Commuter Students

A commuter is a student who resides at the permanent residence of a parent or legal guardian, which must be located within a 50-mile driving radius of Ohio University (1 Park Place, Athens, OH 45701). A permanent residence is defined as a dwelling that has been owned, maintained, and inhabited for a minimum of 24 months by the parent or legal guardian. An official review of your commuter contract will be completed by Housing staff to verify that your parent or legal guardian's permanent residence falls within a 50-mile driving radius of Ohio University.

To apply for commuter status, complete the 'Commuter Contract' available in the Contracts and Applications tab on your Housing Self-Service page. This contract must be submitted for the academic year you plan to enroll as a traditional full-time student. If your family has moved since you submitted your application, you'll need to provide verification of ownership and residency, along with employment verification of your parent or legal guardian. After submission, Housing staff will review your contract and notify you of approval or denial. There is no housing deposit required for the 'Commuter Contract.'

If your commuter contract is approved, you must stay at your permanent home address for the entire academic year. If you change your address, you must inform Housing and Residence Life, as any address changes may affect your commuter status/eligibility and financial aid.

If you are outside the 50-mile radius from Ohio University (1 Park Place, Athens, OH 45701) and wish to reside at home, you will need to apply for a housing exemption request. However, this request should only be submitted after you have received a review and denial of your 'Commuter Contract.' Be sure to follow the necessary steps for your housing exemption to ensure a smooth process.