Commuter Students

Commuting to Athens

The 'Commuter Contract' is available for students who will reside at the permanent residence of a parent or legal guardian only. The residence must be within a 50-mile driving radius of Ohio University (1 Park Place, Athens, OH 45701) to be eligible to commute during the academic school year.

A permanent residence is defined as a dwelling that has been owned, maintained, and inhabited for a minimum of 24 months by the parent or legal guardian. An official review of your commuter contract will be completed by Housing staff to verify that your parent or legal guardian's permanent residence falls within a 50-mile driving radius of Ohio University.

You will be notified by Housing staff when your commuter contract is approved or denied. The address listed on the contract must be the same as what is listed on your admissions application. If your family has changed residences since submitting your admissions application, verification of ownership/residency and employment verification of your parent or legal guardian must be submitted to the Housing and Residence Life office to gain or maintain commuter status.

The 'Commuter Contract' is available in the Contracts and Applications tab on your Housing Self-Service page and needs to be completed for the academic year in which the student will be enrolled as a traditional full-time student. The 'Commuter Contract' does not require a housing deposit.

Commuter Meal Plan Information

The 'Commuter Contract' does not offer a meal plan option. If you are interested in a meal plan for the upcoming semester, complete the 'Commuter Meal Plan Contract' in the Contracts and Applications tab on your Housing Self-Service page, after your commuter status is approved. For more information about commuter meal plan options visit the Off-Campus and Commuter Meal Plans page.

Contact the Housing and Residence Life office by phone or text at 740.593.4090 or by email at housing@ohio.edu if you need additional assistance.

Commuter Student Lounge

Ohio University provides a Commuter Student Lounge in Bromley Hall for qualifying students. The purpose of this lounge is to provide an on-campus space dedicated to supporting students in achieving their academic goals at Ohio University. For more information and to complete the Commuter Student Lounge Agreement, visit the Commuter Student Lounge page.