What is the Two-Year Residential Requirement?

Beginning Fall 2026, all first-time, first-year students (non-transfer) are required to live in University Housing for their first two academic years.

Who does the policy apply to?

All incoming first-year students who live 50 miles or more from campus and who are admitted for Fall 2026 and are not transfer students.

Why is the university implementing a two-year residential requirement?

Sacramento State is implementing a Two-Year University Housing Requirement in alignment with the University’s 2023-2028 Strategic Action Plan, which calls for the creation of a strong living and learning environment by 2028. Living on campus supports higher GPAs, stronger retention, and better long-term outcomes, and expands access to basic-needs resources such as housing, food, safety, and academic support.

Does the requirement apply to transfer students, including lower-division transfer students?

No, the policy only applies to incoming first-year freshmen, non-transfer students.

Are international students required to live in University Housing?

Yes, if they are first-time, first-year students. Exemptions can be requested under the standard criteria.

What about Honors Colleges, or other special academic programs?

Yes. Many programs have designated communities called Living Learning Communities intended to enhance their experience. Placement is coordinated through Housing and program staff.

Can I be exempt from Sac State’s two-year Residential Requirement (Live-on Requirement)?

It depends on your circumstances. Exemptions to the two-year residential requirement shall only be granted based on approved criteria and verified supporting documentation.

Who is eligible for an exemption?

Students with qualifying circumstances may request an exemption. The full list of exemption criteria is available under the section above marked “Exemptions.”

How do I file a request for an exemption?

Once you accept your offer of admission (ITE) and the Academic Year online housing application system has opened for incoming students on the HornetHousingPortal, you will complete the housing application and agreement. After the housing application is completed, you can then complete the Exemption Request Form (also located in the HornetHousing Portal).

What documentation is required?

Exemption requests require verifiable documentation and must include official documentation that supports/confirms the reason for the request. Examples vary by exemption type and should directly relate to the qualifying circumstance.

Can I appeal if my exemption request is denied?

You may appeal the decision within 10 business days of notification. Appeal details will be included in the denial letter/notification.

What happens if I submit false exemption information?

Submitting inaccurate or false documentation may result in disciplinary action under the Student Code of Conduct and loss of eligibility to be exempt from the two-year residential requirement henceforth.

What does “local” mean for exemption purposes?

For exemption purposes, “local” refers to students whose permanent home address is within 50 miles of Sacramento State and who live with an immediate family member or legal guardian. Students who live more than 50 miles from campus are considered non-local.

If I am classified as a local area student, but I want to live in university housing. What can I do?

Yes, local students are welcome to apply for university housing. However, since housing is prioritized for students who are required to live on campus, space for local students is offered based on availability after required placements have been established.

I am married or have children; do I have to live in University Housing?

No, students who are married or have dependent children are generally exempt from the Two-Year Residential Requirement. You will be asked to provide official documentation verifying your marital status or documentation of your dependents upon submitting an exemption.

What about student-athletes? Are we exempt?

Student-athletes are not exempt from the Two-Year Residential Requirement and are required to comply with the policy. University Housing Services works closely with Athletics to ensure that student-athletes have housing options that align with their housing needs during the academic year.

What if I have a medical or disability-related reason and I can’t live in university housing?

Students with a medical or disability-related reason that may impact their ability to live in university housing can request an exemption or accommodation. These requests are reviewed and can only be approved by the Disability Access Center (DAC) to ensure appropriate support and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Who reviews medical exemption requests?

Medical and disability-related exemptions are reviewed by the Disability Access Center (DAC). The DAC verifies documentation and determines reasonable accommodations. For more information, visit the Disability Access Center (DAC) website.

How will the University ensure students comply with the residential requirement?

To help students meet the requirement and avoid delays, all incoming first-year students will complete the University Housing application/agreement. Students who wish to request an exemption may do so within the housing portal immediately following the completion of the housing application/agreement.

Completing the housing application/agreement places students in provisional compliance while any exemption is reviewed. If the exemption is approved, no further action is needed, and housing will process an administrative cancellation of the application/agreement. If the exemption is not approved, the student will be held to the housing license agreement.

This approach ensures that every required student is accounted for in the system, that no student falls out of compliance unintentionally, and that exemption requests are reviewed in a timely and organized way.

What happens if I don’t comply with the residential requirement?

Students subject to the requirement who do not secure university housing or receive an approved exemption may not be permitted to register for classes and will have a registration “hold” placed on their account, or have their admissions offer rescinded.

What if I am offered an off-campus lease, or I have already signed a lease for off-campus housing?

Students are strongly encouraged NOT to sign an off-campus lease unless they have a confirmed receipt of an official approved exemption from University Housing Services. Signing a lease alone does not qualify as an exemption.

When do I need to apply for housing?

The housing application for first-time, first-year students begins early March for the upcoming academic year (2026-2027).

Are students able to select roommates and select their room?

Yes. Students may select roommates through the HornetHousing Portal during the roommate matching process before the room selection and assignment process is initiated and finalized.

Can I request to live in a single room?

Students may indicate room type preferences in the housing application. Single rooms are limited and cannot be guaranteed. If a student has a medical need for a specific form of accommodation(s), room type and/or ADA-compliant features, they must work with the Disability Access Center.

What happens if housing fills up?

Students required to live in University Housing will receive priority. With the depth of the exemption options, we do not anticipate running out of inventory based on historical enrollment data showing the number of students coming to Sac State 50 miles or greater is within alignment with our Fall 2026 bed occupancy.

What if I cannot afford university housing?

Financial Aid packages are designed to include housing costs. Students facing additional and/or extreme hardship may request review under the Financial Hardship Exemption. Students may also apply for the Affordable Housing Rate Program (available for a limited number of eligible students each year beginning Fall 2026).

Can I use financial aid to cover room & board expenses?

Yes. Most federal, state, institutional, and private aid sources may be applied towards housing and dining expenses.

Are there payment plans available?

Yes. University Housing Services offers an installment plan to spread costs across the semester.

Is the meal plan required?

Yes, all students living in university housing have always been required to have a residential meal plan. Students have three (3) meal plan options to select from. To view meal plan options for residential students, please visit Choose A Meal Plan - California State University - Sacramento State.

Does the dining program accommodate allergies or dietary needs?

Yes. offers a variety of options to accommodate food allergies and dietary preferences, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free meals. An on-site nutritionist is also available to work directly with students who have allergies, medical dietary restrictions, or other nutrition-related concerns.

How will I be notified about the policy and any next steps?

Email notifications and website updates will guide students through policy details, compliance deadlines, exemption options, and housing application processes.

Where can I find more information or ask questions?

Visit the Housing Website or email housing@csus.edu. Updates and deadlines will be posted online under the "How to Apply and Costs” page on our website.