Miami University: On-Campus Living Requirements For Students

At Miami University, there is a requirement for first-year and second-year students to live on campus. This rule applies to full-time students who are enrolled for the spring semester of their second academic year. However, exemptions are made for students who meet certain criteria, such as being over 21 years old, residing with parents or legal guardians within a 50-mile commuting distance, or having previously matriculated full-time at another higher education institution. Students seeking an exemption must submit an application to the Campus Services Office at least eight weeks before the start of the semester.

First and second-year students must live on campus

Miami University requires all first-year and second-year students to live on campus. This policy helps students transition to college life, make friends, and succeed academically. Living on campus offers a sense of community, convenience, and security, making it easier for new students to adjust to university life.

The Benefits of On-Campus Living

Miami University recognises the value of the residential experience, and that's why they make it mandatory for first and second-year students. By residing on campus, students can take advantage of various amenities and resources that support their education and personal growth. The university offers an array of housing options, including traditional residence halls and apartment-style living, to cater to diverse needs and interests.

On-campus living provides numerous opportunities for community engagement, interaction with diverse peers, and leadership development. Students can easily access campus services, participate in events, and form lasting friendships. It also simplifies the process of getting to know fellow students and navigating the campus, which can be especially beneficial for first-year students who are new to the university environment.

Residency Requirement Exemptions

While on-campus living is mandatory for first and second-year students, Miami University does provide exemptions under certain circumstances. Students who meet any of the following criteria can be exempted from the residency requirement:

• Being over 21 years of age by the first day of classes
• Residing with parents or legal guardians (who had guardianship at the time of admission) within a 50-mile commuting distance from the Oxford campus
• Having a spouse or dependent children and commuting to campus
• Having previously matriculated full-time for at least two years at another recognised institution of higher education or a regional campus

Students seeking an exemption must submit an application to the Campus Services Office at least eight weeks before the beginning of the relevant semester. Additionally, in lieu of a second year of residency, qualified students can apply to live in approved off-campus housing, such as recognised fraternity or sorority houses or academic residential living facilities.

Exemptions for those over 21 or living with parents/guardians

At Miami University, all full-time first-year and second-year students are required to live on campus through the spring semester of their second academic year of enrolment. However, there are exemptions to this rule for students who meet certain criteria, including those who are over 21 years of age or living with their parents or legal guardians.

Students who are over 21 years of age by the first day of class are exempt from the requirement to live on campus. This exemption must be applied for by submitting a Residency Requirement Exemption Form to the Campus Services Center prior to the beginning of the semester for which the exemption is sought. Additionally, students who reside with their parents or legal guardians (who had guardianship at the time of admission) within commuting distance (50 miles) from the Oxford campus are also exempt from the requirement. This exemption also applies to students who live with spouses or dependent children during the academic term and commute to campus.

It is important to note that students seeking an exemption must submit the Residency Requirement Exemption Form before signing a housing contract. Students with a signed contract for the term they wish to be exempt from will not be eligible to file an exemption. The exemption request must be submitted at least eight weeks before the beginning of the semester for which the exemption is sought.

For students who are over 21 or living with their parents or guardians, this exemption provides flexibility to choose their living arrangements during their first and second years at Miami University. It is important to plan ahead and submit the necessary documentation to the Campus Services Center to ensure a smooth process in obtaining the exemption.

Students with spouses/dependents can commute

At Miami University, students with spouses or dependents can commute to campus and are exempted from the residency requirement. This is applicable to students who reside with their spouses or dependent children during the academic term and can commute from their place of residence to the campus.

Miami University requires first and second-year students to live on campus. The university highly values the residential experience and believes that living in a residence hall helps students transition to college life, make friends, and succeed academically. However, the university also understands that some students have different needs and responsibilities, such as having a spouse or dependent children.

For students with spouses or dependents, Miami University allows them to commute to campus. This means that they can live off-campus with their families and travel to the university for their classes and other activities. This exemption ensures that students with family commitments can still access the educational opportunities offered by the university without having to reside on campus.

To be eligible for this exemption, students must submit an application to the Campus Services Office at least eight weeks before the beginning of the semester for which the exemption is sought. The Campus Services Center is dedicated to supporting student success and provides resources for on-campus room selection, housing assignments, meal plans, and other services. Students with spouses or dependents can reach out to the Campus Services Office to understand the specific requirements and procedures for commuting to campus.

By offering this exemption, Miami University demonstrates its commitment to accommodating the diverse needs of its student body. Students with spouses or dependents can benefit from the flexibility of commuting while still engaging in the academic and social life of the university.

Meal plans are mandatory for on-campus students

At Miami University, all full-time first-year students and second-year students are required to live on campus. The university also provides a limited number of spaces for third and fourth-year students each year.

For students living on campus, meal plans are mandatory. Miami University offers a variety of meal plans that provide flexibility and value to match students' needs. These plans are a combination of meal swipes and dining dollars. Meal swipes can be used at dining locations, while dining dollars offer more flexibility, as they can be used at any open dining location, as well as vending machines and concessions. Dining dollars can also be used at the dining commons if a student doesn't have any meal swipes left.

Meal swipes are divided per week each semester, with a specific number of meal swipes added to the student's card each week. These meal swipes reset early on Saturday morning and unused swipes do not carry forward. However, the Minimum, Plus, and Standard levels include a "Bonus Week" of meal swipes, which do roll forward each week and can be used if the student has used up their normal week's worth of swipes.

Students can change their meal plan selection before the start of each semester through the Online Housing System. Miami University is committed to providing a wonderful food service experience and encourages students to provide feedback on their dining experience.

Limited on-campus housing for third and fourth-year students

At Miami University, full-time first and second-year students are required to live on campus. However, for third and fourth-year students, there is no such requirement, and only a limited number of on-campus housing spaces are available for them each year.

Housing Options

Miami University offers a range of housing options to cater to the diverse needs and interests of its students. These options include traditional corridor residence halls and apartment-style living. The residence halls are located in beautiful settings and feature updated amenities to make students feel at home. The university also organises its residence halls and apartments using location-based quads, fostering a sense of community.

Benefits of On-Campus Housing

Even though it's not mandatory for third and fourth-year students, on-campus housing offers several advantages. One of the primary benefits is convenience, as on-campus housing options are typically close to classrooms, dining areas, and other campus activities. This proximity can save students time and effort in commuting, making their daily routines more efficient.

Another advantage is flexibility. On-campus housing at Miami University does not require a lease, which means students who plan to study abroad or take up internships outside of Oxford won't be tied down to a long-term rental agreement. The university will release students from their housing contracts if they need to reside outside of Oxford for academic reasons.

Additionally, on-campus housing provides the convenience of having everything charged to the student's university account, including utilities. This simplifies financial management and ensures predictability in costs, thanks to Miami University's Tuition Guarantee, which covers housing and meal plan rates.

Room Selection Process

The room selection process for rising third and fourth-year students differs from that of their younger counterparts. There is no lottery process involved for these upperclassmen; instead, they can complete their applications and select their rooms simultaneously. The room selection process typically begins in early November of the preceding year, and students can utilise the university's housing portal to view available spaces and make their choices.

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