Samford University: On-Campus Living Requirements For Students

Samford University is a private university in Birmingham, Alabama, with a student body of about 3,576 undergraduates. The university requires all unmarried undergraduates aged 20 and under to live in university housing unless they live with a parent or guardian. Students aged 20 and above who have completed two years of undergraduate study with a satisfactory GPA may petition to live off-campus. Freshmen are not required to live on campus, but most choose to do so.

Freshmen are not required to live on campus, but most do

Samford University does not require freshmen to live on campus. However, most freshmen choose to live in the dorms. This may be due to the benefits of living on campus and the university's policy of fostering a spirit of community.

The university encourages all unmarried undergraduates aged 20 and under to live in university housing, unless they live with a parent or guardian. This policy aims to maximise the university experience by promoting full participation in campus activities. Research shows that students who live on campus are more likely to be engaged in their educational experiences, develop strong interpersonal relationships, and benefit from group interaction.

Freshmen who choose to live on campus can expect to pay around $6,150 for on-campus housing, in addition to other expenses such as meals, books, and supplies. The university provides each student with essential furniture, including a bed, chest of drawers, desk or writing table, chair, and closet space.

For those who opt to live off campus, there are specific requirements to be met. Undergraduate students must be at least 20 years old, have completed two full years of undergraduate study with a satisfactory GPA, and have valid reasons for living off campus. Additionally, they must maintain a satisfactory record of personal conduct and submit a petition to the Office of Residence Life for permission.

Whether living on or off campus, Samford University offers a range of amenities and services to enhance the student experience, ensuring that all students feel welcomed and supported throughout their academic journey.

All unmarried undergraduates 20 years old and under must live on campus unless living at home

At Samford University, all unmarried undergraduates aged 20 and under are required to live on campus. However, this rule does not apply if they are living at home with a parent or guardian. This policy is in place to maximise the university experience and foster a spirit of community. Research shows that students who live on campus are more likely to be engaged in their educational experience, establish strong interpersonal relationships, and benefit from group interaction.

There are some exceptions to this rule. Undergraduate students over the age of 20 who have completed two full years of undergraduate study with a satisfactory GPA may petition the Office of Residence Life for permission to reside off-campus. They must also have a record of satisfactory personal conduct and valid reasons for wanting to live off-campus.

For those who choose to live on campus, there are various residence halls available. Each student is provided with a bed, chest of drawers, desk or writing table, chair, and closet space. The university also offers a meal plan, which is required for all students living in the residence halls. The cost of housing and meals can be significant, with on-campus housing costing $6,150 and a standard meal plan costing $5,110 in 2021. There are also additional expenses to consider, such as books, supplies, and other living costs.

Students who live on campus can expect to be involved in campus activities and have access to various amenities. The residence halls are open and operated when school is in session, but they are not available year-round and are closed during holiday breaks. Students are expected to vacate their rooms within 24 hours after their last exam at the end of each semester. Overall, living on campus at Samford University offers a safe and engaging experience for students, providing them with the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in campus life and interact with their peers.

Students over 20 can petition to live off campus, providing they meet certain criteria

At Samford University, all unmarried undergraduates aged 20 and under are required to live in university housing, unless they live with a parent or guardian. However, students over 20 can petition to live off campus if they meet certain criteria.

To be eligible, students must have completed two full years of undergraduate study with a satisfactory GPA, have a satisfactory record of personal conduct, and provide valid reasons for wanting to live off campus. Additionally, students must be at least 20 years old at the beginning of the term for which they are requesting off-campus residence.

The university encourages students to live on campus to foster a sense of community and maximise the university experience. Research shows that students who reside on campus are more likely to be engaged in their educational journey, establish strong interpersonal relationships, and benefit from group interactions.

It is important to note that graduate students and students aged 22 and above are not guaranteed university housing. Their accommodation is arranged on a space-available basis after undergraduates have been assigned. Furthermore, students over 24 years of age must seek permission from the Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management to access on-campus housing.

Students must pay a $250 deposit before applying for housing

At Samford University, all unmarried undergraduate students aged 20 and under are required to live in university housing unless they live at home with a parent or guardian. Students who are at least 20 years old, have completed two years of undergraduate study, and have a satisfactory GPA and conduct record may petition to live off campus. Graduate students and students aged 22 and over are not guaranteed university housing and are accommodated on a space-available basis.

To apply for housing at Samford University, students must first pay a $250 enrollment deposit. This deposit is non-refundable and must be paid before May 1. Once the deposit is received, a Residence Hall Application form will be added to the student's Application Status Page. This application should be completed and submitted as soon as possible. The date of the deposit payment determines the priority for room assignment, with earlier dates assigned to "preferred" rooms.

The $250 deposit is separate from the application fee, which is $40. The deposit is also separate from the enrollment fee, which is $100. The enrollment fee is non-refundable and due immediately upon enrollment in a payment plan.

Students who are interested in living on campus at Samford University should be aware that residence halls are not available year-round. They are closed over the Christmas holidays and between semester periods. Students may leave their belongings in their rooms over the Christmas holidays but not between semesters.

The cost of on-campus housing in 2021 was $6,150

At Samford University, all unmarried undergraduate students aged 20 and under are required to live in university housing unless they live with a parent or guardian. The on-campus housing cost in 2021 was $6,150, and students should budget for $4,945 in additional living expenses. This is a relatively expensive option, with the total on-campus living cost, including room, board, books, supplies, and additional expenses, being $17,154, which is above the national average of $15,282.

The university's residence halls are only open and operated when school is in session. They are not available as student housing year-round and are closed over the Christmas holidays and between semester periods. Students are not permitted to access their rooms before the published opening dates and must vacate them by the published closing dates. Students can, however, leave their belongings in their rooms over the holidays, but they cannot occupy the rooms during this time.

Each student is provided with a twin bed, chest of drawers, desk or writing table, desk chair, and closet space. West Village residents are provided with a full-size bed. Students may not substitute their own furniture for these items, and furniture may not be removed from the residence hall rooms or taken out of the lobbies and public areas.

Students who are at least 20 years old at the beginning of the term, have completed two full years of undergraduate study with a satisfactory GPA, and have a satisfactory record of personal conduct and valid reasons for living off-campus may petition the Office of Residence Life for permission to reside off-campus.

Frequently asked questions