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FAQS

Questions about university-owned family housing? You've come to the right place.

Who can live with me?
Family housing is for immediate family only. This includes the student's spouse and children. To qualify for family housing with a parent, the student needs to be 27 prior to the start of the semester.
How many credits do I need to qualify for student housing?
Students must be registered for 6+ undergraduate or 5+ graduate in-person credits to qualify for student housing.
Does my program qualify for student housing?
Fully online programs, such as the Nursing Consortium, do not qualify for student housing. If you are unsure if your program qualifies, reach out to living@southern.edu.
How do I apply for university non-traditional student housing?

1. Apply to Southern and receive an ID number.

2. Arrange a satisfactory budget with your assigned financial counselor.

Prospective Students
prospectivefinance@southern.edu  |  423.236.2812

Current Students
studentfinance@southern.edu  |  423.236.2535 

3. Apply online using the university rental housing application »  

Is a housing deposit required?
The $250 commitment deposit paid by undergraduate students will serve as your housing deposit. Graduate students will need to pay a $250 housing deposit to the accounting office.
How do I pay for university housing?
Your rent is charged to your student account three times per year.
September-December billed in August
January-April billed in December
May-August billed in April

The amount can be paid in monthly installments by signing up for a payment plan at www.southern.edu/pay, or you may make arrangements with Student Finance. 
What is the check-in process?

1. After you sign the rental agreement, schedule an appointment to get your card encoded and pick up keys from the housing office in Talge Hall.

2. Do a walk-through of housing with university personnel before moving in.

3. All utilities will be on when you arrive.

What should I do if I arrive on campus when the housing office is closed?
If you plan to arrive on campus on the weekend or after office hours, make prior arrangements by emailing living@southern.edu.
I will not have transportation, are there options close to campus?
Yes. Lower Stateside and Virginia apartments are located on campus and are available to families. 
Are pets allowed in university housing?
No. Pets are not allowed in any student-housing units. 
What is the process for approval of an emotional support animal in student housing?
Obtaining approval to have an emotional support animal (ESA) in student housing is a two-step process that involves determination of whether a student qualifies for an ESA and approval of the animal. Disability Support Services processes all requests for students and their families. Approval must be obtained in writing from the Disability Support Services office before the student moves into housing. Complete information and forms are on the Disability Support Services website. 
Am I charged a full month if I am in university housing for a partial month?
No. Charges are prorated to begin the day you gain access to the apartment and end the day of your final walk through and key return.
Whom should I contact if I have financial questions?

Prospective Students
prospectivefinance@southern.edu  |  423.236.2812 

Current Students
studentfinance@southern.edu  |  423.236.2535 

What utilities are included in my apartment and rent?
All apartments include utilities in the listed rental rate. All apartments have water, electric, internet, and garbage pick-up. Winding Creek Apartments also has gas. 
Are housing units furnished?
No. Family housing units come unfurnished. 
How will I receive U.S. mail?

Lower Stateside & Virginia Apartments must obtain a post office box. 

Winding Creek has mailboxes on-site.

Where will I park?

Parking is provided for two personal vehicles per apartment. Neither should exceed the size of a pickup truck.

All resident vehicles are required to display a parking permit. Permits may be obtained online at the Campus Safety Website.

Repairing vehicles in the housing or parking areas is not permitted.

If no university housing is available, what are my options?
We maintain an updated list of rental properties in the local area for your convenience. The Area Housing List is provided as a courtesy and should not be considered a university endorsement of the properties or owners. Exercise discretion, as you would with any public listing.

Questions?

Non-traditional Student Housing Office
living@southern.edu 
423.236.2566

Schedule an Appointment
Housing Questions