Student Housing Opportunities
In each of our Friendship Houses, we welcome level students over the age of 21 and young professionals who qualify for affordable housing to be a part of the community. Our first two Friendship Houses were founded in partnership with the Vanderbilt Divinity School and have welcomed graduate students from that program to live as companions for the friends since 2015. Since then, we have grown to welcome students from various programs at Vanderbilt and students from other colleges in Nashville.
Why Students?
Vanderbilt Student, Sherry, doing nails with one of the Friendship House Residents.
Graduate students play a vital role in creating community for the friends in our Friendship Houses. They live with us for 1-6 years, depending on where they are in their academic journey when they move in, and are invited to stay up to 1 year after graduation. We have had students studying to be pastors, counselors, biochemical engineers, and community health experts. We have had students from many different states across the US as well as international students from Burma, China, Nigeria, Kenya, South Korea, and Mexico.
PhD Candidate, Aly posing for a photo with one of our amazing resident friends.
What do students get out of the experience?
Most students are initially drawn to our affordable rent. In a city where you pay an average of $1788 for a 1 bedroom apartment, the opportunity for affordable housing is a major draw.
Many students know little about neurodiversity when they first move in, but they come with an openness and willingness to learn. By the time they move out, students have often become strong advocates for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our hope is that when they go on to lead congregations, to head non-profits, and to teach, they will continue to foster inclusion and diversity and become change agents for our friends.
If you are interested in Applying or learning more about the opportunity to live at a Friendship House with Our Place Nashville, please complete this request for information form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time Do students have to commit to the community?
Students are invited to spend time with our friends as much as they are able. At the bare minimum, we expect students to attend our weekly meal each week. Beyond that, students engage with their neighbors on their own schedule, doing things they may already do anyway: Going to a game, watching a movie, going to the grocery store, or spending time enjoying the sunshine. We expect that each student will dedicate 2-5 hours to inclusive connection each week beyond just the community dinner. We understand that our students have a lot going on - as do our friends - but small, daily interactions can go a long way in making everyone feel supported and included.
What kind of housing is available for students?
We have student housing in both our apartment-style homes, as well as our shared living homes. The apartment-style houses are 1 BR or (2 BR shared by 2 students) units with a kitchen and living room. These apartments are around $650 per month not including utilities. Our shared living communities are larger houses where each resident has their own bedroom, bathroom, and closet, but share a common kitchen and living room. Each house is unique, but our shared housing units are $200-$300 cheaper per month.
Will I have privacy to study and relax?
Yes, we are firm believers in boundaries and each member in the community (friend, student or older adult) are invited to be open and honest about their boundaries, especially during busier seasons of work or study.
Is there someone who runs the house?
The OPN resident directors help facilitate community and deal with resident disagreements or problems. We encourage all of the students to be involved with helping the resident directors form community and doing their best to solve issues together. If you are interested in being considered for a resident director position, please let us know when you apply.
Can I bring a pet?
Unfortunately, our properties have a strict no pet policy. However, the law requires that emotional support or service animals be considered with the a doctor’s note. The Fair Housing Act considers such animals a part of the person, and thus the person and the animal are a package deal. If your animal is considered an emotional support animal by a doctor, you may apply for a special accommodation.