Brown provides a residential learning environment that supports students' academic endeavors and fosters students' personal development. In order to benefit fully from Brown's exceptional learning environment, undergraduates are required to live in on-campus housing through semester 6.

Exceptions to Brown’s residential policy are granted in 12-month increments to Resumed Undergraduate Education (RUE) students, married students living with their spouse locally, and students living with their parent/s or guardian/s locally. Undergraduate students who fall into these categories must register each academic year with the Office of Residential Life and petition to live off campus.