Off-Campus Living Guide

Living off campus opens up new opportunities—and new responsibilities. This guide is here to help you thrive while living off campus, ensuring you stay supported, informed, and connected to all that Vanderbilt has to offer.

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Getting Started

All unmarried undergraduate students are required to live in on-campus residence halls unless they receive official authorization from Vanderbilt’s Director of Housing Assignments and Operations. Signing a lease or making off-campus arrangements before authorization will not substitute for university approval.

  • Who’s Eligible to Apply?
    • Eligible students may apply for off-campus housing during the designated registration period. Authorization is granted based on seniority through a randomized lottery, and eligibility may vary depending on available inventory. 
    • Authorization is granted based on seniority via a randomized lottery:
      • Current off-campus residents
      • Rising 4th-year students or greater
      • Rising 3rd-year students
  • How to Apply

    • Complete Housing Registration online (early November).

    • During the Priority Window (mid-Nov) apply for Off‑Campus Authorization and optionally form roommate groups.

    • If not selected, there’s a General Window and possible January waitlist round for additional authorizations.

    • Do not sign a lease or pay rent until you’ve received written authorization.

  • Important Warnings

    • Leases and deposits signed in advance are not grounds for off-campus approval.

    • If you’re denied, you must live on campus (and can return to the waitlist as space frees up).

  • Financial Aid & Scholarships

Neighbor Resources

To our Nashville neighbors: This section is meant for those unaffiliated with Vanderbilt but may have students living nearby.

Construction is underway to expand Vanderbilt's residential colleges. This initiative is designed to enhance the undergraduate experience and increase housing capacity. As part of this project, some existing residential spaces will be demolished, resulting in more students living off-campus.

Here are the steps we have taken to assist in this transition:

  • All Vanderbilt behavioral expectations apply off-campus. In addition, the university has guidelines for being a Good Neighbor.
  • Guidelines include following local noise ordinances, ensuring access to parking and streets, and hosting responsible gatherings.
  • All off-campus students are informed of these guidelines; issues can be addressed directly with students or reported to Student Accountability.

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