Student Housing Near Old Dominion University
Find verified off-campus housing near Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA
About Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University stands as a vibrant public institution in Norfolk, Virginia, where maritime heritage meets modern education. The university welcomes students through accessible admissions while maintaining strong graduate programs that prepare scholars for meaningful careers. Situated in a dynamic midsize city, ODU connects students to the rich cultural fabric of Hampton Roads, including world-class museums, theaters, and festivals that celebrate the region's diverse communities. The campus itself pulses with student life and innovation, creating an engaging academic environment. Living near Old Dominion places you at the heart of urban convenience—walkable neighborhoods filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options cater to student life. The surrounding area offers diverse housing choices to suit different preferences and budgets, making it easy to find a home base that feels right. Whether you're seeking campus proximity or exploring the broader Norfolk community, the location provides genuine opportunities to build friendships, discover local culture, and thrive as both a student and member of a welcoming coastal city.
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- Public
- Highest Degree
- Graduate
- Setting
- Midsize City
- Retention Rate
- 77%
- ACT Median
- 24
- Accreditor
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Classification
- R1 Doctoral University
Cost & Financial Aid
Annual tuition and estimated costs
As a large public university in a midsize city, Old Dominion University offers students various housing options with different budget considerations. Strategic choices about where to live and how to share housing can significantly reduce overall expenses.
- ✓Consider living with roommates rather than alone, as shared housing reduces individual costs for rent, utilities, and internet services.
- ✓Explore housing options both on campus and in nearby neighborhoods, as different areas may offer varying value depending on proximity, amenities, and lease terms.
- ✓Look for housing that bundles utilities into rent payments, which can make budgeting more predictable and sometimes reduce overall expenses.
- ✓Compare furnished versus unfurnished units and consider what you already own, since furnished housing may reduce the need to purchase furniture and household items.
Living Near Old Dominion University
Housing Guide for Old Dominion University Students
Old Dominion University sits in Norfolk's vibrant midtown area, surrounded by a diverse urban neighborhood with plenty of student-friendly amenities. The campus sits near the Elizabeth River and benefits from Norfolk's cultural attractions and waterfront revitalization.
Popular student neighborhoods include the areas immediately surrounding campus, where you'll find converted homes and apartment complexes catering to university residents. The nearby Ghent neighborhood offers historic charm with boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes within walking distance. Many students also explore housing options in Ocean View and the Colley Avenue corridor, which feature local businesses and a community-oriented atmosphere.
Getting around is manageable without a car. The campus is walkable for daily needs, and biking works well on Norfolk's streets. The Hampton Roads Transit system provides bus service connecting the university to various parts of the city, making exploration convenient.
You'll find diverse dining options from casual eateries to sit-down restaurants throughout the surrounding neighborhoods. Shopping ranges from independent boutiques to larger retail areas nearby. Entertainment venues, including theaters, galleries, and live music spots, dot the midtown and Ghent areas.
The community around Old Dominion feels welcoming and active. Like any urban area, exercise standard safety precautions, but the student population's presence contributes to a lively, collegiate atmosphere that many find appealing.
Other Housing Near Old Dominion University
The Mill
The Mill is an apartment community in Norfolk, VA offering units with air conditioning, full kitchens with dishwashers and garbage disposals, cable TV, and in-unit washer dryer. The community features a courtyard and all units include refrigerators.
Arbor Pointe Apartments
Built in 1949, the property offers apartments with full kitchens, air conditioning, heating, and carpet flooring. Residents have access to amenities including 24/7 maintenance, on-site management, high-speed internet, laundry facilities, and a coffee bar.
Gates of West Bay Apartments
Gates of West Bay Apartments is an apartment community in Norfolk, VA offering a range of amenities including air conditioning, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and hardwood floors. Residents have access to laundry facilities, a pool, sundeck, and playground, with on-site management available.
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