11 Housing

On-Campus Housing

If you live on-campus, the residence halls offer a variety of resources right where you live, including dining, convenience stores, laundry machines, and academic support centers.

Residence halls also have highly trained student staff members called Residential Assistants (RAs) who are there to assist students on their assigned floors. If you are living with a room-mate, you will both sign a roommate agreement at the beginning of the semester. If you have a conflict with your roommate and need assistance talking to them, you should contact your RA.

Residence halls have many opportunities for you to become involved in community life and gain valuable leadership experience. You should consider joining the community council, a student government group, or a conduct board. Living on campus is also a great way to make new friends. Attend some of your floor or building events, and start building a social network right here at Indiana University!

Take advantage of all that the residence halls have to offer, including shared social spaces where you can hang out, or quiet spots where you can study and get some work done. Work, play, or rest–your residence hall has it all.

Off-Campus Housing

While most first-year students are required to live on campus, many students choose to live off campus at some point during their time in Bloomington. The city’s Housing and Neighbor-hood Development (HAND) department can help you obtain property information and answer many questions about rentals in town. They can also provide assistance if your landlord fails to make requested repairs that are code-related.

When renting, you should make sure to read the lease terms very carefully. If you do not agree with all lease items, negotiate the terms of the lease before signing. After signing a lease, you must adhere to the contract you signed. Get everything that you and your landlord agree to in writing. If you have questions, ask for an explanation from the landlord. If you still do not understand, call Student Legal Services at 812-855-7867 for advice.

Renter’s Insurance

It is a good idea to purchase renter’s or personal property insurance to protect your belongings in the case of theft, fire, storm damage, etc. Your landlord is not usually responsible for replacing your personal property.

Buy a policy that will cover your belongings and any liability you might have. A good policy should help replace the cost of your belongings if they are destroyed or stolen.

Get help if you need it. Please contact OIS or Student Legal Services if you have questions or need advice.

Questions to Ask Before You Rent

• How much is the rent?

• Is there a damage deposit?

• Who mows the lawn? Does the rent include gas, electricity, telephone, water, trash removal, and air conditioning?

• If you own a vehicle, where will you park? Is there easy access to public transportation?

• How long will you be at IU? Most landlords require a 12-month lease.

• Take pictures of your rental before you move in and document the current condition, especially pre-existing damage.

Housing Abbreviations

No Matter Where You Live, Be a Good Tenant!

Pay your rent on time and avoid causing damages to the dorm room, apartment, or house where you live. And remember to be a considerate neighbor–try not to disturb others who live around you by being noisy or messy.