Off-Campus Living Application Policies

Eligibility

All undergraduate students are required to live on campus in a University-owned or controlled facility unless they apply properly and receive final approval from Housing Services to reside off campus or commute from home (with a parent or guardian in residence).  Non-traditional-age students may live in a home or privately-owned rental unit.

The number of students approved to live off campus is determined each academic year based upon enrollment numbers. 

Applications are approved individually and on a rolling basis until the maximum number is reached. Approval to live off campus is not guaranteed. Students are warned against signing a lease for off-campus accommodations until they have received final written approval from Housing Services. 

Only full academic year approvals are granted.  If students do not receive full approval they will not have the opportunity for future consideration within that academic year.

Additionally, if a student withdraws from the institution any University housing contracts, agreements or approvals that existed (on or off campus) will automatically become null. 

Leases / Services

If final approval is granted, the student has sole responsibility for locating a rental property, negotiating with the landlord and signing a lease.

Because of liability concerns, the University is not involved in inspecting non-University-owned facilities located off campus and cannot determine whether the facility is safe, sanitary and in compliance with local ordinances. Students and parents are advised to note that there is a Lewisburg borough ordinance that limits the number of unrelated persons living together in a rental unit to three. 

The University does not provide residential life services for those living off campus and does not approve facilities or directly supervise students off campus.

Judicial review

The conduct record of each off-campus living applicant is reviewed. Students who have received loss of off-campus living privileges will be required to live on-campus. Those with certain conduct infractions may be denied final approval.  Appeals are reviewed by the Dean of Students Office.

Fraternities & Sororities

For fraternity or sorority members, approval to live off campus is contingent upon their organization filling their houses or hall suites to capacity as well as providing 6 alternates to live in on campus accommodations. A complete alternate list must be submitted to Housing Services before any "conditional approval" applicants receive final approval to live off campus. This list is due in March. 

If a member is required to live in chapter housing or on campus as an alternate, their "conditional approval" will be revoked and they will no longer be considered eligible to live off-campus at any future time during that academic year.  Additionally, students who disaffiliate membership with a Greek-letter organization are required to reside on campus and will not be considered eligible for off-campus housing.

Application

Housing Services, in conjunction with student leaders, including Bucknell Student Government, have examined the policies and procedures for living off-campus.  The process and timeline  for the 2013-2014 academic year has been updated. 

The multiple-step process contained in myBucknell, affirms the University's commitment to a full residential experience and a cooperative and respectful relationship with Lewisburg neighbors.  Details of the application process can be found here

Seniority

The application and approval process to live off-campus is based on seniority, with rising seniors being provided the opportunity to apply first.  If a senior misses the opportunity to apply within their scheduled week, they can apply during the next scheduled senior application period, however, they will then be randomly placed within that pool of students.  Student applications will only be accepted during the allotted time for their respective class.  Each student receives personal email notice of when they are eligible to apply.  Late or delinquent applications are generally not considered.