Yes. Menlo requires first-year and sophomore students to live on campus unless an exemption applies.
Are first-year students required to live on campus?
Menlo's current public Housing & Dining page states that all first-year and sophomore students are required to live on campus. The 2026–27 Housing Handbook describes the residency requirement as two years/four semesters for full-time students, subject to approved exceptions.
Does a housing offer guarantee my student's preferred dorm or room type?
Students may participate in housing selection and request roommates, but Menlo reserves assignment authority and states that room and roommate preferences are not guaranteed.
Can my student get an exemption from a first-year live-on requirement?
Menlo publishes housing-exemption criteria and provides a Housing Exemption Form through MyMenlo. Approval is required before a student subject to the residency requirement treats off-campus housing as an alternative.
Sources & editorial context
University housing information is organized from the linked sources, with its original review date shown. Rates, deadlines and availability can change; use the applicable academic year and check the source before committing. CollegeHousing.ai is independent of Menlo College.
Get help with your next decision
Lori Hill, Broker Associate at Compass, is the local real estate contact. Matt Dean, NEXA Lending, NMLS #227603, is the financing contact.