The Art Institute of California — Orange County offers housing access to all enrolled students. Living in school-sponsored housing is an excellent way to get acquainted with other students at The Art Institute of California — Orange County and get involved in college life. The Office of Residential Life and Housing employs professional live-in Resident Life Coordinators to assist students in their transition to their new environment.

About the School-Sponsored Housing Sites
Cost/Financing
Application Process
Housing Application
Rules and Regulations
Frequently Asked Questions
Independent Housing 

About the School-Sponsored Housing Sites
The school-sponsored housing sites are located within a few miles of the school in one of the largest shopping, entertainment and business areas of Orange County. Our school-sponsored housing program provides furnished apartment units for our students. Additional features include laundry facilities, a fitness center, pools and spas. Each school-sponsored housing site is within walking distance to a variety of restaurants, grocery and retail stores. Bus stops are adjacent to the apartments.

Student Apartments
Apartments comprise two bedrooms, two bathroom units, and housing four students each. Each unit is furnished with standard-size twin beds, dressers, nightstands, lamps, couch, armchair, coffee table, end table, dining table with chairs, and a desk. Basic utilities are covered up to a reasonable amount. Students must secure their own cable, Internet and telephone services.

On-Site Resident Life Staff
Each school-sponsored housing site is staffed with a live-in professional residence life staff member. The Resident Life Coordinator is responsible for the administrative and maintenance upkeep of our housing facilities and is the first point of contact for all students living in school-sponsored housing. Resident Life staff organizes events such as videogame tournaments, barbeques and beach parties throughout the quarter.

Cost/Financing
The school-sponsored housing rate for the 2009-2010 academic year (July 2009-July 2010) was $2997. Cost includes rent, furniture, water/sewer/trash and electricity.

School-sponsored housing may be financed through financial aid for qualified students. Quarterly housing charges may be included in the students' financial plans. Student Financial Services staff can answer questions regarding payment plans for school-sponsored housing.

Application Process
Students interested in school-sponsored housing should notify their Assistant Director of Admissions of their interest and submit a completed housing application, along with a $250 security deposit.

Rules and Regulations
Rules and regulations are established for the health and safety of our students and to ensure their well being and comfort in the school-sponsored housing sites. All school-sponsored housing students sign a license agreement for the term of one year. By signing the license agreement, the student agrees to adhere to the rules and regulation outlined by The Art Institute of California — Orange County Conduct Policy, License Agreement and Student Housing Handbook.

Any student wishing to leave school-sponsored housing or asked to leave school-sponsored housing for academic or discipline reasons prior to the end of their license agreement will be subject to a two-month rent penalty fee in addition to forfeiting their security deposit.

A detailed list of rules and regulations will be made available to students prior to move-in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring?
Here is a list of what the Office of Residential Life and Housing suggests:

• Pillows and bed linens for a standard-size twin bed
• Floor and desk lamps. Overhead lighting in the kitchen, bathrooms, and hallways only is provided. A lamp is provided for the living room and both bedrooms
• Shower curtain
• Cleaning supplies, such as, a broom, mop, vacuum, dishwashing soap, sponge, etc.
• Kitchen and cookware, such as, dishes, pots, pans, silverware, drinking glasses, foil, plastic bags, etc. are recommended.
• Small appliances such as a toaster, coffee maker, blender, etc.
• Laundry detergent, iron, ironing board, etc.
• Telephone. You must provide your own telephone and telephone service if you plan to have a land-line telephone in the apartment.
• Alarm clock
• Extension cords, adapters, and surge protectors
• Storage containers
• Throw rugs. Apartments have vinyl floors in the kitchens and bathrooms that can get cold during the winter.

Below is a list of items that are not permitted in school-sponsored housing:

• Pets of any kind, for any reason. This includes, but is not limited to, cats, dogs, birds, fish, lizards, hamsters, insects, etc.
• Weights, with the exception of small hand barbells.
• Musical Instruments. Due to noise restrictions and complaints, drums and amplified instruments (e.g. electric guitars) are not permitted in the housing facility.

Will I have a desk?
There is one desk provided per apartment. Student who would like their own private desk are encouraged to purchase or bring one after move-in. Please be aware of the limited space within the apartment.

Should I bring my computer?
Yes, if you have a personal computer you are encouraged to bring it.

What is parking like?
Parking is available at the school-sponsored housing sites. Each school-sponsored housing unit is designated two parking spots. Parking within the housing site is not guaranteed. Other limited parking is available within and around the housing sites.

How do I get around if I do not have a car?
Monthly student bus passes are available for purchase in the Supply Store on campus. Some students do walk or bike to school; others establish a carpool system with other housing students.

Who will my roommates be? 
Students are placed together based on a number of criteria listed on the housing application, including age, major, lifestyle, preferences, etc. It is important to answer the questions honestly for the best possible match. It is not uncommon for new students to be placed in an apartment with existing school-sponsored housing student.

What if my roommates and I don't get along?
The ability 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 roommate are not getting along, housing staff is available to conduct a mediation. This is typically an activity to get everyone talking and thinking of ways to improve the situation.

Can I move in for only one quarter to see if I like it?
All school-sponsored housing students sign a license agreement for the term of one year, regardless of when you move in. Any student wishing to leave school-sponsored housing or asked to leave school-sponsored housing for academic or discipline reasons prior to the end of their license agreement will be subject to a two-month rent penalty fee in addition to forfeiting their security deposit.

Do I have to move out of school-sponsored housing during the academic breaks?
No, once you have move in you are not required to move out until the end of your license agreement.

Do I need renter's insurance?
If your parent's homeowners insurance does not cover your belongings in school-sponsored housing, it is recommended that you get renter's insurance. Renter’s insurance information is available in the Office of Residential Life and Housing.

What expectations does The Art Institute of California — Orange County have of school-sponsored housing students?
Students are expected to maintain their apartment in accordance with safety and cleanliness policies outlined in the license agreement, Student Housing Handbook and community guidelines. The school-sponsored housing community is made up of a diverse group of students. Students are expected to treat each other with respect regardless of gender, religion, sexual orientation, race, or disability.

Independent Housing
Independent apartment information is available to those students who choose to live independent of school-sponsored housing. For more information please contact the Office of Residential Life and Housing at 714.830.0205.