Axe ’Em, Jacks!
Who is required to live on campus?
You're required to live on campus or apply for an off-campus permit if you're:
- under 21 years of age
- and have completed less than 60 semester credit hours
There are many reasons for an on-campus living requirement, but a big one is student support. Living on campus can help you in so many ways academically and socially by immersing you in the full college experience. And what's more, research shows that students living on campus achieve higher GPAs and graduation rates.
Students are not required to live on campus during the summer term.
You plan to commute from a relative's home within a 60-mile radius.
Allowed relatives include mother, father, brother, sister, aunt, uncle or grandparents.
Documentation needed:
Submit a certified birth certificate and show how relationships can be traced.
Permit length:
Permits granted under this criterion are valid for the duration of your time as an SFA student.
You live on property in Nacogdoches County owned by you or your parents.
Property is defined as "a residence that is attached to real property."
Documentation needed:
Provide a copy of the deed.
Permit length:
Permits granted under this criterion are valid for the duration of your time as an SFA student.
You have custody of a child.
Documentation needed:
Child's original birth certificate or custody documentation.
Permit length:
Permits granted under this criterion are valid for the duration of your time as an SFA student.
You are married.
You must be married before the official reporting day of the term.
Documentation needed:
Copy of marriage certificate.
Permit length:
Permits granted under this criterion are valid for the duration of your time as an SFA student.
You have a medical disability.
Reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Documentation needed:
Accommodation online request form and physician's documentation.
Permit length:
Permits granted under this criterion are valid for the duration of your time as an SFA student.
You are enrolled in eight or fewer semester credit hours.
Documentation needed:
Signed eight-hour agreement.
Permit length:
Permits granted under this criterion are valid for the duration of one semester. You must reapply each semester you meet this criterion.
You are enrolled exclusively in online courses.
All courses must be offered in an online format through SFA Online.
Permit length:
Permits granted under this criterion are valid for the duration of one semester. You must reapply each semester you meet this criterion.
How to apply for an off-campus permit
- Log in to the housing portal using your mySFA credentials.
- Click on the appropriate off-campus permit application link within the desired semester/year.
- Eg., "Fall 2025 Off Campus Permit Application"
- Complete and submit the application.
Don’t forget about extra documentation!
In addition to your off-campus permit application, you may need to submit additional documents to Residence Life. Refer to the off-campus permit requirements for details on any additional documentation needed for the criteria you wish to satisfy.
Frequently asked questions
When will I hear back?
If your off-campus permit is approved, you'll receive a notification through your SFA email account.
It is your responsibility to follow up on your application to see if it's been approved. If you do not have an off-campus permit in place by the first day of class for the semester, room and board charges will be added to your eBill account. These charges will continue to accrue until your off-campus request has been completed and approved.
What if my permit is denied?
If your off-campus permit application is denied, you are required to live on campus. You may want to explore our residence halls now just in case!