Freshman Residency Requirement

and Housing Exemption Request 

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Required

All new, incoming first-year students must register for housing before accessing the Housing Exemption Request form. For details about the housing registration process, including dates and deadlines, visit Housing Registration.

 

The Housing Exemption Request for Spring 2026-only opens December 1 at 10 a.m. 

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The Purpose

In support of the mission of Oklahoma State University, first-time freshmen are required to live in university housing. Research suggests that living in university housing increases the probability of a student's academic success.

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Housing Requirements

All first-time freshmen under the age 21, unmarried and without dependents must live in university housing during the academic year. Students who do not meet this requirement must either:

• Be granted a housing exemption by the deadline, or

• Pay the Freshman Noncompliance Fee, which is equal to two semesters of housing rates. See below for details.

Exemptions:

• Transfer students  are not required to live in university housing.

• Students participating in Greek Life are considered to be living in university housing. For more information about moving between Greek Life and OSU Housing, visit fraternities/sororities and university housing.

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Timeline for Exemption Requests

 

Note: Information below may be updated as needed. All activities close at 11:59 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

• To access the exemption form, visit the OSU Housing Portal
  To receive consideration for a housing exemption, you must submit a completed form in the OSU Housing Portal with the required supporting documents by the dates listed below.
• Timeline for the Spring 2026-only
  Housing exemptions for new, incoming first-year (freshmen) students enrolling for Spring 2026-only opens December 1 at 10 a.m. and closes January 26 at 5 p.m.
• Timeline for 2026-2027 Academic Year
  • Housing exemption form opens February 1, 2026, and closes September 4, 2026, at 5 p.m.
  • You must register for housing to access the exemption form. Registration opens February 1, 2026. For details about the process, including all dates and deadlines, visit Housing Registration.
  • If you are approved for an exemption after occupancy (move-in), you will be subjected to a lease-break fee and a short-term stay fee. You will also follow the Move-out Process to move out of your room. Improper checkout fees and charges for damages will be assessed as needed.
  • See Financial Responsibility for more information about fees.

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Process for Exemption Requests

To request an exemption from the Freshman Residency Requirement, students must submit the form when it re-opens. Each student's success and well-being serve as the foundation for all exemption decisions. Students are encouraged to submit their requests as early as possible. 

 

Important Information

• It's recommended that students don't sign a lease or contract for nonuniversity housing until they receive an approval confirmation from Housing and Residential Life.
• Exemptions are not granted just because students or their families own a home in Stillwater or the surrounding area. 

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Exemption Request Committee

The committee strives to be consistent and equal when making decisions concerning requests for housing exemption.

• The committee consists of selected faculty and staff members from multiple OSU departments to ensure equal opportunity and unbiased decisions.
• A quorum of three members must be present to meet and make a decision.
• The decision set forth by the committee is final.
• The committee meets biweekly. The busiest time for the committee is summer and the first few weeks leading into the fall semester, Students are encouraged to submit exemption requests as early as possible.

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Reasons for Exemption

Required forms and supporting documents

In addition to submitting the Housing Exemption Request by the deadline, students must also upload the required supporting documents for the exemption they are seeking.

• Commuter living within a 40-mile radius of OSU and will continue living with parent/legal guardian

  Student's Responsibility

  • Submit the Housing Exemption Request under "Forms" in the OSU Housing Portal  and upload the following supporting documents:
  • Proof of residency of the parent/guardian. Upload a copy of their utility bill, mortgage statement or lease.
  • Proof that the relative is at least 21 years old by the first day of classes. Upload a copy of the relative's drivers license, passport or birth certificate.
• Commuter living with a relative within a 40-mile radius of OSU.

  Student's Responsibility

  • Submit the Housing Exemption Request under "Forms" in the OSU Housing Portal  and upload the following supporting documents:
  • Proof of residency of the parent/guardian. Upload a copy of their utility bill, mortgage statement or lease.
  • Proof that the relative is at least 21 years old by the first day of classes. Upload a copy of the relative's drivers license, passport or birth certificate.
• Military service
  • Submit the Housing Exemption Request under "Forms" in the OSU Housing Portal  and  upload the following supporting documents:
  • DD214 or active orders dated the last six months
• Over the age of 21
  • Submit the Housing Exemption Request under "Forms" in the OSU Housing Portal  and  upload the following supporting documents:
  • Drivers license, passport or birth certificate
• Married and/or have dependents
  • Submit the Housing Exemption Request under "Forms" in the OSU Housing Portal  and upload the following supporting documents:
  • Marriage certificate
  • Birth certificates, or a letter/order of guardianship signed by a judge
• Other
  • Submit the Housing Exemption Request under "Forms" in the OSU Housing Portal   and upload supporting documents that support your request: