Norfolk State University (NSU), located in the vibrant city of Norfolk, Virginia, offers a wide range of housing options for students and residents alike. From on-campus dormitories to off-campus apartments and houses, there’s a housing solution to fit every need and budget.
On-Campus Housing
NSU provides on-campus housing in four residence halls:
- Yardley Hall: A co-ed residence hall with traditional double rooms and suite-style accommodations.
- Corprew Hall: A female-only residence hall offering double rooms and suite-style options.
- Memorial Hall: A male-only residence hall featuring double rooms and suite-style accommodations.
- Luther Rice Hall: A co-ed residence hall with double rooms and suite-style options.
All on-campus dorms offer amenities such as air conditioning, laundry facilities, and wireless internet access. Meal plans are also available, allowing students to purchase meals at designated dining halls on campus.
Off-Campus Housing
For students and residents seeking off-campus accommodations, there are numerous rental properties available within walking or short driving distance from the university. These options include:
- Apartments: Studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments are widely available in the surrounding neighborhoods.
- Houses: Single-family homes and townhouses can also be found in the vicinity of NSU.
- Roommates: Students can also consider sharing an apartment or house with roommates to reduce housing costs.
Finding Off-Campus Housing
Finding off-campus housing can be a daunting task, but there are resources available to help students and residents:
- NSU Off-Campus Housing Office: The university maintains an office dedicated to assisting students and residents with off-campus housing options.
- Apartment Locators: Apartment locators can help individuals find suitable housing within their budget and search criteria.
- Online Listings: Websites like Zillow, Trulia, and Craigslist feature listings for apartments and houses for rent.
- Social Media: Facebook groups and other social media platforms can be a great way to connect with potential roommates or landlords.
Housing Costs
On-Campus Housing:
- Double Room: $6,500 – $7,500 per academic year
- Suite-Style Room: $7,500 – $8,500 per academic year
- Meal Plan (Optional): $2,500 – $3,500 per academic year
Off-Campus Housing:
- Studio Apartment: $1,000 – $1,500 per month
- One-Bedroom Apartment: $1,200 – $1,700 per month
- Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,500 – $2,000 per month
- Three-Bedroom Apartment: $1,800 – $2,500 per month
- Single-Family Home: $1,800 – $3,000 per month
- Townhouse: $1,500 – $2,500 per month
(Note: Rental costs may vary depending on the specific property and location.)
Effective Strategies for Securing Housing
- Start your search early: The best housing options tend to be available early in the academic year or rental season.
- Determine your budget and needs: Establish a realistic budget and identify your accommodation requirements (number of bedrooms, amenities, etc.).
- Research your options: Explore both on-campus and off-campus housing options to find the best fit for your needs.
- Consider your roommates: If you plan on sharing an apartment or house, find compatible roommates with similar lifestyles and rental expectations.
- Negotiate your lease: Carefully review the lease agreement before signing to ensure you understand the terms and conditions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Signing a lease without seeing the property: Always visit the property in person before signing a lease to ensure it meets your expectations.
- Overlooking the lease terms: Pay attention to the lease length, rent amount, security deposit, and any other important details.
- Not getting a roommate agreement: If sharing an apartment or house, create a written roommate agreement outlining responsibilities and expectations.
- Ignoring maintenance requests: Notify the landlord promptly of any maintenance issues to prevent larger problems down the road.
- Subletting without permission: Subletting your apartment or house without the landlord’s written consent can result in legal consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When is the best time to apply for on-campus housing?
A: Applications for on-campus housing typically open in early spring for the following academic year.
Q: What amenities are included in on-campus dorms?
A: On-campus dorms typically include air conditioning, laundry facilities, wireless internet access, and communal lounges.
Q: Are pets allowed in any of the housing options?
A: Pets are not allowed in any of the on-campus dorms or most off-campus apartments. However, some single-family homes and townhouses may allow pets with landlord approval.
Q: What resources are available to help me find off-campus housing?
A: NSU offers an Off-Campus Housing Office, apartment locators, online listings, and social media groups to assist students and residents with finding off-campus housing.
Q: What is the average cost of off-campus housing in Norfolk, Virginia?
A: The average cost of off-campus housing in Norfolk, Virginia, varies depending on the property type, location, and amenities. Studio apartments typically cost $1,000-$1,500 per month, while single-family homes can cost $1,800-$3,000 per month.
Q: Are there any payment plans available for on-campus housing?
A: Yes, NSU offers a monthly payment plan that allows students to spread the cost of on-campus housing over 10 or 12 months.
Q: What is the parking situation for on-campus residents?
A: On-campus residents are eligible to purchase parking permits for designated parking lots and parking garages.
Q: Are there any community events or activities organized for residents?
A: Yes, NSU organizes various community events and activities throughout the academic year for both on-campus and off-campus residents.
Table 1: On-Campus Residence Hall Comparison
| Residence Hall | Room Type | Amenities | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yardley Hall | Double Room | Air conditioning, laundry facilities, wireless internet | $6,500 – $7,500 per academic year |
| Yardley Hall | Suite-Style Room | Air conditioning, laundry facilities, wireless internet, private bathroom | $7,500 – $8,500 per academic year |
| Corprew Hall | Double Room | Air conditioning, laundry facilities, wireless internet | $6,500 – $7,500 per academic year |
| Corprew Hall | Suite-Style Room | Air conditioning, laundry facilities, wireless internet, private bathroom | $7,500 – $8,500 per academic year |
| Memorial Hall | Double Room | Air conditioning, laundry facilities, wireless internet | $6,500 – $7,500 per academic year |
| Memorial Hall | Suite-Style Room | Air conditioning, laundry facilities, wireless internet, private bathroom | $7,500 – $8,500 per academic year |
| Luther Rice Hall | Double Room | Air conditioning, laundry facilities, wireless internet | $6,500 – $7,500 per academic year |
| Luther Rice Hall | Suite-Style Room | Air conditioning, laundry facilities, wireless internet, private bathroom | $7,500 – $8,500 per academic year |
Table 2: Off-Campus Housing Rental Costs
| Property Type | Average Monthly Rent |
|---|---|
| Studio Apartment | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| One-Bedroom Apartment | $1,200 – $1,700 |
| Two-Bedroom Apartment | $1,500 – $2,000 |
| Three-Bedroom Apartment | $1,800 – $2,500 |
| Single-Family Home | $1,800 – $3,000 |
| Townhouse | $1,500 – $2,500 |
Table 3: Housing Costs Comparison
| Housing Type | Average Yearly Cost |
|---|---|
| On-Campus Residence Hall (Double Room) | $6,500 – $7,500 |
| On-Campus Residence Hall (Suite-Style Room) | $7,500 – $8,500 |
| Off-Campus Studio Apartment | $12,000 – $18,000 |
| Off-Campus One-Bedroom Apartment | $14,400 – $20,400 |
| Off-Campus Two-Bedroom Apartment | $18,000 – $24,000 |
| Off-Campus Three-Bedroom Apartment | $21,600 – $30,000 |
| Off-Campus Single |
