The University of Delaware and the Collegiate Housing Foundation (CHF) have entered into an agreement for CHF to transfer the University Courtyard Apartments (UCA) to the University in June 2019. CHF will continue to own and manage UCA until the transfer is completed; however, the University has assumed responsibility for fall 2019 leasing.

The complex, located at 1 Scholar Drive, southeast of the intersection of South Chapel Street and East Delaware Avenue, includes 266 apartments that can accommodate approximately 880 residents in one-, two- and four-bedroom units. Since it opened, occupancy at UCA has been limited to students.

On July 1, 2019, UCA will become on-campus housing and will managed by Residence Life and Housing. For students living there now, their current leases will remain valid through July 31, 2019.

The addition of UCA to Residence Life and Housing’s inventory will increase the University’s ability to offer students more apartment-style living, which is one of the most popular options currently available.

Unlike most other apartment-style living options now available on campus, UCA features one-person bedrooms and, in many cases, individual bathrooms. Each furnished apartment also includes high-speed Wi-Fi, air conditioning, dishwasher, refrigerator and washer and dryer. In addition, the complex features several public spaces, including a club house and private and group study areas.  

Trained Residence Life and Housing staff will be on site to support and meet the needs of the residents. All maintenance will be handled by University staff.

All current UCA residents are being notified by letter of the upcoming change. Those who are planning to remain at the complex next year will be given priority if they complete a form included with the letter by Sept. 25. While they will be given a priority to stay at UCA, they may be required to move to a different apartment there. In addition, the University cannot guarantee that a resident will be able to select roommates who are not currently living in UCA.

When the complex was developed in 1999 by Rise (formerly Ambling Companies) and CHF, it was financed through the issuance of Delaware Economic Authority Bonds. Upon repayment of the bonds, the UCA will be transferred to the University.

“The Collegiate Housing Foundation and Rise have been fantastic partners with the University in providing off-campus housing to University students over the years,” said UD’s Executive Vice President and Treasurer Alan Brangman. “With the planned growth in undergraduate enrollment and a commitment to ensuring student success, we felt it was time to transfer  the apartments to the University. We are committed to ensuring that students who are currently leasing apartments can continue in the future if they desire.”

Jim Tweedy, director of Residence Life at UD, echoed his comment, “We are excited to work with current and future UCA residents on a smooth transition and to bring University of Delaware Residence Life and Housing expertise into this community.”

Current residents with questions about the process for signing up for next year may contact Residence Life and Housing at 302-831-HOME (4663) or at ResLife-Housing@udel.edu.