Fall and Spring

Traditional Residence Hall: Leonard Hall

On Campus • Meal Plan Required
Leonard Hall is home to a diverse population of students, housing approximately 275 residents. The building has a traditional residence hall design with corridor-style and shared floor bathrooms. Each floor community has a central lounge space with a kitchen, lounge furniture, and television for students to study or socialize with their community. A student computer lab on the first floor supports Internet and printing needs. Each floor also has a laundry room. The Cassell Fitness Center, open to all AU students, is across the street. Leonard overlooks the Woods Brown Amphitheatre and is also home to the Hatch, a community space that provides many opportunities for social and educational events and programs.

In-hall staff include Resident Assistants (RAs) and a Community Director (CD). Leonard's seven RAs live in the building, acting as peer educators and helping residents connect to their community. The Leonard community has one CD, a professional, live-in staff member who works with RAs to foster a living-learning environment to bridge the academic and residential experience.

Each resident will be provided with a standard twin mattress and bed frame, a dresser or built-in drawers, a desk and desk chair, a bookcase, and built-in shelves.

Images: Traditional double accommodation

AU-Affiliated Apartment: The Frequency

Near Tenleytown Metro
American University leases apartments at the nearby Frequency apartments. Each small studio apartment is fully furnished. The Frequency is located on the AU campus shuttle line and is a short walk from the Tenleytown-AU Metro Station. It is also in close proximity to numerous Tenleytown restaurants and businesses including Whole Foods, Target, CVS, and the Container Store.

Each resident of the Frequency is provided a bed frame, standard twin mattress, night stand, desk (free-standing or built-in), desk chair, and dresser set. The apartments also include the following amenities: kitchen with stainless steel appliances, closet storage, washer/dryer unit, full bathroom, and digital thermostat. All Frequency residents have access to the following community amenities: 24/7 staffed front desk, secure main entrance and student apartments, mail and package delivery, private and group study spaces, rooftop patio, a gym, indoor bike storage, on-site parking at an additional cost, and dry-cleaning services at an additional cost.

This studio floor plan is representative of available apartments, but actual floor plans may vary in specific layout and size.

Images: A gallery of the community lounge, study and conference rooms, fitness center, and roof deck.

Off-Campus Housing

Private and Independently Arranged
View the information here provided by AU Housing & Residence Life for students looking to live off campus. Learn more about navigating the search process, living in the city, staying involved on campus, and using resources related to your student rights as a tenant. Be sure to read your lease and any other documents closely before signing.

AU Housing Rates

All rates are per person and per semester.

Double-Occupancy On-Campus Residence Hall Room: $4,998
Double-Occupancy AU-Affiliated Small Studio Apartment: $6,016-6,684
Single-Occupancy On-Campus Residence Hall Room*: $6,388

* Single-occupancy rooms are reserved for students who have requested disability accommodations through American University's Academic Support & Access Center.

Cancellations

Cancellations of on-campus housing received prior to receiving a room assignment and no less than 14 days prior to the check-in date requested on the housing application may receive a $200 cancellation fee assessed to your student account.

Cancellations received after receiving a room assignment but before checking in may cause your application and room assignment to be cancelled and the charges for the room to be replaced with the $200 cancellation fee on your student account.

If you request to cancel your university housing after having checked in, you may be responsible for full payment of the requested length of stay as indicated on your housing application and/or any approved extension exceptions.

 

All students under age 26 (except for students who meet statutory requirements for exemption based upon religious or medical reason) must provide proof of the below listed immunizations prior to registration.

Students from overseas should note that all required vaccinations will need to be up-to-date before enrolling in American University, even if the stated vaccinations are not required in your home country.

Documenting Your Immunizations

Mandatory Immunization Form

The Mandatory Immunization Form is the only form that will be accepted as proof of vaccination and must be submitted directly to the Student Health Center. Incomplete information or invalid dates on this form will prevent you from being allowed to attend classes.

Form Submission

1. Please first obtain any needed immunizations.
2. Then download, print and complete the form below with your medical provider.
3. Upload your form at american.studenthealthportal.com via Document Uploads or email your form as a PDF to immunizations@american.edu. Remember to keep a copy for your records.

Required Immunizations

1. One Tetanus and Diphtheria booster given within the past ten years. (Tdap is recommended.)
2. Two vaccinations against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR), given after age one and at least 30 days apart.
3. Two vaccinations against Varicella (Chickenpox) given at least 30 days apart, or a history of Chickenpox verified by titer results. DC requires two doses of the Varicella vaccine regardless of the age the student was first vaccinated.
4. Three vaccinations against Hepatitis B, dose 2 given thirty days after dose 1, dose 3 given four months after dose 2.
5. Any first year student living in university sponsored housing must be immunized against Meningitis or sign a waiver stating they have read and understand the risks of the disease and do not wish to be immunized.
6. Any student under the age of 18 must show proof of being vaccinated against Polio.
7. If you have received immunizations that do not fall into the immunization schedule above (for instance receiving an immunization a week early or a month late) you will need to provide proof results showing immunity.

Religious or Medical Exemption

• Religious exemption is allowed if a religious leader provides a detailed letter indicating that the immunizations violate his or her parishioner's religious beliefs.
• Medical exemption is allowed if a medical professional provides a detailed letter indicating that immunizations are medically inadvisable.
• Both kinds of letters should be addressed to the President of American University, as head of the institution and emailed to immunizations@american.edu.

 

Purchase AU Health Insurance

Students are automatically enrolled in the American University health insurance plan after their course registration has been processed by the WSP staff. If you would like to keep this insurance plan, please create your account at www.carefirst.com/AU. If you would like to waive the AU health insurance plan because you already have comparable insurance, follow the steps under Waive AU Health Insurance below.

AU Health Insurance Premiums

Fall 2019

$785.00

Spring 2020

$1,100.00

Summer 2020

$470.00

Annual

$1,890.00

 

AU Health Insurance Benefit Details

Below is American University health insurance information you can use to compare your current insurance with the insurance plan offered by American University. You can find detailed plan information here.

Overall Plan Maximum

There is no overall maximum dollar limit on the policy.

Deductible

$200 In Network; $500 Out of Network

Co-Insurance

20% In Network; 40% Out of Network

Individual Out-of-Pocket Maximum

$6,350 per benefit period

Prescription Drug Coverage

$10 generic, $35 brand, $50 for non-preferred brand

Emergency Coverage Overseas

Included

Coverage while in Washington, DC

Included

If you have been assessed the premium for the AU student health insurance plan and want to accept the coverage, please go to www.carefirst.com/AU and create your account. By creating your account, your coverage will become active as of January 1, 2020.

If you do not create your account nor submit the waiver, your coverage will not become effective until you activate your account or until the waiver closes, and the charge will remain on your student account. You will not be able to print out an insurance card or access pharmacy benefits until approximately three weeks into the semester.

 

Alternate Health Insurance

Private insurance plans should meet the following criteria in order to qualify for a waiver of the American University sponsored student health insurance plan:

• Alternate insurance plans must be provided by a company licensed to do business in the United Statues with a U.S. claims payment office, a U.S. phone number, and a U.S. address. The company must have a process to remit claims costs to providers within the U.S.
• Alternate insurance plans must provide coverage for both in-patient and out-patient medical care in the Washington, DC, area, including but not limited to routine care, specialist office visits, diagnostic testing, and imaging.
• Alternate insurance plans must provide for both in-patient and out-patient mental health care in the Washington, DC, area.
• Alternate insurance plans must not limit coverage to Emergency or Urgent medical or mental health care in the Washington, DC, area.
• Alternate insurance plans must not have a maximum dollar limit that the insurance will pay for medical claims.
• Alternate insurance plans must not exclude coverage for the following:
• • Pre-existing conditions (or the plan must have been in effect long enough that any waiting period has passed).
  • Conditions related to depression, eating disorders, suicide attempts or counseling, and drug or alcohol counseling/treatment.
  • Congenital and non-congenital mental health conditions.
  • Sports injuries, alcohol-related injuries or conditions, pregnancies, eating disorders.
• Additional requirements exist for international students on AU-sponsored visas; please see here.

Waive AU Health Insurance

If your plan meets the above requirements, you can waive the AU student health insurance.

1. Receive your Registration Confirmation email from WSP staff. (This is not the same as the pre-registration form submission confirmation. You will not be able to waive the health insurance until your registration has been finalized by WSP staff, which happens several weeks after submission of the pre-registration form.) The AU health insurance system will recognize you as an AU student approximately 7 days after your registration has been completed.
2. Visit www.carefirst.com/AU.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts and submit the waiver.

If your waiver is approved, the student health insurance premium will be removed from your student account and you will receive a confirmation email. It is imperative that you save and print a copy of this email.

Frequently Asked Question

I tried to enter my seven-digit AU ID but was unable to login to the waiver system. Why is that?

You will be able to access it approximately seven days after you have received the WSP Registration Confirmation email. Then, please follow these steps. If you experience any problems completing the waiver process, you may call CareFirst Technical Support Monday-Friday 8:00am-6:00pm EST at +1 (877) 526-8390. If you have additional questions about the AU health insurance or waiver, please contact the AU Student Health Center at shc@american.edu.

 

If living in residence hall, decide whether to keep the 100-block meal plan (minimum allowed, automatically enrolled) or increase it.

If living off campus, purchase a meal plan if desired.
View meal plan options.

To add or change a meal plan, login to the myAU portal, hover over Life@AU, select One Card & Dining Services, click on Meal Plan Portal, and follow prompts.

Fall and Spring

Traditional Residence Hall: Leonard Hall

On Campus • Meal Plan Required
Leonard Hall is home to a diverse population of students, housing approximately 275 residents. The building has a traditional residence hall design with corridor-style and shared floor bathrooms. Each floor community has a central lounge space with a kitchen, lounge furniture, and television for students to study or socialize with their community. A student computer lab on the first floor supports Internet and printing needs. Each floor also has a laundry room. The Cassell Fitness Center, open to all AU students, is across the street. Leonard overlooks the Woods Brown Amphitheatre, and is also home to the Hatch, a community space that provides many opportunities for social and educational events and programs.

In-hall staff include Resident Assistants (RAs) and a Community Director (CD). Leonard's seven RAs live in the building, acting as peer educators and helping residents connect to their community. The Leonard community has one CD, a professional, live-in staff member who works with RAs to foster a living-learning environment to bridge the academic and residential experience.

Each resident will be provided with a standard twin mattress and bed frame, a dresser or built-in drawers, a desk and desk chair, a bookcase, and built-in shelves.

Images: Traditional double accommodation

AU-Affiliated Apartment: The Frequency

Near Tenleytown Metro
American University leases apartments at the nearby Frequency apartments. Each small studio apartment is fully furnished. The Frequency is located on the AU campus shuttle line and is a short walk from the Tenleytown-AU Metro Station. It is also in close proximity to numerous Tenleytown restaurants and businesses including Whole Foods, Target, CVS, and the Container Store.

Each resident of the Frequency is provided a bed frame, standard twin mattress, night stand, desk (free-standing or built-in), desk chair, and dresser set. The apartments also include the following amenities: kitchen with stainless steel appliances, closet storage, washer/dryer unit, full bathroom, and digital thermostat. All Frequency residents have access to the following community amenities: 24/7 staffed front desk, secure main entrance and student apartments, mail and package delivery, private and group study spaces, rooftop patio, a gym, indoor bike storage, on-site parking at an additional cost, and dry-cleaning services at an additional cost.

This studio floor plan is representative of available apartments, but actual floor plans may vary in specific layout and size.

Images: A photo gallery of the community lounge, study and conference rooms, fitness center, and roof deck.

Off-Campus Housing

Private and Independently Arranged
View the information here provided by AU Housing & Residence Life for students looking to live off campus. Learn more about navigating the search process, living in the city, staying involved on campus, and using resources related to your student rights as a tenant. Be sure to read your lease and any other documents closely before signing.

AU Housing Rates

All rates are per person and per semester.

Double-Occupancy On-Campus Residence Hall Room: $4,998
Double-Occupancy AU-Affiliated Small Studio Apartment: $6,016-6,684
Single-Occupancy On-Campus Residence Hall Room*: $6,388

* Single-occupancy rooms are reserved for students who have requested disability accommodations through American University's Academic Support & Access Center.

Cancellations

Cancellations of on-campus housing received prior to receiving a room assignment and no less than 14 days prior to the check-in date requested on the housing application may receive a $200 cancellation fee assessed to your student account.

Cancellations received after receiving a room assignment but before checking in may cause your application and room assignment to be cancelled and the charges for the room to be replaced with the $200 cancellation fee on your student account.

If you request to cancel your university housing after having checked in, you may be responsible for full payment of the requested length of stay as indicated on your housing application and/or any approved extension exceptions.

 

All students under age 26 (except for students who meet statutory requirements for exemption based upon religious or medical reason) must provide proof of the below listed immunizations prior to registration.

Students from overseas should note that all required vaccinations will need to be up-to-date before enrolling in American University, even if the stated vaccinations are not required in your home country.

Documenting Your Immunizations

Mandatory Immunization Form

The Mandatory Immunization Form is the only form that will be accepted as proof of vaccination and must be submitted directly to the Student Health Center. Incomplete information or invalid dates on this form will prevent you from being allowed to attend classes.

Form Submission

1. Please first obtain any needed immunizations.
2. Then download, print and complete the form below with your medical provider.
3. Upload your form at american.studenthealthportal.com via Document Uploads or email your form as a PDF to immunizations@american.edu. Remember to keep a copy for your records.

Required Immunizations

1. One Tetanus and Diphtheria booster given within the past ten years. (Tdap is recommended.)
2. Two vaccinations against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR), given after age one and at least 30 days apart.
3. Two vaccinations against Varicella (Chickenpox) given at least 30 days apart, or a history of Chickenpox verified by titer results. DC requires two doses of the Varicella vaccine regardless of the age the student was first vaccinated.
4. Three vaccinations against Hepatitis B, dose 2 given thirty days after dose 1, dose 3 given four months after dose 2.
5. Any first year student living in university sponsored housing must be immunized against Meningitis or sign a waiver stating they have read and understand the risks of the disease and do not wish to be immunized.
6. Any student under the age of 18 must show proof of being vaccinated against Polio.
7. If you have received immunizations that do not fall into the immunization schedule above (for instance receiving an immunization a week early or a month late) you will need to provide proof results showing immunity.

Religious or Medical Exemption

• Religious exemption is allowed if a religious leader provides a detailed letter indicating that the immunizations violate his or her parishioner's religious beliefs.
• Medical exemption is allowed if a medical professional provides a detailed letter indicating that immunizations are medically inadvisable.
• Both kinds of letters should be addressed to the President of American University, as head of the institution and emailed to immunizations@american.edu.

 

Purchase AU Health Insurance

Students are automatically enrolled in the American University health insurance plan after their course registration has been processed by the WSP staff. If you would like to keep this insurance plan, please create your account at www.carefirst.com/AU. If you would like to waive the AU health insurance plan because you already have comparable insurance, follow the steps under Waive AU Health Insurance below.

AU Health Insurance Premiums

Fall 2019

$785.00

Spring 2020

$1,100.00

Summer 2020

$470.00

Annual

$1,890.00

 

AU Health Insurance Benefit Details

Below is American University health insurance information you can use to compare your current insurance with the insurance plan offered by American University. You can find detailed plan information here.

Overall Plan Maximum

There is no overall maximum dollar limit on the policy.

Deductible

$200 In Network; $500 Out of Network

Co-Insurance

20% In Network; 40% Out of Network

Individual Out-of-Pocket Maximum

$6,350 per benefit period

Prescription Drug Coverage

$10 generic, $35 brand, $50 for non-preferred brand

Emergency Coverage Overseas

Included

Coverage while in Washington, DC

Included

If you have been assessed the premium for the AU student health insurance plan and want to accept the coverage, please go to www.carefirst.com/AU and create your account. By creating your account, your coverage will become active as of January 1, 2020.

If you do not create your account nor submit the waiver, your coverage will not become effective until you activate your account or until the waiver closes, and the charge will remain on your student account. You will not be able to print out an insurance card or access pharmacy benefits until approximately three weeks into the semester.

 

Alternate Health Insurance

Private insurance plans should meet the following criteria in order to qualify for a waiver of the American University sponsored student health insurance plan:

• Alternate insurance plans must be provided by a company licensed to do business in the United Statues with a U.S. claims payment office, a U.S. phone number, and a U.S. address. The company must have a process to remit claims costs to providers within the U.S.
• Alternate insurance plans must provide coverage for both in-patient and out-patient medical care in the Washington, DC, area, including but not limited to routine care, specialist office visits, diagnostic testing, and imaging.
• Alternate insurance plans must provide for both in-patient and out-patient mental health care in the Washington, DC, area.
• Alternate insurance plans must not limit coverage to Emergency or Urgent medical or mental health care in the Washington, DC, area.
• Alternate insurance plans must not have a maximum dollar limit that the insurance will pay for medical claims.
• Alternate insurance plans must not exclude coverage for the following:
• • Pre-existing conditions (or the plan must have been in effect long enough that any waiting period has passed).
  • Conditions related to depression, eating disorders, suicide attempts or counseling, and drug or alcohol counseling/treatment.
  • Congenital and non-congenital mental health conditions.
  • Sports injuries, alcohol-related injuries or conditions, pregnancies, eating disorders.
• Additional requirements exist for international students on AU-sponsored visas; please see here.

Waive AU Health Insurance

If your plan meets the above requirements, you can waive the AU student health insurance.

1. Receive your Registration Confirmation email from WSP staff. (This is not the same as the pre-registration form submission confirmation. You will not be able to waive the health insurance until your registration has been finalized by WSP staff, which happens several weeks after submission of the pre-registration form.) The AU health insurance system will recognize you as an AU student approximately 7 days after your registration has been completed.
2. Visit www.carefirst.com/AU.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts and submit the waiver.

If your waiver is approved, the student health insurance premium will be removed from your student account and you will receive a confirmation email. It is imperative that you save and print a copy of this email.

Frequently Asked Question

I tried to enter my seven-digit AU ID but was unable to login to the waiver system. Why is that?

You will be able to access it approximately seven days after you have received the WSP Registration Confirmation email. Then, please follow these steps. If you experience any problems completing the waiver process, you may call CareFirst Technical Support Monday-Friday 8:00am-6:00pm EST at +1 (877) 526-8390. If you have additional questions about the AU health insurance or waiver, please contact the AU Student Health Center at shc@american.edu.

If living in residence hall, decide whether to keep the 100-block meal plan (minimum allowed, automatically enrolled) or increase it.

If living off campus, purchase a meal plan if desired.
View meal plan options.

To add or change a meal plan, login to the myAU portal, hover over Life@AU, select One Card & Dining Services, click on Meal Plan Portal, and follow prompts.