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 transitionsWho 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 unless either of the exceptions below apply. All transfer students are welcome to apply to on-campus housing.
- A transfer student is matriculating as a third-year (Junior) or fourth-year (Senior) student as of September 1.
- A transfer student is 21 years of age on or before September 1 of their entering 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.