HOUSING
Do I have to live on-campus?
If you have completed less than two years of university coursework you will be required to live on-campus unless you meet one of the following exemption criteria:
- You have attended another university or college for at least two years
- You are married or have children and are living with them within 50 miles of campus
- You are a part-time student taking fewer than 11 credit hours
- You are 23 years or older
- You have served 18 months or more in the military.
- Your parents live within 50 miles of campus and you plan to commute
When will I receive information on housing?
You will receive a Connect OHIO brochure with your admission letter. This brochure outlines the housing and dining options. This brochure is also available online at Connect OHIO.
Room assignments are not made until mid-July. If you are going to live in the residence halls, you can learn your room assignment online at the Housing Office website.
What if I'm not required to live on-campus and wish to find off-campus housing?
If you do not make off-campus housing arrangements before you come, you should plan to arrive about a week ahead of the date on your I-20 or DS-2019. Off-campus housing is difficult to find at the opening of a quarter and you will need time to find a suitable place to live. In order to assist new students in finding off-campus housing, our Office of International Student and Faculty Services (ISFS) will have an advisor working in the office prior to orientation. There will also be a listing of some available off-campus housing posted at the ISFS office. That office may be reached at isfs@ohio.edu or by phone at 740.593.4330.
Other sources of off-campus housing information are the local papers, including the Athens News, the Athens Messenger, and The Post.
Temporary housing is available to students during the orientation period. For information, contact International Student and Faculty Services at isfs@ohio.edu or by phone at +1.740.593.4330.
What can you tell me about the meal plans?
You may ask the University to provide you with a 14 or 20 meals a week. If you have religious or other dietary restrictions or are unfamiliar with U.S. food, you may wish to start with a 14 meal a week plan. If after eating in the dining halls you find that you would like to increase the number of meals on your plan, you can always ask Housing to adjust your plan to a higher level. You cannot, however, ask them to reduce the number of meals as the contract is binding for the entire academic year. Please don't hesitate to contact our housing office with any questions. The Housing Office web site contains a wealth of information regarding housing options and meal plans.
