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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.   

Beginning in Fall 2027, Temple University will require incoming first-year undergraduate students to live in university housing for their first two semesters, unless they qualify for an exemption.

This requirement is part of Temple's commitment to strengthening the First Year Experience and helping students build a strong foundation for academic and personal success. Living on campus provides opportunities to develop meaningful relationships, become involved in university life, and connect with the people and resources that support students throughout their time at Temple.

Our goal is not simply to provide a place to live. We are building a more intentional first-year residential experience that connects students with academic support, peer relationships, opportunities for engagement, and resources that promote their well-being and success.

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

  • Help Students Build Peer Connections by engaging with peers, immersing in the network of student activities and organizations, and becoming involved early in the Temple community.
  • Support Academic Success by educating and exposing students to Temple's academic resources, advising, and opportunities that help students navigate the expectations of college.
  • Promote Personal Well-Being by providing access to university resources and supports that help students manage challenges and develop healthy habits.
  • Help Students Develop Independence by providing experiences that encourage students to build confidence, navigate university life and city living, and advocate for themselves.
  • Prepare Students for Continued Success by providing support during important first-year transitions, including preparing for the spring semester and the second year at Temple.

Students will have opportunities to connect with peers, participate in residential programs, and access academic and personal support resources through partnerships across the university. As Temple continues to strengthen its First Year Experience, our residential communities will play an important role in helping students build relationships, seek assistance early, and navigate their transition to college.

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

Temple's first-year residential experience is being developed in coordination with the university's broader First Year Experience initiatives. Our residential communities will provide opportunities for students to build peer connections and relationships, participate in campus life, and connect with academic and personal support resources. Through partnerships across the university, we are working to create a more coordinated experience that helps students navigate their first year, develop independence, and establish a foundation for continued success.

We recognize that the cost of attending college is an important consideration for students and families, and understand that preparing for college involves important decisions. Temple is committed to providing clear communication and information about housing and dining costs, financial aid, and the circumstances under which students may qualify for an exemption. We will provide support throughout the process and create a first-year experience that contributes meaningfully to student success.   University Housing & Residential Life will share more information about the first-year housing requirement, housing options, costs, exemptions, and important deadlines as implementation moves forward.

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

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who does this policy affect?

The 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.