You asked:

I’m living in an off-campus apartment instead of a dorm this year. Got any tips for adjusting to the change?

You’re right to expect a major lifestyle change. Living in an off-campus apartment is bound to be different from living in a dorm. (You’ll lose the RA factor, among other things.) Here are a few tips for a smooth transition:

• Make an effort to meet people. First, get familiar with your landlord or superintendent in case you have issues that need to be addressed. Next, introduce yourself to the people who live beside, above and below you. That way, if any situations arise, you’ll feel more comfortable approaching them, and they’ll be more likely to compromise. Bonus: You’ll have some friendly faces in your new hood.

• Be mindful of your noise level. Remember that you’re not just around college students anymore. Many of the people in your apartment may have families and lifestyles that require more peace and quiet.

• Don’t leave laundry unattended for too long. If you’ll be using a public laundry facility, realize that unattended clothes may not make it back to your apartment: Laundry etiquette at public facilities isn’t quite the same as it is at most dorms, where students tend to simply move your laundry left in a washer or dryer. Off campus, people may be more likely to remove your clothes if left for an extended period.

• Purchase basic cleaning supplies. Chances are, if you lived in a dorm with a common bathroom, a cleaning person came by a few times a week. Things change once you move into your own apartment. You’ll no longer have this service, so you’ll need keep your bathroom, kitchen and other living spaces clean to avoid problems like bugs and mold.

• Ask your neighbors about trash days. Where and when do you need to put your trash out for collection? Also, do your apartment facilities recycle? You may need to find out where your nearest recycling center is if your complex doesn’t have a curbside program.

• Check your lease to see who’s responsible for maintenance. Keep an eye out for problems that might require repair -- leaking pipes, clogged toilets, slow drains, electrical issues and heating or air-conditioning problems. Does your landlord supply a repair person, or do you need to take matters into your own hands? You may have to hire someone or else pick up some DIY skills.

Name: Sarah Arsenoff
School: UNC Wilmington
Year: Senior
Major: Marine Biology
Her Deal: This is Sarah's third year as an R.A. for freshmen and international students. She writes for Periplus, a university newsletter for students who, like her, are in the honors scholars program.

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