Living Off-Campus

Is Living Off Campus Right for You?
Living in a Neighborhood
Choosing an Apartment
Safety and Security
Party
Shuttles and Parking
Off-Campus Meal Plan

Is Off-Campus Living Right for You?

If you're considering living off-campus, ask yourself these questions:

How much will it really cost? Consider rent utilities, insurance, transportation, parking, food, furniture, damage deposits, occupancy permits, and othe expenses you are likely to incur.
How will you get to and from campus? Is your apartment close to the University's shuttle service? Will you be comfortable walking to and from campus at all hours and in all types of weather?
Is your schedule (classes, studying, activities, etc.) such that you can avoid a lot of "downtime" traveling back and forth?
Are you (and your parents, if you're under 21) ready to accept legal responsibility for a lease?

Living in a Neighborhood

Chances are you will be living in a neighborhood populated by both students and more permanent residents. Sometimes the lifestyles of the two groups conflict, and problems can occur. It is your responsibility to be a good neighbor: What does that mean?

You and your neighbors have the right to quiet enjoyment of the neighborhood.
Keep the noise down. If your music or parties can be heard beyond the limits of your own apartment, it's probably too loud. You could be cited for noise violations in St. Louis, University City, or Clayton.
While walking to and from your apartment, do so quietly. Remember your neighbors may not stay up as late as you, and they have jobs to go to or kids to get to school in the morning while you're still sleeping.
Be respectful. Don't do anything to damage your relationship with your neighbors.
Follow the rules. Park where you're suppose to park. Dispose of your trash properly.
Don't trespass on other people's property and don't tread on their rights.

If you create a problem in your neighborhood, there will be consequences. Neighbors who get upset often call the University administration and their local police departments. They expect problems to be dealt with quickly and efficiently. What that might mean for you is an arrest record and an on-campus judicial record - both of which can have lifelong effects. In general, neighborhood residents are a lot less tolerant of disruptive behavior than those who reside on campus. If you're not ready yet to adapt to their lifestyle, you'd probably be better off living on campus!

Choosing an Apartment

When choosing an apartment, there are many things you will need to consider, including the following:

Who will your landlord be? Does the landlord have a good reputation in terms of building maintenance and repairs?
What about a lease? Will you need to (or be able to) sublease during the summer? What about security and damage deposits?
What is the condition of the apartment and the building? Has the apartment and building had utility upgrades to handle all of your electrical needs, including access to the internet? Are the heat, air conditioning, and water pressure adequate?
Will you feel secure there? Do all doors and windows have appropriate locks? Are there smoke detectors in the apartment and hallways? Is the exterior maintained and well lit at night? What about fire escape routes?
Is there adequate parking for you and your guests and will your car be secure?
What about the neighborhood? Do other students live nearby? Are there neighbors whose lifestyles might conflict with yours? Are the streets and alleys well lit?
What types of things are important to you? Size of rooms? Location in building? Kitchen facilities? Furnishings?

You can find a lot of useful information at the web site for the University's Off-Campus Housing and Apartment Referral Service (www.rescomp.wustl.edu/~och) and at the University's Police Department web site (police.wustl.edu).

Safety and Security - Our Concern, and Yours!

Washington University has made a substantial commitment to support students living in nearby neighborhoods. The University owns a significant number of apartments that house our undergraduate and graduate students. A free shuttle service provides transportation between the campus and neighborhoods, as well as shopping and entertainment areas. The University funds security patrols in certain neighborhoods where large numbers of students reside, and crime prevention programs are also offered. Blue-light phones that connect to local police departments are provided in certain areas.

We want your off-campus experience to be a positive one, but you must also assume responsibility for your personal safety and security. Each year, unfortunately some students are victims of robberies, thefts, and assaults in off-campus areas. You can minimize your risk of being a victim by using some common sense and following these suggestions:

Make sure your apartment and apartment building have locks on all doors and windows and that exterior doors are locked at all times.
Report strangers or suspicious behavior to your building manager and local police.
Don't leave your apartment unlocked, even if you're going down the hall or to the laundry room.
Park in well-lit areas and never leave personal belongings or valuables in your car.
Don't walk alone, especially at night
Know your surroundings and stay alert.
If you are a victim of a crime, report it immediately to the local police department and to the Washington University Police Department.
Register for the free crime phone-notification service offered by the University Police Department.
Take extra steps to secure your apartment before leaving on breaks or vacations.

Party

Almost everyone enjoys a good party, so here are a few tips for having a successful party in your off-campus apartment:

Keep the guest list small. Don't overcrowd your apartment, creating a nuisance and safety hazard for you and your guests.
Keep the noise down. Police respond to noise complaints and can bring an abrupt end to an otherwise fun time.
Keep the party indoors.
Remember that you may be held responsible for underage consumption or possession of alcohol by your guests.
Ask your guests to come and leave quietly and not to park in others' designated spaces.
Let your neighbors known that you are having a party and give thjem your name and number as a contact in case there are problems.
If the police are called, you as host should meet with them. Advise your guests to remain calm and uninvolved. Take the necessary steps to resolve the problem immediately.
Both University City and Clayton have community centers that can be rented out for large parties. Consider that option.

Shuttles and Parking

Washington University provides an extensive shuttle service that is free of charge to students, faculty, and staff. Many students choose an apartment based on its location on or near a shuttle route. Shuttle service information and routes are available at the Transportation Department Office, located on the South 40, and the Off-Campus Housing Office, located at West Campus. Note that shuttle service ends at 1:00 a.m.

If you drive your car to campus, you are required to purchase a parking permit to park in any of the parking lots or parking structures. Cars without permits may be ticketed or towed.

For additional information, consult the web site (parking.wustl.edu).

Off-Campus Meal Plan

If you are an undergraduate and will be graduating in May 2005 or later, you are required to purchase an off-campus meal plan from the University. This will enable you to purchase food and beverages at any campus dining service location without having to pay sales tax. Contact the Residential Life at 935-5050 for additional information. Additional information about dining services on campus can be obtained on the web (diningservices.wustl.edu).

Copyright 2007, Office of Residential Life
Washington University in St. Louis
Campus Box 1250
6515 Wydown Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63105-2298
(314) 935-5050