Housing Policies

First- and second-year students live on campus in CIA-owned housing.

Living on campus for the first two years eases the transition for many who are moving away from home and teaches the necessary skills of living independently. And it allows students more time to focus on classes and art making. 

Housing Policy

All unmarried, first-year and second-year students under the age of 21 are required to live in CIA’s residence halls. First-year students are also required to purchase a meal plan through Case Western Reserve University (many dining options are available). If you live with your parents or guardians within Ohio’s Cuyahoga County, you are considered to be within commutable distance to the college and therefore not required to live on campus. Local students are strongly encouraged, however, to live on campus.

Lofting Beds

Students can build a loft for their bed, but it has to be freestanding and it can’t be anchored into the existing furniture, wall, floor, or ceiling. The loft must have at least 36 inches from the mattress to the ceiling. Wood parts must not be treated. Students are responsible for disassembly and storage of their own furniture. Students must complete a Room Modification Form, which is kept on file. All current furniture must be stored in the room as well.

Renter's Insurance

CIA does not assume responsibility for loss or damage to personal property while students are living in the college’s residence halls or apartments. After determining what it would cost to replace your more expensive belongings, check to see if your family homeowner's insurance would cover the loss. If not, we recommend that you purchase additional personal property insurance or renter’s insurance.

Insurance for renters is a form of homeowner's insurance. For additional information about homeowner's policies, click here.

Forms + Guidelines

Students can pay the housing deposit online through the Admissions student portal. This is the most immediate way to make the housing deposit. To make the payment by mail, print the CIA Housing Application and send it in along with payment. Please note that the payment will be dated and time-stamped once it has been received.

Forms to Fill Out

The PDF versions of the CIA Housing Application and Housing Contract are included below. Students who have made the housing deposit online, do not have to download the application form. Additional forms will be available to deposited students on June 1 as part of the online StART pre-orientation program.

• CIA Housing Application (Link)
• Copy Housing Contract (PDF)

Information to Keep

• What to Bring (PDF)