(Updated 1/7/15; information is subject to periodic changes.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are children allowed in campus housing?
University of Lynchburg policy does not allow children in University-owned houses and student residence halls. However, international students with children have the option of living off campus.
Does University of Lynchburg provide students with off-campus housing?
The University does not provide students with off-campus housing. You are responsible for securing off-campus housing. There are opportunities to rent rooms in private houses or apartments. You should plan to search well in advance to determine what is available in the housing market, indicating proximity to the campus. (Online sources may help). Please note that if you choose to rent off-campus, you will be responsible for carrying the lease (typically 12 months minimum) on the property.
What housing options are available?
Depending on location, houses or apartments are typically unfurnished and may or may not be within walking distance of the University. Costs for houses vary. Recently, leases have ranged from about $550-$900 U.S. monthly, for a two-bedroom house. You may also opt to have a house-mate to share the cost of a house/apartment.
Renters are expected to carry the lease for their house/apartment for the expected period of time or any other time agreed upon by the parties involved. (Often but not always tenants are expected to sign a lease for the period of one year in the first instance, then month to month thereafter).
Your first month’s rent usually includes a deposit paid to the landlord prior to moving in. This deposit may be refunded upon inspection of the premise when you terminate the lease. (Contact your landlord for further information).
On signing your lease, utility bills must be changed to reflect the name of the new lease holder. There is a charge involved. For more information you may visit https://www.aepaccount.com/zipr/StartAndStopService/Default.aspx for the electric company and http://www.lynchburgva.gov/billings-collections-division for the water company.
Some houses/apartments come equipped with a refrigerator and stove. Please be prepared, however, to furnish your house/apartment yourself with necessities. (e.g., kitchen utensils, furniture, bed, etc.).
Unfurnished houses generally cost in the range of $450-$900. Furnished houses typically cost more.
Plan to be in Lynchburg ahead of time so you are able to make all the above arrangements.
Other important notes for off-campus housing:
The option to purchase a vehicle opens up your choices significantly.
If you do not intend to purchase a vehicle, please consider the following:
- proximity of your house or apartment from the University
- the fact that most graduate classes are taught from 4:30-7 p.m. and 7 – 9:30 p.m.
- walking during winter season
You may also want to find out whether the Lynchburg bus system services the route that you live on. The Greater Lynchburg Transit Company (GLTC) operates buses within the city of Lynchburg. Currently, students travel on these buses for free by showing their University ID cards. These public buses service many areas including the University. Information on the bus routes is available from http://www.gltconline.com/.
How do I get further information about immigration status for my child and me?
Immigration status for University of Lynchburg is coordinated through the Office of Academic Affairs (gupta@lynchburg.edu) and the International Student Advisor (Janice Quattlebaum, 1.434.544.8383 or quattlebaum@lynchburg.edu).
International students are encouraged to make direct connections to begin the process of receiving a student visa well in advance of the projected time of enrollment. Please note that arrangements must also be made separately for visa requirements for your child, meaning that your child will not be allowed into the U.S. on the parent’s visa. For more information, please refer to the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) website at: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis.
Can my child be admitted into high school, middle school, or elementary school? What would I need to do?
International students who are living in the city of Lynchburg may send their child to Lynchburg City Schools at no expense, as long as they can show that they have established residence in the city. For further information, contact the Lynchburg City Schools at 1.434.522.3700. Depending upon location within the city, your child may also be able to ride the city school buses (free) for pick-up and delivery on a daily basis.
Are there preschool and child-care services in close proximity to the University?
There are child-care facilities available within a 10-15 minute walk. Again, opportunities open up significantly if one is mobile. Tuition ranges from about $75 – $100 U.S. per week. Opening hours typically range from 6 a.m. – 5 or 6 p.m. If your child will be 4 years old by September of that year, you may consider enrolling him/her in pre-kindergarten at a city elementary school. There are two schools within 1.5 miles of the University. The schools are typically open from 8:45 a.m. – 3:50 p.m. Please be aware that classes for graduate students take place one night per week during the evenings from 4:30-7, 6-8:30, and 7-9:30 p.m.
Is there insurance coverage for my child and me?
Some students have retained their medical insurance from their home country because they are still covered while studying in the U.S. If not, students should make plans for health insurance upon arrival. The University of Lynchburg Center for Global Education (1.434.544.8688 or globaleducation@lynchburg.edu) can assist.
Are there any health-care facilities on campus and at what cost to parents with a child or children?
There are health-care facilities available to students on campus; however, there are no services available for children. Please bring copies of your health records with you in order to receive services at the Health Center.
What meal plans are available for parents with children and does the menu accommodate children?
Students’ meal plans may have up to 3 guest passes which may be used for an occasional meal on campus. In addition, individual meals can always be purchased for breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner. Individual meal charges are reasonably priced in the Drysdale Student Center.
We look forward to working with you as you continue your education at University of Lynchburg!