Living Off Campus

Approval Process for Students Wishing to Live Off Campus During First or Second Year

  1. Review the information on this page.
  2. Complete an Off-Campus Housing Request Form.
  3. A staff member will contact you regarding your request. You may need to provide additional paperwork.

Criteria for Approval

A student may be approved to live off campus during their first or second year if they meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • Students who live with a parent or legal guardian within a 20 mile radius of campus
  • A student who is married
  • A student living with and responsible for dependent child/children
  • Part time (below 12 credits) for the entire academic year
  • Graduated from high school at least two years before the commencement of the current academic year

Additional Information

  • Off-campus approval may have implications for your financial aid package. If you are approved to live off campus OR choose not to enroll in a full meal plan, your Augustana Gift Assistance will be prorated at 90% (80% for both). Contact the Office of Financial Aid for information specific to your aid package.
  • If you gain off campus approval while you are living in university housing, you must check out of your room appropriately and in a timely manner, specified by Housing in your approval notification.
  • Once you have been approved to live off campus, you do not need to apply again for subsequent years. Your approval is good for the remainder of your enrollment at Augustana. Contact the Office of Student Affairs if you are interested in moving back on campus.

Cancellation Policy

If you are approved to move off campus, be sure to cancel any university housing by June 1 of your contract year in order to avoid incurring the cancellation fee of $400, and the forfeiture of your $100 housing deposit. This cancellation fee is applicable to all students canceling university housing after June 1, including those who are approved to live off campus through the request process.

Residency Requirement

As a residential university, Augustana affirms the value of living in community and therefore requires students to have an on-campus living experience. Augustana’s 2-year residency policy requires students who are are enrolled full time to reside in campus housing and purchase a residential meal plan during their first and second years unless the student meets one or more of the following criteria:

  • Students who live with a parent or legal guardian within a 20 mile radius of campus
  • A student who is married
  • A student living with and responsible for dependent child/children
  • Part time (below 12 credits) for the entire academic year
  • Graduated from high school at least two years before the commencement of the current academic year

Residency requirement is based upon the number of years a student has attended the university or experienced other post-high school experiences as opposed to academic credits earned.

Meal Plan Requirement

First- and second-year students living in campus housing are required to participate in a residential meal plan. Third- and fourth-year students must contact the Office of Student Affairs to waive the meal plan requirement or enroll in an approved meal plan.

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