Residency Requirement

What's the requirement?
All incoming, first-year and/or unmarried students enrolled for six or more credit hours, and are under the age of 19 prior to the first day of the fall semester of the current academic year*, are required to reside in on-campus housing. This policy is in effect for the entire academic year.
*2020-21: Classes begin Monday, August 24, 2020.
*2021-22: Classes begin Monday, August 23, 2021.
What are the exemptions?
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How do I apply for an exemption or one of the other options?
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Complete the online Residency Exemption Form* through the housing portal.
If you’re only interested in attending the university if you qualify for an exemption from the on-campus residency requirement and you’re not a fully admitted student, email housing.contracts@unl.edu to request a paper Residency Exemption form. *Allow four to six weeks for a final response/decision. If you’re not approved, you must complete a University Housing contract through the housing portal. |
What fees are associated with exemptions?
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If you have a University Housing contract and are then approved for an exemption or other compliance option, there will be cancellation fees associated with the cancellation of the contract. Financial Aid award budgets will be adjusted to reflect that the student will be commuting if approved through the exemption process. |
What are University-approved options?
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How do I know if I am within the 30-mile radius?
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We use https://ezlocal.com/tools/map-radius/ to determine a 30-mile radius from our campus zip code, 68588. |
How do I comply with the requirement?
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Complete a University Housing contract through the housing portal. OR Complete the Residency Exemption Form through the housing portal on MyRed. If you’re not approved, you must complete a University Housing contract through the housing portal. Please allow four to six weeks for a final response. |
What if I don’t comply with the residency requirement?
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Students who don’t comply will have their University records (including financial and academic records for registration and transfer) placed on hold and/or face other judicial sanctions.
In addition, students may be assessed a $100 administrative fee on their centralized student bill. |
Deadline to comply with the residency requirement
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Academic Year (Fall) Admits | August 1 |
Spring Only Admits | December 1 |
Questions?
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If you have questions or concerns, please call us at (402)472-3561 or email us at housing@unl.edu. |
Why have a requirement?
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln believes students who stay in University Housing will benefit from the residential living experience as an integral part of student engagement and educational success. Studies have shown on-campus residents are more likely to succeed in academics and benefit from the social opportunities being offered.
Living on-campus is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live in and be a part of a community of peers. A student who lives in a University Housing residence hall is more likely to
- Take full advantage of campus resources
- Be more involved in campus activities and educational programs
- Complete more credit hours per semester
- Achieve greater academic success
- Complete their studies and attain their degree(s)
- Be more satisfied with their overall university experience
Research at colleges and universities across the country indicates students who live in on-campus housing are significantly more likely to succeed academically, be involved in activities on campus, to graduate, and to feel positive about their college experience when compared to their off-campus peers. By living in university residence halls, students will reside in a safe and secure environment while being able to more conveniently access university resources such as the library or technology laboratories.
For these reasons, like many public and private colleges and universities, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln has implemented an on-campus residency requirement for first-year undergraduate students to live in university residence halls unless an exemption is granted.
2019 Summer Contract Policies Booklet
To view our 2019 summer housing contract policies, view them online or download the 2019 Summer Contract Policies Booklet at the link below.
Download the 2019 summer contract policies bookletUniversity Housing Contract Policies
To view our contract policies, view them online or download the Contract Policies Booklet at the link below.
2020-21 contract policies booklet 2021-22 contract policies booklet2020–2021 Kauffman Contract Policies Booklet
To view our 2020–2021 Kauffman contract policies, view them online or download the 2020–2021 Kauffman Contract Policies Booklet at the link below.
Download the 2020–2021 Kauffman contract policies bookletCommunity Living Guide
Welcome to University Housing. We’re so happy to be your home-away-from-home for the upcoming academic year.
The Community Living Guide contains information you will need to make your time with us as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. View the guide online or download it at the link below.
Download the community living guideRights & Responsibilities
Living in a university residence hall requires students to possess the life skills that are needed to live independently and to interact with other residents in mature, civil, respectful, and healthy ways. It also requires students to recognize, understand, and appreciate that a room, floor, and building are a community. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities as a resident.
Download the 2020-21 Rights & Responsibilities