When a student applies to live in University Housing, they sign a contract. This contract includes information both about what they can expect to be provided by the University during their stay, as well as the terms (length) of the agreement. Should a student wish to terminate their residence hall contract, they must submit a request in writing. The appropriate form is linked below or can be picked up in the University Housing office, and will require supporting documentation. We encourage any student considering this option to read this page thoroughly before taking any further action.
The Length of the Residence Hall Contract
Students who move into the residence halls for fall semester have signed an academic year contract, which means that they are contracted to stay in the residence halls through the entire academic year (both fall and spring semesters). Students who move into the residence halls for spring semester have signed a “spring only” contract, which means that they are only contracted to stay in the residence halls through the end of spring semester. Students may also sign a contract for summer housing, so long as they are enrolled in a sufficient number of courses. This contract will be limited to the specific summer sessions during which their courses occur.
Reasons to request a contract termination
Students who decide to transfer to another college or university partway through their housing contract, students who withdraw from the University all together, and students who graduate partway through their housing contract are generally free from penalties for not completing the contract. However, these students must still submit a request to terminate the contract by emailing the request form to housing@ysu.edu, as University Housing staff will need to verify that they are indeed transferring, withdrawing, or graduating with the appropriate University offices.
Students who experience extenuating circumstances, including new medical diagnoses or sudden financial hardship, should submit a request to terminate the contract along with supporting documentation to the Housing team at housing@ysu.edu. These requests will be reviewed by the Director of University Housing or their designee, and may require a meeting with the Director or their designee for further discussion.
Requests to terminate the contract for other reasons, including a desire to sign a lease elsewhere, will not be approved.
Refunds for approved contract terminations
Any student who approved for a contract termination will be eligible for a refund at the rate listed below:
- Cancellation before Fall Move-In Date: 100% Refund of Room & Board Fees
- Cancellation before the end Week 1 of the semester: 80% Refund of Room & Board Fees
- Cancellation before the end of Week 2 of the semester: 60% Refund of Room & Board Fees
- Cancellation before the end of Week 3 of the semester: 40% Refund of Room & Board Fees
- Cancellation before the end of Week 4 of the semester: 20% Refund of Room & Board Fees
- Cancellation after Week 5 of the semester: 0% Refund of Room & Board Fees
If a request is denied
If a student moves out of University Housing without submitting a request to terminate their residence hall contract, they will continue to maintain access to their room through the end of the contract period. The student will not be eligible for any refund, regardless of whether they use the space.
Students may not sublet their spaces to other students.
Students who submit a request to terminate their residence hall contract and who are denied will still be responsible for all charges related to their residence hall contract.