Do I have to live in a dorm at Ohio University?
Ohio University students have a wide range of options for where they can live while they are in Athens. The students, though, also have several rules and regulations to follow. In addition, there are pros and cons of each option for the students to weigh. Here is some information for you on the rules, as well as the benefits of different options.
The rules for living in residence halls or off campus
Undergraduate students are pretty much required to live in a residence hall for two years, unless they live at home. This rule applies to all fulltime students taking over a certain number of credit hours.
This rule is in place to help the students adjust to living away from home and to make friends quickly.
One big exception is students who are in fraternities or sororities. They may be able to live in their official chapter houses as sophomores.
The residence hall rule has a few exemptions, such as students who are married, single parents or veterans. You can read about the exemptions on the Ohio University website.
In addition, students who take classes at regional campuses do not live on campus.
Students who are from the Athens area and want to live at home can do so. They just need to fill out a form stating they will be at home and will commute.
Students who are junior level or above can live off campus
All students who are junior level or above are allowed to live off campus – This means that students can move into student rentals in Athens Ohio easily. Upper class and graduate students can still choose to live in Ohio University rentals. Most, though, choose to live in apartments or houses for rent in Athens Ohio.
Benefits of living on campus – Students who choose to live in the dorms reside on campus and are close to their classes. They eat meals on campus and enjoy the university services. Some students want the convenience of being right on campus, even though it is generally much more expensive.
Benefits of living off campus – Living in a student rental in Athens Ohio has numerous advantages. First, it is much less expensive than living on campus. Rental prices vary for apartments and houses for rent in Athens Ohio, but rent is generally less expensive. In addition, students do not have to pay for meal plans. Students can save money by cooking in their apartments in Athens Ohio. They cannot cook in the residence halls. And if off campus students want to eat on campus, they can still buy a meal plan.
Living off campus also gives students more space and privacy. Most students want to live independently, and renting an apartment or house gives them that opportunity. Many students also want to live in Uptown Athens apartments or student housing in certain neighborhoods. Most housing is still very close to campus.
University Rentals offers a wide range of housing options for Ohio University students. To learn more about the rentals available in Athens, contact our office today.