International Student Housing

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 full or if the student does not make a reservation, they will be referred 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.