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OFF CAMPUS STUDENT SERVICES
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ROOMMATES |
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Living off-campus is much different than living in the residence halls. No one is checking you in to your apartment, you
do not have a Resident Advisor enforcing quiet hours, you are now paying bills, and you have a larger, more complex living
space to take care of. Moving in with a group of friends is very exciting, but remember that everyone will need to work together
to make your living environment the best it can be. Refer to the following for some tips on keeping the roommate drama at
a minimum.
- Most importantly, be careful picking your roommates. Knowing who you will be living with, their lifestyle, and what they
value can make a big difference in whether or not your off-campus living experience is a positive one. Before or shortly
after you move in, it is recommended that you work with your roommates to draft a roommate contract. Post your agreement
as apartment/house rules in the common area where everyone can be reminded of your agreement to have a safe and fun living
environment.
- A major concern for roommates is who is going to pay the bills and when. When living off-campus, contracts with service companies
for electricity, cable, and internet need to be established. This is usually done under one person’s name and that person
is responsible for paying that bill. Discuss with your roommates who will pay each bill and how they will be divided so each
person is paying an equal share.
- Paying rent is crucial to keeping your lease in order (and your landlord happy). Check your lease to determine the proper
way to pay your rent and whether or not all roommates are responsible for missing payments if one person forgets to pay or
does not pay on time. Posting a bulletin board or dry-erase board in a common area with due dates for bills often helps roommates
keep their finances in order and helps everyone avoid late fees or interruptions in service (cable, internet, etc.)
- As the seasons change, it is important to discuss with your roommates what temperature your apartment/house should be set
at. Air conditioning and heating bills can get very expensive. Setting guidelines as a group can ensure no one is shocked
by the monthly bills.
- Although Bowling Green is a safe town, locking your doors and shutting your windows is very important. College students are
great targets for crimes of opportunity, meaning that criminals are usually given an easy invitation to violate your rights.
Follows these simple steps for your apartment/house and vehicles and you will avoid much of the crime you read about in the
paper.
- Although the state of Ohio has cut down on smoking in public places, you may be allowed to smoke in your residence. Talk
with your roommates and determine (if allowed on the lease) if smoking will be permitted in your apartment/house or not.
- In addition, talk with your roommates about guests and social gatherings. Although a lot of fun, many negative consequences
can arise because of a loud party or large get-together. Discussing and agreeing with your roommates what types of social
gatherings will be permitted will help you avoid problems in the future. If, as a group of roommates, you choose to allow
social gatherings, consult the Party Guide for information on how to keep yourself and your property safe and within the parameters of the law.
- For a few more tips, go to http://www.bgsu.edu/offices/sa/reslife/page13386.html.
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