Residency Requirements
Even though we have great on-campus housing, we know you might wonder about the possibility of living off campus. While living off campus may seem glamorous, it actually comes with several distinct disadvantages.
These are just some of the reasons why we encourage all first-year students to live on campus:
Better Academics
According to the American Council on Education, students who live on campus earn higher GPAs, are more likely to graduate and are more satisfied with their college experience.
Lasting Friendships
Students who live on campus make friends easier and form stronger friendships. Students who live off campus often miss out on opportunities to bond, and report feeling disconnected and less engaged than their on-campus peers.
Convenient and Affordable
Living on campus is convenient—to get to class, you just roll out of bed and you’re halfway there. Plus, with on-campus dining, laundry and other resources, you won’t have to worry about grocery shopping, washing dishes, paying for utilities or cable, furniture, monthly rent payments or gas money for commutes.
Safe and Secure
Our campus is safe, and the residence halls are secure and staffed 24 hours a day.
Participation
Students who live on campus are more likely to participate in activities, groups, ministry and leadership opportunities. When students live off campus, they’re much less likely to get involved and have a harder time making friends.
Support
Students who live on campus benefit from the support of community with their peers as well as the emotional, academic and spiritual support of their resident adviser.
Our Campus Housing Policy
For all of the above reasons, it’s our policy that all students live on campus unless one of the following applies to you by the first day of the semester:*
- You are under the age of 18
- You are 21 years of age or older by the first day of the semester
- You have been disciplinarily dismissed or banned from the residence halls
- You will be living with a parent(s) or legal guardian within 40 miles of the campus (this may require substantiation via parent or guardian signature)
- You are enrolled as a part-time student (less than 12 credits)
- You are married
- You have dependent children living with you
*Undergraduate international students studying at DWU on an F-1 Student Visa are required to live on campus.
Any student receiving more than $12,000 in institutional aid is required to live on campus, regardless of meeting other criteria. For any student living off campus, their scholarship will be reduced to $12,000.
You can read more about the housing policy in the student handbook.
Questions?
If you have any questions about living on or off campus, simply contact us online or give us a call at 800-333-8506.