Parents and Families

Why should my student live on campus? 

At EKU we have a first and second-year student residency requirement because we strongly believe that living on campus provides both immediate and long-term benefits. National and regional studies specific to Eastern Kentucky University confirm that students who live on campus:

1. Stay in school and are likely to have higher GPAs than those who never lived on campus.

2. Are more involved in campus activities and have more contact with faculty, University staff members, and other students, which results in deeper, more meaningful relationships that often continue beyond their time at EKU.

In addition to academic benefits, our Residence Halls also provide many other benefits to those living on campus. 

1. Student safety is our top priority in each Residence Hall. Each hall has a manned front desk and staff on-site if a student needs any assistance. All Residence Hall rooms have both smoke detectors and sprinklers.

2. Living on campus is convenient for students and provides them with a short walk to classes, dining halls, and on campus activities. They do not have to drive back and forth to campus and worry about parking inconveniences. Other facilities like the library, computer labs, and the student recreation center are also easy to locate as an on-campus resident. 

3. Every student who lives on campus has access to the University’s technology through either a direct hard-wired or wireless connection in their Residence Hall. Furthermore, every hall has computer areas available for residents to use. This helps with proficiency and speed when completing assignments. 

4. Students who live on campus only pay one all-inclusive bill, which eliminates potential charge confusion. They do not have recurring expenses such as rent, utilities, Internet, etc.

When combined, these benefits create an atmosphere of success and support that results in students enjoying their on-campus experience.

Regarding the residency requirement, even though it is not preferred, the university will allow students to commute from the primary home of their parents or legal guardian. A Commuter form must be completed and approved to avoid housing fees for breach of the residency requirement. Students will be charged for housing until the commuter form has been submitted and approved by Housing & Residence Life. Students will be notified of approval/denial within 3-5 business days of receiving their commuter form. 

Residential Community Guide

Living on campus is one of the best decisions a student can make during their college years. In order to ensure a safe, comfortable environment for all of our students, it is important parents and students are familiar with the guidelines for living in an EKU Residential Community. Take a few minutes to review the Residential Community Guide and become familiar with the rules and guidelines of our campus community. 

Understanding the Housing Contract

Similar to a lease, when a student applies and is accepted to live on campus at EKU, they enter a contract for the academic year in which they will live on campus. Below is a review of what is included in the Housing Contract, as well as a copy for you and your student to review prior to completing the online housing application.

Click to view a complete copy of a Housing Contract. 

Residency Requirement:

Unless eligible to live off campus, all students enrolled at Eastern Kentucky University are required to live on campus. Students who are eligible to live off campus are those students who meet one or more of the conditions below:

• are 21 years of age before classes commence

• have completed 60 or more hours

• have lived on campus for at least 4 academic semesters. (summer and winter terms do not count)

• are married (submission of a copy of a marriage license may be requested)

• have a dependent (proof of dependency may be requested)

View a complete description of our residency requirement. 

Length of Contract:

The length of the contract is for the academic year, which is defined as from the beginning of the Fall semester through the conclusion of the Spring semester.

Housing Prepayment:

Along with the signed contract, students are required to pay a nonrefundable $200 housing pre-payment that serves as a room reservation and a deduction from the total cost of Fall student housing.  This pre-payment needs to be paid only once per Academic Year.  

Late Checkout Fee and Improper Checkout Fee:

Residents who do not check out properly with their hall’s staff may receive an improper checkout fee and students who do not check out by the posted times may be assessed a late checkout fee

Consolidation:

Regardless of the situation or circumstances that created the situation, unless a student is in a private room, any student without a roommate will be required to go through the consolidation process to be paired up with another student who is also without a roommate. During consolidation, students without roommates are provided a list of others that will undergo the consolidation process, in hopes they will find a student with similar interests. The Residence Hall staff will help facilitate this process. After a specified period, the Housing office will arbitrarily pair any remaining students together within each hall.

Liability:

The University is not responsible for the loss or damage to a resident’s or other person’s money, valuables, or personal property for any cause. It is strongly encouraged that a student living on campus obtain renter's insurance to insure his/her personal property.

Termination of Contract:

Unless approved by Housing, students may not terminate their housing contract. Students who meet the eligibility requirements to live off campus mid-year may exercise the buyout provision of the Housing Contract.

Buyout:

There is a provision in the Housing Contract that would allow a student who is eligible to live off campus to buy out the Spring semester portion of their contract.  The cost of the buyout is 40% of the semester rate for whatever building the student is assigned. To exercise the buyout, a student must notify the Housing office BEFORE the halls close for the Fall semester.

Important Offices

Below is an easy guide to contacting important offices you or your student may need to reach.

All phone numbers listed below begin with (859)-622-

You can find information for other offices in the EKU Directory.

Questions?

If you didn't find the answer you were searching for, don't worry! Click the button below to visit our FAQ page specifically for parents!