LGBTQ at Ohio State

Gender-Inclusive Housing

Student Life University Housing supports the academic and social success of all its residents. One of the ways this goal is achieved is by offering a wide range of on-campus housing options. In order to provide support for the needs of current and incoming LGBTQ students, and others with specific needs, a gender-inclusive housing option is available. 

The number of gender-inclusive rooms on campus is based on student demand. Gender-inclusive units are clustered together within the building to promote community. There are currently 3 options for Gender-Inclusive Housing on campus:

  • Jones Tower (Rate 1)

  • Gateway Apartments (Rate 1)

  • Bradley Hall (Rate 2)*

*Starting in the 2023-2024 Academic Year, Gender-Inclusive Housing will move from Bradley Hall to Paterson Hall

 Selecting Gender-Inclusive Housing

On the annual Housing Application sent out by University Housing, students are able to opt in to gender-inclusive housing. On the application, there is a section titled “Involved Living Opportunities” with a subsection titled “Gender Inclusive.” Under that subsection, there is a drop-down menu. Select “yes” to indicate you want gender-inclusive housing.

To assist students in choosing the housing option most comfortable for them, Housing and Residence Education can offer guidance. Those interested can call 614-292-8266 or email housing@osu.edu for consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gender-Inclusive Housing?

Gender-Inclusive Housing is defined at Ohio State as an arrangement whereby students, regardless of assigned sex or gender identity, are permitted to share housing.

Who can live in Gender-Inclusive Housing?

Gender-Inclusive Housing is a voluntary housing option for full-time students at Ohio State, including graduate and professional students. A student will not be assigned to Gender-Inclusive Housing without requesting it. This housing option is intended for LGBTQ students and other individuals who wish to share space with students of a different assigned sex or gender. This housing option is available during the academic-year only. There are no summer-only gender-inclusive housing options.

What if I am a first-year student over the age of 18 who identifies as transgender, or I do not feel comfortable living in a gender-segregated housing arrangement?

Transgender students and other individuals with specific needs are valued members of the on campus living community at Ohio State. Incoming first-year students can request gender-inclusive housing. To assist students in choosing the housing option most comfortable for them, Housing and Residence Education can offer guidance. Those interested can call 614-292-8266 or email housing@osu.edu for consultation.

The best time to have these dialogues is while completing the housing application before arriving to Ohio State. In meeting the needs of the incoming student, Student Life University Housing will recognize and respect the gender identity the student has established with Housing. Staff will not ask for any more information than is required to meet the student’s housing needs, and all disclosed information will be kept strictly confidential.

Why does Ohio State offer gender-inclusive housing?

The primary reason is to provide housing options that take into consideration varying identities and to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all students. Student Life University Housing is committed to building and maintaining a diverse community to reflect human diversity and improve opportunities for all.

We have historically been asked by students and parents to expand our housing options to accommodate LGBTQ students and other individuals with specific needs. The Gender-Inclusive Housing option mirrors the housing opportunities available to students off campus with the added convenience of on-campus life.

Based on the diverse needs and preferences of our students, we are expanding on-campus housing options in ways that address these issues and preferences. This housing option is not intended for romantic couples of any sexual orientation. As we develop new housing options, it is important to remember that all the options that have historically been offered will continue to exist. University Housing offers a list of available residence halls and options for living on campus.

Are other colleges and universities offering this type of housing?

There are currently at least 160 institutions offering some variety of gender-inclusive housing, including Big Ten schools and schools in Ohio. A complete list is available here.

Does Gender-Inclusive Housing cost more than other on-campus housing options?

No. The cost of living in gender-inclusive rooms adheres to the same housing rates as other housing option on campus. Visit University Housing to review on-campus housing rates.

Why do people choose to live in Gender-Inclusive Housing?

People choose to live in Gender-Inclusive Housing for many reasons. Some students choose it based on their gender identity, gender expression, and/or sexual orientation; others simply want to live with close friends of different assigned sex or gender. The decision to live in Gender-Inclusive Housing doesn't necessarily mean anything about someone's identity or personal life.

How many rooms are designated as a part of Gender-Inclusive Housing?

There is not a set number of rooms designated as Gender-Inclusive Housing. Supply is based upon demand. Gender-inclusive units are clustered together within the building to promote community.

Is this housing option available only to students who identify as LGBTQ?

No. Gender-Inclusive Housing exists to allow students, regardless of assigned sex and gender identity, the ability to live together.

Will I be assigned to live in Gender-Inclusive Housing?

No. Students will not be assigned to Gender-Inclusive Housing unless they have elected to live there.

What if I am a parent who doesn’t want my student to live in Gender-Inclusive Housing?

This is a conversation that needs to occur between parents and students. Ohio State deeply respects parents' involvement in their children’s lives, but students are seen as adults with the ability to choose the housing configuration most comfortable for them. Student Life University Housing staff are happy to meet with your student to discuss and explore the range of available housing options, and what each option means, with the goal of finding the right housing for them.

How are roommates chosen?

Applicants are highly encouraged, but not required, to self-select their roommates. If you are unable to identify roommates and would like to live in Gender-Inclusive Housing, University Housing will pair you with roommates during the assignment process.

What if I have a roommate I’m uncomfortable living with because of their gender identity?

Since all housing selections are based on individual preferences designated on the housing application, every student should be assigned a roommate with whom they feel comfortable. If for some reason a student isn't comfortable with their roommate, they can talk to their RA about different ways to address the situation.

The first step may be conflict resolution/mediation and, if necessary, may include changing apartments/residence halls. All situations will be handled on a case by case basis.

What happens if one of the roommates cancels their assignment or leaves mid-year?

The student who remains in the gender-inclusive room may elect to find a new roommate and still have the room designated as a gender-inclusive space. If they are unable to find their own new roommate in the provided period of time, University Housing will assign a roommate who has also requested a Gender Inclusive space.

What if I still have questions?

If you still have questions, you can contact Student Life University Housing at 614-292-8266 or housing@osu.edu.