do phd students live on campus

Graduate students can access housing options on campus in Harvard-owned properties or off campus in the Cambridge and Boston area.

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Whether you are interested in living in one of the four Harvard Griffin GSAS residence halls, looking for an on- or off-campus apartment, or hoping to find a roommate, the Office of Residential Life can direct you to the best resources. While the main Harvard campus is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard Griffin GSAS students live and study throughout the Cambridge/Boston area. In this section, you will find information to help identify your best housing option.

Please visit our virtual office hours in April to get all your housing questions answers. Virtual office hours are as follows:

• Tuesday, April 9, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 17, 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
• Thursday, April 25, 9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
• Monday, April 29, 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.

Our residence halls are an active living space for students. Therefore, we do not provide in-person tours. Please peruse the pictures on the website and email our office with additional questions.

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Can Graduate Students Live On Campus?

Students who’ve been accepted into graduate school often ask if they’ll be able to live on campus. At many schools, the answer is yes. Most large universities have housing specifically for graduate students, and many of these options are available at a lower rent than comparable off-campus apartments in the area.

Living on campus can be a great way to meet other graduate students and get involved in student life. It also saves you a morning and afternoon commute. This guide discusses the ins and outs of living on campus as a graduate student.

Table of Contents

Access to campus resources, access to a built-in support system, continuation of the college experience, off-campus housing can be cheaper for graduate students, off-campus housing can offer more freedom and flexibility, off-campus housing connects you to your local community, can you live on campus as a graduate student the bottom line.

If you’re wondering if graduate students can live on campus, the answer is yes, most colleges and universities let graduate students live on campus and have specific housing set aside for them.

Graduate housing is typically apartment-style rather than dorm-style , and it usually features private bedrooms and semi-private bathrooms. Your graduate apartment will likely have a full kitchen, so you won’t be required to be on the university meal plan even if you live on campus. On-site parking is also usually available, though this might not be the case if you’re attending grad school in the middle of a large city like New York that isn’t car-friendly.

Living on campus can provide easy access to resources like the library and computer labs, and it can also help you feel more connected to your school as a graduate student. A common complaint among grad students is that it feels more like a job than a continuation of the college experience. Living on campus can make grad school more relaxed and enjoyable.

Why Live On Campus as a Graduate Student

If you’re headed to graduate school , you might wonder if living on campus is the right decision, especially if you’re coming from an undergraduate institution that required you to live on campus for most or all of your time there. You might feel like it’s time to move on and experience the independence and freedom that come with off-campus apartment living.

Although living on campus isn’t ideal for every graduate student, there are several reasons why you should consider it if your school allows it.

Living on campus gives you easy access to campus resources such as the library, the computer lab, your professors’ offices, the campus gym and recreation facilities, and a plethora of food options. It gives you a built-in support system of hundreds of other students. It allows you to have a grad school experience that feels more like a continuation of college than a 9-to-5 job. And, despite what you might fear, graduate students living on campus usually aren’t saddled with the same rules (e.g., visitation hours, alcohol restrictions) as undergrads in the dorms .

One of the biggest benefits to living on campus as a graduate student is that it gives you access to all the campus resources that can help you succeed in your studies.

The library is one of the most important resources on any college campus, especially when you’re a graduate student who’s likely conducting hours of research every week. When you live on campus, you have access to all the books and materials you need to do your research.

The career center is another valuable resource on campus. It can help you with your job search as you get close to graduation.

If you need any academic support at any point in your journey, there are always tutors and advisors available to help you out. It’s much easier to stop in for a quick visit or set an impromptu meeting when you live on campus than when you have to drive to school and hunt for parking.

Additional resources on campus that you might come to appreciate the convenience of having close by include computer labs, research labs, professors’ offices, dining halls, and other food options.

Living on campus gives you a built-in support system of friends and staff. The friends you make in your on-campus suite or apartment often become some of your closest friends in graduate school and even for the rest of your life.

The sense of community that you build with your fellow students can be helpful when it comes time to study for exams or during difficult personal times. These students, particularly those in the same program or field of study, can also form the beginning of your professional network , which can help you with jobs or business opportunities after graduation.

Additionally, the staff members who work in the campus housing system are there to help you with any issues or problems you may have. For instance, if your refrigerator breaks down or you have a parking issue, you don’t have to wait for a private landlord to call you back and deal with the problem. Campus housing services usually have staff members available 24/7.

Living on campus lets you continue the college experience you had in your undergrad years, whereas getting an apartment off campus and commuting to grad school every morning often feels more like work.

How does living on campus give you more of a college experience than a 9-to-5 experience? For one, you’ll have easier access to all the amenities and resources your school has to offer. If you live off campus and have to commute to class every day, you’ll have to waste time travelling back and forth. You’ll also miss out on impromptu study sessions or meetings with classmates if you live off campus.

In addition, living on campus means that you’ll be surrounded by like-minded people who are also dedicated to their studies. This makes it easier to make friends and form study groups. It’s also easier to get involved in extracurricular activities when you live on campus. You’ll never miss an opportunity to meet new people or try new things when you live in the heart of campus life.

Reasons Not to Live On Campus as a Graduate Student

For many grad students, living on campus provides the ideal housing situation. It’s affordable and convenient, and it puts them in the middle of the social and academic scene. It also potentially cuts down on gas expenses and causes less wear and tear to their automobile, since they can park by their on-campus housing building and walk to class every day.

That said, on-campus living is not a great fit for every grad student. Many find it easier to live off campus and commute to class. Off-campus living has a number of benefits for graduate students. It can be cheaper than living in on-campus housing, and it gives students more freedom and flexibility in terms of their living arrangements. Additionally, off-campus living can help students feel more connected to the local community and build important social networks.

One of the main benefits of off-campus living is that it can be cheaper than on-campus housing. Graduate students often have tight budgets, and off-campus living can help them save money. Additionally, many graduate programs offer stipends or fellowships that can help offset the cost of rent.

Of course, off-campus living is not cheaper than university housing for graduate students at every school. It depends on the local rental market how it compares to the housing costs at a particular school. You should always compare on-campus versus off-campus rents apples to apples before making a decision.

Remember that the price of an on-campus apartment is usually all-inclusive, meaning it includes rent, utilities, cable, internet, and even furniture, while you’ll typically pay for these items a la carte in an off-campus apartment.

Another benefit of off-campus living is that it gives students more freedom and flexibility in terms of their living arrangements. Students who live off campus can choose to live alone or with roommates, and they are not restricted by university rules and regulations.

In an off-campus apartment, for instance, you can choose to room with a non-student if you want to, whereas on-campus housing is almost always restricted to students currently enrolled in school. Say you have a buddy from undergrad who is moving to the same city for work where you’ll be attending grad school. You can choose to live with that friend in an off-campus apartment.

Additionally, many universities still restrict roommates by gender, even for graduate students, though schools are rapidly loosening these policies. In an off-campus apartment, you won’t face any rules against rooming with someone of the opposite gender, including a significant other.

Another major benefit of living off campus in graduate school is that it allows you to connect with your local community, potentially building valuable social and professional networks.

Living off campus gives you the opportunity to get to know your neighbors and build relationships with people who live near you. This can be a great way to feel more connected to your community and learn about different resources that are available to you. At some point, you’ll no longer be able to rely on the security of the campus bubble . Many people feel grad school is the right time to start becoming more self-sufficient.

In addition, living off campus can give you a sense of independence and responsibility. You’ll have to budget your own rent and utilities, and manage your own cleaning and cooking. But this can also be a great learning experience that will help you in the future.

Living on campus as a graduate student can be a great experience. It can provide you with opportunities to meet new people, get involved in campus life, and live close to your classes and resources. If you are considering living on campus, be sure to check out your options and see if it is the right fit for you.

About The Author

Greg DePersio

/images/cornell/logo35pt_cornell_white.svg" alt="do phd students live on campus"> Cornell University --> Graduate School

University Housing

Approximately 5% of graduate students live in university housing. Cornell’s graduate and professional student residences offer many opportunities that off-campus housing may not. The multinational graduate school communities are in close proximity to campus facilities, libraries, and classrooms.

The largest residence,  Hasbrouck Apartments , has a community center with television rooms, a service center, study and meeting rooms, laundry areas, vending machines, and recreational facilities. Living arrangements are available to accommodate single students and students with families.

The Housing Office assigns housing on a first-come, first-served basis, so place your request early. 

Off-Campus Housing

Most of Cornell’s graduate students live in the Ithaca area in residences that are not university-owned. Many areas around the Cornell campus are within walking distance, so owning a car may not be a necessity; however, the hills in Ithaca can make walking to and from certain areas difficult at times. Not having a car can also restrict access to shopping and other area services. Although the Ithaca area does have public transportation and CarShare, service is limited in certain areas and on weekends.

As with on-campus housing, it is better to look for off-campus housing early. Available housing includes apartment complexes, multiple-unit houses, single-unit houses, room rentals, mobile homes, lake houses, and cooperative living units. Ithaca’s neighborhoods and the surrounding region have distinct characteristics that are best investigated in person. Cornell’s Off-Campus Living Office website provides apartment listings and excellent advice about searching for housing, understanding lease terms, and interacting with landlords.

Off-Campus Neighborhoods

Collegetown.

Abutting the southwest end of the Cornell campus, Collegetown is akin to a miniature city featuring shopping, restaurants, and other services. This convenient location is very popular with students (mostly undergraduate), which increases rent, noise, and congestion. Living in the lower Collegetown area provides good exercise because you’ll have to walk uphill to campus; you’ll also be close to downtown’s shops and restaurants. Luxury/average apartment complexes, multiple-unit houses, and room rentals prevail in this area. (Up to a 15-minute walk to campus.)

East Hill and Belle Sherman

Located just east of Collegetown, this residential area is a mix of family homes and a few apartment complexes. This neighborhoods tends to be quieter, and is within walking distance of the shops, grocery stores, and other services of East Hill Plaza, Judd Falls Plaza, and Collegetown. (A 15-minute mostly level walk to campus.)

Downtown and Fall Creek

These peaceful residential neighborhoods are located at the base of East Hill. They are within walking distance of the Commons, public library, shopping, parks, and other city services. Many graduate students prefer this area for its lower rents and city neighborhood feel. Most of the rental units are subdivided houses, single-unit houses, or apartments over shops. Bus service is frequent in this area. (A 20 to 30-minute uphill walk to campus.)

Cornell Heights/Cayuga Heights

Both historic neighborhoods border the Cornell campus to the north. Cornell Heights contains some apartment buildings and apartments within houses. It is also home to many fraternities and sororities, so residents are at times subjected to loud music and parties.

Cayuga Heights is a residential area where many faculty live. The neighborhood has a few apartment complexes and rooms/apartments within houses. Walkable shopping areas and other conveniences are somewhat limited. (Up to a 30-minute level walk to campus.)

Northeast and Lansing

North of Cayuga Heights, this suburban area includes varied large and small apartment complexes, residential neighborhoods, and retail areas (The Shops at Ithaca Mall, Triphammer Marketplace, and Cayuga Mall). Somewhat remote from campus, this area also tends to be less expensive. Bus lines run regularly. (Lengthy, level walk to campus; bus or car recommended.)

South Hill is home to Ithaca College (IC), and IC students inhabit many of its apartment complexes. Although less convenient for Cornell students without cars because of its distance to campus, some graduate students choose to live here and walk to downtown Ithaca, then take public transportation to campus. (A 15-minute downhill walk to downtown; 10-minute bus ride to campus.)

West Hill and Cayuga Lake (West Shore)

Although living on the lake has obvious aesthetic and warm-weather benefits, these are inconvenient residential areas for Cornell students. Rent tends to be less expensive, but winter heating bills can be astronomical. Be aware that units advertised as “cottages” are probably not insulated; “houses” probably are. Check with  New York State Electric & Gas  (NYSEG, 800-572-1111) for average yearly heating bills. Few buses run here.

Farther Afield

Because of the lower rent and more rural atmosphere, among other reasons, some graduate students choose to live in areas surrounding Ithaca. All require a commute by car or by public transportation (which runs less frequently in outlying areas). Some towns and villages nearby include: Brooktondale, Candor, Danby, Dryden, Groton, Lansing, Newfield, and Trumansburg.

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Should I Live On- or Off-Campus as a Grad Student?

Grad school is a big leap and one well-earned. If you’re about to embark on this journey , congratulations! Now that you’ve chosen a school and accepted their admissions offer, it’s time to hammer out the logistics of life as a student.

Besides planning your class schedule and figuring out if you should keep your full-time job, you will also need to find a place to live — especially if you’re moving out-of-state or internationally! If you’re currently trying to figure out whether to live on- or off-campus while in graduate school, consider the pros and cons of each housing type below.

The Pros and Cons of Living On Campus

Are you intrigued about living on campus? Co-ops, resident halls, and even university apartments all fit within this convenient category. Here are some pros and cons that are often associated with these on-campus options.

Pros: Walkability and Social Life

On-campus housing is definitely worth considering, especially if it comes to you at a lower cost. The potential opportunity to save on rent takes the cake as far as pros go; however, the list of plus sides doesn’t stop there! Living on campus can cut down your commute time, allowing you to be near your classes. Besides, it can help you build a close-knit community. By having classmates nearby, you’ll be able to create a sense of fellowship almost instantaneously.

Cons: University-Imposed Restrictions and Freshman Mentality

If you’re straight out of your undergraduate studies, there’s a good chance that you’re over living on campus. Choosing to live on campus means being fully immersed in the college experience at all times — frat parties and RAs included.

You’ll likely face living restrictions and guidelines created by your university. If you’re someone who prefers to keep their personal life and studies separate, an off-campus arrangement will suit you best.

The Pros and Cons of Living Off-Campus

Off-campus housing includes a variety of different picks. Depending on where you choose to study, it’s usually pretty easy to find rental homes or apartments near campus. Furthermore, living with family is the cheapest option for those who are able. Before you decide, check out these helpful pros and cons.

Pros: Choices and Freedoms

Unlike dorms, off-campus housing options are typically privately owned and operated — meaning there won’t be an RA present to regulate your behavior. Additionally, off-campus housing comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and price points — from townhomes to studio apartments. Lastly, most off-campus housing will offer you more privacy and exposure to non-student contacts than on-campus alternatives.

Cons: Limited Access to University Conveniences

Although some may enjoy the factor of choice that off-campus living brings, this element can be overwhelming to others. When you live off-campus, you will likely lose the convenience of walking to class or other campus facilities such as stadiums and fitness centers. Additionally, unless you purchase one separately, you will no longer have access to student meal plans — which can be an affordable and nutritious option when you’re on a budget. Lastly, you are likely to move out of campus police’s jurisdiction, resulting in fewer patrols and longer emergency response times.

Furnish Your Space with CORT

Choosing where to live is especially tricky as a grad student. You’ll want to find a place that allows you to plant roots, get settled, and eventually pack up and move on. This makes the idea of furnishing your home-away-from-home especially difficult! Luckily, CORT has the perfect solution to this post-undergrad predicament.

CORT Furniture Rental’s student packages are tailor-made for off-campus apartments for college students. CORT Furniture Rental gives customers the option to rent the right amount of furniture for as little or as long as they’d like! CORT’s student packages include combinations of cohesive pieces made in versatile styles. These packages are entirely customizable, making it fun, easy, and affordable to furnish your new space.

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Graduate School

• Living & Resources

Brown’s campus is bordered on three sides by residential areas with an abundance of apartments and multi-bedroom houses that can be shared. Most Brown graduate students live off campus in the neighborhoods surrounding the University. Sign up for the 2024 Incoming Student Housing Webinar  hosted by the Graduate Student Council on Friday, May 3, from 11 am - 12:30 pm EST (or watch a recording of the 2023 webinar ).

Brown Graduate Student Housing

Graduate housing is available both on College Hill and in the Jewelry District. Although all grads/masters/medical students may apply, first-year graduate students will be prioritized.

Jewelry District

River House - Located adjacent to South Street Landing, River House has available units reserved for Brown University graduate and medical students. Information on availability, rates, floor plans and amenities are located on the River House website .

College Hill

Graduate students are offered a limited number of Auxiliary-Housing managed apartments located on College Hill, ranging in size from efficiency apartments to four-bedroom apartments and houses. Descriptions of each type of property are available on the  Graduate Student Housing website . The typical rental unit includes utilities such as heat, hot water, gas, electricity, and water/sewer fees. Telephone service, cable television service, Internet access, and the wiring for these services are available through private providers.

Applications

Jewelry district - river house.

River House is actively compiling a waitlist. Please contact River House directly at 401-859-2390, for further information and to be added to the waitlist. Please note, the application process and lease periods may differ from other Auxiliary Housing properties.

College Hill-Auxiliary Housing

The 2023-2024 Graduate Student Housing Application will be available on April 17, 2023. The application will remain open until all available properties have been leased.

• Lease periods are for 12 months with no exceptions. Contracts will begin June 2, July 7, or August 4, 2023. Prices range from $700-$1350/month.
• Graduate students are required to pay a $500 security deposit (fully refunded with successful final inspection of the rental). 

Off-Campus Housing

For privately-owned rental options, visit the  Off-Campus Partners website . Please note that Brown does not inspect or endorse any rental properties listed on this website. Other resources include the Providence Journal real estate section, as well as the graduate student listserv (see the Graduate Student Council website for details on the listservs).

Guide to Off-Campus Living

Be sure to also read the A Guide to Off-Campus Living  for tips on picking a neighborhood, what to consider when selecting an apartment, and tips on establishing a tenant/landlord relationship. Topics include:

• Being part of a neighborhood
• Finding an apartment
• Factors to consider when choosing accommodations
• Establishing tenant-landlord relationships
• Responsibilities and rights of the landlord/tenant
• Care and use of premises
• General provisions
• Street and fire safety

Tips on Providence Neighborhoods

Walking distance.

Look for places that are listed as Wayland Square, Wickenden Street, East Side, Fox Point, and some in the Hope Street area.

On a Bus Line

Federal Hill, The Armory District, Blackstone Boulevard, Oak Hill, Rochambeau, West Side, Downtown. 

View the RIPTA website

Farther Afield

Pawtucket, Cranston, Elmwood, Pawtuxet Village, East Providence, Johnston, and Seekonk are all within a 10-minute drive.

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Purdue University is located in West Lafayette, Indiana. West Lafayette and its neighboring city, Lafayette, make up the Greater Lafayette community, which boasts a low cost of living . This makes finding housing on a graduate stipend/paycheck easier.

Lease Cycles

• Many apartments in the Greater Lafayette area require that leases be signed 6+ months in advance of your move-in date. So, if your move-in date is in August, you may need to sign your lease in March (or sooner) to secure housing on time.
• For example, if you have orientation on August 16 th , but your lease doesn’t start until August 28 th , you will either need to secure temporary housing until your lease begins or find an apartment that can accommodate your required move-in date.

Off-Campus Housing

There are many off-campus housing options available to graduate students in both West Lafayette and Lafayette.  Lafayette is directly across the Wabash River from West Lafayette. Many Lafayette apartments are less expensive than those in West Lafayette, and some are within walking distance of campus.

* Before signing a housing contract we highly recommend that you review the apartment rental scam and renter's rights information at  Purdue University Off-Campus Housing .

Housing Search Resources

The following websites can help you learn more about off-campus housing options:

• Current rental listings
• Photographs and floor plans
• Maps with proximity to campus
• Links to landlord's email, application/lease, and or/website
• Text description and list of amenities
• Roommate search tool
• Message boards
• Tips for avoiding rental scams
• Housing search timelines
• Information on renter’s rights
• Landlord/ property surveys 
• boilerapartments.com
• apartments.com
• Exponent: purdueexponent.org
• Journal and Courier:  jconline.com  

Transportation to Campus

If you own a car, the availability of parking permits may depend on how far you live from campus. You should familiarize yourself with Purdue's  parking regulations for students .

If you do not own a car or prefer public transportation, City Bus is free to students with their PUID. Remember to check potential bus schedules to see if they match your schedule. Visit  City Bus online  for schedules and routes.

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Ernest C. Young Hall, Room 170 | 155  S. Grant Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2114 | 765-494-2600

If you have trouble accessing this page because of a disability, please contact The Purdue University Graduate School .

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Finding Housing

While finding housing in the Boston area can be a competitive game, BU students have a number of resources available to help them find a home in one of the city’s great neighborhoods .

All on-campus housing at Boston University is managed by BU Housing. To learn more about the on-campus housing options available to graduate and professional students, please visit the BU Housing website .

Off Campus Services

BU’s Off Campus Services aggregates information from outside agencies to help the BU students, faculty, and staff find housing and roommates. The site also features message boards where members of the community can discuss ride shares, living on the different university campuses, and post about home goods for sale or trade.

BU Medical Campus Housing Resources

Students looking for housing near the medical campus can avail themselves of resources specific to that area of the city, specifically through the BUMC Housing Resources Office and the Graduate Medical Sciences housing resources website . The Medical Student Residence on the BUMC is available for most first-year medical (MD) students. Most other BUMC students live off-campus, with the exception of a small number who live in graduate housing on the Charles River and Fenway campuses.

Graduate Resident Assistants

Graduate students who hold Graduate Resident Assistant positions are allowed to live in BU dorms. Note that these positions are highly sought-after and very few are available. Check BU Residence Life for more information.

Further Information

It’s always a good idea to know your rights before renting. The City of Boston provides info on tenant’s rights .

Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs

Where do most graduate students live.

Most graduate students live off-campus in rental apartments, duplexes, or even single-family homes. Many of the neighborhoods near campus offer a mix of housing types, so whether you're planning to live alone, with a roommate, or have a family, you should be able to find a place nearby. Each neighborhood has its own unique character and charm, but they all offer access to basic needs like grocery stores, banks, and pharmacies. They are also accessible to campus by walking, biking, Carnegie Mellon shuttle, or public transportation.

Some of the most popular neighborhoods for graduate students include:

• Oakland, Shadyside, and Squirrel Hill: Most students choose to live in these three areas because they are closest to campus. Oakland has perhaps the cheapest rent but is considered less safe and less quiet, and has a higher undergraduate student population, than the other neighborhoods. Shadyside is favored because it is close and on the CMU free shuttle route, but the rental rates are higher and parking is limited. Squirrel Hill has decent rental rates and has ready access to public transportation. Some Squirrel Hill residences are on the CMU Escort route.
• Bloomfield, Greenfield: These neighborhoods are farther away from campus but also within walking distance to campus and on city bus routes.
• Friendship, Point Breeze, Highland Park, Lawrenceville: These are even farther away from the university than those above but still within commuting distance and on city bus lines.
• North Side, South Hills, Aspinwall: These areas are across the rivers (gasp!) but still within commuting distance. Public transportation is available, though commuting time is signifcantly longer than other areas.

Google Maps can show you the exact distance between your address and the campus. For a full list of Pittburgh neighborhoods, visit Wikipedia .

What types of off-campus housing are available?

As you think about where to live, also consider what type of housing you need. Although you cannot — and should not — rent housing before you visit the actual location, informing yourself before you arrive and arriving early will make the housing search a much smoother and less anxious experience.

• Room in Private Home: One room with a shared bathroom and a shared kitchen located in a private home or a large house with many such rooms. These rooms are usually furnished. These are generally desirable for graduate students who may only be in Pittsburgh for 1-2 years or who are moving here from overseas.
• Efficiencies/Studios: A small one or two room combination of living room, kitchenette, and bathroom. The price range for studios is, on average, $450 - $800 a month.
• 1, 2, 3+ Bedroom Apartments: An apartment including one or more bedrooms, a living-dining area, a kitchen, and a bathroom. The price range for one-bedroom apartments is approximately $575 - $1000; for two-bedroom apartments, the price range is about $700 - $1200.
• Houses: A one- or two-family style home in which a group of students share kitchen and bathroom facilities. In addition to full houses, the area near the University has many town houses, which are built in rows sharing common walls between each dwelling. Some houses include a car garage, a basement and/or a yard.

Is on-campus housing available for graduate students?

Carnegie Mellon does not have graduate student housing.  Housing Serivces does provide resources for Off-Campus Housing.  Please visit the Housing Services Off-Campus Housing website for more information.

How much does it cost to rent in Pittsburgh?

Luckily, rental prices in Pittsburgh are relatively affordable. In fact, Pittsburgh consistently ranks among the most affordable cities in the U.S. Compared to major metropolitan areas like New York or San Francisco, Pittsburgh is a steal.

Rental costs depend on location, size, condition, and whether utilities (gas, water, and electric) are included or whether you have a roommate. On average, utilities cost $200-$300/month. Before you sign a lease, ask your landlord which utilities you'll be responsible for and factor those costs into your budget [pdf] .

Median Rental Prices by Neighborhood (estimated examples)

Can i rent with a pet.

Some landlords or rental companies allow pets, others do not. Those that do sometimes only allow certain types of pets (for example, cats but not dogs) or place size or breed restrictions on the types of animals allowed. Also, some landlords may charge an additional monthly pet fee or pet deposit. Ask your landlord if pets are ok before you sign a lease and make sure that the pet policy and any charges are stated in the lease.

How do I find off-campus housing?

Craigslist and the university's Off-Campus Housing listing site are great places to start your search. You should also ask graduate students in your department for neighborhood or landlord recommendations. Another option is to simply walk or drive around neighborhoods close to campus; often you will see housing with a For Rent sign in the window that might not be advertised online.

If possible, schedule viewings for 4-5 rentals per day to give you a sense of what's available. You should plan about one hour to view an apartment, ask the landlord any questions, and give yourself enough time to get to the next viewing. Rental companies that operate more than one building may be able to show you multiple apartments in a single appointment.

Be prepared when you view an apartment. In addition to asking about utilities, parking, or transportation, you should take pictures of each unit. Use the Housing Search Checklist [pdf] to track your housing search and write any notes that will help you make a decision later.

OK. I found a place to live. What do I need to know before I sign the lease?

A residential lease is a legal agreement between a property owner and a renter (or "tenant"). The lease allows the renter to live in the property for a length of time specified in the lease. It is important to make sure that all the items listed below are included in the lease agreement so that all parties are aware of where their responsiblities lie. The landlord may require a co-signer, or someone who will assume financial responsiblity for rent or damages if you fail to meet your obligations, on the lease.

At a minimum, the terms written in the lease should include:

• Name and address of the landlord
• Name and address of the tenant
• Length and exact dates of the rental period (for example, month-to-month or one full year)
• Rent amount and payment terms (for example, due dates or type of payment accepted)
• Grace period and penalty for late rent payments
• Security deposit amount (an additional payment to the landlord to cover any damages, unpaid rent, or late fees)
• Lease renewal terms
• Notice required to end the lease
• Person responsible for paying utility bills
• Who is responsible for property repairs

For more information on lease terms and conditions, consult the Carnegie Mellon Off-Campus Housing Service's Lease Agreements & Terms [pdf] and the Neighborhood Legal Services Association's Tenant's Guide to Renting [pdf] .

How do I set up utilities in my new rental?

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As a Grad Student New to Town, Should You Live on or Off-Campus?

You finally finished your undergraduate studies or you finished a while ago and now you are off on your next big adventure—more school! Graduate school is a big deal and kudos to you for finishing the arduous task of getting accepted. Now begins the slog to actually get through graduate school.

Most students beginning grad school are new to town, as most students do not usually continue their graduate studies at the same university that they completed their undergraduate studies at (unless you were in a fast track program or had a different, special situation).

So here you are, about to start on this new journey, probably one of the toughest endeavors you will undertake in your life. You decided to get the degree, you took all the tests, wrote all the essays, got all the recommendation letters, were accepted into a program, chose the best school for you, and now the decision remains… where should you live?

You have got to live somewhere and the first thing you have to decide about that is whether or not you should live on or off-campus. Graduate school is really tough. It is a hard enough experience alone without any other complications.

You want to choose the best, most stress-free living option for you to make your time in graduate school as easy as you possibly can for yourself. However, there are pro’s and con’s each for living on or off-campus. Read on to help you decide as a grad student new to town, should you live on or off-campus?

Living on campus is usually the first option a graduate student new to town should investigate. However, most graduate students do not end up living on campus. The majority of grad students end up living off-campus, much more than their undergraduate counterparts. But is it the best option when you are new to town? Do the pros really outweigh the cons? Only you can decide for yourself. Only you can decide the weight of each factor in your own life and make the best decision for you!

Graphic by Danielle Wirsansky

You Are Right There

The first pro about living on campus as a graduate student new to town is that you are, literally and physically, right there on the campus. You do not have to find your way around or travel to the campus.

You have a class? You are right there. You want to go and take a nap? You are right there. Need to check a book from the library? You are right there. Want to use the campus gym? You are right there. Forgot something at home? It is like you never even left (because essentially, by not leaving campus, you have not)!

You are just already there, at all times pretty much. Being right there on campus can help lead to the following points on the pro list…

Less Getting Lost

One of the most difficult parts about moving someplace new is that in you are in unfamiliar territory… literally! You have not lived there before so you do not know where everything is. Where’s the closest grocery store? What about the local pharmacy? Do you know where the public library is? Or even the post office?

And if you are from a different region, the stores and restaurants might be different. If you are from the South, you might be used to Public grocery stores and if you end up in graduate school in New England, the main grocery store might be Shaw’s. But how would you know that? You had never even heard of Shaw’s before! Or if you are from the West coast, you are very familiar with In-N-Out, but if you end up down South, you might be surrounded by What-A-Burger. What the heck is a What-A-Burger?!

It can be so easy to get lost, wasting your time because you are not sure about where to go or how to get around. If you already live on campus, you cut quite a lot of that uncertainty out of the picture. Can’t get lost if you are already where you need to be, right?

Campus usually has most of the things or places you might need, like restaurants, a gym, laundry facilities, even a medical center. You might only have to rarely leave campus, and only if you want to.

Less Driving

One of the most trifling hardships a college student has to suffer through is finding parking on campus. There is never, ever, ever enough parking to satisfy student needs. You would think as a graduate student that you might get to be above such petty complaints, but you would sadly be mistaken.

I am a Teaching Assistant! You might claim. Tough luck. Most schools do not give graduate students or university employees (unless you are the tippy top of the staff hierarchy) any kind of reserved or specialized parking.

So you can cut out the majority of your parking nightmares by simply living on campus. That cuts out so many instances of having to find a new parking spot on campus. Instead of having to do so every morning when you get there for class, you only need to re-park your car the few times a week (or maybe even a month) that you actually leave the campus.

And when you live on campus and do not have to drive back and forth from your abode to school every day, you cut down on a lot wasted time and gas and money. Campuses usually have the majority of stuff or places that you might need, so you will have to leave campus even less. This will definitely save you gas money, mileage, and other wear and tear on your car. Definitely a plus!

More Time to Study

When you cut out all that time driving to and from campus as well as all that pesky time you might waste trying to navigate and get yourself across town, what you end up with is more time to study. And what grad students can never get enough of is more time to study!

When you take out a commute, time to park, time to walk all the way across campus to your class, and then back again, you seriously save yourself time. No need to wake up an hour early so that you have time not only to drive to campus but to also actually find a parking spot and then walk across campus. When you are already there, then you are already there, man. Study smarter, not harder!

Photo by Kaboompics .com from Pexels

No Separation Between School and Home

Sometimes the aspects that might make one thing really great for one reason can also make it kind of terrible. While sure, living on campus has tons of pros, it also has its cons as well. And one of those cons is losing the separation between school and home. When your home is at school, it can be hard to get away.

Graduate students work really, really hard. They have to, to get by. But in order to maintain a healthy mental and emotional state, you sometimes need to be able to disconnect from your stressors, namely school. And it can be hard to do that when you literally live at school. Some people are able to make the distinction. They will only study out of their dorm room and never in it. But not everyone is good at maintaining those separate spheres. Just be sure to take care of yourself and allow yourself the opportunity to disconnect every once in a while.

Another con to living on campus that you will want to keep in mind will be the fact that it is often wayyy more expensive to live on campus than off. Living on campus means you are living on prime real estate, and you have to pay that prime real estate price. You do get added bonuses as discussed previously, like not having to deal with parking or directions or travel time or having to pay separate bills for things like utilities.

Only you can decide if the price tag of living on campus is worth all those amenities though. Can you afford to live on campus? Or could you be just as happy (and be less stressed financially) if you live off-campus?

Dealing with Undergraduates

Living on campus does have its perks, but another pitfall is the fact that the majority of fellow students living on campus with you (and maybe even in your dorm) will be undergraduate students. If you are not that far off in age from the average undergrad, it might not be so bad. But if there is a larger age gap, you might feel more uncomfortable having to share common living space in that manner.

There is also a degree of separation between undergraduate and graduate students. You do not have the same classes, the same goals, the same tastes. You are not in the same place in life, and there is nothing wrong with that. But it might make having to deal with undergraduate students in your private life more awkward.

Especially if you are a graduate student with teaching duties, it can be awkward to constantly be living with and surrounded by your own students. It can make it harder to be yourself or let your guard down because potential students might be everywhere you go and hard to escape. You want to be able to live your life without being watched or judged. You do not want to live your life constantly in teacher mode.

And actions that undergraduates might commit that were fine when you were an undergraduate too might now seem trite, foolish, irresponsible, or immature. It can be stressful to be around others whose behavior you now find imprudent. Decide for yourself whether the undergrads on campus are something you can deal with or not.

Campus Rules & Regulations

Another hit to the idea of living on campus is that fact that when you do, you also have to abide by campus rules and regulations.  Most on-campus dorms have rules like, no having alcohol in your room and that you are not allowed to light candles inside.

Those rules sort of make sense. The campus wants to keep their property in tip-top shape and not be liable for any accidents that a silly undergraduate could make. But when you are a graduate student, you pretty much feel like an adult and often it can be annoying to be treated like a child. What if you want to have a drink in the privacy of your own room (grad school is very stressful after all!)? What if you want to light a scented candle to help you relax (grad school is still very stressful)? You can’t.

Well, you could but you would probably get in trouble if you were caught, and you definitely do not need the stress of worrying about it or being caught to get you down when you are a grad student. You already have enough things going on to get you down without this added on top.

Photo by Ylanite Koppens from Pexels

All in all, only you can make the final decision for yourself about whether to live on or off-campus as a graduate student. Only you know how to weigh each of the factors and decide how much heft they have and in what way they will tip the scales. On-campus? Off-campus? Either way, there is no shame in your game.

You can only make the best decision for you and it might not be the same for everyone else. Do not worry about that. Worry about you—use that worry to fuel you to make the best, most informed decision that you can. And then go out and do the thing! Live your life! And not only that, live your best life as only you know how.

Good luck on your grad school journey!

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You are here, campus and housing.

Penn's campus is located in the University City neighborhood of West Philadelphia. There are a wide range of housing options available in Philadelphia, and Penn GSE students live both on campus and throughout the city and nearby suburbs.

On-Campus Housing

Graduate students looking to live on Penn's campus in West Philadelphia can explore  on-campus housing  through   Graduate Associate positions  in the undergraduate College Houses. 

Graduate Associate positions Graduate Associates are live-in staff members in Penn's twelve undergraduate College Houses who receive free housing. Graduate Associates fulfill responsibilities similar to those of Resident Advisors and are expected to advise, assist, and mentor the undergraduate residents, as well as organize House activities. Graduate students enrolled in a full-time degree-granting program are eligible to apply for GA positions.

Off-Campus Housing

Graduate students looking to live off-campus in Philadelphia will find many options to consider based on preferences in location, type and size of unit, and amenities. The Office of Off-Campus Services provides a database of rental listings, roommate matching, and useful information on the housing search process.

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Penn’s  Division of Public Safety  is responsible for providing comprehensive safety and security services for the campus and surrounding community. The Division delivers a comprehensive and integrated safety and security program in partnership with the community they serve. For detailed information about the collection of crime statistics required by the Clery Act, visit the Division of Public Safety’s  Clery Act & Crime Reporting page.

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Wharton Stories

What to expect from a phd schedule.

Take a look at a current student’s schedule and get the insider perspective from doctoral students and coordinators on what to expect from a PhD schedule.

The life of a PhD candidate can be stressful as you adjust to a rigorous academic and research schedule. Penn and Wharton offer a variety of resources to help support you in the transition to PhD life.

Wharton’s sense of community offers a level of comfort when reaching out to faculty as well as fellow students to help solve problems. Doctoral students and coordinators give the insider view on what to expect from a PhD schedule.

Class and Research First

The first two years of a PhD program are mainly made up of classes and the beginning stages of research. Deborah Small , the doctoral coordinator for the Marketing program , said, “It starts with heavy duty coursework and a lot of specific requirements. At the end of your first year, there are qualifying exams on all the core marketing courses. Second year they still have a lot of coursework to do, but more of that is elective with a focus more on their interests. During those years they’re expected to get started on research.”

In addition to taking classes and getting started with research, the Marketing program requires students to write two papers. The first research paper is due at the end of the second year, the other is due at the end of the third year.

The Real Estate and Business Economics and Public Policy programs run like the Marketing program. Fernando Ferreira , coordinator for the programs, said, “During the first year they complete six core courses. In the second year, the focus shifts to field courses and to independent research. They have two professors advising them in that year.”

After completing the main courses, students shift to conducting independent research. For REAL and BEPP students this means writing three dissertation chapters during the third and fourth years.

Time for Conferences and Seminars

Because coursework is usually completed by the second half of the program, there’s time for students to attend lectures and seminars. Andrea Contigiani , a fifth year student in the Management program, said, “In my fourth year, I usually attended a seminar around lunchtime. Wharton has an incredible seminar series throughout the year, with a good seminar happening almost everyday. Occasionally, I attended other events, like MBA events or speaker series. I then go back to research for most of the afternoon.”

Prof. Small said, “Students are expected to actively participate in seminars and activities. They’re also encouraged to go to academic conferences and try to present their work at those conferences. It is similar to the expectations of being a faculty member, minus teaching.”

Classes take up the majority of the first two years of the programs. When the focus then switches to research, you’re expected to work independently. Sometimes that can be intimidating. You become your own boss, which is an adjustment from being told what to do and when to do it.

So how do you manage it? Get advice from students and coordinators.

Posted: August 4, 2017

• Work/Life Balance

Doctoral Programs

Matthew caulfield.

Hometown Ocean City, New Jersey

Concentration Management and Legal Studies & Business Ethics

Doctoral Stage Second Year

Typical Day at a Glance

8:30 am Wake up and get ready for the day

9:15 am Get to PhD Offices, respond to emails, check philosophy blogs and read news

10:30 am Journal article readings

11:30 am Meet with advisor

12:00 pm Attend departmental seminar speaker and lunch

1:30 pm Attend Wharton Social Impact Doctoral Community meeting

3:00 pm Attend business ethics seminar

5:00 pm Read for class

7:00 pm Meet with nonparametric statistics study group

8:00 pm Complete homework

12:00 am Go home

1:00 am Bedtime

What is your favorite part about Wharton?

First, the faculty are excellent. They are often leading experts in their fields, and they can offer advice that would be hard to find elsewhere.

Second, the other PhD students are just as passionate about research as you would hope. A huge part of my scholarly development has been due to the discussions I have had with other graduate students.

Third, the Wharton name can offer you serious advantages. In the course of research, I think industry practitioners as well as other academics have been more willing to talk or correspond with me because I am a graduate student at Wharton.

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• Back to Hood.edu

Graduate On-Campus Housing

The Graduate School , in partnership with the office of Residence Life , looks forward to making your graduate living arrangements as comfortable and supportive as possible. First come, first served based on our grad-housing waitlist .

Living on campus is a great way to meet graduate students from around the globe. It’s also a great way to learn and grow outside of labs and classrooms. When you live on the Hood College campus, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your network, connect with the broader campus community, make long-lasting friendships and develop the skills essential for a successful career.

On-campus graduate housing is available on a limited-basis (first-come, first-served) . We offer single rooms in the Smith Hall where you will feel at home amongst other mature graduate students .  Accommodation is available for students with documented special needs.

General Information

Smith Hall was designed to meet the needs of an on-campus graduate student community and features single bedroom units with shared spaces such as the kitchen, bathroom a living room area and a free smart laundry service. 

Be a part of our diverse, residential community and make lasting connection s! You'll have opportunities to get involved in Hood's residential community, as well as campus activities and all we have to offer. O n-campus rental costs include utilities such as electricity, heat and hot water. Internet access is also included, and all our residence halls offer high speed Wifi.

Eligibility

A student applying for graduate housing must be registered for graduate classes during the semester in which they are requesting housing. Rooms are equipped to host students only. Parents, spouses, partners and children are not allowed to live in on-campus, graduate accommodations.

International Graduate Students : your F1 visa must be approved by the U.S. government before on-campus housing is guaranteed at Hood College. You must be registered for spring courses before your accommodation can be guaranteed. 

Hood College Undergraduate Students:  4PLUS , ALTY Scholars  and  Athletes  are all welcome to apply for on-campus housing during your graduate degree, but you must be registered for fall courses before your accommodation can be guaranteed.

Please note : a non-refundable housing deposit of $500 will be required before on-campus housing is guaranteed, which will be applied toward your overall bill. 

Applying for Graduate On-Campus Housing

• STEP 1:  Complete the Graduate Application Housing Form *Note: Graduate or Teaching Assistants (GAs or TAs) should not fill out this form, nor sign a housing contract. Contact [email protected] if you are a current or incoming GA/TA.
• STEP 2: Register for at least one class.
• STEP 3: Receive preliminary approval from the Graduate School or be added to our waitlist
• STEP 4: If there is an opening, you will receive the Graduate Housing & Food Service Contract via email which requires a non-refundable $500 Graduate-Housing Deposit. You must remit payment within five business days, or your housing assignment will be given to the next grad student on the waitlist.
• STEP 5: Get ready to move in! * Please note that graduate students opting to live on-campus must provide proof of a meningitis vaccination or sign a waiver.

Navigating Campus

• Frederick, Maryland

Cost is priced per semester at $5000 (fall and spring), which can be paid in full each semester or via one of four payment plans.

Graduate students may remain on campus during the holidays and College closures for no additional charge. Summer accommodation for June and July is available for an additional fee. 

There are different options that you can choose to purchase when living on-campus:

• All Access Meal Plan costs $3,675 per semester and includes 100 flex dollars for the semester and 5 meal exchanges per week at The Blazer. The All Access meal plan allows students unlimited entrance to the Coblentz Dining Hall throughout the day while open. Students can stop by for a snack, a meal or just to visit friends whenever and as often as they like.
• The 10 Meal Plan costs $3,295 per semester and includes 200 flex dollars for the semester and 3 meal exchanges per week at The Blazer.
• The Commuter meal plan costs $1,015 per semester and includes 50 block (meals per semester), $400 in flex dollars for the semester, and unlimited meal exchanges. Only residents in the leased duplexes off campus may waive a meal plan or select a Commuter Meal Plan, and must indicate this on their specialized application.
• Flex Dollars -  you can add as much money as you want in your card and spend it at the Coblentz Dining Hall, Library Café or the Blazer. You will get a discount when you enter more than $100 in your card. 
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• Student Life
• PhD Student Corner

Cornell Tech Technical PhD Student Campus Policy

If you are an Ithaca based PhD student, interested in transferring to Cornell Tech, or a Cornell Tech PhD student, interested in maintaining your campus status, please review the below guidelines and procedures.

What is required in order to gain or maintain your status as a Cornell Tech based PhD student?

You plan to stay at Cornell Tech for a semester or longer

• In order to gain status as a Cornell Tech student, a PhD student must intend to work in New York City at the Cornell Tech campus for the period of a semester or more.
• If a PhD student is planning to transfer from Ithaca to Cornell Tech, they must notify Cornell Tech Student & Academic Affairs about their intent to move to the Cornell Tech campus at least four weeks before the start of their residency.

You must have a Cornell Tech based advisor or host

• Permanent Cornell Tech Based Student: If a PhD student has a Cornell Tech based primary advisor or co-advisor, and the student and advisor agree that the student will spend the duration of their academic program at Cornell Tech, the student will have the status of a Cornell Tech based student.
• Exploring/Collaborating Cornell Tech Based Student : If a PhD student has an advisor/co-advisor, mentor, or collaborator at Cornell Tech and intends to spend at least a semester at Cornell Tech to collaborate with them, the student can submit a petition with the support of their primary advisor and local advisor or host, describing the collaboration and the plan for financial support. The petition, approved by the student, their advisor, and their prospective host, should be submitted via email to Cornell Tech Student & Academic Affairs at least 4 weeks before the start of the residence semester. The petition will be reviewed and approved by the DGS and Cornell Tech Associate Dean for Faculty. This case also includes Ithaca-based faculty on sabbatical at Cornell Tech who can also serve as hosts. 
• Transitioning Cornell Tech Based Student : Cornell Tech based PhD students who have switched from a Cornell Tech based advisor to an Ithaca based advisor, or are looking for a new advisor may ask to remain in New York City until the end of the academic year as long as the following requirements are fulfilled. Such students are required to submit a petition with the support of their primary advisor and local advisor, describing the situation and the plan for financial support, as well as a plan for presence on campus (e.g. seating location). The petition, approved by the student, their advisor, and their prospective host, should be submitted via email to Cornell Tech Student & Academic Affairs at least 4 weeks before the start of the residence semester. The petition will be reviewed and approved by the DGS and Cornell Tech Associate for Faculty.

Your Cornell Tech advisor must have the resources to support you

• A Cornell Tech advisor/host must be able to allocate a permanent desk in their group’s space for the PhD student
• A Cornell Tech advisor/host must arrange for the student to receive the NYC stipend amount or supplement
• A Cornell Tech advisor/host will be responsible for financial support when TA appointments are not available.

Your field must be supported, otherwise a petition is needed

• PhD students must be in a field currently supported by Cornell Tech: IS, CS, ECE, or ORIE.
• PhD students must complete any existing Ithaca residency requirements required by your field
• PhD students that are in a field that is currently not supported by Cornell Tech, or students that have not completed the Ithaca field residency requirements must complete a petition, even if the student is moving on a permanent basis. These students must submit a petition with a plan for satisfying their PhD requirements to their DGS and the Cornell Tech Associate Dean of Faculty. The petition, approved by the student, their advisor, and their prospective host, should be submitted via email at least 4 weeks before the start of the residence semester. The petition will be reviewed and approved by the DGS and Cornell Tech Associate Dean of Faculty. The petition should be signed by the student, their advisor, and with the support of their prospective local host.

What does it mean to be coded as a Cornell Tech PhD student?

Support & Funding

• You will receive full tuition, student health insurance, and the New York City stipend rate

Campus Access & Housing

• You will receive a Cornell Tech ID card with access to the campus buildings
• You will be assigned a desk
• You will have access to campus housing allocation process for students who (1) intend to stay for at least one academic year and (2) declare their intentions in advance of the deadline for campus housing allocation. Availability may be limited, especially for those who move to Cornell Tech for the spring semester

Community, Events, & Communications

• You will attend PhD Orientation your first semester at Cornell Tech
• You will become a member of the PhD student organization – PACT
• You will receive Cornell Tech based email communications, and will be invited to Cornell Tech based student events
• You will receive other benefits associated with being a PhD student at Cornell Tech

Academic Opportunities

• You will have the ability to enroll in PhD and masters courses at Cornell Tech (space-permitting for students whose visit status is collaborating/exploring)
• You will have access to participate in PhD courses that are offered remotely from Ithaca to CT
• You will have access to library services for PhD students including ILL and access to use other libraries such as Columbia and Weill both types
• You will have access to International student advising resources, including support transferring 1-20’s (only applicable for students at Cornell Tech for two semesters or more and those who plan to complete their studies at Cornell Tech)
• You will have Registrar and Wellness support through Cornell Tech Student Affairs

TA Responsibilities

• As a Cornell Tech based PhD student, if you are not supported by a GRA or Fellowship, Cornell Tech will match you to TA for a Cornell Tech-based course, or work to otherwise arrange a TA assignment for you.

Are there exceptions to the above policies?

Exceptional Cases

• Exceptional cases will be considered in coordination among the DGS, the Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and  Cornell Tech Student & Academic Affairs.

Short Term Presence Opportunities

Students who want to be on campus to work with a Cornell Tech faculty member on a shorter-term basis may be registered as visitors sponsored by a Cornell Tech faculty member. The faculty member would be responsible for the student and needs o be generally present for their stay. A desk or access fee may be required for longer visits. The student would not have the benefits listed above of a Cornell Tech coded PhD student, and may not be able to enroll in classes at Cornell Tech which require physical attendance. The student will still be considered Ithaca based, and will be supported by Ithaca programs and services. Relatedly, the student will be required to pay the the Cornell University Ithaca health fee,$210 as of Sep 2021. Students are not allowed to spend more than 2 months on campus under this arrangement. 

Home Program Directory Educational Technology Prospective Students On-Campus Ph.D.

On-Campus Ph.D.

Program Home Tuition and Fees FAQ Email Coordinator Application Instructions

Unlock your potential as a leader in educational technology with our Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, focusing on educational technology. Our campus-based program is meticulously crafted to shape the next generation of field leaders, offering a transformative journey where academic rigor meets innovation.

Program Overview

Our Ph.D. in educational technology program is for aspiring researchers and educators dedicated to advancing scholarship that tackles vital societal challenges. We believe in empowering our students be active contributors to academic communities. Career goals for prospective students include entering the academy as professors, instructors, or researchers. If your goals differ, we also offer an online ed tech Ed.D. program .

The GRE is no longer required for admission.

Program Highlights

Our Ph.D. program is a gateway for aspiring researchers dedicated to advancing scholarship that tackles vital societal challenges. We instill a deep commitment to stewardship in our Ph.D. in educational technology program, empowering students to become active contributors to the global academic community. Our faculty embraces the importance of mentoring, and our program encourages our graduate students to collaborate with multiple faculty mentors to develop courses, conduct research on nationally funded projects, and co-author peer-reviewed publications. They also help students forge connections across the UF campus, including with the AI2 Center , the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering , and the Florida Museum of Natural History .

Ph.D. in Educational Technology Core Curriculum

Our carefully crafted curriculum provides a comprehensive foundation for success. Mandatory courses are available both online and face-to-face, enhancing the collaborative learning experience. The program’s requirements include electives, quantitative and qualitative research courses, and dedicated dissertation hours. The Ph.D. in educational technology is a full-time, on-campus program at the UF College of Education in Gainesville, Florida.

Transformative Journey

Join us on a transformative journey where you’ll learn to shape the future of education. Dive into scholarship and become a leader in the field with our Ph.D. in educational technology program. Your path to academic excellence begins here.

Ready to unlock your potential? Apply now to start your journey.

Request Information

Sign up for updates about our program!

Program of Interest —Please choose an option— On-Campus Ph.D. Online Ed.D. On-Campus M.A.E. Online M.Ed. Online Ed.S. BAES Specialization Undergraduate Minor Graduate Certificate Unsure

Ph.d. in educational technology program requirements.

• A master’s, or terminal degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a degree deemed equivalent by the University of Florida Office of Admissions .
• A minimum grade point average of 3.0 upper-division (last 60 credits) undergraduate work.
• An acceptable grade point average for previous graduate work.

8 Connections to Make on Campus

First-year students should make an effort to meet more than just their peers and professors.

Getty Images |

Get to know these people on campus

Stepping onto campus as a student for the first time can be overwhelming. However, one way to mitigate the challenges of the college transition is by finding a supportive community. "These relationships – whether with peers, faculty or staff – serve as a crucial support network," Luis Inoa, associate dean of student living and wellness at Vassar College in New York, wrote in an email. "Students inevitably face personal, social, or academic roadblocks; having a network of connections can be pivotal in overcoming these hurdles. Engaging with the campus community not only fosters a sense of belonging but also lays the groundwork for academic success and personal growth, making the journey through college more fulfilling." Here are examples of eight groups of people to connect with on campus as a first-year student to help ease the adjustment to college. Experts say the more connections students establish, the better.

• Accessibility services staff

Before the start of classes, students who need housing or academic accommodations – such as having access to audio or video recordings of lectures or extra time on a test – should visit the accessibility services office on campus. "Many students who might have had accommodations in high school think of college as a time to try to go without," says Amy Armenia, associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts and professor of sociology at Rollins College in Florida. But "it's better to not need them and have them, than to not have them and need them. ... I recommend an early contact with that office for anybody whose had accommodations in K-12 ."

(Getty Images) |

• Academic advisers

Academic advisers help students navigate their program of study to ensure they are meeting all of their graduation requirements. Students can make an appointment for an in-person or sometimes virtual visit with their academic adviser. Rutgers University—New Brunswick in New Jersey, for instance, offers live chats "so students can just hop on if they have a question and get an answer pretty quickly," says Carolyn Moehling, the school's senior vice provost and vice chancellor for undergraduate education. It's important to get a meeting early into the academic year, Armenia says, "so that they can get to know your passions and what you are interested in, and then they can help you figure out the timeline for meeting those goals."

Relationship-building with peers can occur during orientation, in the dorms or in the classroom. "Those are great first connections," Armenia says. "Sometimes it's good to remind them that it can take a little while to find those true friends." Experts also advise students to get involved on campus. Colleges have an array of organizations, clubs and intramural sports available, which can help students connect with peers who share similar interests and hobbies.

Professors host office hours weekly, a time when students can drop by to ask questions about the course material, assignments or test preparation. Moehling recommends students also use office hours to learn how their professor got engaged in their particular discipline, as well as ask about career opportunities in their field. "I think it's important for students to understand why they are in college and get excited about being in college," she says. Building positive rapport with professors can be beneficial, as they could later serve as a professional reference or put in a recommendation for a research opportunity .

• Resident assistants and other peer leaders

For first-year students living in a dorm, resident assistants – who are often upperclassmen – help mediate conflicts between roommates , plan social and educational events for the hall and serve as a resource for any questions or issues that arise. Students should also take advantage of any peer mentorship programs, experts say. "Building connections could be overlooked by first-year students, or it might feel overwhelming," Shernita Lee, assistant vice provost for student success at Appalachian State University in North Carolina, wrote in an email. But getting to know some older students can be valuable.

• Campus staff members

A variety of staff members can help with the college transition or just be a friendly face on campus. Many students end up creating connections with service staff on campus, for instance, Armenia says. "You get students who simply feel that connection with the people who are working in the dining hall at breakfast time or the person who is doing the housekeeping in the dorm," she says. "I think the more that they see people they know, and they know people's names, none of that hurts."

(Hero Images | Getty Images)

• Career services staff

It's never too early to visit a college's career services office , which offers professional resources and advice, including mock-interview practice and networking opportunities. First-year students can learn how to build a resume for summer employment or internships, or how to find an on-campus job , for instance. "It’s important for first-year students to take some time to make themselves aware of the resources available on a campus," Lee says. "Sometimes you can anticipate your needs, but other times, they are unexpected and time-sensitive."

• Academic support staff

Not only do first-year students have to navigate their newfound independence, but they also face new academic challenges as the structure and rigor of college classes differs greatly from high school-level coursework. Colleges often have academic coaches or tutors on campus, as well as a writing center to help with essay assignments, so experts suggest taking advantage of these support services before their first midterm. "A lot of students just aren't used to having to do that," Moehling says. "So they don't. They resist that until it gets to be too late. We always try to encourage students to go to an academic coach maybe the second week of class ... and talk about how you used to approach your work in high school and discuss whether those strategies are going to work in college."

Resources for campus living

Learn about college living by checking out the U.S. News  guide to campus resources . Connect with U.S. News Education on Facebook and X/Twitter to get more advice on making the college decision.

Connections to make on campus

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Advertisement

Boston University graduate students go on strike, citing lack of progress in negotiations

Hundreds gathered on Boston University's campus for a blustery midday rally to kick off the Boston University Graduate Workers Union's strike. The union, which has roughly 3,000 members, voted to authorize the strike earlier this month.

At Monday’s rally on Marsh Plaza, organizers were supported by representatives from other labor unions and elected officials, including Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and Sen. Elizabeth Warren.

During the nationwide uptick in graduate student labor activism, union members often voice a common grievance: that they perform essential teaching, research and administrative duties while being paid relatively meager stipends.

But members of the Boston University Graduate Workers Union said their strike highlights particular frustrations. They say contract negotiations have moved at a glacial pace, all while the costs of rent, food and child care near campus rise.

After years of organizing, BUGWU formed in December 2022 after a lopsided victory in its union election. But it's still bargaining its first contract — something union organizers blame on the university’s efforts to draw out the process. (Editor's note: Boston University owns WBUR’s broadcast license.)

The strike coincides with BUGWU’s filing of an unfair labor practice petition with the National Labor Relations Board, arguing the university is withholding vital information about the unit that they are obligated to provide.

Union officials claimed that BU has the means to be more generous, pointing to the university’s most recent financial statement from last June, which disclosed a $152 million operating surplus.

In a statement sent Monday afternoon, BU spokesperson Rachel Lapal Cavallario wrote that BU leaders “value our graduate students and their many contributions to teaching and research and will continue to address their needs through the collective bargaining process.”

“At the same time, we are concerned about the strike’s impact on teaching, research, and the lives of thousands of other students, and we are working to minimize that disruption,” Cavallario added.

Blair Stowe, a union member and doctoral student in theology at BU, claimed that university negotiators have taken, on average, 100 days to respond to union proposals — three times longer than she says the union has typically taken to respond to the university’s proposals. After eight months of little progress, Stowe said, union members agreed: “We needed to stand up and say, ‘We need a fair contract and we need it now.’ ”

Stowe, who lives in Dorchester, earns a stipend of just over $26,000 a year. A sign taped to her back during the rally noted she would need to earn more than twice that to afford the cost of BU’s child care for her two children under age 5.

“I’m lucky. … I call my husband my ‘generous benefactor’ — we have a one-and-a-half-income household," Stowe said. "But it’s still hard."

Other members who are parents spoke to deeper worries. Pol Pardini Gispert, a doctoral candidate in philosophy, said, “I'm tired of living with a constant uncertainty of whether I'm going to be able to provide for my family.”

Gispert has an 8-month-old daughter. Speaking to the crowd Monday, he said, “Will I be able to afford rent next month? Will I be able to afford diapers or the food that my daughter needs this week? If my daughter gets sick, will I be able to afford the bills?”

At BU and elsewhere, graduate students are expected to work 20 hours each week, though several union members said Monday they’re often asked to work more than that.

Currently, stipends for BU’s graduate student workers range from roughly $26,000 to $40,000. University officials have said they offered a 13% increase over the next three years, but that union negotiators want more.

In addition to increased stipends, the union’s demands include expanded child care benefits, disability accommodations, and vision and dental insurance.

Among the union members to join Monday’s rally in solidarity was BU junior Jasmine Richardson, who helped organize BU’s residential-life workers into a union last year.

Richardson shared criticisms about the university’s negotiating process. Five months into bargaining their own inaugural contract, Richardson said unit members consistently leave feeling “disappointed, frustrated and disrespected.”

“BU has consistently broken their promises: not providing the [contract proposals] they say they will, not providing complete articles, offering counter-proposals that are, honestly, just disrespectful and patronizing,” Richardson said.

Monday’s crowd was cheered by the appearance of Pressley, who attended BU. She quoted Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who received his doctorate from BU in 1951, on demands shared by labor and civil rights activists.

Those included, King wrote, “decent wages, fair working conditions, livable housing, security in our old age, health and welfare measures — conditions in which our families can grow.”

“I wanted to center the words of Dr. King because very often we quote King, and we espouse [his] values at institutions like this, but we don't practice them,” Pressley said before telling the crowd she will stand with them until a fair contract has been signed.

It’s unclear when that will be. While several graduate student strikes have ended in days, a 2019 stoppage at Harvard ran for almost a full month, while a much larger strike in the University of California system two years ago dragged to 40 days .

BU officials have announced that they intend to withhold pay from any student workers who participate in the strike; the union has started a hardship fund for its members.

In a letter sent Monday, Kenneth Lutchen, BU’s interim provost, notified undergraduates of the strike and said administrators are working to “ensure your education proceeds as smoothly as possible.”

Meanwhile, the union has asked the same students to join them on the picket line in solidarity.

• Boston University grad students re-launch union drive, citing low pay amid high cost of living
• Harvard Graduate Students To End Strike Without A Contract
• University of California workers end strike after approving contracts

Max Larkin Reporter, Education Max Larkin is an education reporter.

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Move-Out Information

Summer's Almost Here

Detailed information about Move-Out 2024 will be shared in Spring 2024.

In the meantime, below are answers the most frequently asked question about moving out of University housing.

Move-Out FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When do i need to move out, i'm an undergraduate student. when do i need to move out.

All on-Grounds undergraduate residents (including both first-years and upperclass students) must move out within 24 hours of their last exam or by 12:00 noon on Saturday, May 11, 2024, whichever comes first.

I'm a graduate student. When do I need to move out?

Housing agreements end on May 31, unless you renew for an additional 12 months. Short-term housing extensions beyond May 31 for academic reasons may be requested by emailing [email protected] but are not guaranteed.

Graduate students living on Grounds will receive an email from Housing & Residence Life with graduate housing check-out and cleaning information.

See the Graduate Housing FAQ for additional details on graduate student housing.

HOW DO I MOVE OUT? (undergraduates)

How do i check out.

• Attend your RA's Closing Meeting. Your RA will provide you with the information you need.
• Sign up for a time to check out of your space with your RA. The deadline to sign up is Tuesday, May 2.
• Clean your room, remove all trash and take to dumpsters, and coordinate with roommates to establish responsibilities for cleaning any common areas, bathrooms and kitchens.
• Remove all personal belongings from your room and common areas. Leave the empty trash can and other Housing & Residence Life property in the room.
• Report any damages using the online work order system .
• Close and lock all windows, turn off all lights, close and lock all doors.
• Schedule a check-out meeting with an RA when you complete your move out.
• All residents must have a closing walk-through with an RA to check the room condition compared to the condition at move-in. When meeting with the RA, explain who was responsible for any damages or condition changes. You may be charged for any damages or changes to your room, making it important to have dialogue with your RA at the closing walk-through.
• If you are a Lawn resident, return your key to your SR before you leave. Any key not returned will result in a lock change fee.

What do I need to clean?

• Sweep/vacuum the floor (including under furniture) and take trash to the dumpster. Remove wall hangings and all of your personal belongings.
• Double-check drawers, wardrobes, and cabinets for belongings.
• Don't dump unwanted belongings - participate in UVA's Hoos Reuse !
• If you rented a microfridge, you need to empty it, defrost it, clean it, and leave it unplugged. See Cleaning Tips .
• Bice, Bond, Copeley, Faulkner, and Lambeth : You are responsible for cleaning the oven/stove, the refrigerator, and the bathroom. See Cleaning Tips .
• Brown College : You are responsible for cleaning the bathroom. See Cleaning Tips .

What if there's damage to my housing?

You may be billed for room damages beyond normal wear and tear. We encourage all residents to check out with their RA, as outlined above. This process allows residents to explain possible damages in rooms, hallways, and common areas. RAs and other University staff will assess spaces for billable damages during the move-out period. More detailed policies regarding damages are available at our Damages page .

How is parking handled for move-out?

Parking regulations are in effect and are not waived during the exam period. Move-out is not concentrated on two days like move-in, but is spread out over the exam period. While ticketing does occur during this time, Parking & Transportation (P&T) understands that students are leaving residence areas, and takes this into consideration. P&T will ticket vehicles that cause a safety concern, such as parking in or blocking a fire lane. If you need to temporarily park in a fire lane or on a sidewalk, we recommend that someone stay with the vehicle so you are not ticketed and the vehicle can be moved in case of an emergency. We also suggest that you reach out to P&T regarding parking in lots adjacent to residential areas.

Please visit parking.virginia.edu/student-move-out-23 for additional details.

What if I accidentally leave belongings here?

The University does not provide storage for personal belongings after vacating and closing of residential spaces. If you accidentally leave an item behind:

• Charge per box under 25 pounds: $50 (minimum charge)
• Charge per box over 25 pounds: $75
• Charge per fridge or TV: $100
• To claim abandoned property within 120 days after the official vacate date, contact the Housing & Residence Life mailroom supervisor at [email protected] .
• Property not claimed at the end of the 120 period will be sold through UVA Surplus Property or donated to charitable organizations.

What about my mail?

The last day for regular mail delivery is Friday, May 12, 2023.

• Friday, May 12: All mailrooms will be open until 5 p.m.
• Monday, May 15-Friday, May 19: For students who remain in on-Grounds housing, mail will be available at the Cauthen mailroom. Hours at Cauthen will be Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.

For students who have moved out of on-Grounds housing, mail that can be forwarded will be sent to the student's home address on record. Mail can only be forwarded for 6 months (after that time, all mail will be returned to the sender). Mail that cannot be forwarded, regardless of timing (FedEx, UPS, DHL), will be returned to the sender. Magazines, newspapers, and packages delivered by carriers other than the United States Postal Service (USPS) will not be forwarded .

Please note that all on-Grounds mailrooms are closed on weekends and University holidays.

If you live on the Lawn or Range, please contact the U.S. Postal Service to request a change of address.

Can I donate some of my belongings?

Yes! Hoos ReUse is an annual charitable donation drive run by the Office of Sustainability that allows students living on Grounds to donate gently used items during move-out. Accepted items include gently used clothing, furniture, books, electronics, linens, and dishware. Please only donate items in gently used and working condition. Non-perishable food items will be collected in specific locations. All donated items will be used to benefit local non-profits.

Donations will be accepted from Monday, April 24 through Friday, May 12. Drop-off locations will be either exterior or interior, depending on the residential area. Signage will be posted by Wednesday, May 3 in drop-off locations. See the full list of drop-off locations, including non-perishable collection bins, at the Hoos ReUse webpage .

Students who live off-Grounds and have items to donate should consider donating to a local organization such as Goodwill , The Habitat Store , SPCA Rummage Store , Twice is Nice , or Refurnished Cville .

WHAT IF I NEED TO STAY LATE? (undergraduates)

What if i need to stay past the closing date.

Students wishing to move out after 12:00 noon on Saturday, May 13, 2023, are required to submit a Late Stay Application .

The 2023 Late Stay Application form is now closed. The Late Stay submission period was Monday, April 10 through Wednesday, May 3 at 11:59 p.m. Not all Late Stay requests can be approved, and in order to qualify you must be one of the following:

• A student taking spring semester exams scheduled on or after May 13, 2023
• A student who has reserved on-Grounds housing for Summer Session I (May 21-June 18, 2023)
• An athletic team member required to stay for continued participation in your sport
• A member of the Class of 2023 participating in Final Exercises
• A member of a University group participating in Final Exercises
• A student with an international flight leaving after May 13 which was booked prior to April 10, 2023
• A student required to stay on Grounds due to their immigration status

If you believe that other circumstances require you to remain on Grounds after noon on May 13, please contact Housing & Residence Life prior to the May 3 deadline. Note that completing the application does not automatically qualify you for a Late Stay. The last day for which Late Stays will be approved is Monday, May 22, 2023 . An exception is made for students living on the Lawn and Range, who must move out by noon on Tuesday, May 23, 2023.

You will receive an email from Housing & Residence Life indicating whether your request is approved.

How do I apply for Late Stay housing?

The 2023 Late Stay Application form is now closed. The deadline for Late Stay Applications was Wednesday, May 3 at 11:59 p.m.

Once you've logged in through NetBadge and are on the Welcome page in the housing portal, click the "Spring 2023 Late Stays" link in the orange menu bar on the upper left. On mobile, this link may appear in the dropdown menu at the upper left.

What happens if I'm approved for Late Stay housing?

If you are approved for Late Stay housing, you will receive instructions for obtaining a door sign with your move-out date. Please note that if your room does not have a door sign, housekeeping and maintenance personnel have permission to enter as if it were unoccupied.

The last day for Late Stay housing is Monday, May 22, 2023. An exception is made for students living on the Lawn and Range, who must move out by noon on Tuesday, May 23, 2023.

Is there a charge for Late Stay Housing?

There is no charge for Late Stay housing though Monday, May 22, 2023.

OTHER HOUSING INFORMATION

Where can i find information about graduation housing for my family and friends.

On-Grounds accommodations for Finals Weekend 2023 are sold out. For information on area hotels and room availability, please visit the Charlottesville/Albemarle County Convention and Visitors Bureau website.

Where can I find information about housing for the summer?

If you are enrolled in UVA Summer Session classes for credit during any of the sessions, you are eligible for Summer Session Housing . Details are available at our Summer Session Housing page.

• If you are participating in a summer internship or UVA-affiliated research program, please do not apply for Summer Session Housing . Instead, please see the information available for Summer Intern & UVA-Affiliated Programs Housing .
• If you are part of the Summer Language Institute, you will need to apply for Sessions II and III in Summer Session Housing.