Residential Housing and Culinary Services

What do I do if I don't want to live on campus anymore?

All students under the age of 23 with fewer than six quarters/four semesters in the residence halls prior to the semesters in which they enroll must reside in university-owned housing and participate in an associated mandatory meal plan, subject to certain exemptions. Learn more about the housing requirement and exemptions.

The first step to making a change is to speak with your Residential Coordinator or Resident Director. The approach Residential Housing staff take with requests is to try to determine the specific problem and assist you in solving it. Depending on your situation, you may have other options available to you. There are various resources on campus ready to help you find the best solution. Possible solutions might include a room change or explore on-campus employment or an extension to pay your bill. Your RC/RD or staff in the Residential Housing Central Office (located in 060 Chubb Hall) can assist you with determining what your options are.

It is rare for students to be released from their contracts in the middle of the year. With nearly 4,000 rooms and 42 buildings, there are a variety of accommodation options.

If an acceptable alternative is not found, you can begin the process for requesting a release from the housing contract in the middle of the year (contract termination) or release from the housing requirement (exemption from having to sign a housing contract). More information on the exemption process, including the necessary forms and documentation requirements, can be found at http://www.ohio.edu/housing/busops/exemption.cfm

You should allow 14 to 21 days for initial review and processing of your request.

I have changed my diet to be all organic and vegetarian foods. I want to cancel my dining contract. What do I do?

First, contact Culinary Services at 597-2170 to arrange an appointment to discuss your nutritional needs with a staff member. The Culinary Services website http://www.ohio.edu/food has other information which will help you, as well as links on how to make changes to your current meal plan.

Meal plan contracts are binding for the entire academic year. Once you have committed to a meal plan, changes are only granted based on extenuating circumstances. Residential Housing makes the final determination (approved, denied, or more information is requested). They will notify you if more information is needed. The process is outlined at http://www.ohio.edu/housing/busops/exemption.cfm.

If you make a termination request, you should anticipate that the process will take up to 21 days.