Living in the Community
When you live off campus as a UMass Boston student, you’re actually part of two communities: UMass Boston, and the neighborhood in which you live. Being a good citizen of both is a major responsibility you undertake when you decide to live off campus.
As a UMass Boston student living in the community, you are a representative of UMass Boston, and, as such, your conduct reflects directly upon the University. Living off campus does not circumvent your responsibility as a member of the UMass Boston community to abide by the Code of Student Conduct. Important areas of concern include, but are not limited to: noise, parking, property, and alcohol consumption.
How to Be a Good Neighbor
One of the challenges faced by many UMass Boston students is making the transition from life at home to living on your own in a neighborhood setting. Here are some tips on how to be a good neighbor and member of your community:
- Say ‘hello’ and get to know your neighbors. Establishing communication with your neighbors makes it easier to bring up minor annoyances before they become major problem. Smile and say “hello” when you see your neighbors in the hallway, laundry room, lobby, near the mailboxes, and in front of the building. If they are receptive, introduce yourself and strike up a conversation.
- Understand and follow the local ordinances. Many neighborhoods have ordinances about parking, pets, quiet hours, trash pickup, and more. Ask your neighbors or landlord for more information.
- Keep your belongings (and your noise) in your own space. Leaving trash in common areas, or talking on your phone in the hallway late at night may be disturbing to others. Be mindful of your neighbors and respect the community.
- Observe reasonable quiet hours for noisy activities. Activities that produce a lot of noise such as vacuuming, hanging pictures, moving furniture, or listening to loud music produce sound that may travel beyond the walls of your apartment. Try to restrict these activities to daytime hours.
- Watch out for the safety of your community. If you see something suspicious, report it to the police.
- Treat your neighbors’ children with respect. Be mindful of your language and behavior around children and remember that they may follow your example.
- Keep visible areas clean and tidy. Keeping your entry-way, porches, stairs, and walkways free from clutter shows that you respect the neighborhood. Store your garbage cans and recycling bins away from the front of your house until your scheduled pick-up time.
- Your pet is not a community responsibility. If you have a pet, be aware of local leash laws and licensing requirements. Make sure your pet is up-to-date on all vaccines. Don’t walk your dog across your neighbor’s yard and always be prepared to clean up after your pet. Also be aware of any noise your pet makes while you are gone.
- Be mindful of hosting parties. Let your neighbors how ahead of time when the party will be happening so they can plan ahead. Inform your guests of any parking restrictions and local quiet regulations.
