Eligibility & Application
Who is eligible to participate in Otterbein University Intern Housing?
This special housing option has been designed to accommodate students working directly with Otterbein as well as organizations offering learning opportunities in and around Columbus, Ohio. Accommodations are available for Otterbein and non-Otterbein researchers, interns, and students working on special projects. Proof of internship/research must be provided to the Office of Events and Conferences with your registration (letter from internship/research that you received offering you the position).
What dates do you provide Intern Housing?
Intern Housing is offered primarily in the summer months May 30, 2025 – August 9, 2025. Dates will be negotiated based on availability.
When can I check-in? When must I check-out?
Check-in will be at the Kerr Hall (25 West Home Street, Westerville, OH 43081). Check-in is on the back side of the building along Cochran Alley. Parking is available and is included in the rate for your Intern Housing. All parking regulations will apply. Please inquire with our office if you have specific questions. Parking is never permitted in fire lanes. Parking in these spaces will result in being ticketed and your vehicle will be towed.
Participants must check-in at their agreed upon time to avoid additional charges. Please have a valid I.D. ready upon arrival. Prior to check-in, we require the signed Intern Housing Agreement and payment in full. Any additional charges that may incur will be billed to you after your stay.
Participants must check-out by returning their room key and temporary access card. They must relinquish to their spaces by 11am on their scheduled departure date in order to avoid additional charges.
Please DO NOT check out until you have completely moved out of your room, cleaned the room and removed all trash. If you return your keys and access card before completing your move out, you may be charged an improper check out fee and/or the additional night(s) you or your items remain in the space. A staff member will perform a check out inspection shortly after you check out, even if other residents occupy the rest of the space.
Any items left in a space will be discarded. It is important to leave the room in the condition you received it. Please ensure you clean any areas you used, including the bathroom. Please request a vacuum through events@otterbein.edu.
What are room costs?
All available suite-style rooms are $2,650 per person during the summer term which allow for double occupancy. The summer intern term runs from Friday, May 30, 2025 until Saturday, August 9, 2025. If you are not signing up for the entire summer, the cost is $40 per night and may have added city taxes, which applies to those stays that are less than 30 days. We require a 21-nights stay minimum.
Can I purchase a meal plan or what other campus meal options are there?
We do not offer meal plans to interns. If the Cardinal’s Nest is open, interns are welcome to pay the door rate to enjoy an all you care to eat meal. Interns could also check out all of the wonderful restaurants Uptown Westerville has to offer!
Is there a minimum night stay requirement?
Yes, the minimum stay is 21 nights. However, we suggest a minimum of thirty nights to avoid being charged the City Tax and/or Accommodation Tax.
When is my housing application due?
Otterbein’s Intern housing is popular and rooms are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration for Intern Housing opens early in the calendar year. A waitlist will be created after all available spaces have been filled. There is a $250 deposit to reserve room. The deposit will be applied to the total cost of your housing.
Do I have to be 18 to be on campus?
Yes, no one under 18 years of age are allowed to participate in Intern Housing. Any guests who stay overnight with their intern housing participant must also be 18 years of age and older.
Payment Information
I represent an organization that would like to house multiple interns. How do I reserve spaces for them?
We will be happy to arrange this for you. Please email events@otterbein.edu and inquire about reserving a spot for interns. A non-refundable $250 deposit, per student you are registering, is needed to guarantee housing. All housing fees must be paid in full by May 1 for summer and the month prior to arrival for all other interns.
What are room costs?
All available suite-style rooms are $2,650 per person during the summer term which allow for double occupancy. The summer intern term runs from Friday, May 30, 2025 until Saturday, August 9, 2025. If you are not signing up for the entire summer, the cost is $40 per night and may have added city taxes, which applies to those stays that are less than 30 days. We require a 21-nights stay minimum.
Is a deposit required?
Yes, a $250 non-refundable deposit per participant is due with your application. This deposit reserves your space. Before you can move into your housing assignment, full payment is due.
When is my payment due?
Payment in full is required prior to check-in or with the application. Any additional charges that may incur will be billed to you after your stay.
Can I change my dates or cancel my application?
If you wish to cancel, please contact the Office of Events and Conferences at 614.823.1847. Most date changes can be accommodated. Cancellations can be made without penalty up to 30 days prior to your scheduled arrival date on campus. All refunds will be reduced by $250, which serves as the mandatory deposit. Refunds will not be issued at all 10 days or less prior to your scheduled check out date.
What if I arrive after-hours?
Arrivals outside regular business hours can be scheduled in advance by calling the Office of Events and Conferences at 614.823.1847 one week before arrival. If you require a check-in after office hours, please contact the office with as much notice as possible. A staff member will meet you at the building to assist you.
What do I need to bring to check-in?
You will need to bring a photo ID and a copy of your confirmation from our office.
Furniture and Amenities
What furniture is included in my room?
Rooms will be furnished with a dresser, extra-long twin bed, desk, chair, and closet per person. A shared kitchen will be available in the building along with several lounge areas. High speed wired and wireless internet connections will be provided.
What amenities are included?
- 24/7 emergency response staff
- 24/7 automated locking exterior doors with card access
- On-site parking
- Elevator (suite-style)
- Free Laundry facilities on site
- Utilities (including water, electricity, and air-conditioning)
- Custodial service in common areas
- Free high-speed internet access (wired and wireless)
- Maintenance service, including emergency maintenance services
What do I need to bring?
Many of our participants bring the following:
- Extra Long fitted twin sheets, pillowcase, pillow and blanket
- Bath towels, bathrobe, and shower shoes
- Rain gear and an umbrella
- Personal toiletries; including soap and shampoo
- A small reading lamp for your desk
- Clothes hangers for the closet
- Portable iron
- Comfortable shoes or sneakers
- Bottled water and snacks
- Dishes, glasses, silverware, etc. if you plan to cook in a community kitchen
- A small TV, radio and laptop computer (rooms do not come with cable service)
Remember to safeguard your property at all times. Otterbein University does not assume responsibility for the security of personal property.
Are there items I am not allowed to bring?
All participants must adhere to all Federal, State and Local laws while on campus.
Additionally, the following items are not allowed:
- Hot plates, popcorn poppers, toaster ovens, grills (Foreman and/or similar) or any appliance with exposed heating elements
- Fryers
- Candles
- Kerosene lanterns or heaters
- Pets (except fish)
- Powerful sound systems or stereos (a personal-size system with headphones is acceptable)
- Wireless access points (routers, wireless printers, etc.)
- Waterbeds or mattresses (University mattresses and box-springs may not be removed)
- Halogen lamps
- Fireworks
- Firearms and other weapons
- Dartboards
- Concrete blocks or bricks
- Other similar items
What resources are available near campus?
The campus offers the convenience of a cozy small-town community, in close proximity to the amenities of a large city. Uptown Westerville is only a few blocks from campus.
For more information about what is near campus, visit: www.otterbein.edu/newcardinals/location
Or Visit Westerville for additional information: www.visitwesterville.org
Can I request roommates in a shared suite?
Yes, you can request to be housed with other people you know. Groups of up to 4 can be accommodated in one suite. All requests must be mutual and should be shared when registering for Intern Summer Housing.
Are there laundry facilities?
Yes, there are complementary laundry facilities on site. Please bring your own detergent and dryer sheets.
Is there a kitchen in each facility?
Students will have access to a community kitchen in each residence hall. Kitchens include a refrigerator, oven, microwave, and sink. You must supply your own cookware and utensils. As these are communal kitchens, we encourage you to be mindful of your belongings and to not leave them in the kitchen.
Please note: Otterbein University is not responsible for any items left in the kitchens.
Does Westerville and Columbus have public transportation?
Yes, the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) offers bus service around the city, with pick-up and drop-off around the perimeter of campus through the COTA Plus Program. More information is available by visiting www.cota.com.
Lockouts & Maintenance
What do I do if I lock myself out of my room?
Please call the Office of Events and Conferences at 614.823.1847 a staff member will meet you at the building to let you in the space. If your key is lost, the lock and keys must be replaced; a lost key charge is $100. Please be prepared to show proof of identification for assistance with lockouts.
What do I do if I lose my keys or my building access card?
Please report your lost access card by calling our 24-hour emergency line at 614.823.1222 to gain access to the building. During business hours you can call the Office of Events and Conferences to receive a replacement access card at a cost of $35.
If the room key is lost the staff member will arrange for the lock to be changed. For security reasons, once a key is reported lost we will automatically change the lock, which will require you (and your suitemates) to get new keys. A fee of $100 will accompany the replacement of the lock and keys. Please be prepared to show proof of identification for assistance with lost keys.
How do I report a maintenance problem?
All participants should place non-emergency maintenance requests via email to events@otterbein.edu. Should you have an emergency maintenance request, please contact the Student Event Coordinator on duty at 614.823.1847 for immediate assistance.
Can I receive mail?
Yes, mail should be addressed the following way:
Your Name – Intern Housing
Events and Conferences – Otterbein
1 S. Grove Street
Westerville, OH 43081
Mail and packages will be available for pick-up in the building each day during posted hours.
Can I purchase a meal plan or what other campus meal options are there?
We do not offer meal plans to interns. During the academic year, we have a proudly served Starbucks in our library, Cardy’s Pizza along with our dining hall, the Cardinal’s Nest, in the Campus Center, and a Café down at The Point. However, these places do close for the summer months with the Cardinal’s Nest being opened for a limited time. If the Cardinal’s Nest is open, interns are welcome to pay the door rate to enjoy an all you care to eat meal. Interns could also check out all of the wonderful restaurants Uptown Westerville has to offer!
1 S. Grove Street,
Westerville
,
Ohio
43081
Wi-Fi 
