In Residential Life we field a lot of questions about the merits of life on-campus versus off-campus. We also hear a lot of different reasons for choosing one over the other. When it comes right down to it, this is a very important question that only your student can answer. But you can help!
As parents or guardians, you can help by making sure your student is asking the right questions. The first step is to identify the level of importance of each issue. For example:
- Is cost your primary concern? (If so, make sure you are identifying all aspects of cost.)
- How important is safety and what does this look like for you as a parent? What does this look like for your student?
Please click
here to reference the On-Campus v. Off-Campus comparison chart for a more complete listing of considerations.
Increased independence is one of the reasons students choose to live off-campus; and with independence comes responsibility. When it comes to negotiating all the potential responsibilities, you as a parent / guardian need to consider how much support you are willing and able to provide. Ask the question “where will your student truly be able to develop independence?” This is not a question with a one-size fits all answer. Examine what you and your student value and discuss the issues. Please let us know how we can help you with either decision!
Before your student finalizes the decision to live on-campus or off-campus, remember that PLU has a University Residency Requirement, which reads:
PLU requires that all full-time students live in University housing unless you meet one of the following criteria:
- Live at home with a parent, legal guardian, spouse, or child.
- 20 years of age or older on or before September 1st to be exempt for the academic year, or on or before February 1st to be exempt for spring semester.
- Have achieved junior status (completed 60 semester hours) prior to the beginning of fall semester to be exempt for the academic year, or prior to spring semester to be exempt for the spring semester.
Questions for the Office of Residential Life?
Dana McDonald
rlif@plu.edu253-535-7200
Residential Life 
