Letter to the editor, 11-17-09

Expectations for UNH Students living in single family neighborhoods 

Dear Editor,

Lately much has been written about problems that are emerging as a result of an increased number of students moving into single-family homes in Durham. What follows are excerpts from an information sheet that I deliver whenever I visit with students who have come to my attention as a result of a complaint received by a full-time resident. My visits always follow attempts by the residents themselves to first resolve any conflicts. The reason I take the time to visit is that I believe it is important for students to understand just how visible they are where they live. Some students may think they are living free from the constraints imposed by on-site managed facilities but this is a false sense of freedom. In fact, students are visible community members who are still responsible for demonstrating courtesy and respect toward everyone living around them. What follows are easy ways to live up to this responsibility.                                

When moving into a single-family neighborhood you will be living among many people who have very different lifestyles than you. Often your neighbors need to be up by 5 a.m. for work or school and asleep by 9 p.m. each night, including weekends. Be prepared to live as a responsible adult and respect others' need for quiet and a trash-free environment.

Relationship Building Techniques:
•    Greet your neighbors and get to know them. Your neighbors want to get to know you too. Problems will be easier to resolve if you know one another
•    Be willing to exchange contact information

Respect Your Community:
•    Keep your dwelling and property clean at all times. Store trash in proper containers.
•    Watch your and your guests' noise levels. Loud music, cars, loud motorcycles, shouting, cell phone conversations, or late night/increased traffic will disrupt others on your street.
•    Having a pet requires significant time for proper care. All dogs must be leashed at all times. Barking dogs are disruptive to your neighbors. If your pet bites someone, be prepared to bear that responsibility as the owner. Do not leave pets unattended for long periods of time, let them roam freely, or ever abandon your pet. Never allow your pet to urinate/defecate on your neighbors' properties.

Parking:   
Always keep all vehicles parked in the driveway. Parking on the lawn, on the street or beside the driveway is a Durham Code violation and may be a violation of your lease agreement. Know and follow the Durham parking laws for parking on the street.

Gatherings:
•    This is a big issue in Durham. Police are frequently called by upset and frustrated neighbors when parties (even small ones) become loud, spill outside, or violate the noise ordinance. Often the problem is guests who are loud when they are walking in the neighborhood and enter or exit the gathering.
•    Talk with your neighbors before planning a get together. Give out your phone number so they can call you if problems arise.
•    Strictly limit the number of guests and have small invitation-only gatherings. Make sure you are not violating your lease.
•    Tell every guest ahead of time to enter and exit quietly and refrain from wandering around your property or the property of others.
•    Make sure you and your guests obey all laws regarding alcohol consumption. If people are present and drinking who are under 21, you may be held criminally responsible.
•    Go outside and check on the noise level from time to time during your gathering.
•    Promptly clean up any mess including trash dropped by your guests on others' property and town walkways and streets. If you are not sure your guests dropped it, pick up trash anyway. Your neighbors do that regularly.

Trash and Maintenance
Check your lease to determine who is responsible for lawn maintenance and trash. Keep your home, yard and the street in front completely free at all times of any trash. Make sure all trash is in a container.

Keep Indoor Furniture Inside:
Couches, chairs, and tables do not belong anywhere outside, including on your front porch or balcony.

Remember, the UNH Code of Conduct can be applied off campus for serious violations that impact the mission of the University.

I hope these tips help students make lifestyle choices that make neighborhoods a pleasant place for everyone.

Sincerely,

Anne Lawing, Dean of Students