Ohio University is adding gender-neutral housing to its residence options for the next school year.

Gender-neutral housing allows on-campus residents of any gender to choose to live together, instead of compulsory same-sex roommates. While any student can take advantage of the gender-neutral housing option, it is usually implemented to help LGBT students feel more comfortable living on campus.

Ohio University will make coed rooms available on specific floors of MacKinnon, Smith and Truedley, accommodating about 50 students during the 2011-2012 school year.

The Columbus College of Art & Design, Miami University and Oberlin College have a gender-neutral housing option. Denison University and Wright State University are studying the possibility.