Two-Year Residency Requirement

You can view housing and dining rates on the Rider website.

Living on campus offers many benefits to new students! Being on-campus supports academic success through convenient access to faculty, classes, library resources and support services, and greater involvement in activities. Campus living also fosters personal growth, helping students develop independence, time management, and leadership skills. Student success at Rider is 3% higher for students who choose to live on campus and national studies indicate that these factors contribute positively to student persistence and timely graduation.

Students living on campus benefit from a range of support services, including community assistants (CAs), 24/7 campus security for safety, and convenient access to academic support such as tutoring and advising. Health and wellness services provide medical care and counseling, while dining services offer nutritious meals and dietary accommodations. Students with disabilities or other special needs can also request accommodations.

If you wish to live off-campus, you are required to commute from your primary residence. Rider University's policy requires first- and second-year undergraduate students who are not living at home to reside in university residence halls and participate in a meal plan. This means you cannot live with friends in off-campus apartments or similar arrangements. Students who do not comply with this policy will face penalties. If you have a valid reason for an exemption, you may request a waiver and each request will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The waiver form will be made available starting in February 2025.

Rider’s Campus Connection Grant is designed to assist students in covering housing expenses and is part of a student’s overall financial aid package. To be considered for the Campus Connection Grant, students need to apply to Rider and submit the FAFSA.

Transfer, continuing education, exchange and graduate students are not required to live on campus, but are encouraged to do so to enhance their academic experience.

Students and families can request exemptions for special circumstances. If you believe you qualify for an exemption from this policy, you may submit a waiver request. The waiver form will be made available starting in February 2025. Each request will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Students found in violation of the residency requirement will be subject to penalties as part of Rider’s housing policy enforcement.If you would like to appeal, you can fill out the online form. The form will be made available starting in February 2025.