O ff C ampus C onnections Guide to Living Off Campus
occ.uark.edu ARKU 632 (479) 575-7351
Contents Transportation and Parking Moving Off Campus Tenant Responsibilities Signing a Lease Budget Worksheet Housing Comparison Guide Meal Plans and Campus Connections Be a Good Neighbor Resource Guide Roommates/Before Moving In
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Welcome to Off Campus Connections It is the mission of Off Campus Connections to provide resources, friendly assistance,and referrals to help support and retain commuter undergraduates at the University of Arkansas. We are able to show students how to utilize our off-campus housing website, direct them to campus and community resources and encourage skills for living on their own successfully. We also serve and assist nontraditional/adult learners. Off Campus Connections is located on sixth floor-west of the Arkansas Union and includes a Commuter Lounge with couches, a large-screen TV, and study space!
Start Your Search! Offcampushousing.uark.edu is the official referral for students searching for off-campus housing. The site is searchable by location, price, bedrooms, and more! Looking for a roommate? Create a profile and see who else is searching!
Come Visit Us
Off Campus Connections Arkansas Union 632 479-575-7351
occ@uark.edu occ.uark.edu
e r e h W Love Live * You Play! * & 1 & 2 BR Apartments
Spacious Floorplans FREE Amenities Open 7 Days a Week 13 Properties On/Near The U of A Bus Route
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* *Properties Located On/Near the U of A Bus Route
www.LindseyManagement.com All Properties Professionally Managed by Lindsey Management Co., Inc. Floorplans, Rates and Amenities Vary by Property.
Transportation and Parking You can still get around campus or Fayetteville, even if you do not have a car. Here are some options:
Razorback Transit Free to ride, the transit has fixed routes on and off campus. Visit parking.uark.edu for route information. Buses can be tracked in real time on the UARK app and at campusmap.uark.edu. Para-transit shuttles are available for disabled patrons who cannot access Razorback Transit, call 479-575-6993 for more information.
Safe Ride Safe Ride is a free service for students that can take you from an uncomfortable or inconvenient situation to your local resicerce as listed on ISIS, as long as it is inside Fayetteville city limits. On-campus only service is provided on Monday and Tuesday evenings and off-campus locations are serviced Wednesday-Sunday evenings. Call 479-575-SAFE to confirm the schedule and arrange a pick up.
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Alternative Transportation The University and many apartments are located on or near the city-wide Fayetteville trail system. Visit accessfayetteville.org for a trail map.
Razorback Patrol Provides escorts to and from anywhere on campus Sunday - Thursday evenings. Call 479-575-5000. Razorbikes A free bike sharing service that allows students to unlock and use any Razor-bike on campus for short trips on or around campus.
Campus Parking Most parking is enforced Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., with some lots and meters enforced 24/7. Students who live off campus are eligible to purchase a student or remote parking permit or utilize the metered parking. The purchase of a student permit also allows for parking in the remote lot, which is at the intersection of MLK Blvd. and Razorback Rd. and is serviced by Razorback Transit. Visit parking.uark.edu for pricing and purchasing. Parking decks located on Harmon Ave., Stadium Dr., Garland Ave., and Meadow St. all have hourly parking for a fee. Most meters do not take credit cards and do not give change. The ParkMobile app allows for credit card payment.
Moving Off Campus? Northwest Arkansas offers a variety of rentals.
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Amenities? Resident and Guest Parking Patio or Balcony Washer/Dryer Pool Fitness Center Computer Lab Study Area Campus Shuttle Trash Pick-up
* Fayetteville city ordinance prohibits more than three unrelated people living together in a single-family house.
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Tenant Responsibilities Rights and Obligations Landlords must provide notice of at least one rental period before raising the rent. This rule applies to both oral and written leases. If you plan to sublease your apartment or house, you typically must obtain prior approval from the landlord, and obtain written direction from him or her stating the amount of rent that can be collected. If you plan to move and have a written lease agreement, you must give notice according to the provisions of your lease. If you plan to move out and have an oral lease agreement, you must give one rental period’s notice. Security Deposits If you are required to pay a security deposit, you cannot be charged in excess of two months’ rent. When you move, the landlord must return your security deposit within 30 days. The landlord may, however, deduct from the security deposit the cost to repair any damages made to the dwelling or any past-due rent. If the landlord deducts from your security deposit, the landlord must give you a written, itemized list of the charges withheld within 30 days of the time you vacate. Documenting prior damage at move-in will help you avoid being charged for pre-existing conditions. A landlord may withhold the entire amount of the security deposit if damages or unpaid rent exceed the amount of the security deposit. Renter’s Insurance Renter’s insurance covers the personal property you own and keep in a dweeling and may pay for that property in the event of a loss from burglary, catastrophic weather, fire, and more. The cost is usually less than $20 a month when added to auto or homeowner’s insurance policies. Renter’s insurance may also pay for you to live somewhere else when your apartment is uninhabitable. Every policy varies, so read carefully to make sure it fits your needs. * Information provided by Legal Aid of Arkansas
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University Housing
Signing a Lease
Before Signing a Lease Signing a lease legally binds you to a contract, so make sure you understand what you are signing. Here are some considerations before signing: Makes sure all blank spaces are filled with the appropriate names and dates. Understand the terms of getting your deposit back. Understand when the landlord is able to enter your residence and how much warning they must give you. Ensure all lease terms and conditions are in writing. Do not accept verbal agreements.
Subleasing Many landlords and rental companies will not allow you to sublease without their consent and approval. If you plan on subleasing for the summer or any other time, discuss it with the landlord now.
Breaking Your Lease You (and your guarantor, if used) will likely be responsible for the full term of the signed lease regardless of illness, scholarship loss, job opportunity, etc. With the exception of being called to active military duty, you could be responsible for paying back the remainder of the lease or face stiff penalties and fees if you break your lease.
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Budget Worksheet Use this sheet to decide how much you can afford to spend on rent in order to help narrow down your search. Be prepared for deposits and installation fees upfront from the property, utility companies, and more.
Income Salary/Wages
Loans
Scholarships
Stipend
Parent/Spouse/Partner
Other Total Income
One-time Expenses Tuition/Fees
Utility Deposit
Off Campus Meal Plan
Cable Installation
Books and Supplies
Internet Installation
Rent Deposit/Application
Other Total One-time Expenses
Monthly Expenses Rent
Household Supplies
Utilities
Clothing
Cable/Internet
Toiletries
Furniture Rental
Personal Care
Renter’s Insurance
Entertainment
Car Payment/Insurance
Gifts
Groceries/Dining Out
Credit Card Payments
Gas/Car Maintenance
Loan Payments
Transit Fares
Savings
Health Insurance
Other Total Monthly Expenses
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Housing Comparison Guide
General Date Available
Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3
Community Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3
Washer/Dryer in Unit
Deposit
Noise Level
Lease Length
Elevator/Stairs Proximity
Rent Amount
Soundproof Walls
Rent Due Date
Mail Box Location
Utilities Included
Walking Distance?
Avg. Electric Costs
On Bus Route?
Avg. Water Costs
Apt./House Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3
Bedroom Privacy Closet Space Capet/Hardwood Furnished
Local Area
Safety
Peephole in Door
Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3
Smoke Detector Outside Lighting
Lighting
Locks on all Doors
Storage
Gated Community
Location of Unit
Courtesy Officer
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Commuter Meal Plans Save time and your parking space! The University of Arkansas offers three meal plans just for off-campus students! These plans are per semester and meals can be redeemed in any dining hall or as a meal trade at certain campus retail locations. Flex$ can be spent at any Chartwells retail location on campus. Stay Connected to Campus Just because you live off campus doesn’t mean you have to leave right after class! The links below can help you find free or inexpensive activities on campus. Registered Student Organizations University Programs University Recreation Friday Night Live University Theatre
osa.uark.edu/rso up.uark.edu urec.uark.edu fnl.uark.edu drama.uark.edu
http://housing.uark.edu/commutermeals
Helpful Tip! Meals and Flex$ expire at the end of each semester, but you can buy each off-campus meal plan more than once a semester! 10
Pack a meal plan instead of your bag
M
Y
PLAN
MEAL COUNT FLEX$ PRICE
Y
Y
UNLIMITED PLUS
no limit
140
$1,860
UNLIMITED
no limit
40
$1,817
15 PLUS
15/week
165
$1,720
15
15/week
65
$1,670
10
10/week
115
$1,550
OFF CAMPUS 1
80 Total
40
$674
OFF CAMPUS 2
25 Total
55
$270
OFF CAMPUS 3
50 Total
500
$725
Living off campus? You can have any plan
Visit the Campus Card Office / Union 4th Floor or Chartwells Office / Union 1st Floor Sign up @ http://housing.uark.edu/commutermeals
Be A Good Neighboor Neighbors who value and exercise mutual respect and consideration for one another are much more likely to have successful relationships. An integral part of community living is learning to resolve concerns and issues in an appropriate and effective manner. Dealing with conflict as a student can be challenging, especially when the conflict is with someone living nearby. When trying to address a concern with a neighbor, or resolve a conflict, here are some things to keep in mind. (From the University's and City of Fayetteville’s Good Neighbor Program)
Get to know your neighbor. Greetings as simple as a Hi! and a wave can get conversations started. Knowing your neighbors will help you anticipate each other’s needs and encourage cooperative behaviors. Be respectful of others personal belongings and space, and encourage the same respect towards your space and property. When a conflict arises, talk with the other party regarding your concerns. Chances are they may not even know their behaviors are affecting you. Try not to procrastinate from resolving the problem. Avoiding conflicts usually means they will escalate and become more difficult to address later. Find a time and place when and where you will both be able to comfortably and openly discuss your concerns. Become familiar with local ordinances and be sure that you and your roommates are in compliance. If you are uncomfortable speaking with your neighbor regarding a conflict, contact someone neutral who can assist you in your approach, or help you think through your options.
Keep up with Off Campus Connections! @uarkoffcampus Off Campus Connections
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uarkocc
Resource Guide Campus Resources Off Campus Connections Pat Walker Health Center University Police Counseling and Psychological Services Full Circle Campus Food Pantry Razorback Patrol Escort Safe Ride
575-7351 575-4451 575-2222 575-5276 575-7693 575-5000 575-7233
occ.uark.edu health.uark.edu uapd.uark.edu health.uark.edu/caps service.uark.edu/4372
Community Resources 401 W. Mountain St. faylib.org Fayetteville Public Library accessfayetteville.org Fayetteville Parks and Recreation 444-3471 arlegalservices.org 442-4204 Legal Aid of Arkansas
Utilities Water
Electric
Cable/Internet
Fayetteville Water/Sewer/Sanitation 113 W. Mountain St. 479-521-1258
Ozark Electric 3641 W. Wedington Dr. 479-521-2900
ATT U-Verse 1-800-288-2020 att.com
Springdale Water/Sewer Sanitation 526 Oak Ave. 479-751-5751
SWEPCO 888-216-3523
Cox Communications 479-365-2449 cox.com
In-depth information about topics in this guide can be found at occ.uark.edu
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Roommate Tips Living with one or more roommates can save you money on rent, but choosing the right roommate and setting up boundaries at the beginning is key. Topics to discuss with potential roommates include: The length of a lease and amount willing to pay Their level of tidiness and willingness to help with chores If they have a pet or plan on getting one Reasonable noise levels and the amount of quiet each of you need to study and sleep Preferences for having guests over (how many, how long, etc.) Discussing these things before signing a lease will help alleviate future problems. Sometimes the best roommates are people you are compatible with, not necessarily your best friends. Once you have found a roommate, you can access a Roommate Contract on occ.uark.edu for roommates to discuss and sign. Agree before you disagree! Looking for a roommate? Visit offcampushousing.uark.edu and click the “Roommates� tab at the top to create a profile and find other students!
Before Moving In
Before you move your first box, there are some steps to make the transition as seamless as possible. A few days before move-in Contact local utility companies to begin service. For electric, the deposit normally ranges from $150-$170, and some companies allow half to be added to your first bill. Water deposit in Fayetteville is $50. Schedule an installation date for cable and internet. See the Resources page for contact information. Move in day Conduct a walk-through with your landlord. Document any existing damage with dated photos, provide a copy to your landlord, and file a copy for yourself with your lease.
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