As part of the First-Year Experience program, Oregon State University requires full-time, first-year students to live on campus.

Living on-campus is an excellent way for students to connect with key campus resources and build community; it has also been shown to have a positive effect on student success.  

An Academic Boost:

First-year students who live in residence hall typically earn higher grades than those who live off campus. Each hall hosts a writing and math tutor every week, as well as a live-in Academic Learning Assistant (ALA) who provides academic coaching and organizes academic success focused events, workshops and seminars during the year. 

Connections on Campus:

When you live on campus, you can be independent, but not alone. With more than 400 student clubs, along with all kinds of activities and events happening every day, there are always new friends to make, new experiences to try and new interests to discover. It's a diverse and welcoming community where you can feel comfortable being yourself and learning more about others. 

Help when you need it:

Support is right outside your door. There's a Resident Assistant (RA) on each floor or wing and a Resident Director (RD) on each building, ready to help with everything from finding your classes to figuring out what to do on Tuesday night. A variety of academic support centers are just steps away, offering free tutoring and other services in almost every subject.  

No Unexpected Expenses:

All of your basic living expenses are covered in one bill, including your dining plan with a choice of 27 restaurants across campus. Plus, our residence hall rates include services and amenities you'd have to pay extra for off campus including high-speed internet, utilities, extended basic cable and even free laundry. Nor do you have to worry about maintenance and repairs. We've got that covered.

*OSU offers many different housing arrangements to reflect our diverse student needs, so you can find a residence hall that works best for you.

Ready to start the housing selection process? Apply now.

See the important application dates and deadlines.

Exemption to the Requirement

More information about the live-on policy or if you are seeking an exemption, you can do so through the student's MyUHDS account.