Leaving the Residence Halls
How Your Experience May Be Different
Deciding to live off-campus during your time at Old Dominion University is a big decision. Although living on-campus is similar to living off-campus in many respects, there are some major differences. Before making the leap to off-campus living, consider those differences carefully.
Residence Hall
Mostly student neighbors who likely have similar schedules and interests
Financial Aid aid disbursed and housing bill paid at beginning of semester
High level of support from trained, live-in professionals, including a Resident Assistant
Access to buildings is controlled by swipe entry in most buildings; on-campus police force in close proximity
Walk or bike around campus; no car needed
Situation
Your Neighbors
Financial Aid / Budgeting
Support Staff
Safety & Security
Transportation
Off-Campus Living
Mix of students, working professionals, families, long-term residents
Financial aid disbursed at beginning of semester; must responsibly budget any financial aid refund for monthly rent and other housing-related expenses throughout the semester
Moderate level of support to resolve off-campus issues from landlord, city of Norfolk, and Off-Campus Student Life Office
Neighborhoods surrounding university are patrolled by ODUPD from 38th St. to Magnolia Ave., and the Elizabeth River to Colley Ave. Norfolk Police Department patrols past that point.
Walk, bike, drive, ride to campus on HRT( depending on proximity)
Submit a maintenance report, and issue is addressed by on-campus maintenance staff
Maintenance
Lease may spell out maintenance responsibilities that you are responsible for; reports addressed to landlord / property management company
9 | Off-Campus Living Guide