Off-Campus Housing
Governors State University is a commuter campus, located in the suburbs, without on-campus housing. Students must find their own housing or be placed with host families.
Most apartments are unfurnished. Single students often rent a furnished apartment with others and share the costs.
When you choose an apartment, you must pay a security deposit equal to the first month's rent, as well as rent for the first month. This fee is refundable if the apartment is in clean condition. In addition, some landlords charge a fee of $25- $50 for application and processing.
When you rent, you will be asked to sign a lease. This is a contract between you and the landlord that specifies the amount of rent, the terms of the contract, and other rights and obligations for you and the landlord.
Rent is normally paid monthly, usually at the beginning of the month, and most rentals require a security deposit of up to one-and-half-times the monthly rent. If there is no damage to the property, the landlord will return this deposit when you move out. Before you move into an apartment you should inspect the apartment for "wear and tear" of all appliances, etc. All problems must be listed by you and the landlord. If listed items are not repaired, you will not be responsible for the repairs when you vacate the apartment.
In rental housing, you may be responsible for some or all of the utilities (i.e., gas, electricity, water, telephone, and cable TV) in addition to rent. This should be specified in your lease.
Be sure you understand the condition of your lease. Remember, a lease is a binding legal document. If you need help in understanding a lease or have other difficulties with rental housing, contact the Office of International Services (OIS).
Before you sign the lease, make sure you know the following.
- Length of lease
- Cost of rent
- Cost of security deposit (if required) and how to be reimbursed for it when lease has expired
- Utilities included in cost of rent
- Person to contact in case of need for routine maintenance or emergency repairs
- Landlord's address and telephone number
- What repairs will the landlord make to the apartment before you move in, and who must pay for them?
- Check whether or not said repair is noted in your lease.
- Check that all lights, locks, appliances, and toilets are working.
- Is public transportation located nearby, and is it easily accessible?
Walking to and from Parking Lots
- Practice the "buddy system," i.e., walk with a "buddy" (fellow student) to and from your parking lots.
- Walk in well-lit parking areas.
- Avoid taking "short cuts."
- Guard your purse, backpack, or wallet. Don't carry large amounts of cash or other valuable objects.
- Participate in the OIS "Whistle Program."
Off-Campus Housing Application
You can request a list of off-campus housing units by filling in and submitting the Contact Us form. Please specify in the text box at the bottom of the form that you would like an application for housing.
The informal listing of housing is neither a vacancy list nor a recommendation. Governors State University does not own said apartment, and this listing is only given as service to you. You are not obligated to use it. You will be signing a contract/agreement with the property owner, not Governors State University.
Upon moving in your apartment, you must provide your new address to OIS and the Registrar's Office.
