Residential living is an integral part of the mission of Rhodes College and the student experience; all unmarried, full-time undergraduate students are required to reside in campus housing six consecutive full semesters (excluding summers) and participate in one of the college meal plans. Exchange students must live on campus and participate in one of the college meal plans for the duration of their enrollment. Transfer students must live in college housing until they have satisfied the residency requirement; residency at previous enrolled institutions counts toward fulfilling this requirement.
Residency requirement exemptions may be made for students who meet any of the following criteria and provide supporting documentation:
- Students who are married.
- Students who are legal guardians of minors who reside with them permanently.
- Students who are at least 24 years old.
- Students with a documented medical disability that cannot be accommodated in on-campus living.
- In some years, a limited number of junior-level students may be released from residency requirements to live off-campus based on projected space availability. The availability of this option varies from year to year, depending on enrollment numbers and housing availability. The Office of Residence Life will notify students if this option is available. Exemptions granted, if any, will be made at the sole discretion of the Office of Residence Life.
Students who reside off-campus without meeting one or more criteria and do not get appropriate approval will be held responsible for all room and board costs for all semesters they are enrolled and residing off-campus without such approval.
By accepting a room assignment, a student is contractually obligated to occupy that room for the entire academic year unless the student withdraws from the College, is approved for a mid-semester withdrawal, is approved for a leave of absence, graduates, or participates in a study abroad program. Vacant spaces are subject to assignment by the Office of the Residence Life.
Financial hardship: If a student or their family/caretakers face financial hardship or experiences a significant life change that has impacted income and may be challenging to pay for housing, please contact Financial Aid for assistance.
Residency exemption request process
Students who are 24 or older:
Complete the Residency Exemption Request form, and a copy of your birth certificate, driver’s license, or passport must be submitted before approval. This exemption, if granted, remains in effect for the remainder of your time at Rhodes.
Students with a medical condition:
A student has a medical condition that warrants the necessity to live off-campus. The student needs to go through the SAS accommodation request process. There must be an attestation of the medical condition from a qualified professional who has treated the student in the last six (6) months. Student Accessibility Services and the Office of Residence Life will review all required documentation.
Most medical and mental health conditions can be accommodated in on-campus housing. We are anticipating not approving many exceptions for medical/mental health reasons. Please keep this in mind as you plan for the upcoming academic year.