Off Campus Living
If you're not required to live on campus or have completed your on-campus housing requirement , we have valuable resources to assist you with off campus living .
If you are unsure if you have met the on-campus living requirement, contact our office at housing@ohio.edu prior to signing a lease so our staff can provide further assistance reviewing your off campus eligibility.
Living on Campus
It is a University policy that undergraduate students live in university residence halls (dormitories) and purchase a meal plan for their first and second years unless they meet one of the exemption criteria . The policy requires that undergraduate students live in the residence halls for two full years before moving off campus.
NOTE: Once the student completes a housing contract and pays the housing deposit, it is for one academic year (fall and spring semester). If a new student starts in spring semester, the contract ends after spring semester. Students will have to complete a new housing contract and pay the housing deposit for the following year to fulfill the requirement of living on campus for two years. Students who do not meet the exemption criteria to live off campus, but intend to take classes during the summer session, are required to live in the residence halls. They should complete the summer housing contract to receive an assignment.
Step One: Let Us Know You Are Coming!
Making advanced reservations is critical to a smooth arrival.
- If you are not required to live in the residence halls, you should proceed with 'Step Two' if you choose not to reside in on-campus housing.
- Confirm your intent to attend the University by completing a housing contract (required for those students who must live on campus).
- Housing contracts should be completed by clicking the 'Contract and Applications' tab on your Housing Self-Service
- If you experience difficulties submitting your housing contract or sending your housing deposit via the website, you will need to email housing@ohio.edu .
Step Two: Make A Reservation for Transportation from the Airport
- There may be transportation options available through Transportation and Parking Services. Visit the Transportation and Parking Services website or contact them by phone at 740.593.1917.
- If you are looking for a cost-effective option, the GoBus offers transportation to/from Ohio University and John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH). The GoBus is not affiliated with the Transportation & Parking Services department at Ohio University; however, the service is offered on campus. You will need to coordinate your travel needs with GoBus directly.
Step Three: Make a Temporary Housing Reservation
Please be aware that based on space availability will determine if temporary housing is able to be offered prior to fall or spring semester start. Contact Housing after December 1 (for spring) or after July 1 (for fall) to check on availability.
- Winter Break Housing: If you are arriving outside of the traditional move-in time period for the spring semester you will need to make a temporary housing reservation.
- The cost for temporary housing is $30 per person per night, or $125 per week. Temporary housing charges will be billed directly to your student account. Linen packets will be provided upon request.
- Graduate students and students who are not required to live on campus but need temporary housing until they can find off campus housing accommodations, must also make a reservation. Space is limited and not guaranteed.
- If temporary housing is fully booked or if the student does not make a reservation, they will be directed to an off-campus hotel. We recommend the Ohio University Inn.
- You will need to plan to purchase your meals at any local restaurant until the dining halls open and your academic term meal plan begins (usually the first day of classes).
- Depending on the arrival date, you will have housing accommodations either in the residence hall where you are assigned during the academic year or in a temporary location.
Step Four: After Arrival
- There are staff members who live in the residence halls who can help you with any questions that you may have. These staff members are called Resident Advisors or RA’s.
- In the event that you would like to change rooms, the room change process for all students begins on the first Thursday of classes for both fall and spring semesters.
- When you begin your second year of study, you will be able to select your room. Emails about the room selection process will be sent to your OHIO email during spring semester.
Frequently Asked Questions for International Students
Welcome to our FAQ section designed specifically for international students! Living on campus can be an exciting and transformative experience, but we understand that it may also come with questions and challenges. Here, you'll find answers to common inquiries about housing, dining, cultural adjustment, and campus resources.
Where can I find information on move in, move out, or break periods as it relates to housing?
Housing posts all information as it is available on our Move In, Move Out, & Breaks webpage .
How do I know if I must live on campus?
If you are in your first or second year of university study, you must live on campus. If you have attended a university in your home country after high school graduation, you may send or bring us a copy of your transcript. We will then review it and advise if you can live off campus or if you must stay on campus.
How do I complete a housing contract?
To complete a housing contract you must go to Housing Self-Service. The housing contract is binding for the entire academic year.
How do I make a reservation for transportation at the airport?
Contact Transportation and Parking Services
Where will I live once I arrive?
Depending upon your arrival date, you will either be placed in a temporary location or directly into your assigned room.
Who will my roommate be?
Once students receive an assignment, if there are any roommates assigned to the space they will be viewable on your Housing Self-Service.
Can I cook my own food?
Students required to live on campus are required to have a meal plan. To review permitted items review the Student Housing Handbook . Some residence halls, but not all, have kitchens which you can use if you reside in that building.
Where do we wash our clothes?
There are washers and dryers available in or near every hall. Visit our laundry website for more details.
Can I smoke on campus?
Ohio University is a tobacco free campus, use of tobacco products are prohibited within the residence halls or on campus grounds.
What address should I use for mail, etc.?
When residing on campus you will have mail delivered to the mail room on your green. Visit our mail webpage for more information on mail including addresses to use. Please note that some international students choose to pay for on-campus housing, but then live off-campus in an apartment or a house. The policy of living on campus can help you be fully involved in the Ohio University community. It is also more convenient for first and second year students to live on campus. If you decide to pay for both living on and off campus, please visit your Student Center to update your personal information and address. This will help us to find you in the event of an emergency.