Starting Strong at WSU.
At Washington State University, we believe that where you live plays a crucial role in your success. That’s why the First-Year Live-In Requirement (FLIR) ensures that all single undergraduate first-year students under 20 years of age live in residence halls for their first academic year (Washington Administrative Code WAC 504-24-030).
This policy is based on national and local data demonstrating the benefits of living in first-year approved housing and reflects our commitment to student well-being, academic achievement, and personal growth.
Living on campus isn’t just a requirement—it’s an opportunity to make the most of your first year at WSU. This is where your Coug journey begins!
Exemptions
We understand that some students need exemptions for living off-campus. There are four circumstances that allow students to apply for exemptions.
Why Living on Campus Helps Cougs.
Academic Success
Students who live on campus their first year are more likely to return for their second year and graduate on time. Residence halls provide an environment designed for learning, with easy access to academic support services, study spaces, and peer collaboration.
Convenience
Living on campus means you’re steps away from your classes, libraries, dining halls, recreation facilities, and campus events. You’ll have everything you need to succeed—academically and socially—right at your doorstep.
Connections & Community
Becoming a Coug means being part of a strong, supportive community. Living in the residence halls helps you form friendships, connect with faculty and staff, and get involved in student organizations, sports, and campus life.
Personal Growth & Support
Living independently for the first time is a big step, but you won’t be alone. Our residence life team, including professional and student staff, is here to help you navigate challenges, find your place, and develop essential life skills.
Safety & Well-Being
Your safety and well-being are our top priorities. Residence halls are secured 24/7 with restricted access, and on-site staff provide support whenever you need it. Plus, being on campus means quick access to health, counseling, and emergency services.
Requesting an Exemption from FLIR
The boxes below outline the circumstances for exemptions, the documentation required to request an exemption, and a link to the appropriate form.
Requests are reviewed and a determination is made whether an exemption will be granted. Individuals applying for such exemption will be informed of the decision via their WSU student email. Do not sign a lease until you have received written notification of approval.
If you have questions about the above exemption process, please reach out to pullman.flir@wsu.edu or (509) 335-4976.
Plan ahead and submit early
For students starting in the fall semester, please submit an exemption request by June 1. We understand students with previous college credits may not be able to submit a transcript with spring quarter grades until late June.
For students starting in the Spring, please submit an exemption request by October 1.
Requests will be reviewed after those dates; however, earlier submission ensures there is enough time for review, appeals if needed and for students to make arrangements on- or off- campus. Please note that there are no expedited applications.
The student has attended an institution of higher education (post-high school graduation) as a regularly enrolled student for at least two regular semesters or three regular quarters, excluding summer sessions.
Running Start students are considered first-year students with college credits, are not regularly enrolled students, and are subject to live-in requirements.
Required documentation to submit with the exemption request form:
- Transcripts, official or unofficial.
Requests submitted without supporting documentation will be denied. Waiver requests can take up to 14 days to be reviewed and processed. Students should check their WSU emails for official letters once a waiver has been processed.
If you are found to be eligible for this waiver, you may still be responsible for all penalty fees as a result of breaking your contract.
The student is living with an immediate family in a family situation. Only a parent, legal guardian, aunt/uncle, or grandparents qualify as "immediate family." The immediate family must live within a 40-mile radius of the WSU Pullman campus.
Required documentation to submit with the exemption request form:
- Proof of residency and address of immediate family member (lease for apartments and utility bill for single-family homes).
- Birth certificates/marriage licenses showing relationship to the immediate family.
- A notarized letter from the immediate family member verifying you are living with them.
Requests submitted without supporting documentation will be denied. Waiver requests can take up to 14 days to be reviewed and processed. Students should check their WSU emails for official letters once a waiver has been processed.
If you are found to be eligible for this waiver, you may still be responsible for all penalty fees as a result of breaking your contract.
The student can demonstrate they have a documented medical or psychological condition that clearly shows living in on-campus student housing would have a detrimental effect on the student’s personal physical health and/or emotional well-being.
Required documentation to submit with the exemption request form:
- First-year Live-in Rule Verification of Disability/Chronic Health Condition must be filled out by a licensed medical provider. All questions must be answered by the medical provider, incomplete forms will not be considered.
Requests submitted without supporting documentation will be denied. Waiver requests can take up to 14 days to be reviewed and processed. Students should check their WSU emails for official letters once a waiver has been processed.
If you are found to be eligible for this waiver, you may still be responsible for all penalty fees as a result of breaking your contract.
The student can demonstrate that living in recognized University housing would cause undue financial hardship or other extraordinary hardship. Please note: the FLIR Waiver Committee does not consider financial hardship exceptions if you are able to accept or take on more loans but are unwilling or choose not to. A signed lease elsewhere does not preclude you from the First Year Live-in Requirement.
Required documentation to submit with the exemption request form:
- Financial Hardship Documentation
- Copy of financial aid award information
- Budget sheet & personal statement showing expenses comparing the costs of living on-campus versus off-campus and describing the unique circumstances.
- Any additional information that clarifies an extraordinary financial circumstance.
Extraordinary Hardship Documentation:
- Include a personal statement describing the unique circumstances and any additional information that clarifies an extraordinary circumstance.
Requests submitted without supporting documentation will be denied. Waiver requests can take up to 14 days to be reviewed and processed. Students should check their WSU emails for official letters once a waiver has been processed.
If you are found to be eligible for this waiver, you may still be responsible for all penalty fees as a result of breaking your contract.
Frequently Asked Questions about FLIR
How long does it normally take to receive a decision for an exemption request?
It usually only takes 3-5 business days, but it can take up to 10 business days.
I will be 20 years old on the first day of school, but I have a FLIR hold. What do I do?
Please email pullman.flir@wsu.edu with your WSU ID number, and we will follow up with you.
I signed a lease off campus and now cannot afford to pay for school, a HRL contract, and the off campus lease. Is this undue financial burden?
Unfortunately, this is not an undue financial burden.
I want to live off campus, but do not want to have to take loans that are available to me. Is this undue financial burden?
Unfortunately, this is not an undue financial burden.
I will meet the semester requirement after my first semester at WSU, can I request an exemption for my second semester?
Yes, you can. You will be held to your housing contract and will be responsible for any fees for breaking your contract.
I attended a prior institution and meet the requirement, but I still have a FLIR hold, what do I do?
Please submit your request as a transfer student and we will review your request.
I withdrew from one of the two semesters I was enrolled, do I still meet the requirements?
Please submit an exemption request for college credits, along with the appropriate documentation.
If I my request is denied for one circumstance, can I resubmit for a different exemption criterion?
Yes, you can restart the process if you are applying under a different criterion. Unique documentation is required for each criterion, so please review the requirements carefully.