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Housing & Meals

On-Campus Housing

During the fall semester, there is a limited amount of on-campus housing available to international exchange students. Students coming to UHM for just the fall semester or for the academic year may apply for on-campus housing online, but are encouraged to explore off-campus housing options. Undergraduates are given preference for on-campus housing.

During the spring semester, on-campus housing is widely available. International exchange students coming to UHM for the spring semester or calendar year are welcome to apply for on-campus housing online, and have a high likelihood of being placed.

In order to apply for on-campus housing, you need a UH Number (found on your Acceptance letter). Students may apply for on-campus housing online at UHM Student Housing Services. There is a $25 application fee that should be paid with a credit card. Please be sure to use the "Non-Freshman" application form; do NOT use the "Freshman" application form.

Note: Exchange students arriving at UHM in the fall semester should also send an email to uhmix@hawaii.edu in order to be entered in the fall semester housing lottery.

Please note that the housing contracts at UHM are for the entire academic year (two semesters). If you will only be studying at UHM for the Fall semester, that's OK. We will inform Student Housing Services and later they will be able to release you from the second half of your contract.

Off-Campus Housing

  • We can recommend the Atherton YMCA, which is located right next to campus. It is actually closer to most campus buildings than the on-campus dormitories!
  • The Ohia in Waikiki has also been a fairly popular housing option. It offers various types of fully furnished apartments (single, double, or triple occupancy). There is partial maid service, kitchenettes, air conditioning, laundry facilities, a swimming pool, and 24-hour administrative staff on site.
  • Hawaii Student Suites has several student-friendly properties, including "Beachwalk" apartments located one block from Waikiki Beach, and "Kalo Terrace" community dormitories located one block from the UHM campus.
  • The Off-Campus Housing Referral Program website lists several good options. The Off-Campus Housing Referral Program website includes much useful information, including links to temporary housing, hostels and other off-campus options. Applications and/or reservations would need to be sent/made as soon as possible to insure a space when you arrive. Prices vary as do application procedures. (To access the listings at the yellow “Students” link, UH username and password required.)
  • Many students arrange to stay at a Hostel or Hotel when they first arrive and then find more permanent housing. Hostelling International has two locations in Honolulu - one in Waikiki, and one next to UHM.
  • Orientation Homestay is a ONE WEEK homestay opportunity arranged by the International Hospitality Center of Honolulu. The program includes airport pick-up, a room and meals with a host family for one week prior to your move to permanent housing (dormitory, apartment, etc.) at a cost of US$240 (subject to change). For the Participant Application and Agreement and Release Form, visit http://www.ihchawaii.org/Individual_Home_Placement.html. You must apply at least six weeks before arrival. For more information, email ihc@priory.net.
  • Study & Stay Hawaii offers various housing accommodations, including homestays, condominiums, student residences, and hotels.
  • The East-West Center next to campus has two housing facilities for students: Hale Manoa and Hale Kuahine. Both facilities are primarily reserved for graduate students formally affiliated with the East-West Center, but any students are welcome to apply. Space is limited, and priority will be given to students majoring in Asia-Pacific related studies.
  • The International Hospitality Center offers a unique homestay program with an American host family for young adults aged 18 to 30. Students must apply at least six weeks prior to arrival.
  • YWCA Fernhurst Residence for Women is a community living experience that is comfortable, safe, and affordable. It is a block away from a bus stop, and is located close to campus.
  • Shinshu Kyokai Mission Dormitory is a clean and safe environment for students. It is located close to campus. All rooms are single-occupancy, with community bathroom facilities on each floor. There are community laundry and recreation areas.
  • University Manor is an off-campus international dormitory for women. It is located one block from the university. Residents have single-occupancy rooms, and access to kitchen, community dining area, shared bathrooms, and laundry facilities.

Neighborhoods near the campus which are serviced by TheBus are:  University, Manoa, Punahou, Mo‘ili‘ili, McCully, Waikiki, Kapi‘olani, Kapahulu, Kaimuki, St. Louis Heights, Wilhemina Rise, Pololo, Makiki and Ala Moana.  Rent prices vary according to the quality of the apartment and location, but if you live alone you can plan on spending between $800-$1500 per month for a studio or one bedroom apartment, with an additional $800-$1500 security deposit (one month’s rent) and approximately $100/month for utilities (electricity/gas). (These costs will be less if you share accommodations with one or more other students.) Telephone is separate. Internet access may or may not be included. Most places will provide some kitchen equipment and possibly some furniture, but you should not expect this.

Manoa International Exchange may be able to assist you by providing information, suggestions and advice, but the final decision will be made by you and any financial obligation made for housing will be yours. Please note that the off-campus housing resources listed above are not officially endorsed by MIX or UH Mānoa. Please contact us (uhmix@hawaii.edu) if you have questions about housing.

Meals & Dining

There are lots of places to eat on campus. International exchange students may wish to purchase a Meal Plan. Meal plans are available to all students, regardless of whether they live on-campus or off-campus. Meal plans are a fun, flexible and affordable way to dine on campus with your friends. When you purchase a meal plan, a certain number of meals will be added to your UHM Student ID card; you swipe your card when you enter a dining hall or on-campus cafe, and one meal is deducted.

For fresh fruits and vegetables, visit the on-campus Farmer's Market. There are many Farmers Markets on Oahu. Additionally, there are many grocery stores and restaurants near campus, in Honolulu, and around the island.  Ala Moana is the largest shopping center in Hawai‘i with almost 300 stores and almost 70 eateries.  Some of the stores and restaurants at Ala Moana include Macy’s, Apple, and California Pizza Kitchen.  Ala Moana is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.  Ward Center is another popular destination.  There are over 120 stores and many places to eat.  Ward Centers also has a movie theater complex which is one of the bigger theaters in Hawai‘i.  Other shopping centers and malls include Kahala Mall, Pearlridge Center, and Waikele Outlets.