Off-Campus Housing

Welcome to the O.C.!

Saint Xavier University has a long-standing tradition of hospitality and mutual respect in the communities surrounding the SXU Chicago campus, and now the Office of Residence Life is proud to say that SXU students are living in these neighborhoods!

The OC apartment complexes, located in nearby Evergreen Park and Oak Lawn, are the newest addition to Saint Xavier University’s student housing options. Both complexes are fully furnished and offer one and two-bedroom units, shared by Saint Xavier students. OC residents are responsible for setting up their own phone, internet and cable services; however the University assumes responsibility for all other utility payments and provides a professional staff member dedicated to serve the OC residents.

Additionally, there are student staff who act as community liaisons between Residence Life and the off-campus apartments. This relationship ensures OC residents are kept up to date with campus activities and have someone on-site to contact with apartment issues. Shuttle service is available at both locations with stops several times daily.

As a resident of the OC, students must remember that while they are still an SXU student, they are also a member of the Evergreen Park and Oak Lawn community. Living in the OC is considered a privilege and, as such, OC apartments are only available to students who are 20 years old or older.

If you are interested in learning more about our off-campus apartments, please contact the Office of Residence Life at (773) 298-3977.

Non-University Options

The Office of Residence Life maintains a list of rental properties in the SXU area as a service to graduate and undergraduate students. None of these properties have been inspected, are maintained and are not endorsed by Saint Xavier University. For more information, please contact the Office of Residence Life at (773) 298-3977.

Individuals seeking off-campus living accommodations are responsible for contacting the property owner and inspecting the rental property to determine whether it meets their needs. Students will deal directly with the property owner for all issues, including payment, after a lease is signed.

The Office of Residence Life strongly encourages students to interview prospective landlords, inspect the facilities and talk with previous tenants prior to signing any lease. Here are additional helpful tips as you begin your housing search:

What to look for when you are apartment/house shopping:

  • Check the water pressure and hot water.
  • Check if the toilet is working.
  • If the apartment is furnished, check the furniture.
  • Check the lights, walls and locks.
  • Check all appliances.
  • Check the emergency exits.
  • Check the heat and the fire alarms.
  • Check the electrical meter.
  • Find out exactly what your deposit will be and what the terms for its return are. Will you have to clean the apartment yourself when you leave? What are the standards of cleanliness?
  • Once you check the apartment, discuss repairs with your landlord. All repair issues should be noted on your lease, including any damages, in order to avoid you getting charged for them later or losing your deposit.
  • If your landlord refuses to place repair/damage items on the lease, put them in writing yourself, and send your landlord a copy certified mail and return receipt requested prior to accepting keys.
  • Get the landlord's address and phone number.
  • Discuss with your landlord how future repairs will be made. Will you call him/her for repairs, or should you contact a repair person yourself? How are emergency maintenance issues handled?
  • Talk with the neighbors about the competency and reputation of the landlord.
  • Don't give the landlord any money before you sign and are positive you want the apartment.
  • Give yourself 24 hours to think about it before you sign a lease.