FAQ
Who lives off-campus?
The majority of students who live off-campus are Juniors and Seniors. Loyola views living off-campus as an educational opportunity for students who are nearing graduation to experience the benefits and responsibilities that come with renting housing, which many will do once they graduate.
Should I live off-campus?
This is a personal decision to discuss with your parents, guardians, or support networks. Loyola is primarily a residential campus, and research has shown that living on campus has a positive effect on the student experience. However, living off-campus can also provide an educational experience and allow students the opportunity to make connections with the local community, develop autonomy, and prepare for life after graduation.
By when do I need to decide if I’m living off-campus?
You need to decide if you are living off-campus by the intent to return deadline, which you can find more information about on our housing website because you will pay a non-refundable housing deposit if you select that you are intending to live on campus.
When should I start looking?
You should have discussions with potential roommates and other stakeholders such as family and guardians about housing options beginning in late October to early November. Many of the most popular off-campus housing locations will begin accepting residents for the following year around this time, however some locations continue to accept applications throughout the spring semester. This will also give you time to weigh the benefits and challenges of living off-campus with stakeholders such as roommates, friends, parents, and family. If you are thinking about living off-campus but haven’t started exploring options, you should utilize the semester break to begin these conversations.
Where can I find listings?
Check out the Loyola Off-campus Housing website to post available listings in the area. Students tend to live in either apartments or houses in Baltimore City. Many students also utilize friends or friends of friends who live off-campus to jump start their search. People currently living in off-campus housing are sometimes the best referral agents!
What do I need to know before selecting housing?
Selecting housing off-campus is a big commitment. There are many things to consider including location, cost, lease requirements, and transportation. Utilize this checklist when selecting housing to help you track important issues. Also, meet with potential roommates to discuss what is important to you as a group; this will help you consider different options when choosing housing. Lastly, you can always contact Student Conduct to help you discern selecting housing.
Will my financial aid be affected if I move off-campus?
Yes, your financial aid package will be adjusted if you choose to live off-campus. For more information on how your financial aid will be impacted, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.
I hear there are neighborhoods I can’t live in- what’s that about?
Loyola has an agreement with the North Baltimore Neighborhood Coalition, which includes neighborhoods contiguous to the Evergreen campus that states we will restrict our students from living and parking in those neighborhoods. The restricted neighborhoods are Blythewood, Guilford, Evergreen, Homeland, Kernewood, Keswick, Radnor-Winston, Roland Park, Roland Springs, Tuscany-Canterbury, and Wyndhurst.
Students may not live in the aforementioned neighborhoods unless:
- The dwelling was originally designed as an apartment style residence (such as Homeland, the Varsity, and the Guilford); or
- The student lives with a relative; or
- The student lives with a friend of the student's family.
I found a place to live, is it in a restricted area?
To determine if the place you found to live is in a restricted area, take the following steps:
- Ask the landlord: Is the building originally designed as an apartment complex or was it converted to apartments? If it was originally designed as an apartment complex, you can live there. If it was converted to apartments or is not an apartment and/or is a house or townhouse, go to step 2.
- Visit http://cityview.baltimorecity.gov/, and type the address in the filed titled “Enter an address, intersection or place name.” Under “My Neighborhood,” the corresponding neighborhood name will appear. If it is not one of the restricted areas, you can live there. If it is one of the restricted areas, you cannot live there.
What transportation options are there for students living off-campus?
The Loyola shuttle and escort service will only drop students off on the Evergreen campus or on Notre Dame Lane. However, there are a myriad of transportation options including personal car, bike/walking, and public transportation. Students choose transportation depending on finances and need.
I want to live off-campus because I think I’ll have more freedom, does that sound right?
Living off-campus provides many benefits and freedoms for students including the ability to choose where one lives. However, living off-campus does not allow students to live how they wish without considerations or consequences. Students are making a conscious decision to move off-campus and into communities filled with working professionals and families who often live different lifestyles than college students. Loyola expects students’ behavior to reasonably align with the lifestyles of these community members. If behavior does not align with Loyola’s expectations, the students will may go through the university conduct process. Information about off-campus policies and expectations can be found in the off-campus policy code, policy number 14, in the Community Standards.
How does parking work if I live off-campus?
It depends on where you live. Certain areas have permitted parking through the city, some have permitted parking through the complex, some have driveways, and some have no restrictions. Make sure to ask when researching a location. To park on campus, you’ll have to obtain a Commuter Pass. Information about Commuter Passes can be found on the Parking Option page on the Financial Services website.
Do I have to pay for utilities?
It depends on where you live. Some leases have utilities included; some have certain utilities, like trash and water, included, and some don’t have any included. Make sure to ask each place you visit about utilities and include this when budgeting for living off-campus. The utilities to consider during research are: electricity, trash, water, cable, internet, and gas.