Bloomsburg University Student Housing: On and Off-Campus Options

Choosing where to live is a crucial part of the college experience. At Bloomsburg University, now part of the Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, students have a variety of housing options, each with its own set of advantages. Whether you choose to live on campus or explore off-campus housing, understanding the available choices is key to making the right decision.

The Benefits of On-Campus Living

Living on campus offers a unique and immersive college experience. Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg emphasizes that regardless of the campus you choose, on-campus living offers a world of benefits. You'll be steps away from your classes, libraries, and study spaces, allowing you to maximize your academic focus. On-campus living immerses you in a vibrant student community. From floormates to hall events, you'll forge friendships and connections that will enrich your college experience.

Community and Convenience

Living in residence halls or on-campus apartments puts you at the heart of Husky Nation. You'll find yourself immersed in the Husky Life and all it has to offer. These communities are built to encourage academic success, personal growth, inclusivity, and fun. With hundreds of social, recreational, and educational programs and events right outside your door, you'll have unmatched opportunities to get involved and stay active.

Diverse Living Options

Bloomsburg's on-campus communities offer a variety of living options to suit different needs and preferences. These range from single-student residence hall rooms to six-bedroom apartments and even residential Learning Communities, where you’ll live with other students sharing your same major and interests. Students will be assigned as space is available.

Suite-Style Residence Halls: These range in size from 1 to 4-person single bedroom, shared bathroom and common space suites.
On-Campus Apartments: These range in size from 2 to 6-person single bedroom apartments with shared kitchen, living room and bathroom(s).

Amenities and Support

On-campus housing provides access to numerous amenities and support services. Each residence hall room, suite and apartment has one or more sprinkler heads and hard-wired smoke detectors. The hallways and common areas are equipped in a similar fashion. Twice a semester, fire drills are conducted as required by Pennsylvania state law. All students residing on-campus are provided with access to the university's high-speed wireless network. The university also provides residential staffing, including Resident Assistants (RAs) and Graduate Hall Directors (GHDs), who are trained to assist with any issue or challenge you may have. The University Police Department employs commissioned armed police officers to enforce Pennsylvania crime and vehicle codes, university policies and campus parking.

Read also: Bloomsburg University Legacy

Room and Apartment Amenities

For information on amenities of the specific room, building and/or apartment you will be living in, see the Residence Halls and Apartments dropdown above and select your residence hall or apartment. While you may bring additional furniture, standard room furniture cannot be removed. Windows have roller shades. Each room/apartment has overhead lighting, but it is a good idea to bring your own lighting also. Desk lights and floor lamps are great additions. Residence hall room floors are tile and rugs are permitted; each room is approximately 12’x16’. It is best to bring a smaller carpet or rug because some of the furniture may not be movable. Soltz Hall, JKA, MOA and MPA have carpeted bedrooms. JKA and MPA also have carpeted living rooms.

12-Month Housing

12-month housing is only available to students who submit an advance written request stating why they need housing over semester and holiday breaks. Students must also submit an interim housing agreement to secure housing over breaks (upon notification that the agreement is available).

Important Considerations for On-Campus Residents

Housing agreements are for the full academic year (starting in the fall semester and ending at the conclusion of the spring semester) or remaining portion thereof. If you wish to be released from your housing agreement, you must submit a housing release request and receive an approval response from the Office of Residence Life. A cancellation fee may be applied depending on when you submit the release and your reason for requesting to be released.

Release request reasons will be verified with the Office of the Registrar and/or other offices as needed. If you are found to be attending Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg and living off-campus without an official release from the Office of Housing & Residence Life, housing charges will be applied to your university account.

Reasons for Release include:

Read also: Academic Calendar Guide

Academic: Graduating, withdrawing, transferring, military, student teaching, studying abroad, completing an internship, clinical or practicum.
Commuting: As registered with the University, your official home address on record must be within a commutable distance to campus (30 miles).
Online Classes: Living at home because your classes are online and you live beyond 30 miles of campus.

Exploring Off-Campus Housing in Bloomsburg

For many Bloomsburg University students, moving off-campus is an exciting step toward independence. Downtown Bloomsburg offers an ideal setting for students to spread their wings and experience the joys of independent living. However, navigating the off-campus housing market requires careful consideration and planning.

Benefits of Moving Off-Campus

Moving off-campus provides students with a newfound sense of freedom and independence. Living in off-campus student housing in Bloomsburg allows them to create their own routines, manage their own responsibilities, and make decisions that shape their daily lives. It's an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery, as students learn to navigate the responsibilities that come with adulthood.

Enhanced Sense of Responsibility: Living off campus requires students to take on additional responsibilities, such as paying rent, managing utilities, and maintaining a household. These responsibilities instill valuable life skills, including budgeting, time management, and problem-solving.
Increased Privacy and Personal Space: Off-campus student housing often offers more privacy and personal space compared to traditional dormitory living. Students can enjoy their own bedrooms, in most cases, private bathrooms, shared or private common areas, and the ability to personalize their living space.
Cost-Effective Living Options: Renting an apartment or house with roommates often proves more economical than on-campus housing options. Students can split the cost of rent and utilities, potentially saving money in comparison to dormitory fees.
Integration into the Local Community: Moving off campus in Bloomsburg encourages students to become an integral part of the local community. They have the chance to interact with long-term residents, explore local businesses, and participate in community events.

Finding the Right Off-Campus Housing

The search for off-campus housing should begin well in advance. Waiting until the last minute can limit options and increase stress. Before diving into the housing search, students should determine their budget. Consider not only the monthly rent but also additional expenses such as utilities, groceries, and transportation. Location is also key. Consider factors such as proximity to campus, grocery stores, public transportation, and other amenities. Living with roommates can significantly reduce housing costs, but it’s crucial to choose roommates carefully. Ensure compatibility in terms of lifestyle, cleanliness, and financial responsibilities. Take the time to research different housing options thoroughly. Utilize online platforms, social media groups, and university resources to explore available listings.

Important Steps Before Signing a Lease

Before committing to a lease, inspect the property carefully. Look for signs of damage, pests, or maintenance issues. Before signing a lease, carefully review all terms and conditions. Pay attention to rent amount, lease duration, security deposit, pet policies, and any additional fees. Consider transportation options when selecting off-campus housing. Evaluate the availability of parking spaces, bike racks, or proximity to bus stops if you rely on public transportation. Once you’ve secured off-campus housing, be a responsible tenant. Respect your neighbors, adhere to community rules, and communicate promptly with your landlord regarding any issues or concerns.

Off-Campus Housing Providers in Bloomsburg

Several rental agencies specialize in off-campus student housing in Bloomsburg. Here are a few examples:

Read also: Your Guide to Bloomsburg

JAG Housing: JAG Housing offers a range of housing options that cater to your unique needs and preferences. They are dedicated to offering you a comfortable and convenient home that suits your lifestyle.
Morucci Realty: Morucci Realty specializes in student rentals, long-term rentals, and short-term vacation rentals in Bloomsburg, PA. They offer a wide selection of properties perfect for students or long-term living. Our rentals feature thoughtfully upgraded interiors, exceptional customer care, and unmatched convenience-just steps from campus.
B&L Properties: B&L Properties' houses are all fixed and clean. They provide furnished apartments with twin-size beds, dressers, and desks in the bedrooms, and couches, coffee tables, and flat-screen TVs in the living rooms.
Advanced Student Housing: A subsidiary of the Bloomsburg University Foundation, Advanced Student Housing provides off-campus student housing opportunities to Bloomsburg University students with its newly renovated, conveniently located, and ultra-affordable housing options.

Examples of Off-Campus Housing Options from Morucci Realty

Morucci Realty offers a variety of apartments and houses with different features and amenities. Here are a few examples:

151A East Ridge Avenue: This 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment is located on one floor and overlooks downtown.
151B East Ridge Avenue: This 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment features granite countertops, bright lighting, and spacious bedrooms.
169-187 E. Ridge Ave (North Sreet): This 6-bedroom, 3-bathroom apartment is an absolute showpiece.
251 Rose Avenue: This remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment features two huge bathrooms, great lighting, ample bedroom space with well-lit closets, and a convenient location.
351 E. 3rd Street: This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment is located one block from Bloomsburg University and sits perfectly between the calm, serene, green residential streets, and the buzzing, action-oriented downtown.
365 East 3rd Street: This 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom apartment features an open concept kitchen and living room, gorgeous lighting, high ceilings, and spacious bedrooms with their own bathrooms.
370A East Street: This 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment is equipped with Tuscan hardwood floors, a newly upgraded bathroom, a bright, modern kitchen, a washer/dryer, and central air. It is fully furnished, and all pieces are premium and hand-selected.

This is just a small sample of the many off-campus housing options available to Bloomsburg University students. Each property offers its own unique features and benefits, so it’s important to do your research and find the one that best meets your needs and preferences.

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