All students reside in college housing during their time at Hillsdale College unless residence hall capacities are exceeded. Any students wishing to be considered for permission to reside off campus for the upcoming academic year should apply in the appropriate dean’s office in January of the current academic year. Students will be notified if permission has been granted and provided an off-campus agreement to sign in order to secure the off-campus spot. Off-campus permission is granted on a rolling basis beginning in the end of February and may be awarded at any time based on campus-housing occupancy needs. All students given permission for off-campus living are required to purchase a limited meal plan on campus.
The number of off-campus permissions available each year are determined by the following factors:
- The number of returning students (on and off campus).
- The number of new incoming students.
- The number of available beds on campus.
Criteria for determining off-campus permission:
- High school graduation year
- Total Hillsdale College credits; this includes credits accumulated by the end of the current academic year
- Summer school credits immediately following the current spring semester do not count for off-campus as most permissions are already granted prior to summer school
- Transfer credits including AP, IB, dual enrollments, etc. do not count
This criteria was established to ensure that older students have priority over younger students who often matriculate to Hillsdale with AP or other transfer credits.
Fraternity and Sorority Housing
Fraternity and sorority houses are considered on-campus housing; therefore, when a member ceases to live in a fraternity or sorority mid-year, that individual should expect to return to another on-campus residence.
Members are responsible for fulfilling their specific chapter-housing commitment prior to seeking off-campus permission, or have written confirmation from both the chapter leadership and the appropriate dean’s office waiving the chapter housing commitment, only for exceptional circumstances.
WHIP, Study Abroad, and Semesters Away from Campus
Students planning to be away from campus during fall semester who wish to remain living off campus when they return to Hillsdale for the ensuing spring semester need to sign up for off campus and obtain off-campus permission in the previous spring semester.
Exemptions to Campus Housing Requirement:
- Married students
- Fifth-year seniors
- Students age 24 years or older by day of registration
- Students enrolled in six or fewer Hillsdale College credits
- Commuting students; recognized only if within a 25-mile radius and residing with their immediate family or in a home owned solely by the student or immediate family.
- Students residing and/or boarding with approved local families who have consented to provide free room to the student. Please consult with the dean’s office regarding this possible exemption.
- Students who have completed two years of active military duty and received an honorable discharge.
The College reserves the right to reverse off-campus permissions if a student living off-campus is in violation of the Hillsdale College Social Policy, placed on social probation, or if the student’s best academic interests would be served by returning to on-campus housing, e.g., academic probationary status or a major decline in academic performance.