On-Campus Housing

Mission Deferment Frequently Asked Questions

If you are going to serve a mission, it is very likely that there will be things to be taken care of while you are still out in the field. It is a very good idea to entrust a parent or sibling with some of your account information so that they may do things on your behalf. We highly recommend that before you leave on your mission, you instruct this person on how to use the BYU websites and find out which things they will need to take care of on your behalf. It is also very important that they are able to check your email so they know when to register for classes and when you have received a message in My Housing Account. This website has instructions for students and parents of students who will be deferring for missions.


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I'm deferring enrollment with the University, do I need to select housing and a meal plan now?

If you are certain that you will not be attending school for Summer Term or Fall-Winter Semesters, you do not need to select a room or a meal plan. If you will be attending for Summer Term only, please select housing and a meal plan for Summer Term. You do not need to select housing or a meal plan for Fall-Winter Semesters.

I'm deferring enrollment with the University, do I need to pay a deposit now?

No, you are charged a processing fee and a security deposit only when you submit a contract for On-Campus Housing, which you will be doing once you return from your mission.

Can I come to school and then leave on my mission after Fall Semester?

Yes. During October or November you will need to submit a Petition for Agreement Release. You can find this petition under the "Single Housing" tab of My Housing Account. Type in what mission you are going to and the date you will enter the MTC and submit the petition. If you have not yet received your mission call, indicate so on the petition. You will need to submit your missionary deferment form to the BYU Admissions Office or send a copy of your mission call to the Campus Accommodations Office in order to be released from your housing contract and receive a refund of your $100 security deposit. If you have registered for Winter Semester classes, you will need to drop these before you can be released from your contract.

Can I select housing for Fall Semester only instead of Fall-Winter Semesters?

We do not have a Fall Semester only contract, so you must select housing for Fall-Winter Semester. However, if you are deferring for a mission you can submit a Petition for Agreement Release and as long as you provide all the necessary information, you will be released from the Winter Semester portion of your Housing and Meal Plan contracts. You can find this petition under the "Single Housing" tab of My Housing Account. Type in what mission you are going to and the date you will enter the MTC and submit the petition. If you have not yet received your mission call, indicate so on the petition. You will need to submit your missionary deferment form to the BYU Admissions Office or send a copy of your mission call to the Campus Accommodations Office in order to be released from your housing contract and receive a refund of your $100 security deposit.

How do I get housing when I come back?

You may select a room on the Room Selection Date that corresponds with the semester for which you will be returning. You may do so through My Housing Account.

How will I know when to select a room?

Room Selection Dates will be on the calendar on the homepage of the BYU On-Campus Housing website roughly a month in advance. Room Selection for Winter Semester typically takes place in December. Room Selection for students 19 and older for Fall-Winter Semesters typically takes place in February. Spring and Summer Term Room Selection typically takes place in March. It would be advisable to take a look at the calendar or call our office a month in advance to find out the specific dates and to ask any questions about the process.

*Upon returning from your mission, we would recommend you consider selecting a room in one of the communities for returning residents and those who turned 19 prior to January 1, 2018 for Fall-Winter 2018-19 and Winter 2019.

What if I am still on my mission during Room Selection?

If you plan on returning after a Room Selection Date for the semester or term you wish to attend, it would be advisable to entrust a parent or legal guardian with access to My Housing Account so that they may select a room on your behalf or to arrange with a Mission President to be able to select a room yourself on a Preparation day.

Will I get a Room Selection Date message in My Housing Account when I come back?

No, you will not receive a message with a specific Room Selection Date in My Housing Account.

What is a community for students 19 and older?

A community for students 19 and older is an area of On-Campus Housing that is designated for returning residents and students who turned 19 prior to January 1, 2018 for Fall-Winter 2018-19 and Winter 2019.

How do I defer enrollment with the University?

You can defer enrollment through the Admissions Office. You can visit this website for a lot of great information on deferring your enrollment.

What is FERPA?

FERPA stands for the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Each student will set up a FERPA Identifier as part of the application process. Anyone calling our office regarding your housing and dining records will need to provide your Housing Identifier to receive specific information over the phone. For more explanation, click here.