Can I lock in my current room for next year?
Homesteading is the process by which an eligible student may lock in (or squat) and keep his/her same room assignment for the upcoming academic year. This process is only open for students in the University Village, Nusbaum Apartments, Powhatan Village, Dominion House, Ireland House, France House, Virginia House (Honors College students ONLY), and The Inn.
You must fill an entire room/suite/apartment to 100% either by pulling in other students or by your current roommates also retaining their same room. For example, if you live in a 4-bedroom apartment, you must either have your current roommates stay or pull in enough people to fill the room/suite/apartment to 100%.
Why do I have to fill out a separate form to Homestead?
Unfortunately, technology does not always make a process easier for the user; this is the case for Homesteading. Students who wish to retain his/her room for the upcoming academic year must meet the Homesteading criteria as indicated above and fill out the appropriate form and submit by the March 8, 2013 deadline.
Why do I have to fill my apartment or suite to a certain percentage in order to Homestead?
While we would ultimately like to be able to permit all students to homestead (or squat/lock in his/her current assignment) it becomes a problem when one student Homesteads in an apartment or suite designed for 3 or more people. This prohibits other students who may be able to fill the entire suite or apartment that opportunity and negatively impacts other students. We encourage students in this situation to speak with his/her roommates to find out their intentions and speak with his/her friends to see if they would be interested in being pulled-in to that space.
This change was implemented as a result from the Housing Renewal Survey conducted in fall 2011. Based on feedback, it was clear that roommate preferences and matches are extremely important and a high indicator of student satisfaction. In order to help facilitate more positive matches the process was changed to require 100% occupancy to retain a room/suite/apartment. This will allow for groups of students to sign up together.
What are the rates for the 2012-2013 Agreement Periods?
Unfortunately, the rates for the upcoming agreement periods have not yet been approved by the Board of Visitors and will not be approved until the April board meeting when the university budget is approved. We understand that this may pose a concern these are the proposed rates.
I already live on campus, why do I have to apply again for next year?
Just like when you live off-campus in a rental property, one must either renew his/her lease or re-apply to remain in the same location. This process is for all students who wish to live on-campus during the upcoming academic year, even those that currently live on campus.
What if I am having problems making the payment?
If you are experiencing problems with the Leo Online system when making the $250.00 payment, please contact the Office of Finance (757-683-3030) for assistance. Our office cannot directly take any payments.
I cannot afford the $250.00 (non-refundable application fee and housing deposit), who can help?
We understand that some students may have problems fronting the cost of applying. If you have individual circumstances that may require some financial assistance, please contact our main office for assistance at housing@odu.edu.
What do I do if I am having problems accessing the application?
A couple of things could be happening that are preventing your access.
- Have you confirmed your admission to the University? If not, you need to do that through Undergraduate Admissions before you will have access to the application.
- Have you activated your MIDAS username and password? If not, go to www.midas.odu.edu to start that process.
If none of the above answer your issue, please email our office at housing@odu.edu for assistance.
Why does my parent/legal guardian need to do the Statement of Agreement?
The Housing and Dining Agreement is a legally binding document; students under 18 years of age at the time of application need to have a parent/legal guardian sign and submit the Statement of Agreement for the document to be legally binding.
I don't like my assignment/roommate, how can I make a change?
After the Return Housing Process students can submit a Room Re-Assignment Request and if we can accommodate the change prior to August 1. After August 1 students will need wait until the third Monday of the semester and work with their Residence Hall Director through the Room Change Process.
Can I cancel later if I don't get my top choice for housing?
To simply answer the question no you cannot simply cancel because you did not get your top choice for housing. Remember that your housing application was for a space on campus, not a particular assignment. While we work to accommodate preferences, we cannot make those guarantees. After the initial cancellation deadlines students are only able to be released from the Housing and Dining Agreement under certain conditions; please refer to our Cancellation section of the website for further information and guidance.
Why can't I pull in another current ODU student who does not currently live on campus?
Unfortunately the demand for on-campus housing is far greater than the actual supply. In order to guarantee students who currently living on campus the opportunity to live on campus for the following year we cannot allow current off-campus ODU students to participate in this part of the process. Current off-campus students can check back in mid-May to determine if a waitlist will open.
Why didn't I get my first choice?
Remember that this is a lottery process with randomly generated timeslots; assignments are only facilitated on a first-come, first-served basis for incoming freshmen and transfer students (and possibly for current students who apply late and if space remains).
