Off-Campus Living
Bucknell is a residential university, which means students are generally expected to live in Bucknell campus housing for all four years. Some students may be eligible to live off campus based on the circumstances outlined below.
Who May Be Eligible to Live Off Campus?
The following students may be eligible:
- Graduate students
- Non-traditional students
- New students who are 23 years of age or older
- Students who live with family and commute to campus
- Students who are married and/or have children
- Returning students who will turn 25 during their senior year
- "Super" Seniors and Second-year Seniors
If you meet one of these criteria, please contact housing@bucknell.edu for information about next steps and any documentation you may need to provide.
Senior Off-Campus Eligibility
Each year, a limited number of rising seniors are selected to live off campus through an application and random selection process. If you are interested in living off campus, you will need to apply and receive approval from Housing and Residential Education before making any off-campus housing commitments.
Eligibility is based on the following:
Class Year
The following students are eligible to apply:
- Rising seniors
- Second-year seniors
- Students beginning the fourth year of a five-year program
Fraternity or Sorority Membership
For students who are members of a fraternity or sorority, approval to live off campus depends on the chapter filling its on-campus housing to capacity and providing six alternate students who are willing to live on campus if a vacancy becomes available in chapter housing.
How to Apply
The application process begins in October for the following academic year and includes several steps completed online. Information will be provided via email as well as through myHome.
Please keep in mind that submitting an application does not guarantee approval. Do not sign a lease or make a commitment to off-campus housing until you have received final written approval from Housing and Residential Education.
Finding Off-Campus Housing
If you receive pre-approval to live off campus, you will be responsible for finding an approved rental property, working with the landlord, and signing your lease.
Because off-campus housing is not owned by the University, Bucknell does not inspect these properties or determine whether they are safe, sanitary, or in compliance with local ordinances. Students living off campus also do not receive Residence Life services or direct University supervision at their residence.
Off-Campus Approval Expectations
Students are expected to be honest and accurate throughout the off-campus housing process.
Once you have been approved, signed a lease, and agreed to live in a specific space, you are expected to continue living there. Providing false information or otherwise attempting to circumvent the application process may result in the loss of your off-campus approval. In these situations, approval for other members of your group may also be affected.