Experiential Living Opportunities
Experiential Living Opportunities are unique residential environments that foster growth and development through targeted programmatic and staff supported efforts.
These living opportunities are centered around a common set of values or ideals and are provided to those interested in connecting with other students with similar interests or backgrounds. Some of these living opportunities require a contractual agreement aimed at upholding community standards and peer accountability, and/or have expectations about participation.
Eligibility
Returning students need to update their Personal Information by February 28 at 8 a.m. If you update your Experiential Living Opportunity preferences for Gaming, Mixed Housing, and/or Substance Free between February 28 and March 10, email housing@ohio.edu to be manually added to these room selection processes. If you are a part of other groups like Honors (including 1804 Scholars) your participation in the program will be communicated to Housing by your program coordinator.
Incoming first year students need to update their Personal Information by May 5 at 8 a.m. If you update your ELO preferences for Gaming and/or Substance Free between May 5 and May 14, email housing@ohio.edu to be manually added to these room selection processes. If you are a part of other groups like Honors (including 1804 Scholars), Fine Arts, First Gen, and New Adventures your participation in the program will be communicated to Housing by your program coordinator.
First Gen : Honors and Scholars : Mixed Housing : New Adventures
RGB (Gaming) : Substance Free : Residential Learning Communities
First Gen
The First Gen Experiential Living Opportunity (ELO) is a residential community designed specifically for first-generation students during their first year at OHIO. This experience is focused on supporting students as they transition to college, connecting students with peers who share similar experiences, and providing access to resources that promote academic and personal success. Residents will be surrounded by faculty, staff, and other students who are committed to their growth and development. By building a strong support network, students will feel at home at OHIO and be set up to thrive throughout their college journey.
Location: Ryors Hall
Student Population: First Year
Honors and Scholars
Challenge your mind, build your network, and continue the conversation outside the classroom.
Mixed Housing
Mixed Housing provides opportunities for a student to be assigned into rooms with any student as a mutually matched roommate group, regardless of sex. Mixed housing options can be found across campus, located in halls that offer access to single user bathrooms.
If you are interested in Mixed Housing options please email housing@ohio.edu.
Location: Across Campus
Student Population: Second Year
New Adventures
New Adventures is Ohio University's Outdoor Orientation Program. The off-campus experience will take place prior to the start of your first year at OHIO. Student trip leaders will help you learn how to participate in one of three weeklong expeditions into the back country. Students of New Adventures will be able to select into the same building as other New Adventures participants to allow for continued community even after you have returned from the trip!
The New Adventures registration deadline is TBD. Learn more and apply
Location: Sargent Hall (West Green)
Student Population: First Year
RGB (Gaming)
RGB is an experimental living opportunity in Boyd Hall in a designated living space designed for students passionate about game design, competitive online gaming, and eSports. Located on the 2nd floor of Boyd Hall (West Green), this community brings together both varsity eSports athletes and students who share an interest in gaming culture. Residents have access to spaces like The Den, West Nest, and the 2nd floor study lounge—areas tailored for collaboration, strategy, and relaxation.
With a strong partnership with the eSports program, the Virtual Reality and Game Development major, and their state-of-the-art arena facilities, this community provides a unique environment for first and second-year students. Competitive players participating in games like Valorant and Overwatch live alongside non-competitive gamers who wish to immerse themselves in the gaming lifestyle. Whether you're focused on mastering your competitive skills or simply want to live and learn with others who share your passion, this community offers a space for every kind of gamer.
Location: Boyd Hall (West Green)
Student Population: First Year/Second Year
Substance Free
The Substance Free Living Opportunity is a residential environment for students who have made a conscious lifestyle choice for substance free living. All residents of substance free housing commit to keep their living environment free of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco products.
To be able to view available spaces in this hall for room selection, update your "Personal Information" tab on your Housing Self-Service prior to selection.
Location: Bush Hall (East Green)
Student Population: First Year/Second Year
Residential Learning Communities
Residential Learning Communities (RLC) are formal course groupings for students that offer a residential component to merge academic exploration with on-campus living. The academic components of RLC are coordinated through the Learning Community Programs, which also offers a large number of non-residential learning communities. Housing and Residence Life works in collaboration with University College to enhance the academic component of RLC with the opportunity for community growth and development within our residence halls.
Fine Arts: Lincoln Hall
The Fine Arts RLC offers unique academic and creative opportunities for students from a variety of Fine Arts interests; including dance, music, theater, and art. Within the RLC, there are multiple “Experience the Arts” academic options, providing linked courses for students with the benefit of rehearsal and studio space within their living space. Lincoln Hall houses a dance and an art studio space, a music and computer lounge, and flexible multipurpose spaces. Lincoln Hall is located across the street from Putnam, Glidden, and Seigfred Halls, which house the schools representing the Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts. Visit the Fine Arts Learning Community page for information about faculty and staff serving the RLC, academic offerings, and to see pictures of participants and program facilities.
Army ROTC: Convocation Center
Students participating in the Army ROTC RLC will live in Convocation Center on West Green. The Army ROTC learning community supports academic exploration and community engagement for Army ROTC students. This learning community group is by invitation only from the groups' commanders.
Transfer Student Community: Adams & Bromley Halls
Students participating in the Transfer Student Community will live in Adams Hall on South Green or Bromley Hall on West Green. The Transfer Student Community supports community engagement for students who are transferring or relocating to OHIO for the upcoming fall semester. This community will connect students to campus, to the Athens community, and to others within the residential environment. For more Transfer Student Community information and to apply, visit the Learning Communities webpage.
Transfer students can also visit or transfer page for more options and details regarding housing.