Office of Residence Life
Off-Campus Status
Off-campus status is extended to a select group of upper-class students who do not want to live in on-campus housing. If approved, it is the student's responsibility to find housing in the local community. Resources are available to assist students with this process.
Off-Campus Process
Based on expected enrollment, the college pre-determines the allocation of off-campus slots for the upcoming academic year. Approval for off-campus status is granted to those students who apply, are eligible, and have been chosen through the off-campus lottery.
Students should not sign a lease before being granted and notified about their off-campus status.
Off-Campus Eligibility
- Students must apply and be selected through the Off-Campus Lottery Process.
- Students must have completed six (6) or more semesters at Oberlin by the end of the Spring 2024 semester.
- Students selected during the lottery must complete the online Off-Campus Orientation.
- Off-Campus status does not carry over from year to year. Students must re-apply yearly and be selected through the Off-Campus Lottery.
- Off-Campus offers are contingent on the student being enrolled at the Oberlin campus during the Fall 2024 semester. If a student does not attend the Oberlin campus in the fall, the off-campus offer will be rescinded. The student will then be assigned an on-campus room upon their return in the spring.
Apply Here: Off-Campus Lottery Registration
Deadline To Apply: February 16, 2024
Off-Campus Lottery results will be sent to applicants by February 23, 2024
Why is there an off-campus registration process?
Oberlin College, being a residential institution, requires students to reside on campus until graduation. In instances where the student population is projected to surpass the available housing capacity, the college reserves the option to confer off-campus status to a pre-determined number of qualifying students who are selected through an off-campus lottery process.
Who is eligible to participate in the off-campus selection process?
Academic Year 2024-2025 Off-Campus Process
- Students must apply and be selected through the Off-Campus Lottery process.
- Students must have completed six (6) or more semesters at Oberlin by the end of the Spring 2024 semester.
- Off-Campus status does not carry over from year to year. Students must re-apply yearly and be selected through the Off-Campus Lottery.
- Off-Campus offers are contingent on the student being enrolled at the Oberlin campus during the Fall 2024 semester. If a student does not attend the Oberlin campus in the fall, the off-campus offer will be rescinded. The student will then be assigned an on-campus room upon their return in the spring.
I transferred to Oberlin, will my credit hours be adjusted?
If you are a transfer student, your transfer credits must be approved by the Office of the Registrar during the fall semester before the housing lottery. AP/IB and other courses taken in High School are not counted toward semesters at Oberlin. If you have questions about eligibility for the Off-Campus Lottery, please contact the Office of Residence Life.
Is there a group registration process for off-campus
There is no group registration process for off-campus. Only individuals can register for the Off-Campus Lottery.
Students previously approved by the Office of Disability and Access for an off-campus accommodation should not apply for the lottery.
Commuter status and other exemptions are separate processes from the off-campus lottery.
Provides guidance and things to consider when choosing a place to live off-campus.
The Office of Residence Life will host a Housing Fair on February 8, 2024. Local landlords and rental companies will be invited to have tables. This will be another opportunity for students to find off-campus housing. Additional details will be shared in the Campus Digest in January and February.
More Information Coming Soon!