NO MATTER YOUR HABITAT, ALWAYS A WILDCAT!
OFF-CAMPUS STUDENT SERVICES (OCSS) serves and supports off-campus and commuter students at the Providence Campus in their academic and personal development. OCSS provides advocacy, assistance and services for students who commute to and from the Downcity and Harborside campuses. Whether a student needs to find a resource on campus, help with navigating off-campus living or guidance any time from orientation to graduation, OCSS is the first point of contact for off-campus and commuting students.
OCSS is located in the commuter lounge called The Den on the ground level of the Downcity Garage (35 Richmond Street)
Contact us at ocss@jwu.edu or 401-598-4595
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Where You Can Hang:
- Downcity: The Den, The Lounge
- Harborside: Wildcat Center, CCCE, HAC and Friedman Center
Welcome to The Pack! Even though commuters may live in different cities, towns, and states, we are our own community.
Remember No Matter Your Habitat, Always a Wildcat!
As a new member of The Pack, you are now part of a special group who have taken the Pack Pledge and strive for excellence.
Meet the Pack Leaders!
Pack Leaders are peer mentors to our first-year students. These student leaders welcome new commuter students and help them to make connections and acclimate to the university. Pack Leaders encourage student involvement, provide support and promote resources to assist commuters in reaching their academic and personal goals.
New commuter students are assigned a Pack Leader who will reach out and connect with you during the summer and throughout your first year at JWU. We encourage you to reach out to your Pack Leader as well with questions, for advice or guidance or to just grab a coffee and chat.
If you are not sure who your Pack Leader is or would like be connected with one, email us.
Check out the Pack Leaders videos to learn more about them and hear their advice for making your first year a success.
Want to live off campus next term, but not sure where to begin? Use these resources to help you in your search, from rental basics and budget planning to understanding your rights and responsibilities as a renter, and essential services for setting up your new place. Also, view the Off-Campus Housing Search video for tips, advice and things you should know beforehand.
Before Moving Off-Campus
Things to Consider:
- Living Off Campus Basics
- Moving to RI
Off-Campus Housing Search Video
If you need assistance or have questions, please contact Off-Campus Student Services at 401-598-4595 or email us at OCSS@jwu.edu.
Determine Your Budget
Before you start your apartment search, you want to establish a realistic budget that takes into account the following factors:
- Maximum monthly rent you can afford
- Ballpark utility costs: gas/water/electric
- Weekly food costs
- Parking/transportation expenses
- Average entertainment expenses
You’ll also want to think about:
- Do you need a furnished or unfurnished apartment
- What neighborhoods are closest to campus?
- Which ones can you reasonably afford?
- Will you need to pay first, last and security up front?
Once you establish a budget, it’s important that you stick with it. Be smart about savings. Utilize the online resources in iGrad to help you be financially responsible.
Renter’s Insurance
Do you know if you’re already insured? Your parents’/guardians’ homeowners policy might include coverage on personal property away from home.
Call your insurance company to verify what would be covered in case of flood, fire, or theft, before you move into your apartment.
Not covered? Check with your primary insurance carrier.
SEARCH
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER REGARDING OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING AND RENTALS:
The listings on this webpage are offered as a courtesy to aid the Johnson & Wales University (JWU) community members in their search for off-campus living arrangements. JWU makes no endorsement and undertakes no inspections of, and assumes no responsibility for, the listed rental properties or landlords. JWU makes no representations or warranties regarding the fitness, condition, fitness, safety, or suitability of the properties listed (which it has not investigated or attempted to confirm), nor does it guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided (which it also has not investigated or attempted to confirm). JWU is not responsible for any liability or damage arising from the use of the information contained on this webpage and expressly disclaims any and all responsibility for any liability or damages associated therewith. JWU is not a party to any contractual or other legal relationship regarding housing arrangements made between students/faculty/staff and landlords and is not responsible for any lease or terms/conditions negotiated between or among the parties thereto. No information provided here or elsewhere creates a legal relationship between JWU and any students/faculty/staff or individual landlords regarding housing or any other matters unless such matters have been approved in writing by an authorized offer or representative of JWU. Any information provided does not constitute legal or financial advice; if you have a legal or financial question, you should seek the advice of legal counsel or a financial professional.
Rental Sites
Below is a short list of rental sites to help get you started with the apartment search:
Short Term Rentals
The following hotels and rental sites offer short-term rentals options (3 months or less)
Neighborhood
In addition to finding the right apartment, it is equally important to ensure you are living in a safe neighborhood. Do your research using the crime statistics websites provided
Once You Find an Apartment …
Once you find an apartment that interests you, make sure to connect with the property realtor or landlord and schedule a tour of the apartment.
During your tour it is important to take note of the condition of the apartment. When seeing an apartment for the first (or second) time, you want to thoroughly check locks, appliances, outlets, etc.
Bring these documents with you on every visit:
That way, you’ve got all the info you need when it’s time to make a decision.
Rental Listing Scams
Unfortunately rental listing scams are real and you will need to be vigilant throughout the apartment search process and beyond.
Below are a few sites to reference. Pay attention to the signs and red flags that could indicate a potential scam. In addition, beware of sites that promote themselves as being affiliated with Johnson & Wales University. Please notify Off-Campus Student Services as soon as possible.
Roommates
The more roommates you have, the lower your share of the rent. But maintaining quality of life is equally important. Think realistically about how many people you are willing to live with, then factor that number into your budget.
Looking for a roommate?
Go to the Off-Campus Student Services Group in jwuLink and post a comment to let other students know you are searching for a roommate(s) or to review requests for roommates. Not a member yet? Log onto jwuLink>Discover>search Off-Campus Student Services-Providence Campus>select JOIN GROUP. Once you have joined the group, you can begin your search. It’s that simple.
Find out if you and your potential roommate(s) might be a good match:
Roommate Compatability Worksheet
Once you find that perfect apartment, your landlord will probably want you to sign a lease. BEFORE you sign anything, familiarize yourself with your rights as a tenant, as well as how to protect yourself from liability.
Understand Your Rights BEFORE You Sign
A lease is a legally binding contract, and the terms of the lease are agreed upon before move-in. The RI Landlord-Tenant Handbook outlines the various types of lease agreements (written vs. month-to-month), as well as the rights and responsibilities of the landlord and tenant as defined by law.
Both parties should realize that a failure to fulfill any or all responsibilities may lead to a liability to the other party. If you are one of a group of tenants occupying the same unit, check the wording of your lease carefully to determine whether or not you alone can be held responsible for the actions of one or more of your roommates.
Only sign the lease after fully reviewing and understanding the clauses in the lease. It is recommended that you have another adult such as, a family member review the lease as well.
The following fees and deposits may be required when signing the lease:
- First month’s rent
- Last month’s rent
- Security deposit
In R.I. the security deposit cannot exceed the amount of the first month’s rent.
Visit Your Rights as a Tenant for more information
Apartment Condition and Repairs
Prior to signing a lease, make a careful inspection of the apartment, ideally with the landlord or his agent present.
The City of Providence has a Building Inspectors Department and a Division of Code Enforcement, which orders corrections of defects and sets a time limit in which defects must be rectified. In general, however, an apartment is being rented “as is” with all existing faults, and the rule of caveat emptor (let the buyer beware) holds true.
Generally, unless there is a written agreement or promise (covenant) obligating the landlord to repair the premises, he or she is not bound to do so. If the landlord does not agree, in writing, to make repairs by a certain date, you might want to reconsider renting the apartment.
Living off campus doesn’t just mean paying rent. You’ll need to set up electric, heat, cable and internet service — and that’s just for starters:
Utilities
Gas, Electric, Water & Sewer
Your one stop for major RI utilities is The Public Utilities Commission
Trash Pickup & Recycling
Your landlord must provide each apartment unit with:
- One blue bin: For glass, plastic and aluminum
- One green bin: For magazines and newspapers
Your recycling bins must be put out with your trash in order for your recycling to be picked up. Have questions? Consult:
Parking
Parking rules are posted on signs along the streets where you can park. Rules can differ from street to street so be sure to take notice.
Visit The City of Providence Overnight Parking Program to learn more about how to obtain an overnight parking permit for yourself and/or a guest.
When you live off campus as a JWU student, you’re actually part of two communities: JWU, 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. Learn more about
Off-Campus Safety
When living on your own, it’s important to be prepared. Here are some tips for staying safe in your apartment and out in the city.
Noise
Providence’s noise ordinance states that citizens (your neighbors) have a right to enjoy a reasonable level of peace and quiet, free of unnecessary, excessive or annoying noise.
Reduce noise levels between 8pm-7am (including weekends).
This includes but is not limited to loud gatherings, stereo or TV noise, instruments, machinery, dogs barking, etc. Providence Police enforce this law and will respond to violations and complaints.
Cranston also has a similar policy.
Trash
As a tenant you are responsible for putting out your trash. The city trash ordinance stipulates that trash cannot be put out before dusk on the day preceding pickup. Violations of the city trash ordinance are punishable by a fine.
Put your trash in covered containers and tie up bundles. Trash bags are not considered trash containers — they can easily tear due to contents or by animals. Be sure to secure your trash so that it doesn’t blow away.
Social Host
If you host a social gathering at your place of residence off-campus, it is important that you be familiar with R.I.’s Social Host Law. In R.I., it is against the law to serve alcohol to or permit consumption of alcohol by anyone under the age of 21. Learn more about the RI Social Host Law and how to be a responsible host.
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