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Study Abroad

Housing in the U.S. While Abroad

Reminder: On-campus housing is more flexible when it comes to getting released from a contract, so consider living on campus to prevent housing becoming a barrier to studying abroad.

On Campus Housing

  • Contact the Housing and Residence Life Office as soon as you have been accepted to study abroad.
  • The Housing and Residence Life Office will review your contract release request. The process takes at least 10 business days.
  • Do NOT wait until the last minute to inform the Housing and Residence Life Office that you are studying abroad and you need to be released from your housing contract. It will cost you money if you do not notify them in time to process the request.
  • NOTE: You must maintain good communication with the Housing and Residence Life Office if you are unable to complete a full housing contract. They will be able to work with your special circumstance and allow you to break your contract, but you must notify them as you solidify your study abroad plans.

Off Campus Housing

  • Notify your off-campus landlord. Students usually find a sub-leaser for the time they are studying abroad; however, it is your own responsibility to find a sub-leaser.
  • Visit the GVSU Housing and Residence Life page for additional resources

 

 

Housing at GVSU While Studying Abroad (Semester Study Abroad Students)

Planning to study abroad for a semester? Be sure to plan ahead for your housing at GVSU.

Going Abroad Fall Semester?

  • If you're going abroad in the Fall, you cannot reserve a full academic year housing contract, instead, you must apply for Winter-only housing application. Watch for the Winter-only housing app and apply for that when it opens. Housing assignments are allocated around December and are based on availability

Going Abroad Winter Semester?

  • If you're going abroad in the Winter, you can live on campus in the Fall, then request to be released from the Winter portion of your housing contract. When you submit a contract release request, it takes at least 10 business days to process. Housing recommends submitting this around or after Thanksgiving break.

 

Off-Campus Housing

  • Let your landlord know about your study abroad plans as early as possible.
  • You’re responsible for finding a sub-leaser while you’re away.
  • For off-campus/sub-leasing, GVSU housing suggests that students reach out to the individual complexes to inquire about their sub-leasing policies and availability. Many of them have lists of their residents looking for sub-leasers and prefer to keep the search process in house. This saves time and keeps your information more private.
Page last modified August 10, 2026