Housing G u i d e f o r G M U I n t e r n a t i o n a l
S t u d e n t s Welcome to George Mason International students and scholars have two options when finding a place to live. You may live on campus in a residence hall/dormitory/shared apartment or live offcampus in an apartment or house
Your Housing Resources
housing G u i d e f o r G M U I n t e r n a t i o n a l S t u d e n t s a n d S c h o l a r s
T a b l e
o f
C o n t e n t s
On-Campus Housing
4
Apartment Listings
5
Off-Campus Housing
6
Rent
6
Security Deposit
6
Apartment Listings Continued
7
Short Term Stay for Scholars: Mason Inn
8
Masonvale
8
Extended Stay & Apartment Listings Continued 9 Housing in Arlington
10
Arlington Housing Listings
11
iCenter
12
Lease Information
12
Location
12
Internet Housing Search Engines
13
Local Advertisements and Papers
13
Page 3
Your Housing Resources
On-Campus Housing On-campus housing is limited and fills up quickly and therefore you have to apply several months in advance (well before you arrive). Students who plan to live on campus must complete a housing application form and also contact the Office of Housing and Residence Life to make special arrangements to move in if you plan to arrive before the regular move in date. You can chat live with a Housing and Residence Life Staff member any time. The Office of Housing and Residential Life is located in the Housing Module housing.gmu.edu. GMU has three campuses and on campus housing is only available on the main campus in Fairfax, where most of the departments and student services are located. Housing & Residence Life George Mason University 4400 University Drive MS 3F6 Fairfax, Virginia 22030-4444 703.993.2720 (phone) 703.993.2744 (fax) housing@gmu.edu
University Townhouses There are 34 two-bedroom townhouses, each accommodating four residents. The townhouses include a living/dining room, full-sized kitchen, two full bathrooms, small patio/porch, washer and dryer, and full furnishings. This complex houses upperclass residents, and is the campus housing area most similar to an independent living situation. The University Townhouses are located one -eighth of a mile from the Fairfax Campus on Chainbridge Rd. (Route 123).
Price range for semester: $2,110.00—4,455.00 Price range is given for general information only, for specific rates visit housing.gmu.edu
Page 4
Off Campus Housing G u i d e f o r G M U I n t e r n a t i o n a l
S t u d e n t s
Avalon Fair Lakes - Do not require Social Security Number if apartment is going to be leased by full -time student - One month’s rent is the security deposit - Mason Shuttle stop is across the street and the apartments provide a free shuttle during the morning and evening rush hours - Flexible lease lengths from 2-12 months
Price: $1370.00—$1675.00 1bed Phone #: (703) 818-2332 Address: 13116 Autumn Woods Way, Fairfax, VA 22033
Courts at Fair Oaks -
Offer 4-12 month leases - Look online or call A two-bedroom is $1746/month on a 12-month lease A valid visa and passport or social security number is required There is a CUE bus stop in front of the property
Price: $1529.00 1bed Phone #: (866) 647-9078 Address: 12101 Pine Forest Circle, Fairfax, VA 22030 http://www.courtsatfairoaks.homeproperties.com/
Lincoln at Fair Oaks -
Offers 6 and 12-month leases A 6-month lease on one bedroom apartment $1770/month Visa and Passport are required for lease Metro bus stop and Fairfax Connector bus in front of the complex
Price: $1485.00 1 bed Phone #: (703) 449-8900 Address: 12167 Lincoln Lake Way, Fairfax, VA 22030
Fair Oaks at Pender Creek -Offers 6-15 month leases - A visa and passport are required - Several blocks from a Fairfax Connector bus stop
Price: $1350.00 1 bed Phone #: (703) 352-8353 Address: 12201 Pender Creek Circle Fairfax, VA 22033
Page 5
Your Housing Resources
Off-Campus Housing GMU off-campus housing site for rent, roommates, sublets and furniture is och.gmu.edu. It provides an easy search and comparison, pictures and floor plans, maps and directions, roommate listings, message board for furniture to buy/sell, sublets to search/post. Off Campus Partners, the organization that powers/manages the site, has added a search feature called International Student Friendly. In addition the student Message board includes a Board topic area called International Students. To be able to use off-campus housing database, you would need to register for an account with OCH.GMU.EDU
Customer Support Team is available 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday 877.895.1234(phone) och@gmu.edu
RENT The rent amount may or may not include the cost of utilities (water, electricity, gas, etc.). Hence, it is important to inquire at the outset what is included in the rent. If all/some utilities are not included, inquire from the landlord/management about the average utility cost per month. It is usually cheaper to rent a room in a house or to share an apartment.
Security Deposit A refundable security deposit is required by most landlords and can be equivalent of one month’s rent or sometimes higher. The security deposit will be returned to you when you move out if you leave the apartment in good condition.
Page 6
Off Campus Housing G u i d e f o r G M U I n t e r n a t i o n a l
S t u d e n t s
Avalon At Providence Park - $300 security deposit. - Credit report will be run, if no credit history available, a guarantor or an increased deposit will be required. - On a CUE bus line. - Flexible lease lengths.
Price: from $1655.00 2 bed Phone #: (866) 291-5637 Address: 10608-E Kitty Pozer Drive, Fairfax, VA 22033
Circle Towers -
Half a mile from the Vienna Metro Station Offers short term lease option. A valid visa and passport or social security number is required On a CUE bus line.
Price: $1183.00—$1916.00 1bed Phone #: (703) 273-9054 Address: 9335 Lee Highway Fairfax, VA 22031
margate manor - Contact the property for lease information. - Visa and Passport are required for lease - Metro bus stop close by.
Price: $1125.00—$1145 1 bed Phone #: (703) 323-0319 Address: 3954 Persimmon Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031
Gainsborough Court - Variable lease terms. - Visa and Passport are required for lease - Cue bus stop close by.
Price: $1305.00—1385.00 Phone #: (703)563-5243 Address: 3700 Jermantown Road, Fairfax, VA 22030
Disclaimer: off-campus listings in this publication are for information purposes only, OIPS does not endorse or recommend any of commercial or private properties.
Your Housing Resources
Short Term Stays for Scholars
The Mason Inn Conference Center & Hotel could be your ideal choice if you are planning a short -term visit. It is conveniently located on the south side of the University’s Campus in Fairfax, Virginia. Each guestroom features a specially designed work area, sitting area and high speed wireless Internet access, as well as flat -panel TVs, and in-room safes. Room rates start from $89 per night. The traditional Bed & Breakfast Package starting from $119 provides overnight accommodations in deluxe guestrooms and includes the full breakfast buffet.
The Mason Inn 4352 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030 703-865-5705 (phone) 877-296-6695(Toll Free) http://www.themasoninnva.com
MASONVALE Masonvale is uniquely situated on the grounds of George Mason University’s Fairfax campus. The community was designed to provide transitional housing for faculty, staff, full time graduate students and other affiliates of George Mason University. Masonvale is transitional housing and offers a variety of lease terms. The maximum residency term at Masonvale is three (3) years.
Masonvale 4350 Staffordshire Lane, Fairfax, VA 22030 Office hours: Mon - Fri: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Sat: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm 703-865-4870(phone) http://www.masonvale.com
Page 8
Off Campus Housing G u i d e f o r G M U I n t e r n a t i o n a l
S t u d e n t s
Candlewood Suites -
Flexible term stays, hotel-like accommodation for extended stay Approximately 4 miles from George Mason University Free wired and wireless Internet Fitness center, rental bikes, laundry facilities
Price: from $65.99 per night Phone #: (703)-359-4490 Address: 11400 Random Hills Road Fairfax , Virginia Website: www.ichotelgroup.com
Extended Stay America -
Variety of housing options Flexible dates Variety of locations Kitchen with appliances
Price: from $64.99 per night Phone #: (703) 267-6770 Email: dcf@extendedstayamerica.com Website: www.extendedstayamerica.com
Pinewood plaza -
Contact the property for lease information Visa and Passport are required for lease Metro bus and CUE Bus stops close Walking distance to 24 hours sport club
Price: $1275.00 1 bed Phone #: (888) 428-5855 Address: 3963 Persimmon Drive, Fairfax, Virginia 22031
Cavalier Court - Lease terms for 6 and 12 months - Visa and Passport are required for lease - Cue bus stop close by
Price: $1325.00 1 bed Phone #: (703)592-6395 Address: 11100 Cavalier Ct. Fairfax, VA 22030
Disclaimer: off-campus listings in this publication are for information purposes only, OIPS does not endorse or recommend any of commercial or private properties.
Your Housing Resources
Arlington Campus You should consider finding accommodation in or close to Arlington if all of most of your classes are going to take place there. The academic units currently represented at the Arlington Campus include: * College of Education and Human Development * College of Health and Human Sciences * College of Humanities and Social Sciences * College of Visual and Performing Arts * The School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution * School of Law * School of Management * School of Public Policy Arlington Campus 3301 Fairfax Drive, Hazel Hall 3351 Fairfax Drive, Founders Hall 3330 N. Washington Boulevard, Truland Building Arlington, VA 22201 Information Line: 703-993-8999 Map Quest and GPS Address: 3301 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22201 -4426
The Park at Arlington Ridge -
Pentagon City Metro station Short term lease for 3 months available Swimming pool Complimentary shuttle Service to Pentagon City Metro
Price: from $1615.001 bed Phone #: (703)-836-1600 Address: 1800 26th Street South, Arlington VA 22206 Website: www.parkatarlingtonridge.com
Meridian at Ballston Commons - Ballston Metro station - Short term lease for 3 months available - Walking Distance to Shopping, Parks and Bike Trails
Price: from $1835.00 1 bed Phone #: (703)-908-9800 Address: 900 North Stuart Street, Arlington VA 22203 Website: www.meridianluxuryapts.com Page 10
Off Campus Housing G u i d e f o r G M U I n t e r n a t i o n a l
S t u d e n t s
Archstone -
Courthouse Metro station Online rent payment, Short term 2 month lease option available Free wireless Internet in common areas 24-hour resident concierge services
Price: from $2100.00 1 bed Phone #: (866)-995-3678 Address: 2201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington VA 22201 Website: www.archstoneapartments.com
Zoso Flats -
Clarendon Metro station Flexible lease terms for 6 and 12 months Washer and dryers in every apartment In-house concierge
Price: from $2550.00 1 bed Phone #: (888)-569-8056 Address: 1025 N. Fillmore Street, Arlington, VA 22201 Website: www.zosoflats.com
Ballston Park -
Ballston Metro Station Fitness center and laundry facilities Pool and playground Clubhouse with Wireless Internet
Price: $1105.00 1 bed Phone #: (703)-526-9606 Address: 351 North Glebe Road, Arlington, Virginia 22203
Randolph Towers -
Ballston Metro Station Indoor pool 24-hour resident concierge services One block to the Ballston Metro
Price: $1715.00 efficiency Phone #: (888)805-3852 Address: 4001 9th Street North Arlington, VA 22203 Email: RandolphTowers@RentDittmar.com
Disclaimer: off-campus listings in this publication are for information purposes only, OIPS does not endorse or recommend any of commercial or private properties.
Your Housing Resources
OIPS’s Online International Center W h e re
d o
I . . .Fi n d
Ho u si n g
link at icenter.onmason.com not only provides quick links to search housing, but contains useful resources such as a checklist of things to look for/compare while you are searching for housing, preparing your budget and even a webinar on off-campus housing search with information that you need to know before living off-campus. Lease Most apartments/rooms are commonly rented on a lease agreement. A lease period is usually twelve months, and sometimes three or six months. Shorter lease periods usually have a higher per-month rent. Once you have signed a lease agreement for a certain period of time, you have made a binding agreement to rent that place for the given period. Hence, inquire from your landlord/management the conditions under which you can leave earlier, if the need arises. Some landlords permit sub-leasing to a third party (you have to find a suitable tenant for the remaining period of your lease). Inspect your apartment thoroughly within the first twothree days (most lease agreements typically specify the time period within which you need to do this) of occupancy and make a thorough inventory of any damages, defects (even minor damages for example: stains on carpets, broken kitchen cabinets, water leaks, etc. should be included). This should be given in writing to the landlord/ management and keep a copy for your files. If this is not done thoroughly it is possible for the landlord/management to deduct money from your security deposit for these defects when you are leaving.
Page 12
Ask the landlord/management about trash pick up/drop off, mail delivery, the availability, location and access to laundry facilities (some apartments have common laundry facilities and some units have them inside each apartment). Most apartments also have certain regulations and codes of conduct and certain activities such as loud music, improper conduct, etc. are prohibited. Make inquiries about regulations concerning decoration of the interior (painting, putting up fixtures, nails, etc.), whether pets are allowed, etc., to ascertain what is permitted. Location The location of the apartment is an important consideration, particularly if you do not plan to buy a car. If you live on the CUE bus route, you can ride the bus to Fairfax campus for free if you present your GMU ID card. Check with the landlord if the location is close to the CUE bus, or other public transportation such as the Metro Bus, the Fairfax Connector or the Metro Train. Keep in mind that the Metro Bus does not run frequently as the Cue Bus (more information about the Metro Bus schedules and routes can be found at http:// www.wmata.com
HOUSING G u i d e f o r G M U I n t e r n a t i o n a l In t ern e t
H o u sin g
S ea rc h
S t u d e n t s
Eng in e s
Million of housing options nationwide are posted online. Tap into the free resources on the Internet and try to look for housing with the help of apartment search engines: www.apartments.com www.apartmentGuide.com www.apartmentList.com www.rent.com www.move.com washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva www.washingtonpost.com www.roommates.com www.sublet.com www.zillow.com Local Advertisements and Papers Once you are here, check Mason's school paper, The Broadside, Broadside Classifieds, and other local papers. Check out the George's List — a service to George Mason University faculty, staff and students to facilitate the sale and purchase of personally owned items as well as advertise sabbatical and similar housing opportunities. Free apartment rental guides and some local real estate agents (Long and Foster, Century 21, etc.) may also be helpful. On-campus bulletin boards (in SUB I, SUB II and the Johnson Center) are a good source too. GMU students and scholars have also used apartment locator services that charge a fee to find you a room to rent or a host family, like “Home Stay” (www.justlikehome.com, www.homestayWeb.com, www.homestayonline.com etc.). You can also check the yellow pages under “apartments” for a listing or home search services. Finally, International Student Yahoo group or Facebook group often notifies its subscribers about available accommodation. Having found a place to live for the first time, you can later move to a better place if you are not satisfied. Good accommodation options sometimes have a wait line. Please keep in mind that apartment listings and rates presented in this publication are given for your general information only, you would need to contact the property management to find out the availability and exact rates since they are constantly changing. Whichever way to search you choose, we wish you good luck finding suitable accommodation for the duration of your study at George Mason University!
HOUSING G u i d e f o r G M U I n t e r n a t i o n a l a n d S c h o l a r s
S t u d e n t s
Office of International Programs and Services 4400 University Drive, MSN 4C3 Fairfax, VA 22030 USA 703-993-2970 Email: oips@gmu.edu http://oips.gmu.edu