Residential Housing Policy

Seattle University believes that the residential experience is an integral part of your education. It’s also another way where we show consideration for the whole person. Therefore, most first-and second-year students must reside in the Seattle University resident halls.

Research over the past 50 years shows if you belong to a campus residential community, you have a more productive and more satisfying college experience than those who live off campus. If you live on-campus, you are also more likely to:

• Take full advantage of campus resources.
• Be more involved in campus activities and educational programs.
• Take more credits per quarter.
• Achieve greater academic success.
• Persist to graduate at a higher rate.
• Be more satisfied with their overall university experience.

You are required to live on campus and buy a residential meal plan for the full academic year if you are in one of these categories:

• First or second year Seattle University student and under the age of 21.
• Within two years of high school graduation date as of first day of fall quarter classes, and under the age of 21.

If your student status changes during the academic year, you are still required to live in on-campus housing until the following academic year. The summer quarter is not included in the residential housing policy.

Once you sign your housing agreement, that contract is legal and binding. It cannot be broken except in very specific situations. It also signals that you agree to abide by the rules, policies and regulations of the Seattle University residence halls. 

Housing Exemption Process

Under some circumstances, you may be excused from our residential housing policy for first- and second-year students. If you want to pursue a housing exemption because you want to commute to school and live with family, you can apply for a housing exemption.