2-Year Residency Policy
Per the Universities of Wisconsin and UWRF policy, all first and second-year students are required to live in university residence halls. Students who are age 21+ or whose high school graduation date is two years prior to the first day of classes are not required to live on campus.
Violations of the Residency Policy: Enrolled students who do not comply with this policy or who have not received exemption status will be charged the cost of a traditional double room. The student will receive an email from Residence Life indicating that the residence hall charges will be added to their student account.
Can I request an exemption to the 2-Year Residency Policy?
Yes (before the first day of classes). Before the fall or spring semester that you start classes at UWRF you may request an exemption for one of the reasons listed under "Submitting an Exemption Request."
No (once classes have started): Exemption requests are no longer accepted once classes have started for your first semester. For students who have a signed housing contract at that time, your contract is considered "active" and you are bound to live on campus, per the terms of the contract. See our Contact Cancellation and Terms webpage for information on options to terminate an active housing contract.
Common Situations and Reasons Exemption Requests Would Be Denied
Since students who live on campus are more likely to continue at UWRF and earn better grades than those who live off, there are limited reasons for which exemptions are approved. Learn more about common situations and reasons why your residency exemption request would be denied by visiting our Contract and Rates page.
Submitting an Exemption Request
Review the chart for reasons an exemption request would be considered and the documentation required when you submit the online form.
| Reason | Required Documentation |
|---|---|
| You will live with a parent or legal guardian and will commute daily from their residence, which is within a driving distance of 30 miles of UWRF, according to Google Maps. | Use the official UWRF address to calculate driving distance: 410 S. 3rd St. River Falls, WI 54022 |
| You are a veteran with at least two years active military duty. | DD214 discharge papers |
| You are married. | Copy of marriage certificate |
| You are a parent. | Copy of your child’s birth certificate |
| You have an extreme personal or financial hardship which would limit you from living on campus. | Provide full details when submitting the exemption form. You may be asked to provide additional details or documentation. |
| You are registered for 100% online classes and live with a parent or legal guardian. | Copy of your class schedule. |
Exemption Request Process
- Use the Residency Policy Exemption Request Form to submit your exemption request and any required documentation before the first day of classes.
- You are required to attach the required documentation at the time you submit the online form (see chart).
- Monitor your UWRF email for a response. You may receive a decision or a request for additional information.
- Processing time for requests is typically two to four weeks, but may be longer depending upon the specific reason for the request.
CAUTION! There is No Guarantee of Approval
- Submission of an exemption form does not imply nor guarantee that the request will be approved.
- Students are cautioned to not make definitive arrangements, such as signing a lease, unless they have received written approval of their request.
Residence Life
Monday-Friday, 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
