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Commuter Students

Students studying on lawn

Welcome, Commuter Students!

The Department of Student Life & Ministry is committed to helping you have a successful experience at Loyola. We understand that as commuter students, you may sometimes feel disconnected and uninformed living off campus. We are here to help ease those anxieties and get you connected to the campus. Our programs and services will provide you with opportunities to:

  • Meet others with similar interests

  • Be informed of campus events

  • Make connections with campus units, staff and faculty

  • Study and/or relax

Get Involved

Joining a student organization can be easy, even when you're commuting and balancing school and other responsibilities! Many organizations meet over the lunch hour or host events that you may be able to attend in between classes. For a complete list of student organizations on campus, we encourage you to check out HowlConnect. 

The Commuter Student Association exists to make Loyola’s commuter students feel welcome and appreciated. CSA plans commuter specific events and uses feedback on how to better help those students who live off campus.

Stay in the know!

CSA keeps commuters informed of what is happening around the city. They share updates periodically on major weather alerts, traffic jams, and other important information for traveling to and from campus. Additionally, CSA hosts a monthly town hall for students to voice concerns, give out information, and get involved as well as emailing you each month with a newsletter of events happening on campus and useful tips for commuter students. 

CSA Instagram

Am I required to live on campus?

Loyola requires every student to live on campus for two (2) academic years, or until attaining junior standing. Campus residents are also required to take advantage of the many dining options on campus by carrying a meal plan. Appeals for exemption from the residency requirement should be submitted in writing to the Office of Residential Life via the Housing Exemption Request form. Subject to review and approval, a student may be granted exemption from Loyola’s residency requirement if they meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • Student lives with parent(s) or legal guardian in the New Orleans metropolitan area, defined as a physical address within commutable distance (approx. 25 miles) of Loyola’s campus (Refer to Loyola's Commuter Policy for details)

  • Student has previously completed two (2) years of full-time college enrollment at an accredited institution of higher education; OR student has attained Junior standing (56 earned credit-hours) at Loyola University New Orleans

  • Student turns 21 years of age on or before the first day of classes for the fall term of the academic year

  • Student is an honorably discharged veteran

  • Student is or becomes legally married (proof of legal marriage required); OR student is or becomes the biological parent or legal guardian of a dependent child

  • Student participates in student teaching, academic internship, or a special University program that requires the student to be away from the New Orleans metropolitan area for the semester or major portion thereof

  • Student graduates or matriculation is formally terminated at Loyola University New Orleans

Learn more about Housing Exemptions, Deadlines, and Procedures