Frequently Asked Questions about Living Off Campus
How many exemptions to the residency requirement will be granted?
The residential experience is at the heart of Hampshire College. Given that, we encourage all students to join one of our residential communities. Hampshire College limits off-campus residency to those who automatically meet the criteria to live off campus. Students who are seeking an exemption based on medical accommodations must work with the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services (OARS) in order to have the exemption request approved.
I applied and was granted an exemption to the residency requirement, but my situation has changed. Can I return to on-campus housing?
If you are approved, but your situation changes and you wish to return to on-campus housing, please file a Request to Return to Campus Housing form. You may do this at any time. We are committed to housing any student who wishes to live here; however, we cannot guarantee that we will meet all housing preferences. Students who wish to return to campus housing in the next academic year by participating in the room selection process must inform Residence Life staff before process begins in the spring.
I've already signed a lease. Will that automatically waive my residency requirement?
No! Don't sign a lease before you are officially granted an exemption from the residency requirement. Signing a lease is NOT a criterion used to evaluate a student's need to live off campus. This could be a costly mistake; if you are not granted an exemption to the residency requirement you will need to pay for on-campus housing.
I have a medical need to live off campus. Should I apply for an exemption through Residence Life?
Students with a demonstrated medical need for a living environment that the College is unable to provide should seek a waiver to the residential requirement through OARS, who can be contacted at 413.559.5498 or oars@hampshire.edu.
Further questions or concerns regarding housing? Email housing@hampshire.edu.