The College of New Jersey has a housing policy that promotes a vibrant on-campus experience for all first-year students. Yet, incoming first-year students who are unable to live on campus may make this request by completing a housing exemption request. These requests are subject to approval from the Department of Residential Education and Housing.
Before requesting an exemption, some things to consider:
- Students who live on campus have the opportunity to engage with our Residential Curriculum, which supplements a students academic experience at TCNJ
- We have a variety of residence halls and living options, and you get to pick where you live and who you live with.
- Being on campus means being at the heart of it all! You have easy access to:
- offices on campus
- study groups
- study spaces
- dining options
- extracurricular events
- Student satisfaction with TCNJ’s residential experience exceeds national averages!
- Living on campus positively contributes to degree attainment, student success, and much more!
- Nearly 75% of our first year students decide to stay on campus their sophomore year!
- Students are able to seek an accommodation for their housing or meal plan with the Accessibility Resource Center (ARC). Some of these needs we have met include:
- Accommodations related to environmental features (elevators, single occupancy spaces, air conditioning, bed shakers and light alerts)
- Accommodations to dietary restrictions, food based allergens, individually prepared meals
To be exempt from housing, students must submit a Housing Exemption Request (available after October 15th).
While the following students are eligible for exemptions with a submitted request, many students who fall into these categories choose to live on campus and would be welcomed to live on campus:
- Pathways Student
- Students who have dependents or are married
- Students 21 years of age or older
- Students who reside with parents or legal guardian within a 10 mile radius (notary required)
- Students who have lived on campus for two full semesters at another college or university
- Students who identify as veteran status with at least 6 months of active duty status
- Display financial hardship that would impact their ability to live on campus
- Provide documentation showing a medical need that on campus housing cannot provide
To see a timeline of this process refer to the table below:
| Housing exemption request opens | October 15th |
| TCNJ Application Deadline | February 1st |
| First year housing Exemption request Deadline (to receive decision by April 1st | March 15th |
| Notification of admission decision | No later than April 1st |
| All exemption request decisions sent (for requests submitted by deadline) | No later than April 1st |
| Housing Registration for new students begins | May 1st |
| Housing selection for first year students begins | Mid to late June |
| Deadline to submit housing exemption requests* | July 31st |
*Any requests submitted after July 31st are subject to our Contract Release process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to do to submit a housing exemption request?
Students need to first apply to TCNJ in order to request a housing exemption. After doing so, students are then eligible to complete the Housing Exemption Request form.
How long does it take Residential Education and Housing to process my exemption request?
Once an exemption request is submitted with all necessary documentation, please allow 5-10 business days for your request to be processed.
Does my exemption request impact my application for admission to TCNJ?
Your housing exemption request has no impact on your application process for TCNJ. Please note that completing this request, or being approved for an exemption from housing is a separate process than ones admission into TCNJ. If you have any questions regarding your application status for TCNJ, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
What happens if my exemption request is denied?
In the event that an exemption request is denied, students are then expected to reside on campus for the academic year and are subject to the conditions of our housing contract.
Is living on campus required after my first year?
No, the first year housing requirement applies only to students during their first academic year at TCNJ. Afterwards, students are able to either continue to live on campus or may choose to live off campus.
Am I able to live nearby campus to meet this requirement?
Students must reside in on campus housing unless approved for an exemption. On campus housing does not include Campus Town, student housing not provided directly by the college, or any housing arrangement in close physical proximity to campus.
Is there a deadline to complete the exemption request?
While there is not a deadline to submit exemption requests, students should plan to submit requests by March 15th. This allows Residential Education and Housing time to process in time for decision day (April 1st). Requests may still be submitted after this date, though any request after July 31st would need to be submitted as a Contract Release.
What is the difference between an Exemption Request and Contract release?
Exemption Requests are exclusively for incoming first year students who are requesting release from the first year housing requirement before July 31st. Returning students, and first year students after July 31st should refer to the Contract Release process to request termination of their housing contract.