Temple University cherry "T" logo

University Housing and Residential Life

Search Keywords
Balloon arch

First-Year Housing Requirement (Coming Fall 2027)

Every Temple student contributes to the fabric of our community! 

Living on campus during your first year at Temple is more than just a housing choice—it’s a strategic step toward a successful and confident start to college life.  Research consistently shows that students who live on campus benefit from a more productive and rewarding college experience.  By living on campus, students are immersed in an environment intentionally designed to help them acclimate to collegiate life, stay engaged, and thrive from day one.   

Temple University will implement a first-year housing requirement for incoming students beginning in fall 2027.  The policy will require new first-year undergraduate students to reside in university housing for the first two semesters of their enrollment at Temple. 

The university recognizes that students and families have varying circumstances. Exemptions to the first-year housing requirement will be made for a variety of situations such as students who: 

  • reside with a parent or guardian living in the city of Philadelphia or in an approved zip code
  • are part-time, non-traditional, married, or who have custody of one or more dependent children
  • have significant financial hardship that has been verified through the Office of Student Financial Services
  • have extenuating personal or medical circumstances that cannot be accommodated within University housing
collage of move in day photos

Temple’s first-year housing requirement is designed to:  

  • support academic achievement
  • encourage personal growth
  • foster student belonging and connections, and
  • smooth the transition into both the university environment and living in Philadelphia

Within our residential communities, students will benefit from built-in academic support, including study groups, peer mentorship, and easy access to faculty and campus resources. At the same time, living on campus helps students adjust to the rhythms and responsibilities of city living, with guidance on navigating transportation, exploring neighborhoods, and building independence in a supportive setting. Just as importantly, they develop essential life skills—time management, collaboration, and self-advocacy—that contribute to long-term success. For families, this offers reassurance that their student is supported academically, socially, and in confidently adapting to a new and dynamic environment. 

collage of residence hall photos

As part of the enhanced first-year residential experience, students will have access to: 

  • Expanded first-year engagement and residential programming
  • Peer mentorship and community building opportunities
  • Strong coordination between housing, advising, wellness, and student support services
  • Early intervention and academic support initiatives
  • Mental health and well-being resources
  • Affordability support and financial counseling for students and families

University Housing & Residential Life will share more information about the first-year housing requirement toward the end of the fall 2026 semester.

We are excited to welcome every Temple Owl possible into our residential community! 

Do you have a question about the housing requirement?  Please email us at . 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who does this policy affect?

Th first-year housing requirement being implemented for fall 2027 requires newly admitted full-time first-year undergraduate students entering Temple University’s main campus in Philadelphia to reside in on-campus, Temple-controlled housing for their first academic year unless approved for an exemption or commuting from the home of a parent or guardian in an approved zip code.  Newly admitted, full-time students that start in the spring semester of an academic year are also subject to the residency requirement for their initial spring semester.

Can I request an exception to the requirement?

Our intent is to have most first-year students live on campus to provide a consistent, wrap-around experience for all Temple students.  However, some students may have circumstances that make living on campus less than optimal.  University Housing & Residential Life is building an electronic exemption request to help students quickly review the policy and submit an exemption request. 

Students may receive an exemption for the live-on requirement if:  

  • The student is 21 years of age or older or is legally recognized as an independent student at the start of the academic term during which the policy would otherwise require the student to live in a university residence. 
  • The student is married, part of a legal domestic partnership, and/or has dependents. 
  • The student has completed at least 30 semester credit hours at Temple University or another accredited college or university. 
  • The student is enrolled less than half time, or the credits the student is enrolled in are greater than 50% online. 
  • The student has an extenuating medical circumstance that cannot be accommodated within the University residence halls. 
  • The student presents demonstrated unmet financial need, verified through the Office of Student Financial Services, where living on-campus would present a documented financial hardship.
What documentation is required for an exemption request?

Official documentation that provides sufficient verification of the circumstance supporting the exemption request is required.  This will vary with the type of exemption requested. 

How are housing assignments made?

At Temple University students select their own housing assignment directly in our online system, MyHousing.  Our Housing Operations team publishes information each year on how to do this and will support you in selecting your housing space. 

When will I receive my housing assignment?

At Temple University students select their own housing assignment directly in our system online.  The first step is submitting your housing application through our housing portal, MyHousing.  Our Housing Operations team will then guide you through the next steps where you will select your actual room.  Once you have made a housing room space selection online in our system you will receive confirmation via email. 

How do I pay for housing?

Housing and meal plan charges are applied to a student’s term bill in the same manner academic tuition is.  Students and families can then engage with Student Financial Services and the Bursar’s Office to identify funding options and payment plan approaches to cover the cost of attendance. 

Are any students able to commute to Temple's main campus given the first-year housing requirement?

Yes.  We have developed a list of pre-approved locations where students are able to commute from the home of a parent or guardian.  Please see here for the full list: Approved Commuter Zip Codes.  The list includes the entirety of the City of Philadelphia, parts of Delaware and Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania, and parts of Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties in New Jersey.