First Year Housing Policy
On Campus Residence Requirement
Description:
In support of the educational mission of the university and the value of on campus residency to the academic success and social development of students, the university requires students to live on campus in university housing facilities for the first academic year. Compliance with the university housing policy is a condition of enrollment. All first-year students at UTRGV, who graduated from high school within the preceding 24 months of the semester of their admission, are required to live on campus.
Exemptions:
Students who meet one or more of the following criteria are exempt from the first and second year housing requirement, subject to verification and authorization by the university.
- First year students residing in the following counties are encouraged to live on campus but not required:
- Cameron County, Texas
- Hidalgo County, Texas
- Starr County, Texas
- Willacy County, Texas
*Proof of parental or guardian primary residence is required.
- Married or has dependent children living with the student
- A student presents sufficient evidence of an extreme medical condition, as documented by her/his treating physician for which on-campus accommodations cannot be made.
- A student presents sufficient and satisfactory evidence of extreme or unusual financial hardship that will be intensified by living in the residence halls.
- At least 20 years of age or over on or before the first day of classes of the initial semester of enrollment.
- For first year student, completed over 30 semester credit hours (excluding Dual Enrollment and AP credit hours)
- A student enrolled in less than 12 credit hours in fall or spring semester
- Other (Note: Please provide a detailed explanation and appropriate supporting documentation that demonstrates your need to be exempted from the mandatory First Year Housing Policy)
All students requesting exemption must submit a Housing Policy Exemption Request form no later than July 1 for fall semester and November 1 for spring semester. Requests to be exempted from the First and Second Year Housing Policy must be supported through documentation.
FORMS
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who is required to live on campus in university housing facilities for the first academic year?
All first-year students at UTRGV, who graduated from high school within the preceding 24 months of the semester of their admission.
Students who resided in counties (Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Willacy) are automatically exempt and are not required to live on campus, but are still highly encouraged to live on campus.
If you did not reside in any of these Texas counties: Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Willacy, then you are required to live on campus. - What if my parents (legal guardians) and I relocated to one of the counties in the Rio Grande Valley (Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Willacy).
You will need to fill out and submit the Residency Affidavit (PDF) along with the Housing Policy Exemption Request Application (Online Web Form) . You must have resided in the residence with your parents at least 6 months before 1st class day. If you have a Texas ID or Drivers License, the license should also indicate the updated residence address located in the county. - What if I relocate and reside with extended family (brother, sister, grandparent) that live in one of the exempted counties (Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Willacy)?
The policy only allows for students to relocate with parents (legal gurdians) and does not allow for residency with extended family (brother, sister, grandparent). -
Are there any exemptions to the on-campus housing requirement?
Yes, there are several exemptions available to students who meet certain criteria, including living in certain counties, being married or having dependent children, having an extreme medical condition, experiencing extreme or unusual financial hardship, being over 20 years of age on or before the first day of classes, completing over 30 semester credit hours, and being enrolled in less than 12 credit hours in a semester. -
How do I request an exemption from the on-campus housing requirement?
If you believe you qualify for an exemption, you must submit a Housing Policy Exemption Request Application (Online Web Form) no later than July 1 for fall semester and November 1 for spring semester. The request must be supported through documentation, which varies depending on the reason for the exemption. -
When should I submit my exemption request?
You should submit your exemption request no later than July 1 for fall semester and November 1 for spring semester. -
What kind of documentation do I need to provide to support my exemption request?
The required documentation varies depending on the reason for the exemption. For example, students seeking an exemption based on extreme or unusual financial hardship must provide documentation such as tax returns, bank statements, and proof of government assistance. Students seeking an exemption based on an extreme medical condition must provide documentation from their treating physician. -
What happens if my exemption request is denied?
If your exemption request is denied, you are still required to comply with the university housing policy and live on campus in university housing facilities for the first academic year. -
Can I still live on campus if I am exempt from the on-campus housing requirement?
Yes, exempted students can still choose to live on campus if they wish to do so. However, compliance with the university housing policy is a condition of enrollment, and exemption requests are subject to verification and authorization by the university. -
What is the deadline for canceling my housing contract?
The deadline for canceling your housing contract without penalty (Earlty Termination Notice Fee) is July 1 for fall semester and December 1 for spring semester only contracts. -
Can I switch to off-campus housing after the first academic year?
Yes, after the first academic year, students can choose to live off-campus if they wish to do so. However, compliance with the university housing policy is a condition of enrollment for the first academic year. - What are the consequences if a student does not comply with the policy?
If a student fails to comply with the policy and does not live on campus in university housing facilities for the first academic year, the department at their discretion may pursue the following options.
- Place a hold on student records indicating non-compliance with policy.
- The student may be prevented from registering for classes in future semesters.
- The student may be subject to disciplinary action by the university.
- How long will it take to process my application?
Acommittee of housing professional meet the first friday of the month to review all submitted applications to date. If all information is uploaded and complete, a decesion should be provided by the end of business day when the committee meets.