Choosing where to live at the University of Maryland shapes both your academic path and your social experience—whether you're starting your journey toward a bachelor cap and gown, diving into master’s coursework, or completing your PhD and preparing to don doctoral regalia. UMD housing supports Terps at all stages with options ranging from energetic dorms to peaceful grad communities.

This CAPGOWN guide presents top residence halls and graduate housing, complete with location insights, standout features, fun facts, and real student opinions from r/UMD. Plus, we include why CAPGOWN students love campus life—just as they’ll love crossing the stage in regalia.

Ellicott Hall – Historic, Social & Community-Centered

Address: 4052 Stadium Dr, College Park, MD 20742

Located in the core of campus, Ellicott Hall is often assigned to freshman honors cohorts like Gemstone. It features traditional layouts, high foot traffic, and a notorious lack of air conditioning.

Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Brave It:

• Unbeatable access to dining halls, Stamp Union, and McKeldin Mall.
• Frequent social events and strong hallway camaraderie.
• Shared lounges create instant community.

Fun Fact: Ellicott houses the Gemstone Honors Program offices and includes a substance-free living option.

r/UMD Says:
“Ellicott Hall is the worst dorm on campus by far. No AC is really bad…”“Bathrooms are fine… bring a towel and foot protection… The building has no AC…” 

Denton Hall – Bright, Active & Freshman Popular

Address: 3854 Stadium Dr, College Park, MD 20742

Denton Hall is often filled with first-year students. Located adjacent to Ellicott, it features sunlit rooms and active lounges—not just for study but for socializing.

Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Appreciate It:

• Sunny, spacious dorm rooms and inviting communal spaces.
• Plenty of RA programming and easy access to orientation.
• Close to rec centers, libraries, and dining.

Fun Fact: Its quad frequently hosts informal spikeball games or group study sessions.

r/UMD Says:
“I liked it. Bigger building … more social … lounges are pretty nice.” “Location is pretty good … across from Clarice … perfect for tailgates.”

Hagerstown Hall – Nostalgic, Quiet & No‑AC Culture

Address: Hagerstown Hall, 8075 Hagerstown Ln, College Park, MD 20742

Hagerstown Hall is older and quieter, preferred by academically focused students and Honors residential communities.

Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Tackle It:.

• Less noise and fewer distractions.
• Close to Eppley Rec Center and campus dining.
• Honest space for students who value study over social chaos.

Fun Fact: Despite being older, its lounge becomes a bonding hub—students gather in AC during summer weeks.

r/UMD Says:
“Hagerstown had so many incidents, from shit on the walls, to peeping toms…”

“The lack of A/C sucked… but it forced us to hang out in the lounge … get to know each other.”

Cambridge Hall – Suite-Style, Academic & AC-Equipped

Address: 4230 Farm Dr, College Park, MD 20742

Cambridge Hall is part of UMD’s more modern complex, ideal for Honors and LLC students, with suite-style rooms and built-in study spaces.

Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Prefer It:

• Suite-style layout with AC, kitchens, study lounges, and quieter hallways. 
• Immersive academic programming tied to LLC. 
• Contemporary design and respect for quiet study.

Fun Fact: Many floors feature all-gender bathrooms and dedicated communities for STEM, arts, or international students.

r/UMD Says:
“I personally think this is the best dorm in the Cambridge Community.”  “AC was generally really good… lounges looked really nice… a lot of study rooms.” 

La Plata Hall – Centrally Located, AC-Provided & Family-Favorite

Address: La Plata Hall, 8160 Farm Dr, College Park, MD 20742

La Plata Hall blends convenience with modern amenities. It sits near major academic services, dining halls, and the gym.

Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Like It:

• Air-conditioned rooms and frequent bathroom updates.
• Near campus hotspots like Eppley Rec Center and Stamp Union.
• Large rooms and a practical layout make it popular with honors tracks.

Fun Fact: Named after Maryland’s capital, La Plata is wired for gigabit internet—rare in older dorms.

r/UMD Says:
“La Plata is pretty solid … Right next to the diner and gym, has A/C…"  “Best location wise … close to 2 dining halls, next to Eppley … not a bad walk to anywhere.”

Graduate Housing at UMD – Practical, Peaceful & Scholar‑Focused

UMD offers several graduate student housing choices with independent living, affordability, and community support.

Graduate Hills & Gardens – Affordable, On-Campus, Grad‑Only

Address: Calvert Rd, just off North Campus

Graduate Hills & Graduate Gardens offer graduate-only apartments conveniently close to campus core and bus routes.

Why CAPGOWN Master & PhD Students Love It:

• Budget-friendly rates for furnished units.
• Quiet environment with walking access to the gym and library.
• Shared social areas for networking with other grads 

Fun Fact: These buildings are student-preferred for their affordability and central location.

r/UMD Says:
“Highly recommend grad gardening rather than hills … nothing in Hills other than constructions.”

“Graduate Hills … affordable, close to campus and has shuttle stops.”

Final Thoughts

From dorms like Ellicott, Denton, and Hagerstown to suite-style living in Cambridge and grad apartments in Hills and Gardens — UMD offers housing to meet every academic phase and personal style. Each environment supports personal growth, community building, and focus.

And on graduation day, CAPGOWN is ready to help you shine. We craft bachelor cap & gown sets, master’s hoods, and doctoral robes tailored for Terps who want a stylish and dignified finish to their College Park journey.

Wherever you lived, celebrate your achievement with regalia known and trusted by UMD students across all academic levels.