Housing

Temporary Housing
On Campus
Off Campus
Making Decisions About a Rental Unit
Establishing Utility Services
Parking Your Car

Temporary Housing

For accommodations in the first few days or weeks before you have chosen permanent housing, please refer to Temporary Housing.

If you have not made arrangements prior to your arrival for temporary accommodations or have questions, please contact the International Student Services and Activities at 219-631-3825.

Housing for married students, with or without children, is available on campus, but to a limited number. It is important to review carefully the information found at the following Web site in order to learn how to apply for on-campus housing and what to expect in terms of facilities and responsibilities.

Off Campus

Should you choose to seek off-campus housing, a good place to begin is at the following Web site. Along with information about how to begin your search before arrival, you will find other important resources and guidelines about housing selection along with city maps.

Making Decisions About a Rental Unit

When discussing the details of a rental apartment or house with a landlord, be sure to ask specifically about your concerns, for example:

Are the costs for utilities (water, trash removal, heating, electricity) included ? What is the average cost of these utilities, in addition to rent?
Does the house/apartment have cable or satellite outlets for television?
Are pets allowed?
Where are the closest laundry facilities?
How is the house/apartment maintained?
Where is the closest grocery store?
How close is the house/apartment to public transportation ?
May the house/apartment be redecorated? Pictures hung?

Establishing Utility Services

It may be that you will need to contact the utility companies yourself to arrange for service. By consulting the following Web sites, you will learn how to initiate the process.

Often a utility company will ask you for a Social Security Number in order to check your “credit history.” This is to determine whether you have a record of paying your bills on time. Since most new internationals do not have a credit history, you will probably be required to pay a deposit based on the average utility charges associated with the apartment or house you rent.

If the company insists that you give a Social Security Number (which you may not have), make it clear that you are new, do not have a credit history, and are willing to pay the deposit. You should also ask how you can go about making the deposit.
Gas Company: Northern Indiana Public Service – 800-464-7726
Many homes and apartments use gas for central heat, water heaters, dryers and stoves. You will need to have the service activated and may want assistance in lighting pilot lights on the furnace and other home appliances.

Electric Company: American Electric Power – 800-311-4634
Central heating, dryers and stoves may be wired for electric connections rather than for gas.

Water and Waste Disposal: South Bend Water Works – 219-235-9236
In addition to information regarding service, you can learn at the following site about the source and content of area drinking water along with how it is treated and distributed. Since the water is “hard” in this area, you may want to inquire about water softeners or look into water filters and bottled water delivery.

Trash removal begins at the time your water service is initiated and the fee will appear on your water bill. In addition, curbside recycling becomes available to you and this fee will also appear automatically on your bill. Some apartment complexes have their own arrangements for recycling, however. If you have large items to be removed, you may arrange with the city’s Environmental Services for pick-up.

Solid Waste Management – Recycling

Telephone Company: SBC Indiana- (800) 742-8771
Local Service:
SBC Indiana provides basic telephone service with local access.
Long Distance and International:
You will need to choose a long-distance service from among a list of providers, but you can be billed for this on the same invoice as your local service. If you call certain countries on a regular basis, you may qualify for special long-distance rates or programs. Some opt to use only calling cards to make all non-local calls.

Parking Your Car

If you plan to own a car, it is important to understand how and where you are allowed to park your car. Most apartment complexes will provide handbooks with such information, but if you will live in a house, consult your landlord about residential codes. Even if your house or apartment complex has a garage or car shelter you may not be able to park your car there without special permission or without an extra fee!