Since it was founded in 1891, Seattle Pacific University has been committed to the education of the whole person. For this reason, the residential experience is considered an integral part of your education. Research shows that students who are engaged in a campus residential community have a more productive, and ultimately more satisfying, college experience than those who live off campus.
Absent special circumstances, a two-year guarantee of six consecutive academic quarters of housing is given to first-time freshmen. SPU encourages students to live on campus subsequent quarters as space is available. The Residential Living Requirement is evaluated yearly to support the residential experience, as well as respond to housing demand.
Students are required to live on campus unless:
- They graduated from high school two or more years before the start of the academic year.
- They live at home with their parent(s), legal guardian(s), spouse, or dependent children. (Residency will be verified on the Residential Living Exemption form in the housing portal.)
- They are a graduate student.
- They are enrolled for eight or fewer credits.
If you don’t meet any of these requirements and believe you have an exceptional situation, complete the Residential Living Exemption form.* Exceptions are rare. Students living off campus without approval may be fined and prevented from registering.
For questions regarding this, please email the Residential Living Exemption Review Committee.