Off-Campus Living Community
Why should you live on campus?
Over 60 years of research has demonstrated that living on campus brings so much more to a student learning, growth, and development.
-
“Living on campus is positively associated with critical thinking” (Gellin, 2003). Students who live on typically earn better grades and are more likely to graduate.
-
Students building stronger ties to the University and are generally more satisfied with their college experience
-
Living on campus exposes you to a wide range of interests, ideas, cultures, and perspectives and promotes “knowledge and acceptance of different races and cultures” (Chang et al., 2006)
Additionally, it just makes sense.
-
It's convenient to be near the rest of campus - plus you can sleep in later!
-
It is generally more safe and secure with building checks and campus sweeps done nightly by Residence Life staff and Public Safety.
-
Living on campus helps to develop valuable life and leadership skills and you’ll become more involved. There are also more opportunities to meet people and develop meaningful relationships. The social supports bolster a student through the stress of adjusting to academic rigor and being away from home.
Still want to live off campus? Complete the required waiver.
It is the University's policy to require students to reside in the residence halls. The primary goals of this policy are to extend the university educational experience for students and to create a residential community. Residence Life staff works with students to ensure McKendree’s residence halls are stimulating places to live that facilitate student growth and development.
All students must either:
- submit a Housing Application (incoming students),
- renew their housing contract (returning students), or
- apply to waive the Residency Requirement.
By submitting a Housing Application or completing the contract renewal through the Housing Portal, a student has indicated that they have read and agree to the terms and conditions of the Housing and Meal Plan Contract, to which they will remain bound until they are officially released from the residency requirement. Housing and Meal Plan contracts are ongoing, continuous, and binding.
THE PROCESS TO WAIVE RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT
Students wishing to live off campus must submit an Application to Waive the Residency
Requirement for consideration by the Office of Residence Life. The application is
available on the ResLife Portal.
To be eligible for a waiver, the student must, at the beginning of the term for which
the application is being submitted, meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Be commuting from a permanent residence within 50 miles of the university of a once or current legal guardian,
- Be 21 years of age and hold 60+ credit hours,
- Be 22,
- Hold 90+ credit hours
- Be married,
- Have custodial care of dependent children,
- Be a veteran with at least two years of active military duty,
- Taking 100% online courses (no in-person classes), or
- Be student teaching, have co-op, or internship outside a 30-mile radius of McKendree University
Documentation Requirements for some exemptions include:
Please ensure you have submitted the following documentation (if applicable) to avoid delays in processing:
- Commuting from a once or current legal guardian, also requires a Legal Guardian Release. It can also be accessed by clicking here.
- Married: A copy of your marriage certificate is required.
- Dependent Care: A copy of the birth certificate or relevant medical care documentation is required.
- Veteran with at least 2 years of service: A copy of the DD Form 214 is required.
Students should not consider themselves released from the residency requirement before receiving written approval from the Office of Residence Life. A student who is seeking a waiver of the residency requirement should not enter any purchase, lease, or rental agreement with a third-party realtor or a lessee until they have received their approval notification.
Waiver applications must be submitted to the Office of Residence Life on or before July 1 for exemption from housing for the fall semester, or on or before January 1 for exemption from housing for the spring semester. Upon receipt of this application and all necessary documentation, the application will be reviewed and considered by the Office of Residence Life, and the decision will be communicated to the student.
Residence Life recommends that before making the decision to reside off-campus that you speak with a Financial Aid counselor as there may be an adjustment to your financial aid package.
Students who wish to appeal a rejected application should submit an appeal via their McKendree email to the Office of Residence Life at reslife@mckendree.edu.
The Application to Waive the Residency Requirement - This form lets you apply to have your housing requirement waived so you can live
off-campus. You can only access this form through your ResLife Portal - Click here to see how.
Once your waiver is approved, you will be able to enter Off-Campus Living Community - Housing Marketplace. This can be your start of finding the perfect place to live, and getting the resources
you need to make your first renting experience smooth and enjoyable.
-
save money on your security deposit with their Security Deposit Alternative Program
- Easily connect with other students looking for roommates and off-campus housing
- Understand how to improve your credit score with their free resources
- Finance your education with access to over 20,000 scholarships
- Find free legal assistance from trusted lawyers on housing-related issues
Students are welcome to peruse the site, but they will not be able to log in until after their Residency Waiver has been approved. Graduate students wishing to gain immediate access can call the Office of Residence Life at (618) 537-6855.
Looking to rent to McKendree Students?
The platform prepares students to be educated and responsible renters through our
suite of free resources and services. Tap into this network of students and quickly find your next renter.
