The University of North Alabama requires all first-time, full-time freshmen and English as a Second Language (ESL) students to live on campus for up to one academic year. Students first enrolling in the fall are required to live on campus during the fall and spring semesters. Students first enrolling in the spring are required to live on campus during the spring semester. 

Freshmen seeking an exemption to the housing requirement must submit a Freshman Housing Exemption Form, which can be accessed within the student’s housing portal, and must return the form and required documents to the Department of Housing and Residence Life by June 1 for the Fall semester. The deadline for the Spring semester is November 1. 

Exemptions to the Freshman Residency Requirement may be requested for the following reasons: 

• The student will be living with their parent or legal guardian. 
• Married as documented with a marriage certificate. 
• Age 20 or older before the first day of classes in the fall semester of attendance at the University. 
• Have a child and/or guardianship of a child, as documented with a photocopy of that child’s birth certificate AND a copy of the student’s federal tax return, verifying that the child is their dependent. 
• A veteran of the US military or currently serving as active duty or reserve with a photocopy of the student’s DD Form 214, Certificate of Release/Discharge from Active Duty, or a copy of the student’s military ID card. 
• A special medical necessity and/or emergency requiring a special housing option that cannot be provided by the University. Documentation must include a detailed statement from the attending physician as to why the specific medical necessity and/or emergency prevents the student from living in the residence halls, and how long the condition has been treated by the physician. Requests with supporting documentation are reviewed by Disability Support Services in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Once the Department of Housing and Residence Life receives an exemption form, the Director of Housing and Residence Life or their designee will review it. A decision regarding the request will be sent to the student's UNA email account within 14 business days. Verbal exemptions will not be given. 

If the student is denied an exemption, they may appeal the decision to the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students. 

Failure to meet the Freshman Residency Requirement, unless an exemption is approved, will result in a charge to the student’s University account each semester of the student’s first academic year. This charge will be equal to the cost of the lowest-cost Double Residence Hall Room rate and Meal Plan. 

 Approved by Board of Trustees 06-09-2014 Revised January 2023