Off-CampusHousing

Information 2016-2017

Living Off-Campus#gacrl

• Gustavus is a residential college – all students are required to live on-campus.

• The COLLEGE is residential.Residential Life simply manages the process.

• Residential Life is mandated to have up to 98% occupancy (about 2095 of 2140 total beds)

The Process#gacrl

Groups for off-campus applications Size of groups: 1 to 8 Average Room Draw number taken Order of consideration: groups of SENIORS, then

groups of SENIORS/JUNIORS, then groups of JUNIORS

The Process#gacrl

Translation… SENIORS should not finalize plans quite yet, but

there’s a good shot at getting permission. JUNIORS should NOT make off-campus an option.

Seriously, don’t even apply.

The Application#gacrl

Important stuff…• EACH person in the group MUST fill out an

application.

• List everyone you want to apply with…

• People currently off campus should NOT be listed on application (they won’t influence your status).

• Gusties in your group who qualify for automatic permission will NOT be factored into your group’s average number

Residency Exemptions

#gacrl

• Married• A veteran of military service• 23 years old by the first day of class of fall

semester 2016.• Have custodial responsibility for dependent

children• Live with your custodial parents/guardians in

the St.Peter area (w/in 15 miles)

• Be home owner (100% of home – sole name on mortgage)

Crunching Numbers#gacrl

For 2015-2016About 50 people retained permission271 new applicationsAbout 180 were granted permission

No mixed groups of seniors/juniors got permission

For 2016-2017Factors:

• Overall enrollment (it’s low)• Size of incoming first-year class• Number of Gusties who transfer OUT or withdraw• Number of incoming transfer students

Living Off-Campus

Things to consider…

#gacrl

Living Off-CampusWhat people think….

•Saving Money•Cool Roommates•No college rules•No meal plan

•Parties

#gacrl

Living Off-CampusWhat people may miss considering when

thinking of moving off-campus:• Parking• Utilities

• Convenience & connection to campus• City regulations & enforcement

• Cooking for yourself• Roommates change

•Property Maintenance (like snow removal)

#gacrl

It’s cheaper to live off-campus

It’s easy to get out of a lease

Landlords are screened/professional

Being off-campus equals freedom

Living Off-Campus:Myths

#gacrl

Things to Consider: Price Range

What’s included, what’s not? Utilities Maintenance Internet Lawn/Snow Parking

Distance from campus Number of Roommates

Over-occupancy ordinance: in St. Peter: no more than 4 unrelated individuals can share a single unit (single family home, half of a duplex, etc.)

Research the Property Inquire about the landlord Inquire about the

neighborhood Inquire about the neighbors Check the property out Inspect the property

thoroughly

The Search: Finding an off-campus property

#gacrl

Remember, a lease is a legally-binding document. Read the lease thoroughly before signing You can negotiate the lease with the landlord

For example: If your inspections revealed something you want fixed before you move in, have that written into the lease

Understand all expectations Sub-leasing, Refund of Security Deposit How/when rent is due

The Lease#gacrl

Document condition of property before you move anything in Use photos, with date stamp Have landlord present! Request it…

Meet your neighbors Make the awkward first move as soon as

possible… (cookies help) Exchange contact info

Set up utilities Renters Insurance

Moving In…#gacrl

Neighbors Who are they? Mutual respect Communication Noise Ideas to introduce yourself? 55.3% of Gusties say they have

tried to get to know neighbor

Safety Lock it up! Fire plan Emergency weather plan Of those who have had

contact with SPPD, 75% say it was positive

Neighbors & Safety#gacrl

The line between “having a few people over” and a “party” is VERY thin. Know the people at your party

Only let people in who you know Only 46.4% of respondents to our off-campus survey said they strongly agree that they are

comfortable controlling gatherings at their off-campus house Remember: THE LAW MATTERS! You’re STILL a Gustie, even off campus…

Parties#gacrl

Resources/UpdatesRes Life website

Res Life Facebook Page

Twitter: @Gustie_ResLife

Email Charlie at cpotts@Gustavus.edu

#gacrl