Contracts, Fees, and Payments
More Information about Contracts
- How long does my housing contract last?
- I’ve decided not to come here in the fall. Do I get my $300 housing deposit back?
- What do I do if I want to cancel my contract?
- How much does it cost to live in campus housing?
- When are my housing fees due?
- Will Financial Aid cover my housing cost?
- What are the qualifications for a deposit waiver?
- Am I required to purchase a meal plan?
- How much does a meal plan cost?
- Can I change or add additional money to my meal plan?
- What happens when you owe money to the university?
How long does my housing contract last?
Your residence hall (traditional and suite style buildings) contract is for nine months (fall and spring semesters—August-May). Apartment contracts are for 12 months (August to end of Summer Term).
I’ve decided not to come to VSU in the fall. Do I get my $300 housing deposit back?
The following dates show what refunds may be available if a contract is approved for cancellation for the Fall Semester:
New Students:
- On or before June 15 – Full refund
- From June 16 to June 30 - $200 refund
- From July 1 to July 15 - $100 refund
- After July 15 – No refund
Returning Students:
- On or before May 1 – Full refund
- From May 2 to May 15 - $200 refund
- From May 16 to May 31 - $100 refund
- After May 31 – No refund
Please see Canceling My Contract for more information regarding the cancellation of your housing contract.
What do I do if I want to cancel my contract?
If a student decides to no longer live on campus and/or attend Valdosta State University the following steps must be taken to cancel their housing contract:
- Notify the Office of Housing and Residence Life in writing of their wishes to cancel their contract. This can be done via e-mail, fax, written letter to the office, or online by completing a Contract Release Form.
- Cancellations cannot be taken over the phone!
- For current students wishing to cancel their contracts - come to the Office of Housing and Residence Life (1st Floor Powell Hall - East) to fill out a "Release of Contract."
- Current residents may apply to buy out of their contract for 50% of the remaining value of the contract. Written requests need to be received by November 15 for the Spring Semester. No buyouts are permitted for summer.
- If a student requesting release is a continuing freshman at Valdosta State University, the Freshman Residency Exemption Form must also be completed and approved.
Please see Canceling My Contract for more details.
How much does it cost to live in campus housing?
The cost to live on campus depends on the hall. Check the Housing Rates for specific rates.
Please visit the Fee Deadlines section of the Financial Services website for current fee payment deadlines.
Will Financial Aid cover my housing cost?
Depending on what type of Financial Aid you have, the cost of your housing may or may not be covered. Please visit the Financial Aid website or call (229-333-5935) or e-mail the Office of Financial Aid for information on the benefits of your specific Financial Aid package.
What are the qualifications for a deposit waiver?
Unless you are eligible for a full Pell Grant, the housing deposit is generally not waived. If you feel you are eligible for a deposit waiver, please call 229-333-5920 or e-mail the Housing Office for a deposit waiver form. Once you have completed the form, your request will be reviewed before being granted or denied.
Am I required to purchase a meal plan?
All students living on campus, with the exception of graduate students, are required to purchase a meal plan as part of their housing contract. Students living off campus have the option of purchasing a commuter meal plan if they choose to do so. Please visit the Meal Plan Services website for more information on meal plan options and the meal plan contract.
How much does a meal plan cost?
The cost of a meal plan varies depending on which meal plan program you choose. Please check the Meal Plans website for current meal plan options and rates.
Can I add additional money to my meal plan?
Please visit the Meal Plan Services website for more information on adding money to your meal plan.
What happens when you owe money to the university?
When a charge is placed on your student account during the academic year, a "hold" will be placed on your record in the university's computer. With a "hold" on your record, you will not be able to graduate, register for classes, or obtain an official transcript of your academic record. The "hold" is removed when all charges are paid. If you do not pay your debt within 60 days, your case can be given to a collection agency, which will contact you directly seeking payment. After six months, the non-payment of debt can appear on your credit report and can remain there for up to seven years.