In the fall of 2021, the on-campus housing requirement was extended to include a second year. This means that first-year students who start at Michigan State University after fall 2021 must live in on-campus housing for the first four semesters they are enrolled, summer term excluded.
The list below outlines the reasons students MAY be granted an exception to live off campus. Students who qualify for an exception but want to live on campus do not have to submit an exception. Exceptions are only for required students with a desire to live off campus.
By completing this form, you are requesting an exception to be released from the live-on requirement, meaning you will no longer be obligated to reside on campus and may not be eligible to sign up for on-campus housing in future years, depending on available space.
Before proceeding with the submission, please ensure that you have thoroughly discussed this decision with your family and supporters. Once approved, you will no longer be required to live on campus.
The on-campus housing requirement is subject to pre-determined exceptions:
- Married and/or established partnered students.
- Students who will be at least twenty years of age by December 31, 2025.
- Veterans with one or more years of active service (Must submit service record).
- Students living with a family member (Must submit a signed document from the family member).
- Students taking six or fewer credits during the semester in question.
- Current first-year students who have earned 30 credits by the close of their first semester at MSU.
If you qualify for an exception, visit your My Housing account and click “Submit a Housing Exception.” Once you submit your exception, you will be emailed with further instructions if you are required to provide additional documentation.
Extenuating Circumstances
If you have verifiable medical needs, extreme financial need, or other extenuating circumstances for a housing exception, please complete the exception form and you will be emailed further instructions. For medical needs, you’ll need to work with your licensed treating physician to submit required documentation.
Transfer Students
For the 2025-26 academic year, transfer students are exempt from the two-year live-on requirement and are not required to reside on campus.
If you are a transfer student and interested in on-campus housing, a housing request form is now open in your My Housing account. We will house as many students as space allows and begin offering spaces in spring 2024. Please note that completing the request form does not guarantee housing.
Group Housing
Do not submit this form if you are attempting to live in a group housing environment like a fraternity or sorority. That is a separate approval process led by Student and Community Relations.
