Exemption and Contract Release
Saint Louis University students must meet specific criteria to be released from SLU’s residency requirement and the housing contract.
Residency Exemption
2026-2027 Academic Year
At SLU, we believe that a significant portion of a student’s education occurs outside the classroom through a robust out-of-class experience. We also believe that the residential experience is central to that out-of-class education. Students at SLU are required to live on campus for the first four semesters of their undergraduate experience. Students who live on campus report stronger social engagement on campus, utilize resources and staff support at a higher rate, have a higher GPA, and are more likely to graduate.
With a residency requirement in place, we do expect that some students will need to request an exemption from this requirement.
Exceptions may be considered for the following reasons:
Documentation: Residency exemption request form.
Commutable distance is defined as living within a 25-mile radius of campus. A permanent home address is your fixed, long-term residence that is used on official and legal documents, such as driver's licenses, state IDs, tax records, and other government or financial records. Temporary residences, including residence hall rooms, apartments occupied while enrolled at SLU, or other short-term living arrangements, do not qualify as a permanent home address.
Documentation: Not required. Your age will be verified with University records.
Documentation: Copy of marriage license.
Documentation: Copy of birth certificate of the dependent child.
Documentation: A copy of your military record. Student must have completed two or more years of active military service.
In addition to the reasons above, transfer students who have 48 transfer credits are not required to live on campus. If transfer students have fewer than 48 credits and do not wish to live on campus, they must meet the reasons above and be approved for residency exemption.
To request an exemption for the 2026-2027 academic year, please complete the residency exemption request form on eRezLife during the time frame below:
- First-year students may submit a residency exemption request between Feb. 3 and June 1, 2026.
- Returning students may submit a residency exemption request between Feb. 23 and Apr. 1, 2026.
Submitting this form is a request for a residency exemption and does not guarantee approval. You remain responsible for the residency requirement until you receive written email confirmation from the Department of Housing & Residence Life. Do not make alternate housing plans or sign off-campus lease agreements unless you have received written approval of your exemption request. Entering into an off-campus lease will not be considered grounds for an exemption.
If a residency required student fails to complete the housing contract or residency exemption, they will be charged a $4,500 administrative fee for failure to meet the residency requirement. Students will have until the start of the contract period to complete a housing contract. If completed, the administrative fee will be removed and room and board charges will apply.
Residential Contract Release Request
2026-2027 Academic Year
The contract release policy provides a clear and consistent process for students to request release from their SLU housing contract when significant, unforeseen circumstances arise. It ensures compassionate consideration of individual cases while maintaining the University’s responsibility to manage housing occupancy and financial commitments effectively.
Students must submit a contract release request form on eRezLife to be considered. Submission of this request form and supporting documentation does not guarantee approval of the request.
Request for contract release may be considered for the following factors:
The student has experienced an unforseen change in circumstance since entering the housing contract that signifiantly impacts their ability to continue enrollment at Saint Louis University. The following factors are considered in consultation with Student Financial Services:
- Did the financial change happen after signing the housing contract?
- Was the financial change sudden and outside of the students control?
- Will the student be able to continue enrollment at SLU?
- Has the student explored alternative financial efforts like aid and loans?
- Has the student explored lower cost housing assignments on campus?
A student graduating from SLU or an exchange student whose exchange program is for only one semester of study.
A student who must fulfill an internship or practicum requirement that necessitates residency away from campus or commuting at least 50 miles from campus more than 50% of the week.
A student who must fulfill military service, which necessitates residency away from campus
A student who is studying abroad during the contract term
A student who has an enrollment from active student status to withdrawn, leave of absence, or is transferring to another institution.
Cases cannot be considered until all necessary facts are collected. Appropriate documentation must be submitted with your application and will be considered by the assistant director for assignments and marketing.
To request a contract release, fill out and submit the contract release request form on eRezLife. You can find it under "My Forms" in the left sidebar menu.
A decision will be sent to you via your SLU email within 5-7 business days. If approved for contract release, students will be charged a cancellation fee based on the official checkout date or date the request for contract cancellation is approved, whichever is later. Please see the contract period cancellation fee structure below to see cancellation fees.
Contract Release Appeal Process
If you do not agree with the decision, you may submit an appeal within 10 business days of the denial notification. Appeals must include new documentation or information directly related to one of the approved contract release reasons. Appeals that do not include new or substantive information will not be considered. The appeal will be reviewed by an appeals committee composed of staff members outside of the Department of Housing and Residence Life. The appeals committee will verify appeal eligibility, evaluate whether the new documentation materially impacts the student's eligibility under approved release reasons, seek information or verification from relevant University departments, and uphold the original decision if no new substantive information is provided or approve if the new documentation clearly meets the criteria for one of the approved reasons. All decisions made by the appeals committee are final and will be made within 10 days of the appeal submission.
Contract Period Cancellation Fee Structure
Fall Semester
| Contract Cancellation Date | Fall Room Refund | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Aug. 14-26, 2026 | 100% | $1,000 |
| Aug. 27-Sept. 6, 2026 | 90% | $900 |
| Sept. 7-13, 2026 | 80% | $800 |
| Sept. 14-20, 2026 | 70% | $700 |
| Sept. 21-27, 2026 | 60% | $600 |
| Sept. 28- Oct. 4, 2026 | 50% | $500 |
| Oct. 5-11, 2026 | 40% | $400 |
| Oct. 12-18, 2026 | 30% | $300 |
| Oct. 19- Dec. 11, 2026 | 0% | $0 |
Spring Semester
| Contract Cancellation Date | Spring Room Refund | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 8-24, 2027 | 100% | $1,000 |
| Jan. 25-31, 2027 | 90% | $900 |
| Feb. 1-7, 2027 | 80% | $800 |
| Feb. 8-14, 2027 | 70% | $700 |
| Feb.15-21, 2027 | 60% | $600 |
| Feb. 22-28, 2027 | 50% | $500 |
| Mar. 1-7, 2027 | 40% | $400 |
| Mar. 8-14, 2027 | 30% | $300 |
| Mar. 15-May 12, 2027 | 0% | $0 |
Contract Break
A contract break is an alternative option for students who are not approved for a contract release that allows them to end their housing contract with a $4,500 breakage fee for the academic year, or $2,250 for the spring semester only. A student can request a contract break via email at [email protected].
Residency-required students are eligible to request a contract break during the housing contract period only.
Non-residency-required students are eligible to request a contract break beginning March 2, 2026, through the end of the contract period.