Student Housing

Mission Statement: To provide a housing program dedicated to the creation of a student community that promotes individual development, academic success, and emotional well-being in a comfortable environment.

About the Housing Complex
Frequently Asked Questions
Costs
Roommates
Student Housing Reservations
Financing

School Sponsored Housing
Living in school-sponsored housing is an excellent way to get acquainted with other students, the Cincinnati community, and to become involved in college life. Students who live in school-sponsored housing tend to have higher persistence rates and are more connected to their school than students who live in independent housing. (Valdez, 1985 & Astin, 1993)

About Somerset at Deerfield Apartment Complex — School-Sponsored Housing
Somerset is located within one of the newest shopping, entertainment, business, and hotel districts in the city. It is within both walking and biking distance to the school and is surrounded by dozens of restaurants and retail stores.

Somerset also offers many amenities for our students. The complex has 2 swimming pools, a sand volleyball court, tennis courts, a fitness center, walking trails, business center with high-speed internet and clubhouse with a big-screen TV and fireplace all of which is available for our students use.

Student Apartments
Apartments are 2 bedroom, 2 bath units that house 4 students. Each unit is furnished with twin beds, dressers, nightstands, lamps, a couch, coffee table, end table, armchair, and a dining table with chairs. Each unit has a washer, dryer, dishwasher and microwave. Student residents must provide their own cooking utensils/dishes, personal bed and bath linens, and cleaning supplies. Basic utilities such as water, sewer, gas, and electric are included in the cost.

Costs
Housing rates for the upcoming academic year are set each summer. The housing rate for the 2006-2007 academic year (September 2006 through September 2007) is $1,375.00 per quarter (approximately $458.00 a month). This includes rent, furniture, water/sewer/trash, gas, and electricity. Most students bring their own cell phones, but land lines are also available and can be contracted by each apartment at the student's expense. Pending availability, students can rent a private room for $2,750.00 per quarter.

Students are required to sign a license agreement and submit a $200.00 Security Deposit to confirm a reservation. Once the student moves into the apartment, the Security Deposit is held by the School and is used to pay for any damages caused to the unit by students during the term of the agreement or at move-out. Security Deposits are refundable, minus a $50.00 cleaning fee and any additional charges incurred by the student. If the reservation is cancelled prior to two weeks before the move-in date for the quarter, the deposit is fully refundable. If the reservation is cancelled within the two weeks prior to the move in date, the Security Deposit is non-refundable.

Roommates
Students fill out a housing application and roommate questionnaire when they apply. The roommate questionnaire asks a number of personality questions that help the Housing staff to make roommate assignments based on similar living styles (i.e. morning person versus night person). We also take into consideration academic program, quarter in school and any roommate requests that students submit.

Financing
School sponsored housing may be financed through financial aid (loans, grants and scholarships) if the student is qualified. Quarterly housing charges may be included in students' financial plans. The Student Financial Services staff can answer questions regarding payment plans for school-sponsored housing.

Reserving a Space
Contact the Dean of Student Affairs at (513) 833-2400 or jnuesell@aii.edu to request a housing application or click on the link below. Housing applications will only be accepted upon admission to The Art Institute of Ohio - Cincinnati. Reservations are confirmed on a first come first serve basis upon receipt of the application and Security Deposit. Students who do not receive an immediate reservation will be placed on a waiting list. Students may expect to receive housing and roommate assignments approximately two to three weeks prior to the start of the school quarter.

Printable Housing Application [PDF application]

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the students like?
We currently house approximately 15% the total student body in school-sponsored housing. These students represent an academic cross-section of the school.

Can I move in for just one quarter to see what its like?
All students sign a 12-month license agreement. If you decide to leave school-sponsored housing or you are asked to leave for discipline or academic reasons prior to the end of your license, there will be a license break penalty equal to the current month plus two months rent in addition to forfeiting your security deposit.

What happens if my roommates and I don't get along?
Learning to communicate and compromise with your roommates is one of the most valuable skills you will gain from living in school-sponsored housing. If you and your roommates are not getting along, a member of the housing staff will conduct a roommate mediation. This is typically an activity to get everyone talking and thinking of ways to improve the situation. If this does not work, the housing staff can help make arrangements to relocate you to another apartment pending availability.

What should I do about a phone?
Most of our students use their cell phones as their main communication however some apartments will set up a land line at the students' expense.

Can I bring my dog with me?
The only animals allowed in school-sponsored housing are certified and approved service animals. If you require a service animal for a disability, you will need to submit your accommodation documentation to the Student Affairs office for approval prior to bringing the animal into housing. No other pets are allowed.

Where does my mail go?
When you move in, you will receive a key to your mailbox which is located adjacent to your apartment. If you receive packages that cannot fit into your mailbox, the leasing office will notify you and will hold it there until you come to pick it up. After you have been assigned an apartment, you will receive a letter with your new mailing address and your roommates contact information.

Do I have to move out during school breaks?
No. Once you move into your apartment, you can stay there until the end of your license.

Where will I park my car?
The apartment complex has ample parking throughout. Spaces are not assigned. The complex is gated though so students will need either a gate remote or the access code to drive in.

What expectations does The Art Institute have of Housing Students?
The Art Institute expects that all residents maintain their apartments in accordance to the safety and cleanliness standards as outlined in the housing contract. The Art Institute student housing community is comprised of a diverse group of students. Students are expected to treat one another with respect regardless of gender, religion, sexual orientation, race or disability.