William Woods University is a residential university that fosters personal development through a variety of co-curricular learning opportunities. Full-time students, therefore, are required to reside in one of the campus residence halls unless they meet the requirements for non-resident status. Students must meet one of four categories to qualify for non-resident status:

1. Students who reside with parents or guardians and live within a 60-mile radius of the campus.
2. Students who are 23 years of age on the first day of semester classes.
3. Students who are married or have children.
4. Students who are fifth-year seniors and have 90 credit hours.
5. Students receiving a lottery spot

A limited number of seniors are allowed to live off campus. Students interested in this must have completed 90 hours by the end of the previous semester and not be affiliated with a Greek organization on campus.

Resident students requesting a change to commuter status must complete the appropriate form from the Student Life Office. The Dean of Student Life must approve the request. Students enrolled as part-time students can request permission to live in a campus residence hall. A letter indicating enrollment status and rationale for the request should be submitted to the Dean of Student Life.