If you plan to live off campus or you already have an apartment, it is Monmouth University’s expectation that you will make every effort to quietly and seamlessly fit into your neighborhood. While many students will at some point decide to live off-campus, it’s important that they employ common sense, respect, and communication with their roommates, neighbors, and landlord, as well as with the local community and Monmouth University.
It is also important for you to understand that while living off-campus you still need to adhere to the Student Code of Conduct and any local, state, or federal laws or ordinances. Monmouth University will hold students responsible for violations of the Student Code of Conduct that occur off-campus.
In the event that you or your roommate(s) are involved in an incident that takes place off-campus, it is very likely that Monmouth University will be notified. Depending on the issue, the Office of Off-Campus and Commuter Services or the Office of Judicial Affairs will get involved in an effort to resolve the matter.
Fortunately, most of the MU students who live off-campus never have any problems with their neighbors, their community, or Monmouth University. This is due in large part to the fact that these students have taken an active approach to using many, if not all, of the suggestions listed below:
- Introduce yourself or yourselves to your immediate neighbors and encourage them to contact you when they have a question, concern, or suggestion.
- Make sure that your yard or property is properly maintained and free of any trash or debris.
- Friends and guests also need to respect your rental and your neighborhood when they come to visit or when they are leaving your property.
- Noise is the #1 complaint when it comes to neighbor-to-neighbor issues. A good rule of thumb is to keep the noise (voices, music, get-togethers, car horns and stereos, etc.) down between the hours or 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.
- Don’t hold large or loud parties that will upset your neighbors, draw the attention of the police, and ultimately expose you to fines and/or legal action.
- Avoid holding club or organizational meetings off-campus. The sudden influx of vehicles and people to a residence may be viewed by your neighbors as a party, again exposing you to police and/or University involvement.
Should you ever have any questions about your rights and responsibilities while living off-campus, please contact the Office of Off-Campus and Commuter Services by calling 732-263-5611.