Off-Campus Student Guide - UAB › students › offcampus › images › DOCUMENTS … · Finding Off-Campus Housing ... This Off-Campus Living Guide outlines the steps and resources

Off-Campus LivingGuide

Contents

1

1. Introduction to Living Off-Campus

03 Welcome to Life Off-Campus 04 Meet the Team 05 Off-Campus Student Council 07 Staying Connected 09 Off-Campus Student Lounge 10 Important Events

2. Finding Off-Campus Housing

12 Off-Campus Housing Website 13 Budgeting for Living Off-Campus 14 How to Inspect a Property 15 Understanding Your Lease

3. Living Off-Campus

17 Moving In 18 Your Rights and Responsibilities 19 Moving Out 20 Commuting Information

4. Safety Resources

22 Emergency Information 23 Home Safety 24 Personal Safety 25 Resources

Introduction to Off-Campus Living

Welcome

3

This Off-Campus Living Guide outlines the steps andresources to help you have an extraordinary off-campus living experience. Utilize this guide to answeryour off-campus housing questions, learn aboutuniversity and city resources, and understand yourrights and responsibilities as an off-campus resident. Off-Campus Student Services is UAB's centralizedresource for off-campus living and commuting. Ourmission is to foster student learning and developmentthrough programming and initiatives designed to serveand retain off-campus students.

Welcome to LifeOff-Campus!

@uaboffcampus UAB Off-CampusStudent Services

“Even if you can’t beclose to campus,schedule times to beon campus and beinvolved in whateveryou can to stayconnected to theschool and otherstudents."

Evelyn Warren Healthcare Management

Off-Campus Student Council

Connect

ContactOff-Campus Student Services 1400 University Blvd. Hill Student Center, Ste. 140 Birmingham, AL 35294

Phone: (205) 996-1580 Website: uab.edu/students/offcampus Email: [email protected]

Meet the Team

34

Dori Weldon Assistant Director

Off-Campus Student [email protected]

(205) 996-1580

Ghada Abouhaidar Pathfinder

Student [email protected]

Our Office Hill Student Center

Suite 140 (205) 996-1580

[email protected]

"Stay connected tocampus using the Off-Campus StudentServices and all otheravailable resources.Make sure to have funwhile on campus andtry to make the bestout of your UABexperience. We arealways here to help!"

Tayyaba Khan Biomedical Sciences



Abby Thompson Business Management

Public Health Minor Class of 2020

30-45-minute commute

The Off-Campus Student Council consists of 15 off-campus studentswho plan events, develop programming, and establish communitypartnerships to serve the off-campus student population at UAB.

Cassie LeSueur Biomedical Sciences

Class of 2020 60-minute commute

Faith Turner Biomedical Sciences


Dalton Scott Nursing


Evelyn Warren Healthcare Management


Kaitlyn Farley Early Childhood and

Elementary Education Class of 2020

15-minute commute

Kaitlyn Willis Kinesiology


5

Felicia Pettway Communications


Look for helpful commuter tips from our Council throughout this guide!


The Off-Campus Student Council consists of 15 off-campus studentswho plan events, develop programming, and establish communitypartnerships to serve the off-campus student population at UAB.

Phuong Quach Public Health

First-Year GraduateStudent

15-minute commute

Tayyaba Khan Biomedical Sciences


Saif Alam Computer Science


Scott Nguyen Chemistry


Virginia Hartley Management Class of 2019

5-10-minute commute

Wynter Burlock Biology


6

Kendra Tamburelli Kinesiology


Staying Connected

7

UAB's involvement platform, Engage, is a great wayto get connected to the campus community. Engageoffers a search engine for events, organizations, and

news articles tailored to your interests. It alsoprovides home page posts about relevant campus

events like the Student Involvement Fair.

UAB is home to over 250 Registered Student Organizations within the office ofStudent Involvement and Leadership, so you are likely to find one that fits yourinterests! Once you find an organization you would like to join, you have the option toclick "Join" or "Contact", based on the organization's settings in Engage. Someorganizations have a formal recruitment, interview, or election process, so contactingthem to show interest is a great first step in gaining membership.

uab.edu/uabengage

"UAB has so manyclubs and

organizations tooffer to fit everytype of person.Don't let your

commute get in theway of your college

experience!"

Kaitlyn FarleyEarly Childhood and

Elementary EducationOff-Campus Student Council

Down the road, employers will want tosee that you had an active role in yourcampus community. Giving your time tosomething you are passionate about isrewarding during your time in collegeas well as for years to come.

Wynter BurlockBiology


“Force yourself out of yourcomfort zone and get involved.Take the initiative to join differentgroups and clubs to make UAByour home away from home.”

Starting a new organization is also an option! Engage will provide you with a step-by-step video explanation on how to create your very own Registered Student Organization.

Staying Connected

8

Cultivating your student experience begins withengagement outside of the classroom, and joiningorganizations is not the only way to get involved. Utilizingthe “Events” tab on Engage is an easy way to narrow downevents that interest you. You can indicate your preferreddates, themes, categories and perks! This feature alsoallows you to choose cultural, social, educational,entertainment-based and team building events.

Engage can lead you to events such as: Volunteering Opportunities, like Into the Streets! UAB Sporting Events Involvement and Career Fairs Lecture Series Theatre Performances Resume Building Workshops Multicultural and Diversity-based Events

The UAB Pathfinders are a diverse group of student leaders that can help you findthe resources and organizations that best suit your interests. Pathfinders offer peer-to-peer advising by appointment via the Engage form “Pathfinder Meeting Request”as well as walk-in visits in the Off-Campus Student Lounge. Meeting with aPathfinder is a great way to find your involvement path here at UAB!

Hassan Sadruddin Katie Higginbotham Darrell Forte

Pathfinders

Ghada Abouhaidar

Off-Campus Student Lounge

The Off-Campus Student Lounge is designed for off-campus studentsto use for studying, socializing, eating meals, and lounging in

between classes. Come hang out in the Hill Student Center, Suite 140!

9Cassie LeSueur

Biomedical SciencesOff-Campus Student Council

“Utilize time well. Breaksbetween classes are theperfect time to study andreview lecture material.”

"Find your place on campus;the more you stay on campus

and focus on studies, themore likely you are to excel in

the classroom"

Kendra Tamburelli Kinesiology


Important Events

10

Wake UpWednesday

Commuter TipThursday

Check out ourFacebook or Instagramon Thursdays for agreat commuter tip!

Off-CampusStudent WeekJoin us every fall andspring for a week offree food and fun for allof our commuterstudents.

Housing FairEvery spring, comelearn about differenthousing options andnetwork with localapartment complexesat our Off-CampusHousing Fair.

PRO TIPThe Off-Campus

Student Lounge isopen later during the

fall and springsemesters. Check

our social media forupdates on events

in the evenings!

Scott Nguyen Chemistry


"Make friends withpeople who live on-campus.They helpyou stay motivatedand connected with

opportunitiesavailable to you on-

campus."

Finding Off-CampusHousing

Off-Campus Housing Website

12

Finding housing can seem stressful,but our website can help you navigate

the waters.

offcampushousing.uab.eduThis website holds an online search with various rental listings, along withroommate profiles. It can be used to explore and compare apartments by zipcode, budget, size, and amenities.

Roommate TipsDon't forget to ask these questions: -Who will be paying for various utilities? -Have you all discussed habits and preferences? -Are you confident that they are financially responsible? Sit down and create a clear roommate agreement. Asample roommate agreement can be found on our websiteat uab.edu/students/offcampus. If you are experiencing roommate conflict and needassistance, contact us at [email protected], and we willput you in touch with appropriate resources.

Visit our website at uab.edu/students/offcampus for a full video tutorial onhow to navigate the off-campus housing site.

The listing of rental units on this site is a service to local rental property owners and University of Alabama at Birmingham students, faculty,and staff. Rental property owners are responsible for reporting information fairly and accurately, and the University of Alabama atBirmingham and Off Campus Partners cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of such information. Notwithstanding any language tothe contrary, nothing contained herein constitutes, nor is intended to constitute, an offer, inducement, promise, or contract of any kind. Thedata contained herein are for informational purposes only and are not represented to be error free. Any links to non-UAB information areprovided as a courtesy. They are not intended to constitute, nor do they constitute, an endorsement of the linked materials by the Universityof Alabama at Birmingham. The University of Alabama at Birmingham and Off Campus Partners expressly disclaim any and all responsibilityfor any problems that may arise with regard to such property or rental units or with regard to disputes between landlords and tenantsconcerning such property or rental units. All prospective tenants are encouraged to exercise their own good judgment when evaluating aprospective rental unit or landlord.

Felicia PettwayCommunications


“Always keep an umbrellain your car and leave afew minutes earlier tomake it to class on time.”

You can also search for roommates based on budget, interests, andpreferences! To get started, create your active profile. After this, you cansearch potential roommates' profiles.

Budgeting for Living Off Campus

13

A necessary first step in finding your perfect off-campushousing situation is determining your budget.

Budget Income:

Expenses:

Monthly Income (paycheck, allowance, stipend,scholarships, gifts, etc.)

One-Time Expenses School (tuition, fees, parking permit, books) Housing (security deposit, move-in fees, utility installation, furnishings, etc.) Monthly Expenses Housing (rent, utilities, internet, etc.) Insurance Transportation (gas, vehicle maintenance, etc.) Household (food, toiletries, laundry, other) Recreation (eating out, entertainment, trips) Financial Commitments (credit card payments, car payments, gifts) Total Income-Total Expenses:

$_________

$_________ $_________

$_________ $_________ $_________ $_________ $_________ $_________

$_________

Students can contact the RegionsInstitute for Financial Education for free,confidential financial counseling andfinancial education workshops. They arelocated on the first floor of the new CollatSchool of Business and can be reachedvia email at [email protected] or by visitingwww.uab.edu/rife.

Kaitlyn WillisKinesiology


“Pack a quick kit inyour car thatconsists of snacks,waters, and extranecessities so thatyou don’t have tobuy more than youhave to oncampus.”

How to Inspect a Property

14

Step 1: Turn on allfaucets/showerheads tomake sure the hot/coldwater works, and thatthere are no worrisomedrips.

Before signing a lease, thoroughly inspect the entire property. Below is a checklist to guide your inspection.

Step 2: Check for smokedetectors! There shouldbe at least one per floor,especially near or in thebedroom.

Step 3: Check the thermostat tomake sure the heat andair conditioning workcorrectly.

Step 4: Make sure there isadequate outdoor lightingfor your safety.

Step 5: Make sure windows arenot painted shut, andmake sure bedroomwindows are largeenough to crawl throughin case of emergency.

Step 6: Check walls and floors formoisture damage ormold.

Step 7: Make sure exterior doorshave functioning locks.

Step 8: Check all appliances tomake sure they work.

Step 9: Speak to the currenttenants to see what typeof issues theyencountered.

PRO TIP

If you see any issues or necessaryupdates, discuss each item with thelandlord or property manager. If theyagree to fix these items, make sure toput it in writing in the lease. You canalso ask for a sample lease to takehome and look over prior to signing.

Understanding Your Lease

15

Although not all landlords have the same policies,renting requirements in the Birmingham area are

typically consistent.

Security Deposit (n.) A required, yet refundable, payment to a landlord in order to ensure that the rentalproperty is not damaged and that all rent is paid during the lease term. A securitydeposit is typically equivalent to one month's rent.

Lease (n.) A legally binding contract by which one party (typically the landlord) provides propertyto another (typically the tenant) for a specified term, in return for a periodic payment(usually monthly).

Be aware that an application fee may be applicable. This tends to rangefrom $30-$75 per person. Be aware that your landlord will most likely check your credit report.Confirm the length of your lease. Apartments that offer short-term leasescan be found on our off-campus housing website. It is not uncommon for landlords to require a co-signer.Make sure all of the tenants and co-signers sign the lease at the sametime.Keep a personal copy of the signed lease.

Co-signer (n.) A person who signs an official document (such as a loan, contract, or law) withanother person.

For more information on understanding your lease, a copy of the AlabamaTenants' Handbook can be found on our website.

Sublet (v.) A vacant apartment or house where a renter has already signed a lease and is nowrenting to another individual.

Living Off Campus

Moving In

17

Moving into a new place can be very exciting with a different place tolive and a sense of freedom, but it also comes with a new set of

responsibilities. Here are some tips for moving into your new home.

ScheduleSchedule a date to meet with your

landlord prior to move-in. This is theperfect time to have a final walk-throughof the property and pick up your keys.

Plan for Move-In DayArrange move-in day plans. This could be

reserving a moving truck or enlistingfriends and family to help you move

boxes. Maybe even establish a system tohelp you keep up with your packing (likelabeling boxes with a description of the

items inside).

Set Up UtilitiesSet up utilities. This step helps

ensure that your home will haverunning water, heat and air

conditioning, internet, and othernecessities before your first night.

Plan for ParkingBuy parking permit(s). Check with your

landlord about on-site parking passes. Manylarger apartment complexes require passes toaccess resident lots and decks. If you plan topark in UAB's on-campus commuter lots ordecks, you will need to purchase a parking

permit at uab.edu/transportation.

Buy InsuranceBuy renters insurance. While this is a step

that many college students skip, it isdefinitely a must-have before move-in

day. It is typically very inexpensive withthe benefits outweighing the cost.

PRO TIPCar insurance companies often

offer a bundle discount if you addrenters insurance to your plan.

“Always get to campus at least 15minutes earlier on Tuesdays andThursdays since it's harder to find

parking, and try to get involvedaround campus to stay connected.”Saif Alam

Computer ScienceOff-Campus Student Council

Your Rights and Responsibilities

18

Did you know that Alabama regulates the relationships betweenlandlords and tenants? An outline of the Alabama Landlord-Tenants

Law can be found on our website, but some of the obligations arelisted below.

Landlord Obligations:

Tenant Obligations: Comply with all applicable building, housing,

and health and safety codes Provide 2 days' notice prior to entering theunit (unless there is an emergency)Allow tenant to file complaints about unsafeliving conditions, without retaliationKeep common areas safe and cleanMake repairs to keep your place safe andlivableCannot enforce new rules that affect thecurrent term of your lease

Pay rent on time, with late feeapplicableDispose of garbage correctlyTell your landlord if you plan to be gonefor 2 weeks or longerDo not disturb your neighborsBe respectful of the landlord's propertyBe aware that unlawful actions of yourguests can reflect on you to yourlandlord

Protecting your security deposit... Take pictures and videos of the entire property priorto moving in furniture Document everything from floor to ceilingMake a list of all repairs in writing and keep a copyfor your records

Your security deposit is refundable within 35 days,as long as:

You are up-to-date on rentThe property is returned in the same condition as it was receivedYou have provided a forwarding address

Check placesthoroughly beforesigning the lease,find responsibleand trustworthyroommates, getalong with theneighbors, and

enjoy your life atUAB.

Phuong QuachMaster of Public Health


Moving Out

"Always keep a rain jacket andphone charger in your car to

avoid getting soaked anddriving home without your

favorite playlist."Dalton ScottNursing

Off-Campus Student Council 19

Re-read your lease. Check for the deadline of when you need to notify yourlandlord, in writing, of your intent to renew the lease or move out. You mustprovide your forwarding address to your landlord for the security deposit to bereturned.

Make sure you pay last month's rent. You cannot substitute last month's rentwith the already-paid security deposit.

Clean thoroughly: remove nails, tacks and tape, clean out applicances, andreplace burned out light bulbs.

Document the condition of the property. Once your move out process has beencompleted, take pictures and videos of all the areas. This is also a good time toschedule a walk through with your landlord.

Arrange garbage or donation pick-up for large items. Local thrift stores offerfree donation pick-up for large items.

Cancel or transfer your utility accounts. Call your utility providers directly toschedule a day to discontinue your services. Remember that your accountmust be paid in full before you can cancel.

Make sure you don't forget to do these important things beforemoving out!

Commuting Information

20

Traveling to and from campus can be stressful, but we've compiled some resources that can help.

If you plan to park a car on campus, UAB requires the purchase of a Lot 15 or a zone parking pass. A Lot15 pass gives you access to various commuter lots and a zone parking pass gives you access to specificon-campus zone parking. Visit uab.edu/transportation for a detailed list of parking options and to purchasepermits. Your parking pass comes with a detailed parking map. Taking the Blazer Express from various lots can also be a quick and easy way to find parking. Downloadthe Transloc app to track the Blazer Express in real time.

CommuteSmart: Did you know you can get paid for carpooling, walking, or biking to campus? Read moreabout getting paid for sustainable commuting options through CommuteSmart at uab.edu/sustainability.

Students receive a free helmet and U-lock with bike registration, available for pickup at the UABTransportation office. Registration can be completed online (permit stickers will be mailed), in person atUAB Transportation, or at one of the many tabling events throughout the year. While UAB doesn't have abike permitting requirement, registration is easy and free! Registering and personalizing your bike alsoconnects you as the owner of your bike, which is important in case of theft or if your bike is deemedabandoned.

“It never hurts to allot yourselfmore time before leaving

because you never know whatthings may slow you down and

make you late!”Virginia HartleyManagement


“Pack the night before for thenext day, and always leave

early for classes or carpool ifyou can!”Faith Turner

Biomedical SciencesOff-Campus Student Council

Safety Resources

Contact List

22

In any situation, it is important to assess before you react.These tips and numbers can help, but remember to always

call 911 in an emergency.

If you do call 911 or an emergency number, be prepared to answer thefollowing questions: -What is your location? -What is the problem or incident? -What is the state of the victim? -If you are calling on a cellphone, be prepared to give your phone number asa call-back number.

When to call 911: -In case of fire -When in immediate danger -When the transport of someone could cause their health to rapidly decline -Unconsciousness or major injury

When to not call 911: -Minor injuries or ailments -Noise complaints or minor disagreements -To ask a question of the police or fire department -A power outage

Birmingham Police (non emergency) Birmingham Fire (non emergency) Student Health and Wellness Student Outreach Crisis Line

(205) 328-9311 (205) 250-7540 (205) 934-3580 (205) 975-9509

Text START to 741-741 Call: 1-800-273-8255

Home Safety

23

Leaving for a Break

Fire Safety

Keep your heat at 65° F or above to prevent your pipes fromfreezing during cold months. Contact the post office to hold/forward your mail. Lock your doors and windows.Secure your valuables, including TVs.Unplug electrical extensions, including small kitchenappliances, like toasters.Ask a friend or neighbor to keep an eye on your home.Wait until after you return from vacation to post photos tosocial media. You don't want people to know your home isvacant.

If fire breaks out, get out and stay out-Call 911!Maintain at least one smoke alarm and carbon monoxidedetector on each floor of your home. Test them once amonth!Always pre-plan at least 2 ways out of a room.Keep items at least three feet from heat sources.Don't grill on a porch or within 20 feet of a building.Keep a working fire extinguisher near your kitchen andknow how to use it.Do not overload electrical outlets.

"Always be prepared. I have all myclass materials with me in my car atall times, as well as a change ofclothes and a spare set of makeup touse. No matter what happens –you’re always prepared for anything!"Abby Thompson

Business ManagementOff-Campus Student Council

Personal Safety

24

General Safety TipsIf you see something, say something-Call 911 for emergencies and(205) 328-9311 for non-emergencies.Do not open your doors to strangers-if you have scheduled a utilitycompany appointment, ask to see ID badges before entry.Always keep doors and windows locked, even when you are home. UAB also has both the CARE team and the Behavioral ThreatAssessment and Management Team. If you think someone youknow is in need of help, you do not have to handle it alone. Visituab.edu/students/outreach for more information.

Personal Safety TipsWalk in well-lit areas and avoid alleys.Locate the green HELP call boxes on your route.Never leave valuables in your car.Register for B-Alert to stay updated onemergencies that affect campus atuab.edu/balert.

Personal Safety ResourcesUAB offers That Don't Fly bystander intervention trainingon campus. This training is one of the most effectivestrategies to prevent interpersonal violence on campus.They are designed to empower participants to safelyintervene in risky situations and say that interpersonalviolence doesn't fly here at UAB!Utilize UAB's Safety Escort Services; request a safe rideby calling (205) 934-8772.Utilize the Rave Guardian Campus Safety app. This freeapp is used to indicate your location, your destination, andyour estimated arrival time to your personally selectedsafety network as well as UAB Police in case ofemergency.

Resources-Student Affairs

25

Campus Dining (205) 996-6565 [email protected] uab.edu/students/dining Campus Recreation (205) 934-8224 [email protected] uab.edu/campusrecreation Career Center (205) 934-4324 HSC 307 [email protected] uab.edu/students/cpd Disability Support Services (205) 934-4205 (voice) (205) 934-4248 (TDD) HSC 409 [email protected] uab.edu/students/disability Fraternity and Sorority Life (205) 934-8020 HSC 230 [email protected] uab.edu/students/involvement Hill Student Center (205) 934-8000 [email protected] uab.edu/students/studentcenter Marketing & Communications (205) 934-8377 HSC 407 [email protected] uab.edu/studentaffairs/marketing

Off-Campus Student Services (205) 996-1580 HSC 140 [email protected] uab.edu/students/offcampus Parent & Family Services (205) 975-0684 HSC 140 [email protected] uab.edu/studentaffairs/families Student Conduct (205) 996-1512 HSC 303 [email protected] uab.edu/students/conduct Student Counseling Services (205) 934-5816 [email protected] uab.edu/students/counseling Student Health Services (205) 934-3580 [email protected] uab.edu/students/health Student Housing & Residence Life (205) 996-0400 [email protected] uab.edu/students/housing Student Involvement andLeadership (205) 934-8020 HSC 230 [email protected]/students/involvement

Student Media (205) 934-3354 HSC 130 [email protected] uab.edu/studentmedia Student Multicultural &Diversity Programs (205) 975-8673 HSC 311 [email protected] uab.edu/students/diversity Student Outreach (205) 975-9509 HSC 303 [email protected] uab.edu/students/outreach Title IX (205) 996-1340 HSC 405 [email protected] uab.edu/titleix Veterans Services (205) 934-8804 HSC 313 [email protected] uab.edu/students/veterans Wellness Promotion (205) 996-0834 [email protected] uab.edu/students/wellness

Additional Resources

26

Academic Advising [email protected] uab.edu/advising Birmingham Police and Fire Rescue Emergency: 911 Non-Emergency: (205) 328-9311 Fire Prevention: (205) 250-7540 police.birminghamal.gov One Stop Student Services (205) 934-4300 HSC 103 [email protected] uab.edu/students/onestop UAB Libraries (205) 975-4821 (Lister Hill) (205) 934-6364 (Mervyn Sterne) library.uab.edu

UAB Police Emergency Line: (205) 934-3535 Non-emergency: (205) 934-4434 1117 14th Street South uab.edu/police UAB Transportation (205) 934-3513 (Main Office) (205) 934-8772 (Safety Escort) uab.edu/transportation Vulcan Materials Academic Success Center(VMASC) (205) 934-8184 Education Building 240 [email protected] uab.edu/students/academics/student-success

B-AlertRegistering for B-Alert will make sure you geta text, call, and/or email during emergencies-

including severe weather. B-Alert or the severeweather hotline can help you avoid getting tocampus and realizing everything is closed.

Register for B-Alert at uab.edu/balert UAB Severe Weather & Emergency

Hotline: (205) 934-2165

Off-Campus Student Services | University of Alabama at Birmingham

Documents

Off-Campus Student Guide - UAB › students › offcampus › images › DOCUMENTS … · Finding Off-Campus Housing ... This Off-Campus Living Guide outlines the steps and resources