You may click here to view a PDF file of the current Housing Application for The Art Institute of Portland.
For your convenience, you may print out the PDF and submit the completed application along with a check made out to The Art Institute of Portland for the $250 security deposit. Please mail all documents to:
Director of Residence Life and Housing
The Art Institute of Portland
1122 NW Davis Street
Portland, OR 97209
Questions? Please call Melissa Carter, Director of Residence Life and Housing, at 503.382.4750, or email mcarter@aii.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How much does Student Housing cost?
Student Housing Room Rates 2008-2009
ALL license agreements are 4 quarters in length.
HOUSING PLANS RATES PER PERSON
PER QUARTER
PLAN 1 $2550
Arthur Single/private bath $850/month
*LIMITED NUMBER
PLAN 2 $2400
Arthur Single/shared bath $800/ month
PLAN 3 $2250
Arthur Double/shared bath $750/ month
*LIMITED NUMBER
PLAN 4 $1805
Goose Hollow Plaza Apartment $601/ month
4 students/2 bedroom apartment.
What about utilities?
Electricity, water, garbage and sewer are provided. All apartments are cable and internet ready. Students at Goose Hollow Plaza currently has internet access provided through the apartment complex though the speed may not be suitable for online gaming needs.
Is there security in housing?
Yes. Art Institute apartments are located in secure communities, accessed with security tags. In addition, professional staff and student resident assistants live among students in housing and are available to assist 24 hours a day.
Is parking available?
Parking in Portland is often very difficult and we do not recommend that students bring vehicles. Monthly parking is extremely expensive and with Portland’s amazing mass transit system (see trimet.org) students can travel most anywhere in the greater Portland area.
Goose Hollow Plaza:
Yes. Students are responsible for making their own parking arrangements. Long term parking is available by renting a space in the underground parking lot offered at Goose Hollow Plaza. See the Goose Hollow Plaza front desk for more information on rates and availability. You may also purchase a parking permit with a local parking garage, or a yearly long term street-parking permit through the city of Portland.
The Arthur:
Yes. Students are responsible for making their own parking arrangements. You may purchase a parking permit with a local parking garage. The most common downtown parking garages are: Smart Park, Diamond and U-Park. You may do an internet search to find out more information.
What furnishings/appliances are provided?
Goose Hollow Plaza:
Each apartment has a full kitchen which includes a full size refrigerator, sink, stove, and dishwasher. Microwaves are not included. Apartments come furnished with a sofa, and loveseat or oversized chair, an end table, dining table and chairs. Each bedroom has a closet with shelves and comes with two twin beds, a dresser and a nightstand.
The Arthur:
All rooms have their own sink, a built in microwave and mini-fridge, as well as cable and internet access. Rooms have a closet, standard twin size bed, and a small computer table and chair. The bottom floor will be equipped with a large, double size kitchen for cooking.
How many students live in an apartment?
Goose Hollow Plaza:
Each two bedroom, one bathroom apartment houses four Art Institute students.
The Arthur:
Most rooms at The Arthur share a bathroom with one other room and are designed for individual students. There are eight two person, two room spaces at The Arthur which share a bathroom with a single apartment.
Can I receive accommodations for disability in student housing?
If you are a student who has a documented disability, as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, you may be eligible to receive housing accommodations. You should first apply and be accepted at The Art Institute of Portland and apply for college housing. Once you have received housing confirmation, notify the disabilities services coordinator of your request for accommodations.
What if I don't drive?
Portland’s public transportation Tri-Met serves the greater Portland area with bus, streetcar and MAX service. Goose Hollow Plaza is within walking distance of all three options. Public transportation is free within fareless square. See trimet.org for more information on fareless square and available travel routes. Discounted public transportation passes are sold in our Supply Store.
Are there facilities for washing and drying my clothes?
Yes. There are two coin operated laundry rooms at Goose Hollow Plaza and a laundry room in the bottom floor of The Arthur.
May I bring my own computer?
Absolutely! No desks are provided at Goose Hollow Plaza though you may bring a small one if you like. The Arthur comes with a small computer table.
May I have guests in my apartment?
Guests are welcome during daily visiting hours as long as they don't disturb other students in the apartment. Overnight guests may stay one night in a seven night period if all of your roommates are in agreement. If you live alone, the guest policy still applies.
Where can I pick up mail?
Mailboxes are conveniently located on the first floor.
What should I bring?
Things To Bring*
It might be helpful if you brought a hand truck to help you with your boxes. Moving equipment is not available for move in day.
Here are some suggestions for things to bring with you when you move into your Student Housing accommodation (these are in addition to clothes and school supplies):
• Pillows and bed linens for a twin size bed (standard size)
• Towels and toiletries: soap, toilet paper, shampoo etc
• Bed risers (they lift your bed higher for more storage underneath. These are great combined with plastic drawers or tubs. They can be found at most stores like Kmart, Target, Walmart, etc)
• Cleaning supplies: bucket, cleaner, sponge, vacuum, broom, dish washing liquid, etc
• Kitchen utensils and supplies: dishes, pots, pans, silverware, glasses, plastic wrap, etc
• Lamps - students may prefer additional lighting
• Laundry detergent for laundry machines
• Telephone - you will need to bring your own phone if you plan to have phone access
• Alarm clock, TV, stereo, computer
• Small appliances: automatic coffee makers *Microwaves are not provided in Goose Hollow Plaza
• Extension cords, power strip
• Storage units: many students find crates and shelving useful
• Shower curtain/waste basket and trash bags
• Throw rugs, fan
Things Not To Bring
The following items are not permitted in Student Housing:
• Pets are not permitted in student housing at any time or for any reason. This includes but is not limited to fish, lizards, etc.
• Weapons, including decorative ones
• Weight lifting sets are not permitted with the exception of small hand weights
• Open flame/heat devices: hot plates, candles, BBQ grill (gas or charcoal), incense, electric and kerosene heaters
• Musical Instruments: drums are prohibited, and amplified instruments (i.e., electric guitars are discouraged due to noise problems)
• Large furniture: Units are furnished; do not bring additional beds, couches, etc.
• Alcohol/Drugs
• Drug Paraphernalia: Including but not limited to hukas (hookah), pipes, bongs, syringes (unless for medical use), etc.
• For The Arthur: additional mini refrigerators are not permitted
Just a reminder: Student Housing is alcohol and drug free. Possession of either of these in the apartment, including empty containers, can be grounds for immediate eviction.
What size are the apartments?
Goose Hollow Apartments range from 900-950 square feet with each bedroom being approximately 300 square feet.
Rooms at The Arthur are approximately 150-250 square feet.
Can housing fees be included in my financial aid package?
The cost of Art Institute housing can, in most cases, be included in your financial aid package. Contact your financial planner for more information.
How do I sign up for Student Housing?
In order to live in Student Housing, students must first complete ALL of the following:
1. Be accepted to The Art Institute of Portland
2. Complete a Student Financial Plan to include housing costs
3. Compete and return the housing application
4. Submit a $250 Security Deposit (cash, check, credit card, money order accepted)
Housing assignments are made on a first-come, first served basis upon receipt of the Housing Application and Security Deposit. In the event the student leaves Student Housing prior to the end of the lease agreement or withdraws their application less than 30 days prior to the start of the quarter, the security deposit shall be forfeited. Each license agreement is for four consecutive quarters.
Why didn’t I get the accommodation I requested?
When did you apply? We often start receiving applications and deposits two to three quarters before students begin classes. Students who apply and deposit less than 30 days before the start of classes may have several dozen students apply before them. NOTE: Housing assignments are typically sent out 1-3 weeks prior to move in day.
Which living option did you choose?
Our more “popular” living options (such as The Arthur and one bedroom apartments) are filled quickly with continuing students. New students who did get assigned to these locations applied very early and there was availability (based on application/deposit received first come basis) when housing assignments were made.
I don’t like my room assignment/roommate. Is there any way I can change rooms?
If you want to change your room assignment, you must contact Student Housing directly by phone or email to request the change. Note: We cannot guarantee the change will happen, and the more flexible and farther from move in day the request, the better chances we will be able to make the change happen.
I’ve just moved in and I don’t think I like my room assignment/ roommate(s). What should I do?
Contact your Resident Assistant and alert them of your concerns. There is typically a two to three week hold on changing rooms after each move in day. It is normal to have concerns when you move in with strangers. Let us help you figure out what options may be available. Note: We encourage student learning through a variety of methods. Moving someone at the first sign of problems is not the first step we take in solving problems.
Can I sign a shorter license agreement?
No. All license agreements for Student Housing are for four consecutive quarters.
What if I only want to get comfortable in Portland and then find my own place?
You can stay for the entire term of your license agreement or you can choose to move out and break the contract.
What fines are associated with breaking my license agreement (moving out early)?
If you withdraw from The Art Institute, are attendance suspended, or are academically terminated you will be asked to move out of Student Housing immediately and you will forfeit your $250 security deposit.
If you leave Student Housing by breaking your license agreement (ie. continue as an AiPD student) you will forfeit your $250 deposit and will incur a license break fee of $1,000.
Transportation?
Transportation To, In and Around Portland:
Airport Shuttles:
The pickup area for taxis, town cars, long-haul shuttles, hotel vans and parking lot shuttle buses is located in the center section of the airport terminal's lower roadway on the baggage claim and departure level. Airport shuttles, off-airport rental car shuttles and reserved vehicles are found in the section of the lower roadway closest to the garage. Most transportation providers serve downtown Portland, which is approximately 20-40 minutes from Portland International Airport.
The MAX: Portland’s light rail system.
The MAX Red Line travels from Portland Airport through Portland City Center to Beaverton. The trip to or from City Center to PDX takes approximately 40 minutes and requires an All-Zone fare. You can easily roll your luggage on board. At the airport, the MAX station and ticket machines are located near baggage claim on the lower level.
To check for maps, arrival times, prices and general trip planning information, go to www.trimet.org.
Public Transportation (Bus and Streetcar Lines):
Public transportation in Portland is cheap, easy, and convenient. Student Housing is located near Union Station which serves as the hub for Portland’s bus system. Student Housing is just outside of what is called Fareless Square, which means riding the bus or streetcar in the general downtown area is free! It is recommended that you check a map to see which parts of downtown are fareless, and which areas are not.
To check for maps, arrival times, prices and general trip planning information for the bus and streetcar line, go to www.trimet.org.
Zipcar
If you do not have a vehicle with you and would like to take a trip, you can opt to use Portland’s Zipcar program. With this program, you will share access to hundreds of Zipcar vehicles, often within a five-minute walk of your location. You must sign up for this program, reserve a car online or by phone, use the vehicle and the return it for an hourly rate that covers gas, insurance, and unlimited miles.
To learn more about the Zipcar program, go to www.Zipcar.com.
Rental Cars
If you do not have a vehicle with you, and would like to take a trip, you can opt to use a rental car agency. There are several downtown locations for rental car agencies. Check individual rental agency websites for Portland locations, prices, and availability.