Off-Campus

The Off-Campus Policies

All Guilford students are required to participate in on-campus housing and meal plan per the 4-year residential requirement of the Residential Contract (except those listed as exclusions).  Any student who wishes to live off-campus must demonstrate that they meet one of the College's criteria of consideration for an off-campus release through an application process, as outlined on this webpage, and be approved in order to be released from the residential requirements and associated fees.

Approval of an off-campus release request is not guaranteed and you are advised not to sign a lease or enter into any contractual agreement regarding off-campus housing accommodations unless/until you are officially approved for an off-campus release.

You are encouraged to proceed and participate with on-campus housing selection processes if they are happening while you await a decision on your off-campus release application - this is in your best interest so that, if your off-campus application is not approved, you will be set up with the best chance at receiving your preferred on-campus housing assignment.  

Off-campus approvals will not be granted to a student because they fail to participate in on-housing selection or choose not to occupy an on-campus room.  In other words, inaction to seek and secure an off-campus release through the College's processes will NOT result in an off-campus release approval.  You are encouraged to proceed and participate with on-campus housing selection processes if they are happening while you await a decision on your off-campus release application.

Financial Aid Impact of Living Off-Campus

If your application is approved, please know that institutional need based aid (such as the Guilford Grant) may be reduced.  Your institutional need-based aid is awarded using your direct college costs.  The removal of room and board charges reduces your college costs, which may affect the amount of your institutional awards.  If you would like an understanding of how an off-campus approval may impact your financial aid, consult with your Financial Aid Counselor.

Exclusions from Residential Requirement

There are a few exceptions which EXCLUDE a student from the on-campus housing requirement and options: a.) Early College student status; b.) Continuing Education student status; c) Graduate student status; d.) age 15 or younger; e.) age 23 or older*; f.) enrolled part-time* in 11 or fewer credit hours - these students must still submit an off-campus release application but will be approved; and g.) those already with a standing approval by Residential Education & Housing for an off-campus release.

*For examples e.) and f.), a student may petition to live or remain in on-campus housing through the Request to Stay in Housing Form.

Application Deadlines & LATE FEES

There is a $500 late off-campus application fee* for applications submitted after the deadline if approved.

• Application deadline for Fall 2024: February 23, 2024

• Application deadline for Spring 2025: November 24, 2024

All applicants should be aware that it can take time for them to compile and submit the required supplemental documentation and application form, and up to 10 business days to receive a decision.  You are encouraged to begin the process as early as possible.

*Incoming new and transfer students are NOT charged this fee as long as the application and required supplemental documentation is submitted in a timely fashion BEFORE they receive a housing assignment and BEFORE the semester begins.