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Off-Campus Housing
The University requires all new undergraduate students to live in a residence hall on campus during their first two years of study. Upperclassmen and graduate students who will not be living on campus should arrange for their own off-campus accommodations.
Recommended Off-Campus Housing
The university has reached referral agreements with several apartment complexes that seek to assist international students: Oxford West Apartments, Hawk's Landing, Level 27 and The Commons. Each complex has agreed to a number of student-friendly provisions in their leasing arrangements that we think are very helpful to international students, including the following:
- Nine-month leases with a summer option
- Individual leases even on multiple-room apartments; you lease only for yourself, not for or with other students
- No need for co-signing of leases by parents
- Minimal furnishing of the apartment (bed, desk, chair and lamp, dining room table and chairs provided)
Additionally, the complexes have agreed that payment of a security (or damage) deposit or 'last month's rent' cannot be required prior to the commencement of the lease. Prior to the commencement of a lease, only a reasonable and nonrefundable application fee can be charged. Depending on the landlord's discretion, a security deposit can be required either at move-in or it can be charged over the first several months of the lease on a pro-rated basis. The landlord may require the payment of 'last month's rent' at the beginning of the lease, but this is not a normal practice. Paying the last month's rent at the beginning of the last month of the lease is the most common practice.
We recommend you consider the following off-campus housing options:
Additional Resources for Off-Campus Housing
To learn more about living off-campus and search for other off-campus housing options, we recommend visiting:
Tips for Off-Campus Housing
- Shop around and compare prices. Check to see if utilities (electricity, heat, etc.) are included in the rent.
- Check lease duration! If you are not going to be in Oxford for 12 months, try to find a shorter lease. If you cannot find a shorter lease, plan to sublet (privately lease to another person) during the months you will be gone.
- Do not sign a lease until you have inspected the specific apartment, house, or room you are considering.
- Check to see if the deposit is refundable.
- Check to be sure you are only responsible for your own portion of the lease (not for your roommates?). Your roommates should sign a lease as well.
- Negotiate the terms of the lease if you do not agree with all items.
- Get EVERYTHING you agree upon in WRITING!
- Read the entire lease before you sign it. A lease is a binding legal document.
- Follow all terms of the contract you sign.
- Buy Renter's or Property insurance (recommended).
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