Moving Off-Campus Checklist
As you move to a residential neighborhood around the campus area, use the knowledge and skills you’ve learned from being part of a resident hall community. It is important to demonstrate to your community what it means to be a Cal Bear and a good neighbor. Review the timeline below to ensure you are on track to find your next home
February - April
- Choose your roommate(s). Do you want to live alone, with friends, or search for a compatible roommate? What kind of people do you want to surround yourself with? What kind of roommate are you? It is important to be realistic, no roommate situation will be perfect, and conflicts will most likely arise.
- Choose your neighborhood. What type of place do you want (e.g. studio, apartment, co-op, shared room)? What’s your budget? Do you need parking for your bike, scooter, or car? Where is the closest laundromat, market, or café? Ask about the property’s history and the last tenants to find out what you are inheriting. Were they loud? Do they have lots of parties? In addition to the leaky faucet, you may be inheriting the drama the previous residents left behind, along with their unwanted furniture. Your neighbors may not cut you slack just because you are new.
May
- Move out of your residence hall. Review Berkeley Housing Move-Out to stay updated on designated quiet hours and move-out deadlines. There may be a fee if you do not follow quiet hours guidelines or check out by your designated move-out date. Be sure that you take everything out of the residence hall, as you won't be able to get back in.
June - July
- Get involved in your community. Most areas have a neighborhood association where residents collaborate on issues like safety, community projects & improvements, and maintaining lines of communication between the neighbors, the university, and the city. Join your neighborhood group and become an active part of your community. If you need help finding or reaching out to your neighborhood association, you can contact calhappyneighbors@gmail.com to learn more.
- Learn the expectations of your community. In addition to following the Code of Student Conduct, you must also know and obey the rules of the city. Berkeley has many laws and ordinances that support a peaceful neighborhood. Educate yourself on your rights and responsibilities.
August
- Move-in to your new place. Get your bills in order and make sure you pay rent on time. Most banks have online bill pay, and apps like Google Wallet, Pay Pal, and Venmo makes paying people that much easier. Stay on top of your academic due dates and stay updated with events happening on campus. Remember, putting unwanted furniture on the sidewalk or in the public right of way is illegal dumping, and overflowing bins can also result in citations and fines, and could even result in imprisonment and fines of up to $1000 a day. Be sure to plan ahead!
- Get to know your neighbors, you probably have more in common than you think. Smile and say hello when you pass each other! Exchange contact information in case you need to reach them about a party, and maybe even invite them to it. Respect each others peace and privacy.
- Make the commitment to be a good neighbor. You've unpacked, cooked a meal in your new kitchen, found were the nearest café is, and the semester is getting into high gear. Being a good neighbor is not difficult, but it takes steady effort. Always be conscious of late night noise, make sure your trash gets all the way in the bin, and entertain responsibly. Be accountable to your home, yourself, and your community.
Small things make big differences. For more information ad moving off-campus and being a good neighbor, contact calhappyneighbors@gmail.com.