Off Campus Connections
Guide to
Living Off Campus
occ.uark.edu ARKU 632 575-7351
Contents Welcome…………………………………………. 2 Moving Off Campus……………………..….. 3 Housing Comparison Guide……….……. 4
Budget Worksheet……………………….….. 5 Signing a Lease…………………………….….. 6 Roommates/Before Move In………….... 7 Transportation & Parking……………….... 8 Meal Plans & Campus Connections…. 9 Tenant Responsibilities……………………. 10
Be a Good Neighbor………………………… 11 Resource Guide……………………………….. 12
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Welcome to Off Campus Connections! It is the mission of Off Campus Connections to provide friendly assistance, resources, 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! TIP Apartments fill up fast! Starting looking during the fall semester.
Offcampushousing.uark.edu lists many properties in the area. The site is searchable by location, price, bedrooms, and more! Looking for a roommate? Create a profile and see who else is searching! 2
Moving Off Campus? The Northwest Arkansas area offers a variety of different types of residences for students. Types of rental properties include: TIP Fayetteville city ordinance prohibits more than three unrelated people living together in a singlefamily house.
Apartments
Townhouses
Single-family houses
Duplexes
Rooms for rent in a house
Offcampushousing.uark.edu lists both commercial and private listings, and while not all-inclusive, it is the official University of Arkansas resource for offcampus housing.
Some amenities are more important than others, but it’s a good idea to ask what a property has. More amenities usually means higher rent, so make sure you will actually be using what you pay for.
Before beginning your search, here are some questions to help define your needs:
Amenities Checklist
What is my budget?
Resident and Guest Parking
Do I want roommates?
Patio or Balcony
Do I need to be on the bus route or in walking distance?
Washer/Dryer
Does it need to be pet friendly?
Pool
Fitness Center
Does it need to come furnished?
Computer Lab
Study Area
How long of a lease do I need?
Campus Shuttle
Trash Pick-up
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Housing Comparison
Guide
Take this page with you when looking at potential places! General
Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3
Date available
Community
Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3
Washer and dryer in unit?
Deposit
Noise level Lease length Rent amount
Elevator/stairs proximity
Rent due date
Soundproof walls
Utilities included?
Mailbox location
Average electric costs
Walking distance?
Average water costs
On bus route?
Pet friendly?
Local area
Apartment/House Bedroom privacy
Closet space Carpet/hardwood Furnished? Amount of lighting Storage Location of unit
Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3
Safety
Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3
Peephole in front door Smoke detectors Outside lighting Locks on all doors Gated community Courtesy officer
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Budget Worksheet Use this budget 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 Deposits
Off Campus Meal Plan
Cable Installation
Books and Supplies
Internet Installation
Rent Deposit/Application
Other
Total One-time Expenses
Monthly Expenses
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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
Signing a Lease
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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.)
TIP Make sure names of all roommates are on the lease or sign separate leases to not hold you responsible for other’s actions.
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 here 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 7 copy for yourself with your lease.
Transportation & 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. Busses can be tracked in real time on the UARK app and on the campus map. Paratransit shuttles are available for disabled patrons who cannot access Razorback Transit, call 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 residence 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 575-SAFE to confirm the schedule and arrange a pick up.
Razorback Patrol Provides escorts to and from anywhere on campus Sunday—Thursday evenings. Call 575-5000.
Razorbikes A free bike sharing service that allows students to unlock and use any Razorbike on campus for short trips on or around campus.
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.
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 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. These meters do not take credit cards and do not give change. The ParkMobile app allows for credit card payment.
Hertz on Demand offers cars on campus that can be rented by the hour! Visit hertzondemand.com for more information! 8
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.
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!
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.
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Registered Student Organizations
osa.uark.edu/rso
University Programs
up.uark.edu
University Recreation
urec.uark.edu
Friday Night Live
fnl.uark.edu
University Theatre
drama.uark.edu
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 your apartment 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.
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Be a Good Neighbor 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:
Get to know your neighbors. 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! Off Campus Connections @uarkoffcampus uarkocc 11
Resource Guide Campus Resources
TIP Save these numbers in your phone—you never know when you might need them! Include your landlord’s number as well.
Off Campus Connections
575-7351
occ.uark.edu
Pat Walker Health Center
575-4451
health.uark.edu
University Police
575-2222
uapd.uark.edu
Counseling & Physiological Services 575-5276
health.uark.edu/caps
Full Circle Campus Food Pantry
575-7693
service.uark.edu/4372
Razorback Patrol Escort
575-5000
Safe Ride
575-7233
Community Resources Fayetteville Public Library
401 W Mountain St. faylib.org
Fayetteville Parks and Recreation
444-3471
accessfayetteville.org
Legal Aid of Arkansas
442-4204
arlegalservices.org
Utilities Water
Electric
Cable/Internet
Fayetteville Water/Sewer/ Sanitation
Ozark Electric
ATT U-Verse
3641 W Wedington Dr.
1-800-288-2020
113 W. Mountain St.
479-521-2900
att.com
SWEPCO
Cox Communications
888-216-3523
(479) 365-2449
479-521-1258 Springdale Water/Sewer/ Sanitation
cox.com
526 Oak Ave. 479-751-5751 In-depth information about topics in this guide can be found at occ.uark.edu 12
Events Wake Up Wednesdays! Free coffee and donuts in the Commuter Lounge every Wednesday during the fall and spring semesters, beginning at 8:30 a.m.!
On Your Own: Off Campus Housing Fairs Off Campus Connections hosts two housing fairs, one each semester, in the Connections Lounge to allow students to see some of their housing options and meet with property representatives without having to leave campus. Check occ.uark.edu for exact dates.
Come see us!
o
Off Campus Connections Arkansas Union 632 479-575-7351 occ@uark.edu occ.uark.edu
This guide was created with the assistance of the Associated Student Government