Commuters
Commuter Definition:
A commuter student is a student who is living locally (within a 50-mile distance) and at least one of the following criteria applies:
- The student is living locally with parents
- The student is living locally with family members (i.e. parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles)
- The student is classified as having independent status by the Office of Financial Aid and is living locally.
- The student is married or has a dependent child
- The student is 23 or older
Process:
If you meet any of the above criteria your commuter status is valid for the academic year. You will need to notify the Office of Residence Life in writing and provide the following:
- Your local address
- The name and relationship of the person(s) with whom you are residing.
- Sign a Commuter Contract which states the following:
"I agree that I meet the definition of a commuter student. Furthermore, if I no longer meet the definition I will notify the Office of Residence Life. Additionally, I will meet any on-campus housing requirements if necessary. Additionally, I agree to abide by the policies, rules and regulation in the Community Covenant and the current Student Handbook. I agree to keep my commuter information (address and phone number) updated."
If you do not meet the above criteria you will need to meet the on-campus residency requirement. Additionally, if the granting criteria changes, you must notify the Office of Residence Life and may be subject to meet the on-campus residency requirement.
If you should have questions please contact our office at (717) 796- 5239.
Off Campus Housing
Off campus housing was traditionally offered as a way to decrease the number of upper class students living on campus so that all underclass students could live on campus. This process changed in 2019 when the on-campus housing capacity was deemed sufficient to house all undergraduate students. At this point, there are no off-campus housing applications. All students (except those who qualify as a commuter) are expected to live on campus based on our residency requirement. If you feel your situation is unique, you may email housing@messiah.edu to find out how to appeal the residency requirement. Please note that appeals are granted very infrequently and are only considered when a student is deemed to have high financial need based on the Financial Aid Office (and FAFSA). For more information, please read the document linked here. Additionally, if approved, reviewed the following document linked here.