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GRADUATE HOUSING

Housing Options for Graduate International Students

Students may choose on-campus housing or university-owned off-campus housing, or they may find their own apartments in the city of Valparaiso. Because of the convenience and location, international students who have not previously lived in the United States, who are not married, and who are under the age of 25 are strongly advised to live in University-provided housing during their first semester on campus.

University-provided housing is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. University housing is segregated by gender (by floor or wing). In addition, alcohol and smoking are prohibited in university-owned housing.

1. INTERNATIONAL HOUSE: GRADUATE HOUSING

New this year, the University will begin to accommodate international and US graduate students in the VU International House, a facility located one-block of the campus. This facility offers several options:

Double (2 person) occupancy of 2-room suites (one room for sleeping, one for study; with shared bath and restroom facilities down the hall)
Double occupancy of a single large room with a private bathroom.
Double occupancy of a large single room (no private bath).

Rooms are provided with basic furnishings. The house has common lounge, recreation, cooking, eating, and some computing (internet) facilities on the first floor; sleeping areas are located on the 2nd and 3rd floors. Coin laundry facilities are located on each floor.

Fees for Graduate Housing:

All students pay a single rental fee of $2500 per semester and $1000 per summer ($500 per month, $6000 per year) which covers all costs and utilities. Students initially commit to one semester and may renew their lease each semester thereafter. Although students may indicate a room-type preference, they will be assigned to rooms on a first-come, first-serve basis wherever space is available. Students may also request a specific person to share their stuite or room. Breaking the lease results in a penalty of two months' rent ($1000).

2. VU TRADITIONAL RESIDENCE HALL HOUSING:

International graduate students may request a room in the VU traditional residence halls on campus. These rooms typically accommodate two students. Rooms are fully furnished, and all rooms have wireless internet service and cable television hook-up. Students have access to lounges and recreation areas as well as coin-operated laundry. Kitchen facilities are located on each floor. Students may buy into the meal plan at a special rate. Common restooms and showers serve each floor.

Students share a room with an upper class or fellow international graduate student of the same gender. If space permits, a student may request his or her own room, but this option cannot be guaranteed. Students residing in Brandt hall will be accommodated during the break periods during the academic calendar when the University residence halls are closed. Other students need to move to Brandt hall or find other accommodations during breaks.

Fees for Traditional Residence Hall Housing:

The fee for double occupancy is approximately $2300 per semester and includes all utilities and expenses. The fee for single occupancy is approximately $3450 per semester. Contracts extend one or two semesters. Summer residence hall housing is also available for $460 per month. Breaking the lease results in the loss of the housing deposit and any refunds as determined by the University's refund schedule.

3. HOUSING IN THE COMMUNITY OF VALPARAISO:

Rental apartments are fairly abundant in the City of Valparaiso, although only a limited number of places are found within easy walking distance to the University. Local bus service may be used for transportation to most parts of the city, with each ride costing $ 1.00. Rents typically ranges from about $500 per month for a one bedroom apartment to $700 per month for a two bedroom apartment. Prices and amentities differ for various apartments, but none are furnished and none include utilities (utility costs typically range from about $100 to 250 per month depending on the season). Students interested in this option may request a housing guide from The Graduate School. Because prices change frequently, this information should be used only as a general guide for pricing and available of apartments in different parts of the city.

If you have questions about the housing, please contact The Graduate School at 219-464-5313 or 1-800-821-7685 or email to Yan Yang at Yan.Yang@valpo.edu.