Lafayette Students: On-Campus Living Requirements Explained

Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, requires students to live on campus for their first three or four years, depending on the source. The college guarantees campus housing to all enrolled students. First-year students are required to live in double, triple, or quad rooms, and housing assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Students must complete a housing application and sign a contract, which includes a $250 non-refundable application fee and prepayment. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has a similar policy, requiring full-time first-time freshmen to live on campus.

First-year students must live on campus

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette requires all unmarried, full-time, first-time freshman students to live on campus. This policy is in line with the University of Louisiana System, which mandates that all students in this category reside in campus residence halls as long as space is available.

Living on campus is considered an integral part of the Lafayette experience, offering a robust and diverse community that enhances both intellectual and social development. Students spend a significant amount of their out-of-classroom time in their residence halls, which serve as study spaces, centres for communication, and social hubs. This environment fosters learning beyond the classroom, as casual exchanges with floormates can broaden cultural understanding and expose students to new ideas and customs.

To accommodate varying needs and preferences, the university offers a range of housing options, including traditional residence halls with single or double rooms, suites, townhomes, and special interest housing. First-year students are typically placed in double, triple, or quad rooms to encourage the development of essential negotiation and cohabitation skills.

To secure on-campus housing, students must complete a housing application in the Housing Portal, where they can also indicate their roommate preferences. Rooms are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, and students are encouraged to apply early to increase their chances of getting their preferred accommodation.

The university also offers Living Learning Communities (LLCs) specifically for freshmen. These residential communities are organised around academic majors or areas of interest, providing a unique opportunity for students to live and learn with peers who share similar passions. LLCs transform residential settings into active, supportive, and exciting environments that promote both academic and social growth.

In summary, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's policy of requiring first-year students to live on campus is designed to create a vibrant and educational residential community. By providing a range of housing options and encouraging early applications, the university ensures that freshmen can benefit from the social and developmental advantages of on-campus life.

Exemptions for students living with parents/guardians

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette requires all unmarried, full-time undergraduate students, including freshmen, to live in campus residence halls as long as space is available. Exemptions may be granted if the university cannot provide adequate housing for students. In general, only freshmen are required to reside on campus.

Freshmen who live with their parents or legal guardians within a 40-mile radius of campus and commute daily may be approved for exemption. They must provide documented proof of their living situation to be exempted from the on-campus housing requirement.

Freshmen who wish to apply for exemption must do so through the Housing Office. They should note that exemptions are not guaranteed and are generally only granted if the university cannot accommodate them on campus.

Seniors can apply to live off-campus

At the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, all unmarried, full-time undergraduate students, regardless of age or emancipation status, are required to live in campus residence halls as long as space is available. However, the university only enforces this policy for freshmen.

Seniors at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette can apply to live off campus. This is in line with the University of Louisiana System policy, which states that exemptions may be granted if a college or university cannot provide adequate housing.

At Lafayette College, a private liberal arts college in Easton, Pennsylvania, students are required to live in campus housing for their first three years. However, seniors can apply to live off campus. The college guarantees housing for all enrolled students, but also requires students to live in campus housing unless approved to live off campus or at home as a commuter.

On-campus housing options

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers a variety of on-campus housing options for its students. Living on campus provides students with a front-row seat to all that UL Lafayette has to offer and helps them become part of a diverse student community. The University of Louisiana System policy requires unmarried, full-time first-time freshmen students to live in campus residence halls, provided space is available. However, exemptions may be granted if the university cannot provide adequate housing.

Residence Halls

One of the primary on-campus housing options is residence halls. These halls provide a space for students to live, study, and socialise with their peers. Students can choose their roommates based on factors such as sleep, study, and living habits, or they can request a specific roommate. The university aims to establish diverse first-year residential communities, and as a result, first-year students are typically assigned to double, triple, or quad rooms.

Living Learning Communities (LLCs)

Living Learning Communities (LLCs) are unique residential communities that are tailored to freshmen. These communities are centred around a specific academic major or area of interest, allowing students to live and learn with others who share similar passions and interests. LLCs provide a transformative experience, turning residential settings into active, supportive, and exciting places to live and learn.

Apartments and Cottages

UL Lafayette also offers apartment-style living options, such as The Heritage Apartments and Legacy Park Apartments. Additionally, they provide The Cottages at Cajun Village for family housing needs. These options provide more independent living arrangements for students.

Special Accommodations

The university accommodates students with special needs through its Accessibility Services. Students with physical or mental health disabilities can request housing and dining accommodations through this service. However, accommodation requests should be made by specific deadlines to ensure availability.

Overall, UL Lafayette provides a range of on-campus housing options to cater to different student needs and preferences, ensuring that students can find a suitable living environment that enhances their college experience.

Applying for on-campus housing

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette requires all unmarried, full-time first-time freshmen students, regardless of age or emancipation status, to live in campus residence halls, provided there is space available.

Step-by-step application process

• After you are admitted to the University, log into the Housing Portal using your ULID and password for ULINK.
• Click on 'Housing Applications' in the top menu.
• Select the correct term (Academic Year 2025–2026).
• Complete the housing application.
• Sign the housing contract and pay the $250 non-refundable application fee and prepayment.
• You may edit your roommate group and room type preferences through May 1, 2025.
• Meal plans can be edited in the Housing Portal through July 1, 2025. After this, you will have to request a change through Campus Food Services. Changes can be made through the first week of classes.

Room options

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers a variety of room options to suit different needs and preferences. These include:

• Suites
• Junior suites
• Traditional residence halls
• Apartment-style living
• Family housing

Benefits of living on campus

Living on campus provides students with a front-row seat to all that the University has to offer. It allows students to become part of a diverse student community and to take advantage of numerous academic, professional, and personal growth opportunities. Residence halls are also conveniently located minutes away from classes, meals, and other campus resources, such as Girard Park and Downtown Lafayette.

Living Learning Communities (LLCs)

LLCs are residential communities for freshmen that focus on a specific academic major or area of interest. They provide a unique opportunity for students to live and learn together, meet friends with similar interests, and participate in special events.

Additional considerations

All common costs, such as cable, internet, electricity, garbage, and water, are included in the housing plan. On-campus laundry facilities are also available free of charge.

For students with families, the University offers the Cottages at Cajun Village for family housing, and the University's Child Development Center provides quality, affordable child care.

Frequently asked questions