Student Life

It's you we're thinking of

From housing to a culture of learning, take a look at this network of services intended to help handle the details so you can focus on your education.

Residential Life and School-Sponsored Housing
art and desing school housing

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

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

School Sponsored Housing 
Living in school-sponsored housing and participating in residential life is an excellent way to get acquainted with other students, the San Diego 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) In a recent school survey, students reported that their favorite aspects of living at The Club were the friendships they developed with their roommates, living around many other students, and the proximity to school.

About The Club at River Run Apartment Complex - School-Sponsored Housing 
The Club is only 1.5 miles from school and is located within one of the largest shopping, entertainment, business, and hotel districts in the city. It is within both walking and biking distance to the school and the bus and trolley stop are located adjacent to the apartments. Students can take the trolley to the Hazard Center station which is a ten minute walk from school.

The Club at River Run also offers many amenities for our students. The complex has a swimming pool and jacuzzi, 4 lighted tennis courts, a fitness center and clubhouse with a big-screen TV and fireplace all of which is available for our students use. During the day, security is provided by on-site management with courtesy patrols in the evening hours.

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 combo, dishwasher and microwave in addition to standard appliances. Student residents must provide their own cooking utensils/dishes, personal bed and bath linens, and cleaning supplies. Reasonable amounts of utilities (water/sewer, gas, electric, basic cable and high-speed cable internet) are included in the cost with the exception of telephone service.

Staffing
The Art Institute Residential Life and School-Sponsored Housing Staff consists of the Director of Residential Life and Housing, two full time professional staff (Residence Life Coordinators) and three student staff (Resident Assistants). The RLCs and RAs live and work in the complex and serve as resources for the students. The staff will facilitate events throughout the school year. These events can be social, educational and often a mixture of the two. They are available to answer questions, aid students in their transition to The Art Institute and living on their own, and point students towards valuable campus resources. They are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by cell phone in the event of an emergency. In addition, The Club at River Run Leasing Office provides courtesy patrols and maintenance staff.

The Student Housing Activity Center (SHAC)
Students uniquely have the advantage of an on-site activity center for residential life and school-sponsored housing residents. The SHAC functions as part computer lab, with MACs and PCs, and a resource center for students living at the complex. Students can check out equipment including vacuums, board games and sports equipment; they can use it as a meeting space for study groups and tutoring sessions. The SHAC is where the RLCs hold their office hours and is the hub for all things pertaining to residential life and housing for The Art Institute of California — San Diego.

Costs
Residential Life and School-Sponsored Housing rates for each academic year academic year are determined the previous summer. The rate for the 2006 — 2007 academic year (October 2006 through September 2007) is $2445 per quarter. This includes rent, furniture, water/sewer/trash, gas, reasonable use of electricity, basic cable service, high-speed internet and on-site staff. 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.

To confirm a reservation students are required to fill out a Residential Life and School-Sponsored Housing application and submit a $250.00 Security Deposit. Students will sign a one year lease (4 academic quarters) from the date they move in. 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 at the time they 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 are asked to fill out a roommate questionnaire as a part of their Residential Life and School- Sponsored Housing application when they apply. The roommate questionnaire asks a number of personality questions that enable 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. The quarterly 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 Director of Residential Life and Housing at 858-598-1262 to request an information packet and application or click on the link below for the application only. Applications will only be accepted upon admission to The Art Institute of California — San Diego. 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 roommate assignments approximately two to three weeks prior to the start of the school quarter.

Printable School-Sponsored Housing Application [PDF application] 

Independent Housing
Independent apartment information (including a "roommate wanted" binder) is available to those students who choose to live independent of School-Sponsored Housing, but need assistance in locating an appropriate place to live while attending school. For more information about independent housing, contact the Director of Residential Life and Housing. [jandersen@aii.edu]

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the students like?
We currently house approximately 180 students in school-sponsored housing. These students represent an academic cross-section of the school. They also represent a geographic cross section of the United States and several foreign countries.

Can I move in for just one quarter to see what its like?

In an effort to steady occupancy numbers and a consistent first time experience, all new students to the program will sign a one year lease (4 academic quarters) from the quarter you move in. 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 two-thirds of the quarterly charge in addition to forfeiting your security deposit. So it is important that students understand the one year commitment.

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 staff member will be available to help facilitate 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, students are allowed to change rooms after the fourth week of the quarter.

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 or cat 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 Disability Services Coordinator for approval prior to the student’s arrival. No other pets are allowed. Please call the Director of Residential Life and Housing for more information at 858-598-1262.

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?
Each apartment is given 2 assigned parking spaces that you will share with your roommates. All visitor parking is along the street. If your apartment has more than 2 cars, it will be up to the four of you as to how you want to share the parking spaces.

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 views the residential life and school sponsored housing facility as an extension of the learning environment the school strives to create. The Art Institute school-sponsored 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.

The Art Institute of California — San Diego

7650 Mission Valley Road  San Diego, CA 92108-4423 • 1.858.598.1200 • 1.866.275.2422