All first-time, full-time students who graduated high school within the last 12 months and are not commuting less than 60 miles from their legal parent/guardian home address must live on campus.

Students who meet one of the approved exemption criteria listed below still need to submit an exemption request.

MyHousing

Exemptions

Students may request an exemption to the required housing policy if they meet certain criteria. All exemption requests require the completion of the online exemption request form. In some cases, additional documentation is required. Requests for exemptions must be submitted by July 1 preceding fall enrollment and December 1 preceding spring enrollment.

Exemption Criteria

• Commuting from parent or legal guardian’s permanent address less than 60 miles from campus*
• 20 years or older by August 15
• Enrolled part-time in 11 or fewer hours
• Enrolled in a fully online schedule
• Have lived in University Housing for two semesters
• Have earned 56 credit hours toward a degree at the University who have not graduated high school within the last 12 months
• Residing with spouse or domestic partner*
• Residing with legal dependents*
• Veteran of U.S. military*
• Have documented medical/psychological needs that cannot be accommodated by University Housing*

*Requires additional documentation

The burden of providing necessary documentation and evidence to support an accommodation request rests with the student. Students may attach additional documentation (such as a letter of rationale to explain your exemption request fully) for any requests. Providing false information may lead to a required housing charge, as well as accountability through the student conduct process.

Frequently cited, but rarely granted reasons for requesting an exemption include:

• Already signed a lease: Students who sign leases without having received a housing exemption decision in writing from University Housing will still be responsible for fulfilling the on-campus housing requirement. Do not sign a lease unless you have received a decision from University Housing in writing that you are permitted to live off campus.
• Bad experience with roommate: Residence Life staff—Community Directors and Resident Assistants—are equipped to mediate conflicts between residents. Additionally, students may work through the space change process with Housing staff. Space changes are made based on space availability.
• Food/Dining: SIUE offers a wide variety of dining options and types of food that all students can enjoy. SIUE Dining Services can almost always assist students who are on special diets. Please reach out to their staff for additional information.

View the complete University Residency Requirement Policy.