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Got Housing?. A joint presentation of: Off-Campus Life AND The Office Of Residence Life. Goals:. To help you decide which living opportunity most interests you!
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Got Housing? A joint presentation of: Off-Campus Life AND The Office Of Residence Life
Goals: • To help you decide which living opportunity most interests you! • To present some options about housing at JMU so you can have a back-up plan in case your first choice for living is unavailable • To prepare you to take the necessary steps to find a place to live for next year
On vs. Off Campus! • ON • Utilities, cable, internet included • Close to classes, meetings, food, UREC, on-campus jobs, etc. • Housekeeping service • Close relationships with peers • Convenient bus service • Theme housing opportunities • Opportunity for room changes • Campus Police provide another level of security • OFF • Independence • Not on campus 100% of the time • Your own room • Can stay over breaks • Private bathrooms • Kitchen • Can live with opposite sex • More options (duplex, house, apartment, etc.) • Apartments may commit earlier than ORL • Some places allow pets
Cost Considerations: • Rent • Length of Lease • Food • Utilities • Cable • Internet • Phone • Household Expenses • Parking
In a perfect world… All students would live on campus for the first two years of their college experience Research shows that students who live on are: • More likely to graduate • More satisfied with their overall college experience • More interactive with faculty • More involved with campus activities and social issues (Astin, 1992: Blimling, 2003)
The Reality • Due to our growing numbers, we can’t guarantee on-campus housing for all students who apply. • Over 900 First Year students completed a 2nd Year Contract during Summer 2009. This further limits the number of contract offers that can be made this fall. • While you should be prepared for the possibility of getting waitlisted we strongly encourage you to apply for housing. We are committed to housing as many continuing students as possible! • For the current year we were eventually able to offer contracts to all rising sophomores who applied.
The On-Campus Process • In order to allow you to better compare your future housing options we have moved the on-campus process up to the start of the fall semester. • You will be able to submit your application for housing on October 5. • You will know your contract status by Oct 20. • If you are offered a contract by October 20, you are guaranteed a space on campus for 2010-2011as long as you sign your contract.
Defining Some Terms • Housing Request • Housing Contract • Waitlist • Room Selection • Priority Number • Voucher • Proxy • Theme Housing
How does the waitlist work? A certain number of beds are set aside for incoming first-year students. The remaining beds are offered in the following priority order: • Current on-campus, first year freshmen • Current upperclass, on-campus students • Newly admitted transfer students • Students currently living off-campus
How do I get off the waitlist? • Contracts are offered to those on the waitlist as space becomes available • Students offered a contract may decline or fail to return signed contract by deadline • Students with a contract can request a release • Students with a contract may transfer or withdraw from JMU
Room Selection • Students who receive a contract prior to the first week of February will take part in room selection • Students who receive a contract after this date will be assigned a space over the summer
Choosing Your Room: • When, where? • Can I live with my friend? • Talk it out • But I can’t make my appointment!
What Exactly Does OCL Do? • Off Campus Life (OCL) strives to educate, inform, and help ease JMU students transition to living off campus.
Services Offered • Utility Deposit Assistance Program (UDAP) • Housing Guide • Conflict Resolution • Roommate Mixer • Housing Fair • Lease Review
Choosing Where to Live… • What kind of place do you want to live in? • How much can you afford? • What kind of lifestyle do you lead?
THE LEASE • Don’t rush! • Types of Leases: Individual vs. Group • Lease Review • Make copies of the lease!
The Sublease • Why sublease? • Resources • It’s your name on the lease!
Rental Security Deposits • Create damage checklist • Take pictures • Be present at the walkthrough
UDAP Stands for… • U Don’t Always Pay • Understanding Deposits Ain’t Pretty • Utility Deposit Assistance Program • Utility Deposits Are Pricey! Correct Answer? C!
The UDAP Agreement • $35 Annual contract • Protects your credit! • Waives the hefty security deposits! • For more information visit: • http://udap.jmu.edu/ • Must sign up on ecampus • Requirements • Full-time degree seeking student • No JMU financial holds • Must be living off campus ***NOT ALL STUDENTS NEED A UDAP***
UTILITIESa.k.a “Are you tryin’ to heat the outside???” • Consider the utility costs before renting! • Find out what utilities are included • Purchase a UDAP before contacting utility companies • Contact non-UDAP utilities if you need them (cable, internet)
Other things to consider… • Safety • Life after meal plans • Commuting
Other things to consider contd. • Carpool & Commuting • Why pay for 2 parking spots? • Save gas, money, & road rage • Help the environment • Search/Post to find others • Off Campus Life Message Board
Other things to consider • Stay out of trouble • Alcohol • “Students found responsible for three alcohol violations may be suspended.”
Other things to consider • “Students found responsible for two ‘supplying to minors’ violation may be suspended.” • Stay out of trouble • Be Safe! • Got Questions? Contact Judicial Service: (540) 568-6218; http://www.jmu.edu/judicial
Other things to consider • Be proactive about your own safety • 1. Securing a place to live • 2. Environment on campus • 3. Environment off campus • 4. Concerning your health
Other things to consider • You may be aware but it is important to note the impact of: • HINI virus – flu illness (Swine flu) • The virus is similar to seasonal flu • Signs and symptoms • 1. Fever and chills • 2. Cough • 3. Sore throat
Other things to consider • Signs and Symptoms contd. • 4. Runny or stuffy nose • 5. Body aches • 6. Headache • 7. Fatigue • 8. Diarrhea, Vomiting • 9. A Higher Fever (than that of a common cold)
Other things to consider • Prevention (May seem elementary but important) • 1. Wash your hands with soap and water frequently • 2. Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve rather than your hands
Other things to consider • Prevention contd. • 3. Do not share food, drink, or utensils • 4. Avoid contact with ill persons • Be Safe! • Got Questions? Contact JMU Health Center: (540) 568-6178; http://www.jmu.edu/healthctr
Choosing a Roommate • Roommate Mixer • Roommate Agreement • Must be signed • Consider utilities, chores, parties, guest rules, etc. • Examine your lifestyle before choosing a roommate • Cleanliness, habits, social and academic goals, etc.
Conflict Resolution • Conflicts sometimes occur between roommates or between tenants and landlords • A third party is often helpful to resolve conflict
Final Thoughts… • ORL publicity begins in Sept. • Contract request is NOT a commitment • Signing your contract is a commitment just like a lease. • If considering off campus, stop by OCL today! • Don’t be pressured into signing…come talk to OCL first
Goals: • To help you decide which living opportunity most interests you! • To present some options about housing at JMU so you can have a back-up plan in case your first choice for living is unavailable • To prepare you to take the necessary steps to find a place to live for next year
Any Questions??? OCL The FestivalSecond Floor Room 2107 East Campus (540) 568-6071AIM: Ask OCLocl@jmu.eduwww.jmu.edu/ocl ORL Huffman Hall Room A101 (540) 568-4663 res-life@jmu.edu www.jmu.edu/orl