First-Year Residency Requirement Policy and Exemption
First-year Residency Requirement Policy
Simmons University and the Office of Residence Life believe living on campus during the first-year of a student's college experience is important for creating connections, finding resources on campus, and developing critical interpersonal skills. All first-year students who are full-time undergraduate students enrolled at Simmons University (enrolled for 12 credits or more each semester) and 16 years of age or older at the time that the Housing Contract begins are required to reside in University Housing.
First-year Housing Exemption Process
While there are many benefits to living on campus, we do understand that it is not possible for all students. If you have extenuating circumstances and wish to be considered for exemption from the first-year residency requirement, please submit the First-year Housing Exemption Request Form. See the important dates page for the date the form will become available.
Through the form you will identify the reason you are requesting exemption from the first-year housing requirement, and provide the required documentation. Exemption requests will be reviewed and approved or denied based on your successful submission of the required documentation for your self-identified reason for requesting a housing exemption.
Reasons and Required Documentation for the Housing Exemption | |
|---|---|
| Reason | Required Documentation |
| You are married | A copy of an official marriage license or domestic partnership certificate filed with the county |
| You are older than 25 years of age | A government issued ID |
| You are a parent or legal guardian | A copy of your child's birth certificate and/or court-approved guardianship papers |
| You cannot live on campus for a medical or psychological reason | A letter from your physician noting specific reasons as to why you cannot live on campus |
| You wish to commute from your permanent, legal residence | A statement and signature from your parent (s) or legal guardian verifying that you will be commuting from their permanent, legal residence and a copy of a utility bill, lease or driver's license with the permanent address and parent/guardian's name Note: your residence must be within 30 miles of Simmons University |
| You have an extenuating financial need or recent hardship | All applicants asserting financial need are asked to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and meet with Financial Aid before the hardship request can be processed. You need to submit the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. This application takes approximately two to six weeks to process. The Office of Residence Life will consult with the Office of Financial Aid to determine the answer to your request. If you are not eligible for financial aid, or if your request for financial aid has been denied, please include this information in your statement. |
Housing Exemption Decision
After we receive all required documentation, you will receive a decision within 5 business days via your Simmons or personal email. Please do not make alternative housing plans, such as signing a lease, until you have received the University's decision.