1. Your Community and Surroundings

1.1 Good Neighbour Guidelines

High numbers of our full-time undergraduates’ students live off campus, many of them in the communities surrounding the University. In addition to student housing in these communities, a variety of people live in the area: senior citizens, families with children and single professionals. Because University students constitute an important segment of the population in the surrounding area, the impact of students’ conduct in the community is of major concern.

As far as the other community members are concerned, students represent the University, even when they are off campus. We ask students to be considerate of their neighbours, especially keeping in mind that students’ schedules may differ considerably from other residents’ schedules. Also, please be aware of community issues such as noise, parking, waste management, property upkeep and alcoholic usage.

1.2 Good Neighbour Tips

When moving into a community, students must consider the needs and desired environment of those who already live there. Students are often short-term residents who move frequently and those who have chosen to live in an area long-term often feel invested in their neighbourhood and community at large. Often, interests and lifestyles of short-term and long-term residents conflict, with each party not fully understanding or investing in building a positive relationship. It is therefore important to be a goodcitizen.

Being a citizen and being a good citizen are far from the same thing: a good citizen and exhibiting signs of good citizenship are far more removed from the legal distinction of being a citizen in a society. A student must then strive for the following:

1.2.1 Community Involvement

Communities are vital to cultures and a country’s proper functioning of governance. Regardless of how modern communities function, as a student you should promote good citizenship in the communities in which you reside, resulting in evidence, local ties and bringing people together in both good and bad times. This action exhibits signs of good citizenship.

1.2.2 Volunteering

People and students who volunteer exhibit signs of good citizenship. Thereare many different ways of volunteering, taking reference from students involved in RAG and Give foundations. Volunteers are good citizens for the simple reason that they give back to the community without taking anything away.

Therefore good citizenship should be evident in everything you do and say. You, as student, should strive to be good citizens in your words and actions – smiling at people in the street and thanking the shopkeeper as he or she hands you your change are examples of how you can be better citizens. Above all, good citizenship is about putting the needs of the community and the needs of others above your own preferences. In summary, these are some starting points on how to be a good citizen:

• Participate in positive activities to make your institution, your community and the world a better place.
• Take responsibility for what goes on around you.
• Participate in community service.
• Help take care of the environment.
• Be a good neighbour.
• Treat every person with respect and dignity.

Follow the rules of your landlord, your institution and your society.

2. Relationship-Building Techniques

Show an interest in your neighbours. Make an effort to meet them and learn their names. Greet your neighbours. Find out what is important to them: learn about their families, interests and needs. Ask your neighbour for help when you need it. Likewise, be receptive to their requests for help. Strive to be an approachable and friendly person.

3. Investing in your Community

Keep your apartment, home, and property clean at all times. Trash attracts bugs and/or animals and detracts from the appearance of the community. Your neighbours have chosen this community as their home and take pride in. Keep parked cars to a minimum and be aware of the ability of others to get in and out of their driveways without their view being obstructed. Cars should be parked in the street or in your driveway – not on the lawn. Watch your noise levels. Families with children need a quiet environment in order to keep to bedtime routines. Loud music or cars, shouting individuals or increased traffic will disrupt your neighbours.

Take responsibility for your guests. Instruct them on the need for respect of your neighbour’s property and desired environment. Get involved with your block or neighbourhood association. Be an active part of the decision-making in your community.

4. Parties and Noise

One of the biggest issues that the community members have is partying and/or noise. It is usually a neighbour who calls when a party gets too loud, moves outside or becomes too crowded.

Here are some suggestions if you are planning a social event:

• Talk to your neighbours and landlord (KPA) before planning a party. Give out your phone number so they can call you if it gets too loud.
• Do not allow outsiders on the premises and limit guests to the minimum, if you invite guests you need permission form your agent/KPA.
• Make sure anyone consuming alcohol is 18 and older.
• From time to time, go outside and check on the noise level.
• Discourage guests from wandering around your home or neighbourhood.
• Clean up any mess from your party as soon as possible.
• Keep all gates locked, as uninvited or unwanted guests might make their appearance.

4.1 Prohibited Conduct

Any misconduct committed off campus is subject to disciplinary action.

5. Before You Rent

Questions to Consider

Always inspect the property before signing a lease or make any commitments

5.1 What kind of rental unit do you want to live in?

• Apartment complex (a one, two or three-bedroom apartment);
• Converted apartment in private home;
• Room in private home;
• Entire house.

5.2 What are your transportation needs?

• Walking distance;
• On a bus route or taxi route;
• Close to work or shopping;
• Parking.

5.3 What are your privacy needs?

• Private bedroom;
• Share a room;
• Share a bathroom.

5.4 What can you afford?

• One-bedroom apartments tend to be the most expensive.
• The closer the rental to campus, the more expensive the rent is likely to be.
• Calculate transportation costs when determining a budget.

5.5 What about furniture?

Most student accommodation with KPA has the necessary furniture such as:

• Bed; make sure if KPA will provide you with a mattress
• Desk;
• Chair;
• Fridge
• Microwave (in some accommodations).
• Stove
• Washing machine

5.6 What are your security requirements?

• What times are your classes (day/night)?
• Is the route you have to walk between campus and your commune safe?
• Is there a fence?
• Is there security gates?
• Is there burglar bars?