On-campus: Residential life services
The 91原创’s Office for Residential Life and Housing Services can help with applying for on-campus housing, setting up meal contracts, and preparing for living in a U91原创 dorm.
Visit U91原创鈥檚 housing website
Housing
There are many places to live in the Rochester area, both on and off campus. Explore some of these options and the resources available to our 91原创 community below.
Off-campus housing
For students not living on campus, there are various convenient and affordable housing options. We recommend looking at potential living arrangements for off-campus housing in person before making a decision.
Off-Campus Living Program
The 91原创鈥檚 Off-Campus Living Program聽provides resources to help you find rental housing, understand the leasing process, and negotiate a rental contract. Services include:
- Off-campus living advising: Available by appointment or during posted walk-in hours. Located at 020 Susan B. Anthony Hall, River Campus. Contact the Coordinator for Off-Campus Living at聽offcampus@reslife.rochester.edu or +1 (585) 275-3166.
- Property visits: Available during peak summer periods, with free transportation and assistance in looking at local rental properties.
Learn more about off-campus housing services
Additional tips and guidance
Be sure to read and understand your lease agreement before you sign it. If you break a lease, it could affect your future plans to return to the United States or ruin your credit.
The New York State Attorney General鈥檚 Office publishes the聽聽to help renters in New York. This document outlines your rights and the landlord鈥檚 responsibility to provide you with clean and safe housing, including functioning heat and hot water facilities (Real Property Law 搂235-b).
If you鈥檙e unable to resolve issues with your landlord and feel they are not fulfilling their obligations as outlined in the Tenant鈥檚 Rights Guide, make an appointment with the International Services Office聽to discuss your situation, especially if you feel you are being treated unfairly or taken advantage of.
There are several neighborhoods surrounding the Rochester and in the Rochester area where students and employees can buy their own home instead of leasing a rental property. This decision is often based on long-term plans, access to necessary funding, and lifestyle.
We generally advise not to buy a home if you plan to stay there for fewer than five years. This is because you鈥檙e not likely to get a good return on your investment over such a relatively short period of time.
As an international student, scholar, or employee, buying a house does not contradict your immigration status. This information should not be a factor in terms of a future visa application or maintaining valid US immigration status.