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Residency Requirement

Northwestern University has a residency requirement for all incoming first- and second-year undergraduate students and all incoming undergraduate transfer students. This institution-wide initiative is designed to support social and academic transitions

Who Is Required to Live on Campus?

All incoming first-year students are required to live on campus for their first two years. All incoming transfer students are required to live on campus for their first year. Students who participate in University-sponsored programs (such as internships and Study Abroad), or who request a leave of absence, will be required to fulfill the two- year residency requirement upon their return to campus.

Are Transfer Students Also Required to Live on Campus?

Yes, all admitted transfer students are required to live on campus for their first year.

May I request an accommodation under the Residency Requirement?

Yes. A committee comprised of various university offices will review any request for an accommodation under the residency requirement. Accommodations considered are typically for medical or psychological conditions, financial reasons, family, age, or other situations. The request process for residency requirement accommodations will be available April 1 – May 31. Visit the Housing & Dining Accommodation Request page for details and the request form.

Accommodation requests will be answered within 4 weeks.  Students should check their Northwestern email account for responses.