Read Smith’s UPDATED plans as of November 23, 2020,
for the spring 2021 semester.
Off-Campus Housing
Before considering off-campus living, students should communicate with Student Financial Services to determine if and how living off-campus will impact their financial aid or grants.
Off-Campus Lottery
A limited number of senior students are given permission, through a lottery process, to live off-campus. The off-campus application form for the 2020-21 academic year will open February 3 and close on February 13.
Off-Campus Petitions
Off-campus petitions are available on your Residence Life Self-Service page beginning Monday, November 23 at 10 a.m. The priority deadline is December 15, 2020. In light of the COVID pandemic, students may request a temporary change to off-campus housing status for the spring 2021 semester ONLY. This change in housing status will remain in effect through the end 2020-2021 academic year.. Students who wish to extend their request for off-campus housing must reapply fo Fall 2021. Students from all class years may apply for temporary off-campus status. Please see the COVID FAQs for further information. If you have other emergent or extenuating circumstances, please do not hesitate to contact reslife@smith.edu.
Students who are not rising seniors (or who are seniors but missed the senior off-campus lottery deadline) must petition to waive the on-campus living requirement in order to live off-campus. Further documentation to support the request may be required. Students are not guaranteed to be approved to live off-campus. Entering first-years and rising sophomores are rarely approved unless requesting a temporary change.
Exceptions are made for students who are getting married/a civil union or living at home with parent(s)/legal guardian(s). These students may automatically receive an exemption from the on-campus housing requirement. To receive an automatic waiver please contact the Office of Residence Life at reslife@smith.edu.
Students living at home with their legal guardians must live in one of the following communities. These towns are within a 20-mile radius (driving) of Northampton:
Amherst, Chesterfield, Conway, Cummington, Easthampton, Goshen, Granby, Hadley, Hatfield, Haydenville, Holyoke, North Amherst, Northampton, Pelham, South Deerfield, South Hadley, Southampton, West Chesterfield, Westfield, Westhampton, Whately or Williamsburg.
Returning to On-Campus Living
If you were previously approved to live off-campus and now wish to return to on-campus living, please complete the form below. All students are guaranteed an on-campus assignment at Smith, but Residence Life cannot guarantee a specific house or room placement.
ON-CAMPUS HOUSING REQUEST FORM