On-Campus Living & Exemptions
St. Olaf College takes pride in its status as a residential college. During a time when many students are transitioning to the management of their own living space, the on-campus residential experience assists in the development of heightened responsibility and preparedness for life after college through assigned living spaces and programming. St. Olaf residence halls are structured to support student development from entry to graduation.
The College does permit students to request an exemption to the residential requirement. Each academic year the eligible exemptions are reviewed.
Residential Requirements
Approved Residential Housing Exemptions
Below are the five 2025-2026 academic year Residential Housing Exemptions approved by the College:
- 23 years of age or older on or before December 31.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) address is within a 45-mile driving radius from the St. Olaf College physical address, 1520 St. Olaf Avenue, Northfield, MN 55057
- Student must have an anticipated graduation for the academic year 2026, 2027, or 2028 or 2029.
- Student Classification (i.e., Sophomore, Junior, Senior) will not be used for eligibility for the Residential Housing Process.
- Student must live with their parent(s) or guardian(s)during that academic year.
- Map the address you will be living to St. Olaf College.
- Address must be within 45 driving miles from the St. Olaf College address.
- Student must have an anticipated graduation for the academic year 2026, 2027, or 2028 or 2029.
- Have completed all Major Requirements before the first day of Fall 2026 semester.
- Married student.
- Custodial parent.
Extenuating Circumstances
Indicating that you almost meet or will almost meet one of the approved College Exemptions are not eligible for submission as an extenuating circumstance.
Students may submit evidence of an extenuating circumstance for consideration in the Residential Housing Exemption process.
Infromational Session
Campus Support Resources
Disability-related reasons will not be considered in the Residential Housing Exemption Request Form. Students with a documented disability must work through the housing accommodations process with the Office of Disability and Access.
Please note: most needs of students with disabilities can be met through on campus housing options.
Religious reasons are reviewed in coordination with College Ministry, and thus will not be considered in the Residential Housing Exemption Request Form. Follow the link below to see on-campus religious resources:
Most students requesting a religious need can be supported through on-campus housing options.
Financial reasons will not be considered during the Residential Housing Exemption process. St. Olaf provides financial aid to meet the financial needs of students. Please follow the link below to learn more about financial aid offered at St. Olaf college.
Meal plan support is not considered in the Residential Housing Exemption Request Form. Most meal needs can be met through on-campus dining services.Students requesting meal plan support must follow the guidelines here:
Housing Exemption Request
Timeline
| Date | Notes |
|---|---|
| December 4 December 8 |
Information Session 1 (Virtual Link) at 4:30 p.m. Informational Session 11 – Ytterboe Main Lounge at 4:30 p.m. |
| December 9 | Residential Housing Exemption Application Closes |
| December 17 | Final application decisions communicated via St. Olaf Email account |
| January 9 | Students approved must accept the Residential Housing Exemption Approval |
| March 5 | Deadline: Students approved but not living with parent/guardian must submit their off-campus address and lease. |
Application Process
Terms of Agreement
- Approvals are only granted on an AY basis (no automatic renewal)
- A student provided an exemption may be rescinded if the student’s behavior at the college or off-campus is that which does not positively reflect on the college, e.g. noise complaints, vandalism, mismanagement of alcohol.
- An off-campus housing contract is between the student and the landlord solely.
- Students are responsible for maintaining an accurate physical address with Residence Life and the Registrar’s Office.
- The address is used by the Financial Aid Office.
- The address is shared with the Dean of Students & Northfield City Administration.