Although the listings by Off-Campus Housing Services are the largest in the area, there are other sources of information about rental housing. Ads in the local newspaper, the Journal and Courier, or the student newspaper, The Purdue Exponent, are helpful. If you are interested in living in an apartment complex in the area, call its rental office for information. You may even want to canvas the area looking for rental signs.

Transportation and Parking

Purdue University is in partnership with Greater Lafayette Public Transportation who established a busing system that encompasses the campus and areas within the city. Purdue students, faculty, and staff ride free of charge when they present a valid Purdue University I.D. card. Bus schedules and routes can be obtained in the Office of the Dean of Students, Schleman Hall, Room 207, or by calling Ride Info at (765) 742-7433. For bus schedules visit www.gocitybus.com.

Cost

Since rental housing varies so much in cost, it is difficult to give any realistic cost estimate. Obviously, if you want to live alone near campus, you will pay more than a student who shares accommodations with others or who lives farther from campus. Regardless of the arrangement you choose, be prepared for expenses, such as security deposits or rent advances that may have to be paid at the time you sign a lease or perhaps even before you move into the place you have rented.

Food

The cost of food is a factor to consider but difficult to estimate since food expenses vary with eating habits and meal planning skills. Most off-campus students prepare their own meals, but many take advantage of discount specials at restaurants and fast-food establishments. Charge cards are accepted for food purchases at the Purdue Memorial Union. The Boiler Express card can be used for food purchases at the Purdue Memorial Union and at selected residence halls. For more information on the Boiler Express card, call (765) 494-8960. Off-campus students may also purchase an Open Dining Card from University Residences by purchasing meal swipes in blocks of 25 for $195.00. You may purchase and use your card at the following locations: Cary Quadrangle, Earhart Hall, Hawkins Hall, Smalley Center, and Tarkington Hall.

Good Citizenship & Local Laws

When you live off campus you are a resident of both the University community and the local community, so you bear the extra burden of meeting the University's expectations for students and the community's requirements for its residents. Be a good neighbor, be conscious of noise levels, parking, and keep the property clean and tidy.

Maximum Occupancy

You must comply with West Lafayette zoning codes that permit only three or four unrelated people to live together in a housing unit. Though a landlord should not rent a unit that violates the occupancy rate, you would be the one evicted if you were found to be living in violation. See Code Enforcement for Overcrowded Housing.

Students can verify if a property manager has a current rental certificate by calling the West Lafayette Department of Development at (765) 775-5160.

Noise

West Lafayette's noise ordinance permits persons to lodge complaints against others who make too much noise. Police responding to complaints may issue warnings or citations to appear in court or pay fines.

Information, Concerns and Complaints

The local West Lafayette Municipal Codes may be found at www.city.west-lafayette.in.us. Students wanting to file complaints may contact the West Lafayette Department of Development at (765) 775-5160.

Legal Aid

Legal Aid Corporation
212 North Fifth Street
Lafayette, IN 47905
(765) 742-1068

On Campus University-Operated Housing

The staff of Off-Campus Housing Services cannot help you secure housing in any University-run facility and can offer only a limited amount of information about on-campus housing. It is your responsibility to make a timely application to live in University-operated housing.

University Residences
Smalley Center for Housing
1225 Third Street
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2008
(765) 494-1000
www.housing.purdue.edu