Graduate Housing

Who is eligible for graduate student housing?

Students are eligible for Graduate Housing once enrolled at a Graduate Program at FSC with a conferred bachelor's degree before their lease start date. Applicants must be in good academic, financial, and disciplinary standing with the College.

How do I apply for graduate student housing?

Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible graduate students can apply through the FSC Graduate Housing Online Application. To complete your application, you will need to:

• Submit the application
• Pay the required housing deposit via our secure online web portal
• Indicate your unit type and roommate preferences

Is graduate housing guaranteed?

No. Graduate housing is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage students to apply as early as possible.

Is there a waitlist, and how does it work?

Graduate students who place a deposit after all graduate housing options have been assigned will be placed on the graduate student housing waitlist and assigned in order of deposit, should space become available. The housing deposit will be returned if housing cannot be provided within the requested academic year or if the graduate student notifies the Office of Residence Life that they wish to be removed from the graduate student housing waitlist.  

Can part-time graduate students apply?

Yes, part-time graduate students may apply.

When will I receive my housing assignment?

Applicants are typically notified within two weeks of their housing application submission date.

Is there a deadline for applications?

Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications will remain open until all units are filled. The website will be updated to reflect inventory status.

Can International Students apply before arriving in the U.S.?

Yes, international graduate students can apply before arriving in the U.S.

Can I request a specific unit type, roommate, or building?

Yes, graduate students can request a specific community, unit type, or building. However, final assignments will be made based on availability.

Can a co-occupant be of the opposite sex?

Yes, opposite-sex co-occupants may be approved when they are a spouse, domestic partner, or minor dependent. All such requests are processed through the Household Member Request Form included in the Housing Agreement.

What is the length of the lease?

Graduate Student housing leases are typically 12 months. Students may request a shortened lease based on academic program needs or graduation. These shortened leases are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

What is the early termination or lease cancellation policy?

Graduate students may request a shortened lease from the Office of Residence Life to accommodate academic program needs or a graduation date that falls in advance of the 12-month lease. Graduate students who need to vacate before their lease end date for reasons other than graduation must submit a written request to the Office of Residence Life. Early termination requests for reasons other than graduation or academic program needs are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may be subject to an early termination fee. Students who withdraw from their academic program, are academically dismissed, or take an approved leave of absence should contact the Office of Residence Life as soon as possible to discuss housing options and obligations.

What happens to my housing if I withdraw, take a leave of absence, or am academically dismissed?

Graduate Students who withdraw from their program, take an approved leave of absence, or are dismissed must contact the Office of Residence Life immediately. Housing eligibility is contingent on active enrollment in a Florida Southern College graduate program. In most cases, students will be required to vacate within a college-specified timeframe. Lease obligations and any applicable fees will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis in coordination with the Office of the Dean of Students and Academic Affairs

What is included in the rent?

Rent includes a furnished unit and utilities such as water, electricity, and internet, as well as maintenance services and access to the recreation center. Parking permits are required for all vehicles on campus and within residential communities; however, they are not included in the cost of rent.

Residential units are furnished.

• Bedrooms come furnished with:
1. Full sized bed, desk, and desk chair
• Living rooms come furnished with:
1. Sofa
2. Coffee table
3. High-top dining table with four chairs
• Kitchens come furnished with:
1. Oven with stove top
2. Fridge
3. Microwave

When is the rent due?

Graduate students may choose between a monthly payment plan or a semesterly lump-sum payment. Late payments may incur additional fees. For those on a monthly plan, payment due dates will be determined by the Office of Student Accounts. Semesterly lump-sum payments are due by the Friday of the first week of the semester/term.

How is the deposit applied?

The housing deposit is applied to the student’s overall residential bill and serves to reserve a placement while space is available. If a graduate student is not immediately assigned housing, they may choose to remain on the waitlist. If housing is later offered, the deposit will be applied to the residential bill. If housing is not provided during the academic year, the deposit will be refunded.

Is rental insurance required?

Florida Southern College strongly recommends that all Graduate Students obtain rental insurance to protect personal belongings. The College is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to personal property. Renter’s insurance is often available at low cost through a homeowner’s insurance add-on or an independent provider.

Is institutional financial aid available to help cover the cost of rent in the Graduate Student Residential Community?

No. Graduate students residing in the graduate student residential community are not eligible for institutional financial aid for housing. The all-inclusive pricing is set below comparable market rates and is designed to offer strong value while remaining aligned with the overall cost of attendance. 

Am I required to have a meal plan?

No. Though not required, graduate students are welcome to explore our different meal plan options.

Can I bring a vehicle?

Yes. Graduate Students can bring vehicles, but they must be registered with a parking permit. For more information about parking, review the parking website.

Are residential accommodations available for students and co-occupants with disabilities?

Yes, Florida Southern College works to provide reasonable accommodations. Graduate Students should contact the Office of Student Disability Services to discuss specific needs.

Can I live with a partner, friend, or family member?

Graduate Student housing may allow co-occupants such as spouses, domestic partners, or family members. Marriage is not necessarily required, but all occupants must be approved by the College through the Household Member Request Form. This form is included in the Housing Agreement.

Can I have a minor dependent live with me?

Yes. Graduate Student housing allows minor dependent co-occupants. Graduate students must include this individual in the Household Member Request Form and complete the Minor Agreement Form. Both forms are provided in the Housing Agreement.

Are background checks required for additional occupants?

No, background checks are not required, but all requested household members must be listed and approved in the Household Member Request Form included in the Housing Agreement.

Is there a limit on the number of occupants?

Yes, occupancy limits are based on unit size.

Can I choose my roommate?

Yes. Graduate students are not required to have a roommate; however, those who wish to share a unit may indicate that preference on their application. Applicants may request a specific graduate student as a roommate by listing them as a co-occupant for review and approval. Students who do not have a preferred roommate may also request assistance from the Office of Residence Life in identifying a potential match with another Florida Southern College graduate student seeking shared housing. Please note that all roommate requests and matches are subject to review and are not guaranteed.

Can I live with a current FSC Undergraduate Student?

No, undergraduate students enrolled at Florida Southern College are ineligible to live in the designated Graduate Student Housing Community.

What is the pet policy?

Pets are permitted in designated residential communities. An additional pet fee of $200 is required per animal. Pets are restricted to cats and dogs. No more than two animals are permitted in a residential unit. Graduate Students can complete the Pet Request Form found in the Housing Agreement. Graduate Students who want to register a service animal or an emotional support animal may inquire with the Office of Student Disability Services. All pet inquiries may be directed to the Office of Residence Life.

All animals on campus must have:

• Signed Consent Waiver
• Proof of Rabies vaccination
• Polk County Animal License
1. Must have a Rabies tag to purchase your county license
2. We recommend you take a screenshot of the confirmation page once you pay for the license, and we can use that as proof. They will send you a hard copy of the license and that could have a delay
• Proof of flea/tick control (picture of box is fine)
• Proof of ownership (vet papers)
• Picture of animal (full body)
• Picture of Enclosed Crate/Kennel, including dimensions
1. Large enough for animal & food/water/litter box
2. Not to exceed 36" x 27" x 25"
• Emergency Contact information (Name/address/email/phone)
1. Person who can easily come and get your pet if needed
• Signed Roommate Rights and Responsibilities form
• Signed Animal Policy

Is alcohol permitted in graduate housing?

Yes, alcohol is permitted for residents of the legal drinking age in designated graduate student housing units.

Are there quiet hours?

Yes, 24-hour courtesy hours are observed to support a respectful academic environment. Official quiet hours are 10 pm to 8 am each day.

Is smoking allowed?

All Florida Southern College residential communities are smoke-free within residential units. Smoking, vaping, and the use of tobacco products are prohibited in all indoor common areas, hallways, and on balconies or patios adjacent to residential units. Designated outdoor smoking areas, if available, are posted in each community.

What are the guest and visitor policies?

Graduate Students are welcome to host guests in their units. Overnight guests are permitted for up to 3 consecutive nights and no more than 9 nights per semester. Residents are responsible for their guests’ behavior and compliance with all community policies. Guests do not have independent access to common facilities. Unauthorized long-term guests may be subject to lease review.

Are the units furnished?

Residential units are furnished.

• Bedrooms come furnished with:
1. Full sized bed, desk, and desk chair
• Living rooms come furnished with:
1. Sofa
2. Coffee table
3. High-top dining table with four chairs
• Kitchens come furnished with:
1. Oven with stove top
2. Fridge
3. Microwave

Are laundry facilities available?

Yes, complimentary on-site laundry facilities are available at Colony Arms and Ledger Apartments. Mississippi Apartments have access to the Ledger laundry facility.

How do I request maintenance?

Residential students can submit a Work Order through the FSC’s Work Request portal.

When can I move in?

Move-in dates are based on the lease agreement. Move-in information will be shared with Graduate Students leading up to their planned move-in date.

What is required for move-out?

Residents must return the unit in good condition and complete all checkout procedures to avoid additional charges. Residents will schedule an appointment with a staff member of the Office of Residence Life. In this appointment, the staff member and resident(s) will review the unit.