Graduate Students' On-Campus Living At Appalachian State University

On-campus housing is a requirement for first-year students at Appalachian State University, and the university makes efforts to accommodate them. However, for graduate students, who are considered upperclassmen, on-campus housing is not guaranteed. While graduate students can apply for on-campus housing, they are not guaranteed a space in a residence hall and must explore other options, such as off-campus housing or commuting.

First-year students are required to live on campus

All first-year students at Appalachian State University are required to live on campus unless they are granted an exemption. The university guarantees housing for first-year students.

Applying for Housing

Students classified as first-years by Admissions are required to live in a residence hall. Housing applications are available from February 1, and room assignment information is sent to students' university email addresses in mid-summer. All first-year students must apply for on-campus housing or apply for an exemption.

Exemptions

Students who meet one or more of the following criteria may apply for an exemption:

• Married students
• Single parents
• Veterans
• Students living with a parent or guardian within 30 miles of campus
• Students over 25 years of age

Students who wish to apply for an exemption should complete and submit a Housing Exemption Form to University Housing. It is important to note that an application for on-campus housing must be on file before submitting an exemption form.

Benefits of On-Campus Housing

Megan Hayes, vice chancellor and chief communications officer, highlights the benefits of on-campus housing for first-year students:

> The communities our students become a part of, and the educational components provided to them in residence halls during their first year as Mountaineers, is one factor that contributes to Appalachian’s exceptional retention and graduation rates, which far exceed national averages. For this reason, we prioritize housing first-year students.

Additional Information

It is worth noting that transfer students are not guaranteed on-campus housing. However, transfer students who are interested in living on campus are encouraged to apply, and there are unique opportunities available, including a residence hall exclusively for transfer students.

Students can apply for an exemption from living on campus

At Appalachian State University, all first-year students are required to live in a residence hall unless they are granted an exemption by the University Housing department. Students who wish to apply for an exemption from living on campus must first submit a housing application before completing and submitting a Housing Exemption Form.

There are several criteria that students must meet to be eligible for an exemption. These include being a married student, a single parent, a veteran, or living with a parent or guardian within 30 miles of the Appalachian State University campus. Additionally, students enrolled in an App State Online program or at the Hickory campus can also apply for an exemption. Students who are 25 years of age or older can also be exempt from living on campus.

The Housing Exemption process is specifically for new, incoming first-year students who meet the requirements to be exempt from the first-year live-on requirement. The Housing Exemption Request form can be found on the University Housing Portal.

It is important to note that transfer students, readmitted students, and continuing students are not guaranteed on-campus housing. While transfer students can apply for housing, it is not a requirement. Additionally, students who are not invited to receive on-campus housing have the option to appeal, especially if they have a significant need to be housed on campus, usually for financial reasons.

Housing applications are available from February 1

Housing Applications for Appalachian State University

Available from February 1st

Housing applications for new incoming first-year students at Appalachian State University are available from February 1st. All students classified as incoming first years by Admissions are required to live in a residence hall unless an exemption is granted by the University Housing office. Students who are married, single parents, veterans, or living with a parent or guardian within 30 miles of campus may apply for an exemption. However, it is important to note that an application for housing must be on file before submitting a Housing Exemption Form. The priority deadline for University Housing applications is 11:59 pm on May 31st.

Similarly, new incoming transfer students can also access housing applications from February 1st. Transfer students are not guaranteed housing and are required to live in a residence hall unless granted an exemption. Transfer students who wish to live on campus should complete a housing application as soon as possible. There is a residence hall exclusively for transfer students, and they are encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity.

For students who are continuing to live on campus, the Reapplication (ReApp) process is open from October 1st to December 1st. This process allows current residents to indicate their intent to live on campus for the next academic year. Selection invitations are randomized and sent out in January. Students who are selected will have a week to choose their space and sign a Residence Hall License Contract. Those who are not selected will be notified.

For students who are taking summer classes and wish to live on campus during the summer sessions, a summer housing application is available on the University Housing portal. Detailed information about summer housing can be found on the Summer Housing Information page.

Students must reapply to live on campus for subsequent years

At Appalachian State University, graduate students can live on campus. However, readmitted, continuing, and transfer students are not guaranteed on-campus housing. Students who fall under these categories must call University Housing for application details.

Students who currently live on campus and wish to continue doing so for the upcoming academic year must reapply for housing. The Housing Reapplication (ReApp) is available to students who are enrolled as full-time, degree-seeking students and have paid all applicable charges related to on-campus housing. The ReApp period typically opens on October 1 and closes on December 1. Completing the ReApp during this period expresses the student's intent to live on campus for the next year.

The selection invitations for on-campus housing are randomized and sent out in January. Students who are selected will have a week to choose a space, sign a Residence Hall License Contract, or decline. Those who are not selected will be notified.

If a student changes their mind about living on campus after accepting a space, they may be charged a fee. If a student cancels their license contract before July 1, their student account will be charged $250 to cover administrative costs. If they cancel on or after July 1, they are liable for the entire amount of housing charges for the fall semester.

Students who are not selected to receive on-campus housing may choose to place themselves on a waiting list beginning March 1. If a student on the waiting list secures off-campus housing, they are encouraged to promptly remove themselves from the list.

On-campus housing is not guaranteed for transfer students

On-Campus Housing for Transfer Students at Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University offers a range of on-campus housing options for its students. However, it is important to note that on-campus housing is not guaranteed for transfer students. While the university prioritizes housing for first-year students, transfer students are not guaranteed accommodation on campus and must explore alternative options.

Housing Options for Transfer Students

Although transfer students are not guaranteed on-campus housing, Appalachian State University does offer a Residential Learning Community (RLC) designated specifically for transfer students: Mountain Laurel Hall. This residence hall is dedicated to accommodating incoming transfer students and provides them with a unique opportunity to live and connect with peers in a similar stage of their academic journey.

Application Process for Transfer Students

Transfer students who wish to live on campus at Appalachian State University should complete a housing application as soon as possible. The application process for on-campus housing operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, it is crucial for transfer students to submit their applications promptly after committing to the university and paying their admissions deposit.

The housing application for transfer students is available online through the University Housing Portal. Additionally, transfer students can explore the Reapplication (ReApp) option, which is typically open from October to December for students who wish to continue living on campus for the following year.

Exploring Alternative Housing Options

Given the limited availability of on-campus housing for transfer students, it is recommended that they have an off-campus backup plan. Off-Campus Student Services at Appalachian State University provides resources and support for students seeking alternative housing options. Their website offers a searchable database of available rental properties, including listings from rental companies and posts by students looking to sublease or find roommates.

Understanding Housing Requirements

At Appalachian State University, any student who has earned a diploma from a high school, early college, or middle college less than twelve months before enrolling as a degree-seeking student is required to live in a residence hall. Transfer students who fall under this category must apply for on-campus housing or request an exemption from University Housing. Exemptions may be granted to married students, single parents, veterans, or students living with a parent or guardian within a certain distance of the campus.

Frequently asked questions