Housing

Living on campus is one of the highlights of the ONU experience. Sharing and learning together, hanging out and having fun together — these are how close friendships and lifelong memories are formed.

At Olivet, ours is a close-knit, Christian living community, where students are able to grow socially, academically and spiritually together. Resident directors and resident assistants live within our student residence halls, providing guidance and support, ensuring a positive living experience for every student.

We are so convinced of the merits of campus-living that we maintain a residential campus policy that requires students 22 years or younger to live on campus unless the student is a commuter. We believe campus living has a vital, life-changing impact, and we want it to become a part of every student's ONU experience. 

When you're choosing a college, it’s not just majors, classes and activities that will determine the quality of your educational experience. Quality of life is also a major factor for how you will learn and grow during the undergrad experience. Along with dining (from coffee shops to fresh and fast Mexican!) and recreational facilities (from a climbing wall to a lap pool!), residential life is one of the highlights of the Olivet experience.

Where You'll Live

Explore the residence halls on campus where your Olivet experience begins.

Freshman Housing

Upperclassman Housing

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Learn why Olivet’s dedication to faith and integrity have earned its rank as Illinois's number one Christian university.

Campus Visit

We offer several different ways for you to visit our beautiful campus! Whether you visit in person or online, choose a personalized visit or energetic event day, we want to show you all that Olivet has to offer.

Start your Visit

Apply to Olivet

It all starts here! We accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. All completed applications receive equal consideration.

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What to Bring

As you prepare to make Olivet your home away from home, it is important to know what to bring (and what NOT to bring) with you.

What to bring

Besides clothing and personal care items that are a must, the following list includes some necessary items, as well as some optional items:

  • Bedding (XL sheets) - linens/comforter/extra sheets/pillow/pillowcases/extra blankets
  • Umbrella/raincoat
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Laundry bag and detergent
  • Shower shoes/shower caddy
  • Bath towels
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Toiletries
  • Alarm clock/extension cords/power strips
  • Small tool kit
  • Games/camera
  • Office supplies/stamps/sticky notes/calculator
  • Calendar
  • Bulletin board/message board
  • Sticky tack/3M brand hooks (no nails, except in apartments)
  • Bowls, silverware, coffee mug
  • Under bed storage crates
  • Stackable crates/shoe rack
  • Hanging file folders/drawer organizers
  • Pictures/posters/decorations
  • Personal Computer
Items you might share with your roommate
  • Carpet pieces are allowed. Permanently installing carpet is not.
  • Dorm refrigerator/coffee maker
  • Fan
  • CDs/DVDs/TV/sound system/game stations
  • Chairs/futons
What NOT to bring

To maintain a safe environment, campus policy does not permit:

  • Pets (with the exception of fish)
  • Microwaves (excluding apartments)
  • Candles
  • Lofting furniture in a manner for which it was not designed
  • Appliances with open heating coils, such as toasters, hot plate, sandwich grills, George Foreman Grills (excluding apartments)
  • Space heaters
  • Ceiling fans
  • Halogen lamps
  • Installation of radio and TV antennas, dish networks
  • Weight lifting equipment
  • Bows and firearms – including paintball/airsoft guns
  • Painting dorm room or apartment

Dining

At Olivet, we make health and nutrition a priority. When it comes to food, we provide an extensive variety of healthy and delicious meal options in our on-campus dining locations.

Learn More

FAQs
May I live off campus?

Students who are 22 years of age or younger are required to live on campus. Permission to live off campus is given to those who will be living with an immediate family member, or are 23 years of age or older.

How may I secure a private room?

Due to our increase in enrollment, we do not have the luxury of offering private rooms.

May I return early to campus after breaks?

Campus is closed to students for the duration of each break.

What if I don't get along with my roommate?

Students in conflict with their roommates must do their best to work through their issues. This can be done with the help of their resident assistant or resident director. Please contact a staff member regarding the situation before it escalates. It's important to come to a resolution if possible, as to not disrupt other residents in their current living situation. If it is determined the conflict cannot be resolved, the residential life staff will work with the students to determine the best solution.

What if my roommate does not return?

If you have a vacancy in your room or apartment, the Housing Office has the right to fill the vacancy. Residents will be contacted via email after August 1 with new roommate information. It is each student’s responsibility to be aware of his/her fellow roommate’s housing intentions.

Can I store my things during the summer?

Due to summer school and other campus events, we do not have the space to store student items during the summer. However, there are storage units available for rent in the surrounding area.

Can I decorate my room?

Yes. Students are encouraged to decorate using personal items from home, carpet pieces, furniture, posters, pictures, etc.

Can I paint my room?

No, residents may not paint their room or apartment.

What is the alcohol and smoking policy?

Olivet Nazarene University is a smoke-, drug- and alcohol-free campus. Students who fail to abide by the terms of the Olivet Nazarene University Lifestyle Covenant will face possible suspension or expulsion from the University.

Will the University pay for my property loss in dorm rooms that results from theft or maintenance issues?

Olivet Nazarene University is not responsible for a student's damaged or stolen property while he/she is a resident in University housing. We do, however, recommend that parents check into their existing homeowner's insurance plan to see if coverage extends to their child's dorm room. Additional insurance may also be purchased through National Student Services Inc. at very reasonable rates.

Residential Life Staff

Spencer Tong

Admissions Counselor & Resident Director, Grand Apartments

Mark Bishop

Associate Professor & Resident Director, University Place

Beth Conway

Director of Pacific Rim Student Services & Resident Director, University Place Apartments

Timmy Miller

COVID Response Coordinator & Resident Director, Stratford Apartments