Lana Oconnell
Oklahoma State University has a freshman residency requirement, meaning that most first-year students are mandated to live in university housing. However, exemptions can be granted to freshmen who meet certain criteria, such as being over the age of 21, having dependents, or living within a commutable distance. Transfer students are also exempt from the residency requirement. For those who choose to live on campus, there are various housing options available, including single-student housing and family apartments. While on-campus living is prioritized for freshmen, upperclassmen can also apply for university housing if space is available. Overall, about 44% of undergraduates at Oklahoma State University lived in on-campus housing in 2023, while the remaining 56% lived off-campus or commuted.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Students required to live on campus | First-year students, unmarried freshmen under 21, students receiving an out-of-state tuition waiver |
| Students not required to live on campus | Married students, students with children, students 21 or older, transfer students, students with a housing exemption |
| Housing exemption requirements | Submission of Housing Exemption Request form and supporting documents, including proof of residency |
| Housing exemption consequences | Students may be charged the Freshman Noncompliance Fee or the equivalent of the housing rate for the least expensive option for two semesters |
| Housing application process | Early application encouraged due to limited space, $150 deposit required for single student housing and $500 for family apartments |
| Housing contract duration | Two semesters |
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What You'll Learn
OSU requires freshmen to live in university housing
Oklahoma State University requires freshmen to live in university housing. The Board of Regents has implemented this policy to support the university's mission and increase the likelihood of academic success for first-year students. This mandate applies to unmarried freshmen under 21 years old who do not have any dependents. Exemptions are available for specific circumstances, such as medical reasons or living within a certain radius of the university. Those who do not meet the exemption criteria and choose to live off-campus will be charged a fee.
The university offers various housing options, including single-student housing and family apartments, to cater to different student needs. Students are encouraged to apply early due to limited space, and a deposit is required to reserve a room. The housing contract covers two semesters, and students can request temporary off-campus living if campus housing is unavailable. Additionally, students can express their preferences for roommates, and the university strives to accommodate these requests.
Oklahoma State University prioritises the safety and comfort of its residents. The campus is patrolled 24 hours a day by trained security personnel, and emergency telephones and alarms are available throughout the campus. The university also offers late-night transportation and safety escorts for students. With a focus on inclusivity, Oklahoma State University provides housing for students with disabilities and emotional support animals, ensuring equal access to all university programs and activities.
The university recognises the importance of a well-rounded student experience. It encourages freshmen to get involved in campus clubs and events, which have been shown to positively impact academic performance and graduation rates. To promote a sense of community, most dining options are located near residential halls, and students can choose to have a meal plan. Oklahoma State University also organises traditions such as OSU Homecoming, Welcome Week, and Remember the Ten Run, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among its students.
Living on campus at Oklahoma State University offers numerous benefits, including enhanced academic success, safety, and a vibrant student life. The university's requirement for freshmen to reside in university housing sets the foundation for a supportive and engaging collegiate experience. By providing various housing options and exemptions, the university ensures that students' diverse needs are considered while fostering a sense of community and involvement.
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Students over 21 can live off campus
At Oklahoma State University, freshmen are required to live in university housing. However, there are exemptions for students who are married, have dependents, or are over the age of 21. These students are not mandated to reside in university housing and may choose to live off-campus.
For freshmen seeking an exemption from on-campus housing at Oklahoma State University, a completed Housing Exemption Request form, along with the necessary supporting documents, must be submitted. The committee that reviews these exemption requests consists of faculty and staff members from various OSU departments, ensuring equal opportunity and unbiased decisions.
Students over the age of 21 who do not wish to live on campus have the freedom to explore off-campus housing options. This choice is recognised by the university, and they provide relevant information on their website. For instance, students opting for off-campus accommodation are informed that they can still choose to have a meal plan, allowing them to access campus food services.
Additionally, Oklahoma State University offers non-traditional housing options for students aged 25 and above. This housing category includes specific accommodations for married students or those with children. It is important to note that non-traditional housing does not accommodate families or overnight visits from spouses.
While the university encourages on-campus living, recognising its contribution to academic success and involvement, the needs of students over 21 are also considered. The availability of off-campus housing options and non-traditional housing demonstrates the university's acknowledgment of the diverse circumstances and preferences of its student body.
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Students can apply for housing exemptions
At Oklahoma State University, all unmarried freshmen without dependents and under the age of 21 are required to live in university housing. However, students can apply for housing exemptions. To be considered for a housing exemption, students must submit a completed form with the required supporting documents by the stated deadline.
The first step is to submit the Housing Exemption Request form by the deadline. Students must also upload the required supporting documents for the exemption they are seeking. For example, if a student is seeking an exemption as a commuter living within a 40-mile radius of OSU and will continue living with their parent or legal guardian, they must provide proof of residency of the parent or guardian in the form of a utility bill, mortgage statement, or lease.
Similarly, if a student is seeking an exemption as a commuter living with a relative within a 40-mile radius of OSU, they must provide proof that the relative is at least 21 years old by the first day of classes, such as a copy of the relative's driver's license, passport, or birth certificate, as well as proof of residency.
Students seeking a medical exemption need to go through Student Accessibility Services for a housing accommodation. Additionally, transfer students are exempt from the residency requirement, and students in Greek Life are considered to be living in university housing.
It is important to note that exemptions are not granted solely because students or their families own a home in Stillwater or the surrounding area. The committee that reviews exemption requests strives to be consistent and equal in their decisions, and it consists of selected faculty and staff members from multiple OSU departments to ensure equal opportunity and unbiased decisions.
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Students with tuition waivers must live on campus
At Oklahoma State University, students with tuition waivers must live on campus while receiving the waiver. This rule applies to students receiving the out-of-state tuition waiver. Living on campus is considered a key part of the educational experience at OSU, and research suggests that it increases the probability of a student's academic success.
Freshmen at OSU are required to live in university housing. This policy is in place to help increase involvement while on campus and to ensure personal and academic success. First-year students are given priority for on-campus housing. However, exemptions from the residency requirement are available for freshmen who meet certain criteria. For example, transfer students, students with dependents, married students, and students over the age of 21 are exempt from the requirement. Additionally, students living within a 40-mile radius of OSU and continuing to live with their parents or legal guardians may also be exempt.
Students at OSU who are 21 or older and considering living on campus may apply for GOPO housing, which does not accommodate families. Students who are married, have children, or do not wish to live on campus have the option to live off-campus. Similarly, students aged 25 or older at OSU are required to apply for non-traditional housing, which also does not accommodate families or overnight visits from spouses.
At OSU, students taking 12 or more hours are required to live in the dorms unless they meet certain criteria. These criteria include having a high school located less than 50 drivable miles from the OSU Institute of Technology campus, being 21 or older, being married, having a child, having already lived on campus for two semesters, or being enrolled in 12 or more hours of online classes.
Overall, while students with tuition waivers at OSU are required to live on campus, there are various exemptions and alternatives available depending on individual circumstances.
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Transfer students are exempt from residency requirements
Oklahoma State University requires freshmen to live in university housing. However, transfer students are exempt from this residency requirement. This means that transfer students do not have to live on campus and can choose to live off-campus if they prefer.
The university encourages students who wish to live off campus to submit a housing exemption request form as early as possible, as the busiest time for the committee is during the summer and the first few weeks leading into the fall semester. Along with the form, students must upload the required supporting documents for the exemption they are seeking. For example, if a student wishes to live with a parent or legal guardian within a 40-mile radius of OSU, they must provide proof of residency of the parent or guardian in the form of a utility bill, mortgage statement, or lease.
Freshmen who do not meet the requirements for exemption and do not wish to live on campus will be charged the equivalent of the housing rate for the least expensive housing option for two semesters (fall and spring). For 2024-2025, this fee is $2,515 per semester, or $5,030 for the year.
There are several other cases in which students are not required to live on campus. Students who are 21 or older can choose to live off campus, as can students who are married or have children. Additionally, students taking 12 or more hours of online classes are not required to live on campus. Students receiving an out-of-state tuition waiver, however, are required to live on campus while receiving the waiver.
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Frequently asked questions
Oklahoma State University requires first-year students to live on campus. However, exemptions are available for students who are married, have children, are over the age of 21, or meet other specific criteria. Transfer students are also exempt from the residency requirement.
To apply for an exemption to live off campus at Oklahoma State University, students must submit a completed Housing Exemption Request form, along with the required supporting documents, by the specified deadline. The committee that reviews exemption requests consists of selected faculty and staff members from multiple OSU departments to ensure equal opportunity and unbiased decisions.
Living on campus at Oklahoma State University offers several benefits, including increased involvement in campus activities, a higher probability of academic success, and enhanced safety and security. Additionally, on-campus residents may have easier access to campus dining options and can participate in traditions such as OSU Homecoming, Welcome Week, and Remember the Ten Run.
