Residency Policy

At Calvin, we believe that a residential environment is an important component of the college learning experience, and thus we have a two-year residency requirement for traditional-age college students*. First and second-year students live primarily in the university residence halls, while juniors and seniors have the option of staying the residence halls, moving to our vibrant upper-division apartment community (Knollcrest East), or choosing an off-campus option. Beyond just a place to sleep, our on-campus living communities become places of learning and growth, through relationships with others and through a variety of co-curricular programs and activities.

Exceptions to the residency requirement are granted only for students living with their parent(s) or legal guardian(s), students who are married, part-time, or 21 years or older, or students who are two years beyond their high school graduation date. For the convenience of students seeking off-campus accommodations as juniors and seniors, a listing of rental properties is available here. Please be advised that the university does not and cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information posted on these websites.

It is the responsibility of students to protect and insure their personal property, whether living on-campus or off, and to keep the Registrar’s Office informed at all times of their current address. The Registrar’s Office has a change of address form on-line through the Calvin Portal.

*Note about age of students requesting on-campus housing:
Calvin provides on-campus housing for traditional-age university students (ages 17–22). Students who are 16 years old or who are above the age of 22 can still apply for on-campus housing but may be required to have an interview with a member of the Residence Life staff. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis. The university reserves the right to deny on-campus housing and recommend alternative options.

Additional policy, safety, and living expectation information specifically for residence hall living can be found here. Specific policy, safety and living expectations information for Knollcrest East apartments can be found here.