Life in a dorm is one of the key aspects of college living! Late-night gossip sessions, ramen noodles, and the thrill of newfound independence...

And with your new freedom, you might want to have visitors who stay for an extended period of time, whether it's with a close friend who's had a falling out with their roommate, a boyfriend for multiple weekend visits, or a girlfriend who's unofficially moved in.

How Long is Too Long?

Generally, students living in university housing are allowed to have guests for a night or two, here or there, as long as they've cleared it with their roommates. But take it beyond that length of time, and you can run into housing violations, fines, and even investigations. For example, Stanford University's policy states:

“Guests may only stay for a maximum of five nights total per quarter. Guests who stay for three or more consecutive days or five days total per quarter must register with their local Housing Service Center...Unless approved, any guest who stays longer than these periods is deemed an unauthorized occupant, and the student will be subject to unauthorized occupancy charges, which are $225/ day.”

Similarly, Indiana University, Bloomington, allows guests for no “more than three (3) consecutive days no more than twice a semester.” However, IU does allow the residential life staff to grant exceptions.

While it might seem like no big deal at the time, allowing someone to crash in your dorm room without proper authorization can lead to some unexpected troubles.

Got Caught? Here's What to Do:

If you're facing an investigation from your school, the first thing you should do is reach out to an attorney advisor who can assist you with handling the situation, so you have the best possible outcome.

You'll also want to take some time to review your university or college's housing agreement—what did you actually agree to, and what your school's policies are around unauthorized guests.

An attorney-advisor from the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team, who understands the intricacies of working with college administration officials, will be able to advise you on other specific actions that you should take in order to protect the time and money you've already invested in your college career.

College Defense Attorneys

Embarking on your college journey is thrilling—filled with discoveries, challenges, and personal growth. Every choice you make, whether academic or personal, contributes to this unique experience. Be informed, understand the implications, and act responsibly. If you ever find yourself in hot water over a housing violation, remember, the Lento Law Firm Team is there to help you navigate the issue. Contact us today at 888.535.3686 or reach out online.