Oberlin College - Off-Campus Housing

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Once students obtain off-campus status, they are almost always glad to leave the school dormitories behind. The college recently implemented rules that make it more difficult than ever to get off-campus status, so students now have to wait until their junior, if not their senior, year before they can move out of the dormitories. Off-campus housing is a great option for those who desire a greater amount of independence and freedom, but don’t forget the added responsibility that comes with living in your own home.

Living off campus gives students the opportunity to have more space and privacy, while also enabling them to hold parties that they wouldn’t get away with in the dormitories. Off-campus housing varies a great deal, and it’s a good idea to start looking for a place to live as early as a year before you move out of the dorms. Student houses tend to be a little run down, mostly because there is such high turn-over, and students don’t always take excellent care of their abodes. On the other hand, there are many old, interesting houses with irregular-shaped rooms and cozy interiors that are of much more appeal than most of the dorms. It’s also important to note that for students on financial aid, off-campus housing sometimes ends up being more expensive than on-campus housing; the college knocks $750 off of your aid package as soon as you move off campus. If you do choose to live off campus, you better get a bike, as most off-campus houses are not as close to classroom buildings as the dorms are.

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Students Speak Out

ObeKT says: History

Off campus housing does not exist... Off campus housing does not exist for the lovely members of Oberlin College until senior year, so students had better like the dorms. 12345 Off-Campus Housing: March 04, 2009 Report

hthompso says:

You are required to live on campus... You are required to live on campus for at least six semesters at Oberlin, and even after that, it's difficult to be cleared to live off campus. I personally don't think it's worth the trouble - on campus housing is just so convenient. 12345 Off-Campus Housing: March 04, 2009 Report

ObeZL says: Philosophy and Religion

It is nearly impossible to get... It is nearly impossible to get since you need at least six semesters in residence to apply. But, once you are at the point, to decline the option is nearly criminal. Yes, you are a bit further from campus, but the cost is second-to-none when compared with the hefty rooming and board bill that you will soon find in your mailbox. 12345 Off-Campus Housing: March 03, 2009 Report

ObeCD5 says: Arts, Visual and Performing

Oberlin College hates off-campus... Oberlin College hates off-campus housing. You can't live off-campus until senior year, and even then they'll do anything they can to keep you on campus. 12345 Off-Campus Housing: February 27, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

Pretty much all seniors can get... Pretty much all seniors can get off campus. Some juniors can. Nobody else can, unless they’re married, or are violently allergic to carpets or something, which sucks, because Oberlin’s an awesome place to live off campus. Rents are super cheap, lots of old, interesting houses and apartments, quiet streets, families who live nearby. It’s infinitely better than the dorms, and really easy to work out once you’re an upperclassman. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

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