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Live-On Policy FAQs

Will my financial circumstances be considered as criteria for exemption from the requirement to live on campus?

Living on campus in your first year at OSU will provide students the greatest opportunity to succeed in their academic pursuits.  Students’ financial circumstances will not be a basis for exemption, however there are multiple housing and dining options that will allow students to make a selection that best meets their financial considerations.

 

How do I request an exemption? 

 All first year students at OSU will be required to complete a housing application. Within the housing application, there will be an opportunity to request an exemption.  If the exemption is granted, you will be notified through your ONID email address. 

 

If I am approved for an exemption, will I be credited back my housing application fee?

Yes, the application processing fee is only assessed to OSU student accounts with room and board charges in Fall 2013. Anyone who requests an exemption and is approved, will not be charged the fee in Fall 2013 when the housing processing fees are assessed.

 

Can I cancel my housing and dining contract after I have lived on campus?

Students who fall within the live-on policy are not eligible to cancel their contract unless an exemption is requested and granted prior to the published cancellation deadline.  See more information on the Housing and Dining Contract.

 

I am living at home while attending OSU for my first year. How can I confirm that my address is within the 30 mile radius of campus? 

The zip codes that fall within the 30 mile radius of campus include:

  • 97321 – Albany
  • 97322 – Albany
  • 97324 – Alsea
  • 97325 – Aumsville
  • 97326 – Blodgett
  • 97327 – Brownsville
  • 97419 – Cheshire
  • 97330 – Corvallis
  • 97331 – Corvallis
  • 97333 – Corvallis
  • 97338 – Dallas
  • 97343 – Eddyville
  • 97344 – Falls City
  • 97348 – Halsey
  • 97446 – Harrisburg
  • 97351 – Independence
  • 97352 – Jefferson
  • 97448 – Junction City
  • 97355 – Lebanon
  • 97361 – Monmouth
  • 97456 – Monroe
  • 97370 – Philomath
  • 97306 – Salem
  • 97374 – Scio
  • 97377 – Shedd
  • 97386 – Sweet Home
  • 97389 – Tangent
  • 97392 – Turner

 

What is considered “on-campus?”

All Oregon State University owned and operated residences.  See a summary of all on-campus residential spaces.  

 

Are fraternities and sororities owned and operated by Oregon State University?

Fraternities and sororities, as well as private cooperative houses, are not owned or operated by Oregon State University. They are private entities operating under their own standards and procedures not in conjunction with the policies of University Housing and Dining Services.

 

Are fraternities and sororities exempt from the First Year Experience live-on requirement?

For 2013-2014, students may live in a fraternity or sorority that is an OSU recognized Voluntary Student Organization and it is considered an exception to the live-on requirement. Incoming freshman have until September 6th, 2013 to be on a list gathered by the Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life to cancel their housing contract without being subject to a cancellation fee for the 2013-2014 school year in order to live in a fraternity or sorority. Students who don’t cancel their contract before September 6th, 2013 and do so during the contract year will be subject to a cancellation fee equal to the amount of room and board for the rest of the year excluding unused dining dollars. Please note that beginning Fall 2014, only students living in a fraternity or sorority that has been approved by the OSU Affiliated First Year Housing Program will be allowed to meet this exception.

 

What documentation do I need to submit as proof of marriage? 

You will need a marriage certificate or a certified copy of a marriage certificate.  Or, if you are on an F-1 visa or a J-1 visa, you may submit a copy of your visa paperwork listing your spouse. 

 

What documentation do I need to submit regarding my children?

You will need a birth certificate or a certified copy of a birth certificate proving your relationship to your child.  Or, if you are on an F-1 or J-1 visa, you may submit a copy of your visa paperwork listing your children as your dependents.

 

Who is considered a domestic partner?

You can read about Oregon State University's domestic partnership policy here.

 

Will I need to provide a translation in English if my documents are in a language other than English?

Yes, we will need to have a translation if the documents you provide to us are not in English.

 

I’m a new freshman attending summer session at OSU after graduating high school – am I required to live-on?

In this case, the student is not required to live on campus during the summer session, but is required to live on campus that year beginning in the fall for three terms.

 

As a freshman, if I cancel my contract and move off campus, will I be charged a cancellation fee?

First-year students are required to live on-campus as part of OSU’s First Year Experience program, therefore you will not be allowed to cancel your contract and move off campus. If a student decides to move off campus without being formally exempted by OSU from the live-on requirement, they will be responsible for their entire housing contract amount remaining at that time.

 

As a returning OSU student, what cancellation fee am I responsible for if I move off campus?

If you as a returning student decide to move off campus after signing your UHDS contract, you will be responsible for the remainder of your housing contract.

 

If I am no longer going to be attending OSU but have applied for housing, how do I cancel?

Please contact the Office of Admissions and inform them of your cancellation.

 

I graduated from high school over a year ago, am I still required to live on campus?

No. If you graduated from high school more than one calendar year before the term you are starting classes, you are not required to live-on campus. To claim this exemption you must still fill out the UHDS Housing Application and request an exemption based on this reason. All new OSU students are still encouraged to live on campus, including those looking for upper division or transfer communities such as Halsell Hall and Bloss Hall.

 

What happens if I don't abide by the live-on policy?

If a student doesn’t abide by the live-on policy and a discrepancy exists with the condition of their enrollment and their housing status, they will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. In this case, appropriate conduct action will be taken -- subject to discipline through the student conduct process. Possible sanctions for not following the first year live-on policy can be as severe as suspension from the University, 

 

Who do I contact if I have more questions regarding the First Year Experience Live-on Requirement?

University Housing and Dining Services can assist you in answering questions on how the live-on requirement may apply to your student status, as well as provide additional information on the housing and dining options we offer.  If you have any questions regarding the policy or an appeal, please contact UHDS at (541) 737-4771 or by email at UHDS@oregonstate.edu.

 

Is there additional housing and dining information online?

Yes. University Housing and Dining Services has additional frequently asked questions that may be of assistance to you.