing Deposit will be refunded and they will retain their Housing Guarantee for the remainder of their Housing Guarantee eligibility.
• Between June 2 the day the residence halls open, as specified by the University Academic Calendar – The Contract can be terminated for a qualified reason, but the Housing Deposit will be forfeited to the University. 

Terminating the contract after a term has begun (fall or spring, as applicable)

• After the day on which the residence halls open (as specified by the University Academic Calendar) but on or before 60% of the term is completed: The Contract can be terminated for qualified reasons, but the Housing Deposit will be retained by the University and the Student will be liable for a percentage of Housing and Dining Services Fees.
• After the date on which 60% of the term has been completed, the Contract cannot be terminated, except for qualified reasons, and no refunds or proration will occur.

Terminating the contract for the spring term before it has begun

• The Contract is for both the Fall and Spring terms; however, the Student may terminate this Contract for the Spring term for a qualified reason, and the housing deposit will be refunded as long as the Student submits a Housing and Dining Termination Request Form by December 1st of the Fall term specified by this Contract.
• Please note: Panther Central is not able to release the Student from their Contract between terms in order to move off-campus or commute.

Non-Guaranteed Students

Terminating the entire contract before the fall term begins

• The Contract can be terminated for any reason before the student has accepted a housing assignment on campus, and the Housing Deposit will be refunded.
• Once a Non-Guaranteed Student has accepted an assignment, the Student has 72 hours to submit a termination request for any reason if the housing assignment is no longer needed.
• After 72 hours, the housing assignment can be terminated for a qualified reason before the start of the term (Fall or Spring as applicable), but the Housing Deposit will be forfeited to the University.
• Any student who completes their housing application, but does not accept a housing assignment before September 15, will have their housing application terminated and deposit refunded automatically.

Terminating the contract after a term has begun (fall or spring, as applicable)

• After the day on which the residence halls open (as specified by the University Academic Calendar) but on or before 60% of the term is completed: The Contract can be terminated for qualified reasons, but the Housing Deposit will be retained by the University and the Student will be liable for a percentage of Housing and Dining Services Fees.
• After the date on which 60% of the term has been completed, the Contract cannot be terminated, except for qualified reasons, and no refunds or proration will occur. 

Terminating the contract for the spring term before it has begun

• The Contract is for both the Fall and Spring terms; however, the Student may terminate this Contract for the Spring term for a qualified reason, and the housing deposit will be refunded as long as the Student submits a Housing and Dining Termination Request Form by December 1st of the Fall term specified by this Contract.
• Please note: Panther Central is not able to release the Student from their Contract between terms in order to move off-campus or commute.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the qualified reasons to terminate my housing and dining contract?

• Students may request to terminate their Contract for a qualified reason, per the dates and deadlines outlined above. Documentation is required for all termination requests, regardless of reason. Failure to provide supporting documentation may result in denial of the Housing and Dining Contract Termination Request. Qualified reasons for termination are as follows:
  • Graduation (if graduating after fall term of a given academic year – must provide proof of graduation)
  • Study Abroad with a University-approved program (with documentation from Pitt’s study abroad office or program)
  • Work at a Co-op or Internship (with documentation from the internship/co-op program)
  • Verified Medical Reason (with documentation from a Healthcare Provider supporting release from this contract)
  • Military Service (must be mandatory service with documentation) 

What are the unqualified reasons to terminate my housing and dining contract?

• Students may request to terminate their Contract for an unqualified reason, per the dates and deadlines outlined above. Documentation is required for all termination requests, regardless of reason. Failure to provide supporting documentation may result in denial of the Housing and Dining Contract Termination Request. Unqualified reasons for termination, along with documentation examples, are as follows:
  • Resigning from the University of Pittsburgh (Oakland Campus) (proof of resignation/lack of enrollment at the University of Pittsburgh)
  • Transferring to another college (proof of transfer/lack of enrollment at the University of Pittsburgh)
  • Moving off campus or commuting (proof of off-campus lease or letter from student)
  • Financial Reasons (proof of hardship or letter from student)
• If a student requests to terminate their Contract due to resigning from the University of Pittsburgh (Oakland Campus) or transferring to another college outside of the dates and deadlines outlined above for an unqualified reason, the termination request will be approved but the Housing Deposit and remainder of the Housing Guarantee will be forfeited.
• All other reasons and situations for the termination of this Contract are reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the University. Terminations are not guaranteed, and appropriate documentation is required to support any such requests, subject to discretion of Panther Central.

How do I submit a housing and dining termination request?

To submit a request to terminate your housing and dining contract, follow the steps below: 

1. Log on to my.pitt.edu using your University username and password.
2. Once you gain access to the website, search for Housing and Dining.
3. Select Housing and Dining Information from the search results.
4. Find Housing and Dining Termination Request Form and choose Proceed to the Form.
5. Complete the form, attach documentation, and submit your request.

I’m having trouble submitting my termination request – what should I do?

Panther Central is open 24/7 to help you – please reach out to receive assistance with your request submission.

How are my prorated housing charges determined?

The Student’s prorated liability for the Housing Services fees will be determined by multiplying the predetermined Daily Rate of Housing Services by the number of days the student occupied the room, from the day on which the residence halls open (as specified by the University Academic Calendar) up to and including the day on which the Student last occupied their assigned University Housing accommodation.

• The Daily Rate is determined on a yearly basis by the Department of Housing Services, Dining Services, and Panther Central, prior to the start of the fall term. 

How are my prorated dining charges determined?

The Student’s prorated liability for the Dining Services fees will be determined by the Student’s usage of their meal plan up to and including the day the Student last utilized any portion of their meal plan.

• Usage is determined by subtracting the amount of Dining Dollars and Meal Swipes used from the total cost of the plan. 

Am I allowed to terminate my housing and dining contract in order to move off campus?

• If you are terminating your housing contract during the academic year, the University of Pittsburgh is not able to release a student from their contract to move off-campus.
• If you are terminating your housing contract before your applicable “terminate for any reason” deadline or you have not accepted a housing assignment yet (as a Non-Guaranteed Upper-Class student) then you may terminate to move off campus. Please see your category above for applicable deadlines.
• We strongly recommend that you do not sign an outside lease until you have received formal written approval of your University Housing and Dining Contract.

Am I allowed to terminate my housing and dining contract in order to commute?

• If you are terminating your housing contract during the academic year, the University of Pittsburgh is not able to release a student from their contract to commute.
• If you are terminating your housing contract before your applicable “terminate for any reason” deadline or you have not accepted a housing assignment yet (as a Non-Guaranteed Upper-Class student) then you may terminate to commute. Please see your category above for applicable deadlines.

Am I able to get my housing deposit back?

Eligibility for housing deposit return is based on deadlines, guarantees, and reasons for termination. Please reference your category above (ie. First Year, Upper-Class, Non-Guaranteed Upper-Class) to determine if you are eligible for a housing deposit refund. Please contact Panther Central if you are unsure of your eligibility.

Can I request a housing deposit refund for a previous semester?

Housing Deposit refunds are only eligible to be refunded for the current term. No past Housing Deposits can be refunded. In order to receive the Housing Deposit refund, the student must submit a housing and dining contract termination request.

How is the 60% mark of the semester determined?

The date on which 60% of the term is completed is calculated by multiplying the number of calendar days in the term (as determined by the University Academic Calendar) by 0.6 and then counting forward from the first day the residence halls are open. 

I don’t see my situation listed under “Qualified” or “Unqualified” reasons for termination. What should I do?

All other reasons and situations for the termination of this Contract are reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the University. Terminations are not guaranteed, and appropriate documentation is required to support any such requests, subject to the discretion of Panther Central.

How long is the housing and dining contract for?

The housing and dining contract encompasses the fall and spring term for the academic year or only the spring term for students who enroll for spring only. Students staying for the summer term or winter recess must sign an additional contract or addendum for that timeframe.

Can I terminate my housing for only the fall term? And will I be able to keep my previously selected housing assignment?

No. If terminating before the fall term begins, students are required to terminate their housing for the full academic year. We are not able to hold open housing assignments for the fall term. Students who apply for spring term housing will be reassigned their housing based upon availability at that time.

If I already moved in, but I want to terminate my housing, when do I need to move out by?

• If at any time during the term of this Contract a student withdraws from all courses and is not actively participating in or receiving grades, they must vacate their university housing within 72 hours.
• All personal belongings must be removed from University Housing by the date on which your Housing and Dining Contract terminates. Any personal property remaining in University Housing after the Student’s departure will be kept for 30 days after the Contract termination date. After 30 days, any remaining personal property will be considered abandoned and will be disposed of by the University with no liability. In addition, Students who fail to remove personal belongings will be liable to the University for costs.

Please reference the 2024-2025 Housing and Dining Contract on the Forms and Documents page for more information. Please contact Panther Central with any questions.