Office of International Affairs

Permanent Housing

On-campus university housing

While very limited, an apartment or a room in the graduate dormitory may sometimes be available for visiting faculty and scholars. Your host department should make arrangements.

Contracts are sent for both individual and family housing after admission has been granted. Applicants for on-campus housing are strongly encouraged to apply early and to contact University Housing before arrival.

Important note: before you sign the contract, be sure that you read the contract and that you want on-campus housing. The housing contract is for the length of the academic year. If you break your contract, you will be assigned a buy-out fee for each semester remaining on your contract.

The cost of housing varies by the type of room and the meal plan.

For more information

Housing and Residence Education - Office of Student Life
950 Morrill Tower
1800 Cannon Drive
Columbus, OH 43210
Phone: 614-292-8266
Email: housing@osu.edu
Website: housing.osu.edu

Off-campus housing

There are many types of housing available near campus and farther away. You may want to talk with other scholars and colleagues from your country about their recommendations for housing.

Renting an apartment

  • Off-campus housing is separate from the university. Apartments off campus are run by private landlords. Some are trustworthy, and some are not. It is recommended that you have your lease agreement reviewed.
  • Some areas around the campus are safer than others, so we suggest you do not sign a lease (one-year contract) for an apartment before you have had an opportunity to see the area and apartment yourself (or have a friend/relative look at it for you).
  • Many apartments require tenants to pay for utilities. Before signing a lease, ask the landlord about which utilities tenants are required to pay and what they typically cost each month.
  • Resources for finding an off-campus apartment:

Rental tips for tenants

  • First, read and understand your lease. This document is the legal description of your relationship with your landlord. It will tell you things like how much your rent is, when and how you should pay it, pet restrictions and responsibility for maintenance. If you do not understand the lease terms, ask for an explanation.
  • You should read and understand any community regulations. These may include regulations for using common areas (laundry, exercise facilities, etc.), information about trash/recyclable disposal, noise restrictions, rules about pet behavior and parking.
  • Pay your rent on time, every time. Your rent is like any other credit obligation and should be paid in full when it is due. If you have trouble paying, talk to your landlord and try to work out a mutually agreeable arrangement beforehand.
  • Be a good neighbor. Nothing can sour your relationship with your landlord faster than calls from neighbors complaining about your loud stereo, unattended dog or disruptive behavior.
  • Keep the apartment clean. This may seem obvious, but many tenants will allow dirty dishes, trash and garbage to pile up to the point where bugs move in or there is a fire hazard.
  • Keep an eye out for needed repairs. For the term of your lease, you are the custodian of your rental unit. The landlord cannot come in whenever they want to ensure everything is in good repair, so the landlord must rely on you. Do a regular inspection and let your landlord know immediately if anything needs attention.
  • If you need to leave before the end of your lease term, let your landlord know as early as possible so you can work out mutually agreeable terms for early termination.
  • When you move, make sure you leave the apartment clean. Your landlord may even give you a checklist of things to do before you turn the unit back over them.