Tag: Good Neighbors

Off Campus Living Tips- Know Your Neighborhood!

Eugene is full of great neighborhoods U of O students call home.
Eugene is full of great neighborhoods U of O students call home.

Living in off campus neighborhoods can be an enriching experience for college students by giving you an opportunity to interact with a more diverse group of neighbors. In other words, not all of your neighbors will be college students. Some are retired professionals while others are families with small children.

Eugene is filled with vibrant neighborhoods that are accessible to students, and we can help you find a great place to rent in many of these areas. Click here to see a list of properties available now, or call our office at (541) 485-7776 and we’ll be happy to help.

Here’s some info about 2 popular neighborhoods close to the U of O campus where permanent residents and renters co-exist:

The West University Neighborhood (WUN)

Approximately 75% of West University’s residents are U of O students. This charming community has lots of new construction and complexes that are coming up. Some of the popular spots that you will enjoy in the neighborhood include the Glenwood restaurant, The Duck Store, Yogurt Extreme and Starbucks. The neighborhood encompasses the area west from Kincaid Street to Willamette Street, and north from East 19th Avenue to Franklin Boulevard.

The South University Neighborhood

The South University Neighborhood consists of 60% students while the other 40% are members of the university faculty, retired folks, university staff and families with small children. Students who live in this area have a much different experience here than in other traditional off campus neighborhoods and are expected to keep quieter and follow a more traditional schedule (no late night parties, etc). Some of the popular spots include Toms Market, Safeway, Eugene City bakery and Prince Puckers Ice Cream.

Don’t forget these quick tips to help you be a better neighbor:

1. Make sure you introduce yourself to the homeowners in the area. It’s simple, but you’d be surprised how often this step is neglected! Let your new neighbors know that you care about the neighborhood and you will plan to show them the respect they deserve. You can also exchange contacts and learn about them a bit.

2. Communicate. Ask for assistance when you need it and discuss your concerns with neighbors before they escalate.

3. Keep the noise down. You should try and keep your conversation or music that you are listening to low in your room. The neighbors have the right to call the police in case you are too noisy, you should respect them and their rights.

4. Park your cars in appropriate places. There are drive ways and parking places provided in the neighborhoods. In order to ensure you do not obstruct others, you should park your cars in those places.

5. In case of conflict you should seek help. You can contact UO conflict resolution centre at uodos.uoregon.edu or 541-346-3216 and crs.uoregon.edu, 541-346-0617.

photo credit: Don Hankins via photopin cc

Dos and Don’ts of Being a Good Neighbor in Your Apartment Community

Photo Source: Apartment Life on Facebook

It doesn’t matter if you are a first-time renter or an experienced one, one of best pieces of advice we can give to our tenants is to be considerate of your neighbors (you know- the people who live upstairs, downstairs, next door, 3 doors down, etc).

Living with multiple neighbors is a big adjustment for those new to apartment living, but it is a good policy to be on good terms with all or most residents in your apartment community. Think of it like an insurance policy. The peace of mind that comes with knowing you are surrounded by people who are there for you is priceless.

A strong network of neighbors will help make your property more secure if they are actively watching out for each other while away. Neighbors are great for watering the plants, checking the mail, removing flyers or packages left at the door that could otherwise alert potential burglars that you are away.

Good neighbors can come to the rescue when you are in a bind whether it’s something small like lending you an iron, or cup of milk for a recipe; or something major like providing assistance in the the unfortunate case of an emergency.

The stress and tension that results from bad neighbors can create a miserable apartment living experience. Nobody enjoys receiving dirty looks, snide comments, or enduring other passive aggressive and immature behavior (like blasting loud music intentionally).

To avoid this, here are some tips to help you build positive relationships with other tenants.

DO

  • Make a good first impression by introducing yourself…i.e. “Hi, I’m Becky I live just down the hall from you”.

  • Ask some basic questions, learn a little about them and share a little about yourself.

  • Acknowledge your neighbor with a smile and a quick “hello” when passing by.

  • Let your neighbor(s) know you are there should they every need help with something

  • Exchange contact information (if you are comfortable doing so).

  • Make an effort to be polite and respectful.

  • Show common courtesy.

  • Repay a neighbor who does you a favor with a small thank-you gift or note. Let them know you appreciate their favor.

  • Be willing to return the favor to a neighbor who helps you.

  • Be tolerant. Try not to take your neighbor’s actions or comments personally. Chances are they were not directed to you.

  • Watch your noise levels. You are probably being too loud if neighbors can hear your conversation or music inside their homes.

  • Clean up after a party, including debris left around property.

  • Ask for assistance when you need it; many neighbors are willing to lend a hammer or an ear.

  • Calmly and politely discuss concerns with your neighbors as soon as they arise and before they escalate into larger issues.

  • Return all borrowed items quickly and with gratitude (include a thank you note or a small gift is a nice touch).

 

DON’T

  • Feel like you have to be a social butterfly (in fact, being too friendly can come across as being a busybody, which will turn some people off).

  • Blow them off when when they say “hello” or wish you a good day.

  • Host a large party without inviting or at least talking to your neighbors.

  • Drop by every day unannounced. Having a good neighbor in your building can be great, but it doesn’t mean you have to be best friends. Unless they really are your best friend, use good judgment and respect their space and privacy.

  • Park in your neighbor’s parking space.

  • Allow your friends or visitors to park in your neighbor’s parking space.

  • Park on the sidewalk or on grass or other landscaping.

  • Assume they won’t have a problem with your loud music or conversations.

If you are having a difficulty resolving a conflict with a neighbor, Conflict Resolution Services can help open a discussion between you and your neighbors with the hope of furthering understanding and finding resolution. Conflict Resolution Services Go to studentlife.uoregon.edu and click on “Conflict Resolution Services.” 541-346-6105 or -0617