How to Make a Payment
Your guide to Student Housing payments
Whether you are a student paying your university housing bill, or a parent or family member helping out, this page explains everything you need to know—how to access your statement, choose a billing plan, make a payment, and what to do if you experience any holds or have any late-payment concerns.
How to access your bill
Every student has a university billing account with UC Santa Cruz. Each month, an online billing statement is produced if there are charges due on your account.
- View your statement and account activity anytime through the MyUCSC Portal.
Sharing your billing information—what you need to know
Federal law (FERPA) protects your privacy as a student at UC Santa Cruz, which means we can’t share your billing details with anyone—including your family—without your permission.
Permission to discuss your account:
- To give a parent, guardian, or other trusted person permission to talk with Student Housing Services about your account, complete the Release of Information (ROI) process in the Housing Portal.
Permission to view statements and make payments:
If someone else will be paying your housing charges, you can grant them access to your billing statements and give them the ability to make payments. Learn how to set up parent/guardian access at Student Business Services.
Billing plan options
You have two billing options for your housing charges—both options require payments to be made by each quarter’s deadlines.
Quarterly billing
- Housing fees are due in one payment on the first due date of each quarter.
- The default payment schedule is quarterly—unless you request a different payment plan, you will be billed quarterly.
- You will also be automatically billed quarterly if your financial aid awards cover more than one-third of your housing charges.
Monthly billing
- Monthly billing divides your quarterly housing charges into smaller installments due on that quarter’s monthly due dates.
- If you’re assigned to housing after the first bill of the quarter is generated, your bill may consist of fewer payment installments.
How to select a plan:
- On your housing application, choose Quarterly to pay once per quarter, or Monthly for monthly installments.
Personalized payment plans
Need a different plan? To request a personalized payment plan to meet your individual needs (e.g., delays in financial aid, employment pay schedule, etc.), contact Student Housing Services before your payment due date to discuss your options.
Note: If you are being billed quarterly because your financial aid awards cover more than one-third of your housing charges, you can request a personalized payment for the remaining balance due by contacting Student Housing Services after the quarterly bill is created.
How to make a payment
Payments are due by the dates listed on the payment schedule below.
Here’s a quick overview of how you can pay:
- Online through your MyUCSC Portal (eBill/ePay) or via one of the international payment options.
- In person via the 24-hour depository outside the north entrance of the Hahn Student Services building.
- By mail with check, cashier’s check, or money order.
What about financial aid?
If you’re receiving financial aid, most aid awards will automatically apply to your charges once your aid is disbursed.
- Financial aid awards are applied to your tuition and registration fees first.
- Any remaining awards are applied to your university housing and dining charges.
- Any university housing or dining balance not paid in full by financial aid awards is the responsibility of the student.
Questions about your financial aid?
Contact the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office
Note: If you are being billed quarterly because your financial aid awards cover more than one-third of your housing charges, you can request a personalized payment for the remaining balance due by contacting Student Housing Services after the quarterly bill is created.
Having trouble making a payment?
If you think you might miss a payment deadline or are unable to pay the full balance due, contact Student Housing Services right away. Our team is here to support you and we can help you explore solutions and we may be able to arrange a deferment if you contact us before the payment due date.
You are responsible for letting us know about any payment delays—no matter where your funds are coming from (financial aid, outside scholarship, personal funds, etc.).
What happens if I don’t pay?
Ignoring a balance can lead to serious consequences, including:
- A hold on your university account: This may prevent you from enrolling in classes.
- Delays to your financial aid disbursement: Financial aid requires full-time enrollment, which may not be possible with a hold in place.
- Termination of your housing contract: If payment remains seriously overdue, the University may take action to terminate your housing contract and all rights of occupancy.
How will I know if there’s a problem?
Before a Housing Enrollment Hold is placed, you will receive an email from your Student Housing Services Accounts Adviser:
- This message will notify you that you have a past due housing and/or meal plan balance, and include a payment deadline to avoid a hold.
- If a hold is placed, all past due charges must be paid in order to release it.
What should I do next?
If you get an email about a past-due balance, pay it right away or contact your Accounts Adviser to discuss your options.
You can also learn about other types of enrollment holds and how to resolve them.
Payment schedules and due dates
Important: Your payment must be received by the due date listed (not just postmarked), so plan ahead.
2025-26 Academic Year Payment Schedule and Due Dates
| Quarterly Billing Option | Monthly Billing Option |
|---|---|
| Fall Quarter: September 17, 2025 | Fall Quarter: September 17, October 21, November 12 |
| Winter Quarter: December 17, 2025 | Winter Quarter: December 17, January 22, February 11 |
| Spring Quarter: March 24, 2026 | Spring Quarter: March 24, April 16, May 13 |
Due dates subject to change.
2025 Summer Housing Payment Schedule and Due Dates
| Summer Housing Program | Due Date(s) |
|---|---|
| Spring-Summer Transitional Housing Summer Session 10-week, 8-week, Session 1 Summer Alternative/Employee/Resilient Scholar Housing | July 22 |
| Summer Edge Summer Session 2 Summer Athlete Housing Summer-Fall Transitional Housing | August 11 |
Have questions? Need help?
Student Housing Services staff can assist you with questions about housing and dining charges, payment plan options, meal plans, and more.