New Student Housing

Students interested in living on campus should return their Housing/Orientation form to the Student Affairs office as soon as possible. Students receive the Housing/Orientation form once the $150 tuition deposit has been paid.

New students are assigned a roommate or roommates. Room assignments for first year and transfer students are made based on information provided on the Housing/Orientation Form. The student must complete this form thoroughly and honestly. Assignments are made without regard to race, creed, color, sexual orientation or national origin.

You will receive the name, address, and telephone number of your roommate in the middle of August. Please contact your roommate prior to coming to Otterbein. Most students find a good fit with their roommate as long as they communicate openly.

If you know another new student attending Otterbein, you may request to room with them on the Housing/Orientation form.

Packing Checklist 

For your convenience, we have put together a CHECKLIST (pdf file) of suggested items to bring to campus. This is only a suggested list. Consult with your future roommate(s) as you prepare what to bring to college.

Record serial number for valuables, such as TVs, computers, media devices, and cell phones. Students may want to check their parent's homeowner's insurance to see if it will cover any loss or damage. Otherwise, students may elect to take out renter's insurance. 

The College does not insure students' personal property or compensate for damage or loss. 

Computer Hardware/Software 

Visit the Information Technology's Residence Halls page for recommended hardware and software for personal computers. 

What to Leave at Home  

Halogen lamps, candles, open coil appliances, pets (except fish, turtles, and hermit crabs), hot plates, answering machines. As a general rule, if you think you might not need an item at college, do not bring it.  

Amenities Provided by Otterbein  

Bed and mattress, desk and chair, curtains or blinds, mirror, dresser, telephone connection with voicemail, carpet, internet connection. Please note that you must bring a telephone.

Further questions about housing are answered throughout the links on the left.

Can't find the answer to your questions?

Email us using the Meet and Contact the Staff link on the left.