Living Off Campus Overview

As a subset of our community, Student Affairs values the social education and engagement of students living in our residence halls. For some students, though, the opportunity to live in the wider community provides an experience that is more conducive to their developmental or environmental needs. To include those students with such interests, a small number of students are approved to reside off campus.

General Guidelines

  • Students are not guaranteed approval to live off-campus.
  • Once approval is granted, a student may generally continue to live off-campus in subsequent semesters/years.
  • Students must reapply for off-campus housing every year.
  • Students must reside within a 20-mile radius of campus.
  • Student Affairs does not offer an off campus listing service, nor does it offer assistance with arrangements or securing a lease. Students are responsible for making all plans and arranging their housing and off-campus logistics.

Once a student applies, is approved, and moves forward with moving into their off campus housing, the College will not provide lease forgiveness should a conflict arise where the student vacates the property. Student Affairs will do its best to house previously off-campus students should space be available when needed. However, we are unable to assist with the financial implications of a broken lease.

Application Process

All students must begin the process by submitting an Off-Campus Housing Application.  

Approval Criteria

The following criteria are considered in making approval determinations for off-campus living. The number of students approved to live off-campus varies from year to year at the discretion of the College. 

  • Students who lived off-campus in the previous cycle.
  • Student who lives with a parent or legal guardian within a 20-mile radius.
  • Student who is 25 years or older.
  • Student who is married or is in a domestic partnership.
  • Student who has dependent children living with them.
  • Sophomores, juniors, and seniors may apply to reside off campus until the maximum allowance is reached.
    • First-year students are required to live in residence on campus on the First-Year Quad (some exceptions may apply).  

The application process remains open until July 1 for the fall, and December 1 for the spring semester.

Students who are approved to live off campus will receive communication to confirm their address associated with their lease. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the Housing Selection Process until they have a confirmed lease. Note: Late requests will generally not be considered unless there exists compelling and extenuating circumstances. Late requests should be referred to the Housing & Operations Team at osaops@amherst.edu.

We ask all students to consider the following while deciding on the option of residing off campus:

  • Weigh the cost of residing off campus. Think about travel and food costs and food security. Would you continue to want a meal plan?
  • Have you consulted financial aid/student accounts about how the change will affect you financially?
  • Do you have reliable transportation/ability to travel to classes during inclement weather? Is the property on a bus line?
  • Please consult with the Office of Accessibility Services if applicable.
  • Do you have an emergency contact who can assist you with securing the lease/ if an urgent matter arises?