Office of the Vice Provost for Student Success
Off Campus Living
Most KU students do choose to move off campus or out of their parents’ home at some point in their college career. For some, this will be their first experience with landlords, utilities, and being on their own. Living off campus is different than living on campus as students no longer have the onsite contact and support provided in University owned housing (residence halls, scholarship halls, or Jayhawker Towers). It’s very different than living with parents.
This information is provided to help students be in the know about the rights and responsibilities of living in Lawrence neighborhoods and being a welcomed member of the community.
Know the City Laws
Complete information is available at city hall. An online version can be found here: www.lawrenceks.org/city_code/
Noise: Watch the volume on the television and stereo: if you can hear it at your property’s edge, it is probably too loud.
Parking: No parking on the sidewalks or in the yard. When parking on the street, park the direction of traffic. Parking violation fines besides meter parking are not less than $30.
Lawns: You must keep your lawn mowed as an overgrown yard can result in a fine.
Litter: You need to keep your property picked up from litter and you may not sweep litter into the street or gutter.
Fireworks: Most fireworks are prohibited in Lawrence.
Leash Law: You need to keep your pet on a leash when in the city.
Unrelated Occupants: Generally, only three unrelated roommates can share a house in Lawrence.
Sidewalks: It is owner or the occupant’s responsibility to remove snow and ice from the sidewalk within 24 hours.
Know Where to Get Services
Living off campus requires you to arrange for utilities and other services you want. Here is information to help you set up your accounts.
- Electric www.westarenergy.com/
- Gas www.blackhillsenergy.com/
- City Water, Sewer, Trash Removal www.lawrenceks.org/utility_billing/
- Cable television www.sunflowerbroadband.com/
- Register to vote www.douglas-county.com/depts/cl/ve_home.aspx/
- Recycling in Lawrence www.lawrenceks.org/wrr/recycling/
Know Who To Contact
Sometimes you need specialized information. The following offices may be of assistance to you.
- Legal Services for Students www.legalservices.ku.edu/
- State Information on Landlord Tenant Rights www.www.kshousingcorp.org/display/files/FairHousing/TLL%20FAQ.pdf
- State Information on Renter’s Insurance www.ksinsurance.org/consumers/home_rent.htm
- City of Lawrence http://lawrenceks.org/
- Lawrence Association of Neighborhoods www.lawrenceneighres.org/NeighborhoodInformation.shtml
Know-How for Hosting Parties
Hosting a party at your home requires some planning and consideration for your neighbors.
- Preplanning (invite people you know; have food as well as non-alcohol drinks; if you serve alcohol, obey the liquor laws – don’t serve underage guests alcohol; tell your neighbors you are having a party so they aren’t surprised by all the cars, etc)
- During the party (stay sober; no open bar; don’t let guests wander to the neighbors’ yards)
- After the party (if there’s litter, pick it up)
Know-How for Staying Safe
The Lawrence Police Department has helpful tips on crime prevention and how not to be a victim of crime. www.lawrencepolice.org/
The US Fire Administration office has excellent information on fire safety in the home. www.usfa.fema.gov/safety/
The KU Office of Public Safety has information on personal safety that is useful both on and off campus. www.ku.edu/~kucops/resources/safety.shtml
STUDENT SUCCESS — IT'S NOT JUST OUR NAME — IT'S OUR MISSION!
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