Residence Requirements

Since Cornell is a residential college, all students live in College-owned housing. Exceptions are:

1. Students who live at the primary, permanent residence of their parent or guardian that is in or very near Mount Vernon.
2. Students who apply for admission and are accepted after College housing is full.
3. Married students.
4. Students who have children.
5. Students who have completed eight semesters in residence.
6. Students who are 24 years of age or older by September 1 for that academic year.
7. Students who have been authorized to live off campus when sufficient space is not available to house all students in the residence halls. Seniors are given preference through the off-campus lottery, and if spaces remain a junior off-campus housing lottery may be conducted.
8. Students with special medical needs, as verified by a doctor's completion of the Documentation of Medical/Psychological Conditions form and recommended to the Director of Student Health Services or the Director of Counseling. The Director of Residence Life makes the final decision.

Exceptions to the residence policy must be requested through the Residence Life Office.