Housing Exemption & Auto Release
The Housing Exemption process is for new, incoming first-year students who meet the requirements to be exempt from the first-year live-on requirement. The Housing Exemption Request form is located on the University Housing Portal (opens in a new tab). Please note that you must complete your Housing Application prior to accessing the Exemption Request form. Exemptions may be granted for the following reasons:
- Student lives with a parent or legal guardian within a 30-mile commuting distance
- Student is enrolled in an App State Online program
- Student is enrolled at the Hickory campus
- Student is married
- Student is a single parent
- Student is 25 years of age or older
- Student is a military veteran
The Housing Exemption process for Fall 2025 will open on February 1st, 2025, and close on August 22, 2025.
The Housing Exemption process for Spring 2026 will open on September 1st, 2025, and close on January 16th, 2026.
A contract cancellation at the end of the Fall semester without penalty is known as an Auto Release. Students may only request a release from this contract at the end of the Fall semester without penalty for one of the following reasons: (a) graduation, (b) official withdrawal from the University, (c) marriage, (d) engagement in a study abroad activity through the Office of International Programs, (e) University approved student teaching/internship outside Watauga County, or (f) enrollment in an AppState Online Program. All requests must be submitted in writing, with supporting documentation from the appropriate office.
If you meet the criteria for an Auto Release for Spring 2026, please:
1. Log into your Housing portal
2. Fill out the Auto Release Form (Other Processes tab)
3. Wait for an Approved Email from University Housing
4. Make a plan to move out of your room 24 hours after your last final or by noon on December 13th if you are graduating.
Please note, an email from [email protected] is the required approval needed to be released from the Spring portion of your contract to avoid being billed. The deadline for Auto Release submissions for Spring 2026 is January 16th, 2026.