Off-Campus Housing
Most Levy students attending programs in Annandale live off campus. Among the information we have provided to assist you in finding off-campus housing is how to search for housing, what to ask before signing a lease, what costs to consider when creating a budget and so on. Watch the video and click “Important Questions to Consider” below to read more.
This to Consider – Off-Campus Housing
Resources from the Office of Residence Life
Considerations
- What is my budget? (Refer to the budget information on the Residence Life website for specific ideas.)
- Will I rely on the shuttle or do I have my own vehicle? How will shuttle service interruptions in the winter affect my ability to attend class?
- Are there ways that living off campus could impact my academic and cocurricular involvement?
- Am I prepared to handle the time commitment of cooking my own meals and taking care of household chores? Would fulfilling these responsibilities be likely to interfere with my ability to complete all of my schoolwork?
- Decide if you will live alone or with roommates. If you will have roommates, how many? This will determine the number of bedrooms your apartment should have as well as the price range you can afford.
- Determine a budget, consider costs for rent, groceries, utilities (which may include water, trash, heat, electricity, etc.), and transportation.
- Talk with friends and peers who live off campus and see how they like the area, their landlord, and if they have any tips for finding a good place to live.
- You and your roommate(s) should discuss the price, approximate location and amenities of an apartment before you even start looking. If air conditioning or pets are a must, ask about this before you make an appointment to view the apartment.
- Consider transportation challenges. Keep in mind that if you rely on the Bard shuttle, disruptions in service will occur throughout the year due to maintenance and weather. Students should have a back-up plan for getting to campus in the event that the shuttle is not running.
- Know your rights. Make sure you are familiar with the New Laws Protecting All Residential Renters in New York State (PDF).
- Carefully review your lease and ask questions before you sign. It is often best to have someone with legal experience review the lease prior to committing to it. Remember: once a lease is signed, it is a legal, binding document.
Questions About Housing?
Reach out to us at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to discuss living in the Bard community!
Watch this introduction to off-campus housing for considerations as you prepare to secure a rental and move to the area.
Residence life at Bard College is the heart of the campus community. With dormitories ranging in design, size, and social style, students find a home in Annandale.
On-Campus Housing
There are a limited number of on-campus graduate housing options. Students interested in living on Bard’s campus must submit a Housing Form using their Bard credentials. All questions regarding on-campus housing should be directed to the graduate program the student will be attending.
Facilities and Services
Students in the Levy Graduate Programs have full access to Bard College facilities and services. Campus resources include the Levy Economics Institute Library and Stevenson Library, Stevenson Athletic Center, Kline Dining Commons, the Bertelsmann Campus Center, and the Hessel Museum of Art. Students enjoy world-class music, theater, and dance at Bard venues, including the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts and the László Z. Bitó ’60 Conservatory Building. Graduate students may also take advantage of Bard’s robust Health, Counseling, and Wellness program, as well as the Bard Chaplaincy, which hosts spiritual life events and services on campus.
