UW New Student Live-In Policy

Residential living is a valuable experience. Research conducted on a national level indicates that students who live in the residence halls are more likely to stay in school and graduate and are generally more satisfied with their college experience. Data collected by the University of Wyoming shows that first-year students living on campus earn higher grade point averages than off-campus students.

To help you maximize your potential, the UW Trustees have established a policy requiring newly admitted students to live in UW residence halls during their first academic year on campus and to contract for a minimum of a 12-accesses-per-week dining plan. There are a few exceptions to this policy as defined by the Board of Trustees.

Possible reasons for exemption include:

• You are 21 years of age or older
• You are married
• You are a single parent with custody of your child
• You plan to live in Laramie (or within a 60 mile driving distance from Laramie) with your parent(s), grandparents, sibling(s), or legal guardian(s)
• You will live on property purchased by your parents or legal guardians while attending UW
• You have completed two semesters as a full-time student, or the equivalent credit hours, at a prior university or college. (24 credit hours)

If you are a transfer student with a minimum of 24 credit hours earned non-concurrent to high school – you do not have to complete an exemption form.  If you would like information about living on campus, check out our residence hall living options or the UW On-Campus Apartments. 

The Exemption Application is available via your Admissions Checklist. Contact the Residence Life & Dining Services office at 1-866-653-0212 or by email at reslife-dining@uwyo.edu.