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Housing
Permanent Housing
Some students choose to live in College residences ("on-campus"); others choose to live in the neighborhoods that surround the campus ("off-campus"). There are a variety of factors to be considered when making this choice: proximity to campus, costs, security, personal and family lifestyles, and transportation. Housing on or near campus is always in great demand and can be difficult to obtain. College housing ("on-campus") is limited and not always available. If you decide to live "on-campus", you must complete an application well in advance of your arrival. You cannot be assured a room on campus unless you have been notified in writing by the Office of Residential Life/Learning Communities.
On-campus Housing
While other types of housing are available, international students are generally housed in McLean Hall, which stays open during school breaks. On-campus housing offers you a furnished residence in a reasonably secure environment. If you have not already done so, you may request information and a housing application by writing to the following office:
Office of Residential Life/Learning Communities
Thompson Hall – West Wing
The College at Brockport
350 New Campus Drive
Brockport, New York 14420-2980
Phone: (585) 395-2122, (585) 395-2108
Fax: (585) 395-2732
E-mail: housing@brockport.edu
All rooms are furnished, but you will have to provide bed sheets, towels, and any other personal items you desire. More information can be found at http://www.brockport.edu/~reslife/.
Meal service can be arranged though the Brockport Auxiliary Service Corporation (BASC). More information can be found at http://www.basc1.com/Dining_Services/resident_meal_plan.htm.
Off-campus Housing
Throughout the Village of Brockport, housing varies greatly in price, convenience, security, quality, and location. Housing lists can be found by looking in the local newspapers, www.apartments.com as well as through the Brockport Student Government's off-campus housing list at www.bsgonline.org/housing.htm. Copies of these lists can be mailed or faxed to you.
Remember that it can take several days or longer to find housing. Meanwhile, you will need temporary accommodations. You must arrange for this before you arrive in the U.S.
Leases and Contracts
Most housing is rented on a contract or lease basis; that is, you agree to live in the unit for a stated period of time - most often 12 months. (You must also sign a lease if you live in College housing). This means you are legally responsible for all rent payments for that period, whether or not you live there, unless some alternative arrangement is made with the landlord (owner of the apartment building). It is occasionally possible to "sublet", which means that the person renting the room or apartment rents the unit to another person. Such an arrangement must be carefully investigated before agreeing to it either as a renter or subletter. A security deposit and the first month's rent is almost always required when the lease is signed.
This deposit is equivalent to one or two month's rent. This amount will be returned by the landlord in whole or in part when the contract is terminated. Damages, cleaning, and/or repair charges will be deducted.
Before signing a lease, read it carefully and understand all of your obligations. If you have questions about the lease, check with the Office of International Student Services before you sign it. Obtain a signed copy for your own records. Do not rely on a verbal agreement. Make sure you have everything in writing. Be sure you understand fully what the lease says before you sign it. Once you have signed it, you are responsible for all of its terms.
