Off-campus & Commuter Student Information / Student Involvement and Leadership

Off Campus Resources and Tips

Click on the following links or scroll down the page:
Helpful Tips
Important phone numbers
Finding a Place to Live

Helpful tips, resources, and phone numbers for Off-Campus Life.
Is there something you need that isn't listed here? Contact the Student Involvement and Leadership office (535-7195).

Helpful Tips

Know your Rights
Stop by Student Involvement and Leadership to pick up information about the Washington State Landlord/Tenant Law. Or, visit the Attorney General's website. http://www.wa.gov/ago/consumer/lt/
Know what Questions to Ask a Potential Landlord
The office of Residential Life has put together this list of questions to help you know what to ask a potential landlord. Asking the right questions now, will save you a lot of work in the future!
Read and Understand your Lease
Your lease sets the terms and expectations for you as a tenant. Be sure to read EVERYTHING before you sign and keep a copy. Your lease will state important information regarding payment, return of deposits, terms for notice to vacate, and special provisions determined by the landlord (i.e. pet policy, yard work responsibility, etc.). Before you sign a lease with a group, be sure to discuss a process for house accounting and set expectations for living together (chores, having guests over, etc.).
Maintain a Professional Relationship with your Landlord
Your landlord is the one you will turn to if your water heater breaks or there is a leak in your ceiling. As with any business relationship you want to establish communication based on mutual respect. Document all communication with your landlord. Keep a record of phone calls you make and any letter you send.
Meet your Neighbors
Invite them to a PLU event or make them cookies. Making the effort to get to know your neighbors early on has a number of benefits: you will feel more comfortable in the event of an emergency or even just asking them to look out for your house during break. In the event of too much noise or some other distraction, your neighbors will be more likely to bring the issue up with you rather than immediately calling the police.
House Accounting and Organization Ideas
Living off campus means paying bills-rent, utilities, gas, phone, cable, etc. It is important to stay organized and to keep on top of bill payments. Paying your bills on time with help you establish a positive credit history; for this purpose, it is a wise decision to have each resident responsible for setting up a service. You may want to consider setting up a central house account for paying bills or appointing a house "treasurer."
Keep copies of your bills, lease, correspondence with landlords in a central location for easy access, should someone be home alone when a water pipe bursts or the cable goes out-they will have easy access to phone numbers and a quick reference for when your bill was last paid.
Stay Connected to Campus
It takes a little more effort to keep up to date with campus goings on when you live off campus, but it is a worthwhile effort. Update your address with Student Services. A quick way to stay informed is to stop by the UC or ADMN and read a copy of the Daily Flyer. Another way is to make sure you subscribe to Campus Voice http://www.plu.edu/campusvoice/current/.
Be a Smart Host
Increased independence is one of the reasons students choose to live off campus. It is important to remember that even when you are off-campus, you are subject to the PLU conduct policy and may be referred to the PLU conduct system. While most off-campus parties have no negative effects on neighbors or guests, certain situations can jeopardize someone's well being or safety.
Plan ahead and ensure the safety of guests and yourself:
Keep your party to a manageable number and keep people indoors if possible.
Call the Pierce County Sheriff (798-4721) if party crashers appear. If you live close enough to campus, you can call Campus Safety to utilize the off duty Sheriff.
Do not allow anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs to drive away! You could be liable in the event of injury.
Inform your neighbors that you are planning a party and encourage them to let you know if it is getting too loud before they are forced to contact the police.
Don't jeopardize your future! Individuals who supply liquor to minors, minors who possess or consume alcohol, and anyone publicly consuming alcohol may be cited, fined, prosecuted, or arrested. If you are in a teaching certification program, being charged with serving alcohol to minors will jeopardize future employment opportunities.

Important Phone Numbers

Emergency/Health/Safety Phone Numbers for Off Campus

Campus Safety	535-7441 (non-emergency)
Emergency	911
Good Samaritan Hospital-Puyallup	848-6661
Crisis Line	798-4333 or 800-576-7764
Domestic Violence Hotline-State of Washington	800-562-6025
Pierce County Sheriff	798-4721
PLU Health Center	535-7337
Poison Center	800-732-6985
Sexual Assault Center of Pierce County	474-7273
St. Clare Hospital-Lakewood	588-1711
Tacoma City Police	591-5737
Tacoma General Hospital	403-1000
Washington State Patrol	536-6210

Living off campus means you will have to pay for utilities, cable, telephone, and water. Here are some phone numbers to get you started.

Parkland Light and Water	253-531-5666
Gas Company	Gas Company
Telephone services-Qwest	800-244-1111
Comcast Cable	800-COMCAST
Tacoma Power and Utilities

On Campus Contacts
The Student Involvement and Leadership office are available to assist and support off campus students.

Student Involvement and Leadership (Main Desk)	535-7195
Student Involvement and Leadership (Intern Desk)	535-7480
Diversity Center	535-8750

Finding a Place to Live

Most students find an off-campus house through word of mouth, but there are other options. The Residential Life office has a binder containing information about available rentals. You may also check the general posting bulletin boards which often have information available about renting rooms off campus.

Student Involvement and Leadership