You Ask, We Answer: Do I have to live on-campus?

We’re proud to offer on-campus housing to more than 1,300 students yearly, with nearly 72% of our first-year students choosing to live in the residence halls!

If you’re wondering, “Do I have to live on campus?” while attending PLU, our answer is “Yes, unless…” PLU requires that all full-time students live in university housing unless they meet specific criteria:

• Live at home with a parent in Pierce County or in approved zip codes.
• Is at least 20 years of age on or before September 1 to be exempt for the academic year, or on or before February 1 to be exempt for the spring semester.
• Enrolled in and completed at least 4 full semesters at PLU.
• Living with a spouse or child [copy of marriage or birth certificate required].

You can find more detailed information on this Residency Requirement webpage.

Some students joining us from around Pierce County and other local communities may wonder about the benefits of living on campus rather than with their families! We get it – that is a fantastic question to consider.

PLU provides quality on-campus living and learning environments that encourage and enhance engagement in and enjoyment of your college experience. Residential students are supported academically and socially when they make their home on campus so they can thrive holistically while at PLU. Furthermore, at PLU, every residential student (including first-year, new transfer, returning, and upper division) is part of a Learning Community. Learning communities are specifically designed to allow students to develop relationships with other students living on campus. Students may participate in co-curricular events and programming and attend college success courses with the other students in their cohort-style learning community!