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International Student Housing

Housing for the Academic Year

New students have a choice whether they want to commute to Caldwell from the surrounding area or live in College-sponsored housing on-campus. There are a variety of factors to consider when making the choice of where to live: proximity to campus, costs, security, personal and family lifestyles, and transportation. However, OISS always suggests that new students choose to live on-campus for at least their first year if they do not have friends or family close enough to host them as a commuter.  Both on-campus and off-campus housing can be difficult to obtain in the few days just before the beginning of the semester, so students should always plan ahead and have their living situation set-up before arriving at the College.

On-Campus Housing

On-campus housing is limited and submitting your online housing application early should ensure you have the best chances to reserve a space in the residence halls. On-campus housing choices include mostly double occupancy spaces situated in buildings designed for first-year, upper-classmen, or specialized 24-hour quiet populations. Married couples and children cannot be accommodated, as our halls do not have dedicated spaces for family housing. 

All rooms are furnished with desks, dressers, shared closets and beds. Students should plan to buy sheets, pillows, and all other room accessories here in the United States. Prices for housing vary based on room and building type. Dates of occupancy vary each year and are posted on the residence life website here: https://www.caldwell.edu/residence-life/move-in-information/ 

When the University is closed for breaks (Thanksgiving, Spring break, Easter Break) the residence halls & dining hall are also closed as it is not included in your housing contract.  There will be special arrangements made for international students who cannot find other means.  There will be a form provided to request a special accommodation during these break periods and students must fill it out by the deadline. There are specific criteria that must be met in order to be approved. More information is located on the University Portal. 

During “soft closings” which are Labor Day, Columbus Break, and President’s break, the halls will also close and operate on a limited meal schedule. Students are encouraged to go home during these breaks but may stay.

Summer break is also not included in the housing contract and has specific criteria and fees associated with this session. Current international residential students who are returning for the following academic year are eligible to apply for summer break housing.  Students must be in good academic, financial and judicial standing. There is an application process that is sent out in late March to apply for the summer housing. There is no meal plan associated with the fee to reside on campus during the summer session. The Office of Residence Life does not charge the summer session as a month by month basis but rather by academic sessions or the entire summer. Fees are determined each year and posted on the application.

One must sign a one-year housing agreement to obtain on-campus housing. Signing this agreement obligates the occupant to pay their housing bill for the full term of the lease unless they withdraw from Caldwell. More information and on-campus housing applications can be obtained from Residence Life.

Off-Campus Housing

Within the Caldwell area, housing varies greatly in price, convenience, location, condition, and type of accommodation. In selecting off-campus housing, one must consider all these factors and be certain that the housing is secure. Prices in Caldwell and surrounding towns are expensive, and students should consider on-campus housing if they do not have family and friends already living in the area.

Sharing a house or apartment with other students or renting a room in a house are common ways of economizing on housing costs. Single rooms are sometimes furnished. Efficiency, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments include kitchen facilities but most often are not furnished. Tenants often assume responsibility for payment of all utilities (electricity, gas, phone) except water. Tenants must be prepared to pay three months of rent (security deposit, and first and last month’s rent) when they sign leases for off-campus housing. The payment must be made by check or money order, not a credit card. By signing a lease agreement, the tenant is obligated to pay rent for the full term of the lease, regardless of his or her academic status at Caldwell. Off-campus lease agreements typically cover periods of one year.

RENTING:

http://www.rent.com/new-jersey/caldwell-apartments

Rent.com is a free, easy-to-use website and mobile app that makes it easy for students to find the perfect apartment near campus. Whether you’re looking for a cozy studio to study in or you need a place that’s close to class that you can share with roommates, Rent.com has a wide variety to choose from.