1111 Annapolis Hall
College Park, MD 20742
Phone (301) 314-3645
Email [email protected]
Off Campus Housing
RESOURCES
Off-Campus Student Housing Complexes
With By-The-Bed Rentals
Go to Page 1
1
2
Housing Search Checklist
Go to Page 2
3
Top Ten Renters’ Mistakes
Go to Page 3
4
Understanding Your Lease
Go to Page 4
5
Lease Signing Checklist
Go to Page 5
6
Safety and Security
Go to Page 6
8
What Is Renters’ Insurance
Go to Page 8
9
Budget Planning For
Living Off-Campus
Go to Page 9
Table of
CONTENTS
11
Alcohol and Other Drugs
Go to Page 11
13
Be a Good Neighbor
Go to Page 13
1
There are a number of private apartment complexes that serve University of Maryland students conveniently located near
campus which offer the opportunity to rent by the bedroom. Please note, additional housing options are listed via the Off-
Campus Housing Services’ online searchable rental housing database. Please visit www.och.umd.edu to search the OCH
Database as well as a variety of other online resources.
DISCLAIMER: Off-campus housing information is provided solely as a courtesy. The University of Maryland does not inspect, endorse or
assume any responsibility for any properties, accommodations, or other housing options or websites; and it expressly disclaims any and all
responsibility for any problems that may arise within connection therewith. Individuals are strongly advised to thoroughly investigate and
inspect any properties, accommodations, or other housing options before making nal arrangements.
1111 ANNAPOLIS HALL · 301-314-3645 · [email protected] · www.och.umd.edu
APARTMENT COMPLEXES
College Park Towers
4330 Hartwick Road
College Park, MD 20740
www.collegeparktowers.net
(301) 864-1070
Landmark College Park
4500 College Avenue
College Park, MD 20740
www.landmarkcollegepark.com
(301) 798-5990
Mazza GrandMarc
9530 Baltimore Avenue
College Park, MD 20740
www.mazzagrandmarc.com
(301) 474-0244
Parkside at College Park
8125 48th Avenue
College Park, MD 20740
(301) 474-0085
Tempo
8430 Baltimore Ave
College Park, MD 20740
www.tempocollegepark.com
(240) 582-6055
Terrapin Row
4300 Hartwick Rd
College Park, MD 20740
www.terrapinrow.com
(301) 363-4005
The Nine
8700 Baltimore Ave
College Park, MD 20740
www.the9collegepark.com
(240) 230-6139
The Varsity
8150 Baltimore Avenue
College Park, MD 20740
www.varsitycollegepark.com
(240) 389-4941
Off-Campus Student
HOUSING COMPLEXES
With By-The-Bed Rentals
University Club
4800 Berwyn House Road
College Park, MD 20740
www.universityclubatcollegepark.com
(301)345-3388
University View
8204 Baltimore Avenue
College Park, MD 20740
www.uviewapts.com
(301) 220-0951
Vie Towers
6515 Belcrest Road
Hyattsville, MD 20782
www.vietowers.com
(301) 637-5552
HOUSING SEARCH CHECKLIST
Before You Begin A Search
What kind of rental unit do you want to live in?
Studio, 1, 2, 3, or 4 bedroom apartment
Suite or apartment in private home
Room in a shared house
Room in private home
Single family home
Fraternity house (as a member or
non-member boarder)
What are your transportaon needs?
Within walking distance
Within biking distance
On a Shuttle-UM route
On a MetroBus/Rail route
Using carpool or vanpool
Adequate parking available
Proximity to a shopping center or a job site
What features are essenal?
Dishwasher
Washer and dryer in the unit
Air conditioning (room units or central air)
Cable and Internet capabilities
Off-street parking
Furniture included
Handicapped accessibility
Private room and/or bath
Smoking (or not)
Pets permitted
What are your nancial means?
Living with others can lower housing expenses.
Rooms in a student or private house tend to
be the least expensive.
Include the cost of renting or purchasing
Furniture, if needed.
When calculating your maximum affordable
Rent, be sure to include utilities.
How much legal protecon do you require?
A lease offers a certain amount of legal protection.
Units that do not carry a lease offer maximum
exibility but limited legal protection.
During Your Housing Search
Begin your search using the widest criteria possible.
Narrow your choices by adding more features.
Inspect the actual unit you intend to lease, and consider
writing necessary repairs into the lease.
Have the Student Legal Aid Ofce (3125 South Campus
Dining Hall) review lease or boarder’s agreement.
Check the security of the unit.
Check the re safety of the unit (a smoke detector is
required by law).
Be sure that there are two means of egress (exit)
from the unit.
Arrange for telephone service and utilities to be turned
on by the time you move in.
After You Move In
Complete a thorough inventory of your apartment.
Give a copy of your inspection form to the landlord.
Purchase renter’s insurance.
Consider purchasing additional re safety
equipment (re extinguisher, and/or smoke detectors).
Always get a written receipt from your landlord when
you pay rent or deposits.
2
Many rst-time renters are unaware of important factors to take into consideration when searching for off-campus
housing. Here are some of the most frequent mistakes that renters make when looking for off-campus housing, and tips
for how you can avoid them.
1. Signing a lease without reading it thoroughly.
Carefully read your lease before you sign it; make sure that
you understand what all of its provisions mean, as well.
Our “Understanding Leases” and “Lease Signing Checklist”
handouts can serve as guides. You can also take your lease
to the Undergraduate Legal Aid ofce and have them review
the lease with you.
2. Signing a lease without vising the property and meeng
with the landlord.
Signing a lease before viewing a property is risky — you
are legally bound to the property as is, so you may be
unaware of existing damages that need repair. Additionally,
visiting the property allows you to not only see exactly
where you will be living, but you will also get a feel for the
neighborhood and whether you would be comfortable
living there.
3. Forgeng to take into consideraon your transportaon
opons (car, bus, shule, walking, etc.)
There are many factors to consider when moving and
transportation should be a priority. You should consider both
the logistics of getting to campus and elsewhere as well as
the costs associated with your options. If you will drive, keep
in mind parking permit, gas, insurance, and maintenance
expenses. If you will be riding public transit, calculate the
monthly cost of fares. To lower your transportation costs,
consider living in an area served by Shuttle-UM, which is free
to students.
4. Not conducng a walk-through with the landlord to
detail exisng damages prior to signing the lease.
Schedule a walk-through of your unit with your landlord to
get a detailed account of pre-existing damages to the unit.
If necessary, take pictures for future reference. This will
protect you when you move out because you will be held
accountable for any damages once you occupy the unit.
5. Not taking into consideraon the cost of ulies.
Utilities may or may not be included in your rental price.
Be sure that you know which utilities you will be responsible
for activating and paying. Specic questions to consider: Are
they included in the rent? Will there be extra fees for cable/
Internet? What is the average cost per month?
6. Not meeng or speaking with your roommates before
you move in together.
Since you will be sharing close living quarters with them, it
is important to meet or speak with your roommates prior to
moving in. This will allow you to learn more about them and
their living, study and other habits. This prior meeting will
also allow you an opportunity to gure out who will bring
what into the unit.
7. Not seng down house “rules.” Everybody has
dierent expectaons of new roommate situaons.
Setting house rules early allows everyone to voice their
expectations and come to a compromise. Rules can also
outline what roommates will do in case of a conict.
Communication is key! Use our “Roommate Guide” for more
information on settings rules and addressing roommate
disagreements.
8. Not being clear on the responsibilies of a tenant.
Just as your landlord has certain obligations to you, you
also have certain legal obligations to your landlord. Among
them are paying rent and, if applicable, utilities in full and
on time. Other tenant responsibilities include maintaining
a reasonably clean rental, taking care of some household
maintenance, and notifying the landlord in a timely manner
of any needed repairs. Consult our “Living Off-Campus:
Strategies for Success” handout for information on how you
can be a responsible tenant.
9. Not securing the rental unit.
Regardless of where you live, it is always important to
be proactive about your safety. Making sure your rental
is secure is as easy as locking doors and windows, and
activating a security system, if you have one. Be sure to
consult our “Safety Tips” and “Security Checklist” handouts
for more detailed information.
10. Withholding rent or not paying rent on me!
Some landlords may give a small leeway period for paying
your rent, but if you exceed that time period you run the risk
of late fees or even eviction from the property. Additionally,
do not withhold your rent until a landlord makes repairs
or meets some other condition. Unless you have set up
an escrow account, you are legally obligated to pay your
landlord according to your lease.
TOP TEN RENTERS’ MISTAKES
3
4
1111 ANNAPOLIS HALL · 301-314-3645 · [email protected] · www.och.umd.edu
Understanding
YOUR LEASE
READ YOUR LEASE before you sign it and move in:
this way you can limit future problems with your
landlord. If you request it in writing, you have a right to see
the lease before you sign it or moving in. Oral leases are
not recommended because they do not provide sufcient
legal protection for the tenant. You should ask for a written
lease. If your landlord has ve or more units, he or she must
provide a written lease.
RENT - Your lease will include the amount due for rent
each month along with the due date and any
discounts that have been applied.
LATE FEES on rent cannot be more than 5% of the
amount due; beginning the 5th day after the rent is due.
However, it is always advisable to pay your rent on time to
avoid any credit or other problems. Leases should specify
obligations as to utilities, including heat, gas, electricity,
water, and repairs. They should also specify whether tenants
are expected to pay for repairs if they are at fault.
APPLICATION FEES of less than $25 are not
refundable and can be kept by the landlord, even if you
choose not to take the apartment. For fees above $25, they
have to return whatever was not used to process
the application.
INSPECTIONS - Landlords cannot request security
deposits for amounts greater than two months rent.
Landlords must issue receipts for the security deposit,
though it is sufcient if the deposit amount is specied in
the lease. To help ensure return of your security deposit
we strongly encourage that you request a list of existing
damages to the apartment at the time of move in. You are
entitled to this list if you request it in writing. A move out
inspection must take place within 5 days of when you move
out. If you request it in writing 15 days prior to moving out,
the landlord must allow you to be present at the inspection.
SUBLETTING - Leases cannot outright refuse to consider
subletting. Maryland law requires landlords to consider
reasonable written requests for subletting.
TERMINATION - Read your lease carefully for details
about termination. Some leases automatically terminate at
the end of the term, without any further notice required
from either party. Other leases automatically renew and
you must give at least 30 days notice if you do not wish the
lease to continue. If you are on a month-to-month lease,
written or oral, you generally must give and are entitled
to receive at least 30 days advance notice to move. You
are legally responsible for rent for the entire term of your
lease, but if you need to break it for some reason, the
landlord is required to make reasonable attempts to re-
rent. If a replacement tenant is found and they move in,
you are no longer obligated for rent. If the lease contains
a “penalty” clause (typically two month’s rent for breaking
the lease), you may want to consult with Student Legal Aid
before paying.
SECURITY DEPOSIT - You are entitled to receive
return of your security deposit plus interest within 45
days of move out. If the landlord keeps any portion of the
security deposit, you must also receive,
IN WRITING, AN ITEMIZED LIST WITHIN THE SAME 45
DAY PERIOD OF WHAT THE NEEDED REPAIRS WERE
AND HOW MUCH EACH REPAIR COST. YOU CANNOT
BE CHARGED FOR NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR (THINGS
THAT PERIODICALLY NEED REPLACING).
Before committing to rent a housing unit, you should clearly read through and understand your lease. The following items
should be explicitly identied in your lease. If some things are not addressed, be sure to ask the landlord about his or her
policy regarding those items. You may also request to have items added to the lease. For questions about leases and legal
issues involved in tenant-landlord relationships, contact the Student Legal Aid Ofce at (301) 314-7756.
LEASE SIGNING CHECKLIST
5
Inspecon
Security/Damage Deposit
Rent
Amount
Due date
Penalty for late payment
Reduction for advance payment
Price changes
Conditions for price changes
Time Of Occupancy
Dates (be exact)
Requirements for moving notication
or renewal
Number of occupants (min and max)
Security/Damage Deposit
Amount
Conditions for return
Date for return
Changes In Agreement
Conditions for changes of agreement
Process for changing agreement
When
By whom (i.e., landlord, additional inspectors)
Use of rental inventory
Letter of compliance
Notication of inspection
Smoking
Noise
Storage
Pets
Alterations (i.e., picture
hanging, painting)
Conduct
Parties
Terminaon
Ability to sublet
Conditions for sublet
Conditions for terminating lease
Damages
Responsibility for damages
Assessment of damages
Responsibility for repairs
Laundry Facilies
Provision of facilities
Ability for tenant to install machines
Other limitations
Cleaning
Responsibility
Frequency
Equipment provided
Owner
Name and address of property owner
Name and address of property manager
Addional Costs
Utilities (i.e., gas, electric, phone, water)
Pet-related charges/deposit
Overnight or weekend guests
Parking
Furnishings
Cleaning
Parking
Location
Limitations
Special Consideraons
Planned improvements/special work
What you are Legally Entled to when Renng
When Searching for a Place to Live, Look for
the Following
To Avoid being a Vicm of The or Burglary
To Avoid being Robbed
Your landlord must provide deadbolt locks
on all exterior doors.
If you would like any additional upgrades for security
purposes such as an alarm, extra lighting, or bars on the
windows, you must rst consult with your landlord and
generally you will be responsible for the cost of upgrades.
Ask the current residents and neighbors if they feel like the
area is a safe place to live.
Are the areas outside the building well lit, particularly from
the parking areas to the entrance?
Is there an additional security presence at the residence? If
so is it a substantial presence?
How far away is emergency assistance if it is needed?
Is the door sturdy and are the locks sufcient?
Do all the windows have locks and are these
locks sufcient?
You may nd our Local Area Proles handout a
helpful resource when familiarizing yourself with the
surrounding communities.
Arrange a security survey of your property with
the Prince George’s County Police Department’s
Community Oriented Policing Service (COPS) to
highlight potential security risks. Contact the COPS
program coordinator at (301) 909-7126 for more
information.
Secure your valuables. Make sure you don’t leave
valuables outside of your residence.
Keep doors locked at all times.
Be sure that windows are closed and locked when you
leave the home.
Invest in additional security such as an alarm or dog. If
not, put up dummy security or “Beware of dog” signs.
Don’t leave boxes for high value goods visible
in your trash (e.g., computer, electronic equipment).
If you or your roommates will not be in the home for
an extended period of time, have someone collect your
mail and newspapers.
Avoid having large groups of strangers in your home.
Don’t leave valuables unattended in public places.
Stay away from areas with high theft rates.
Avoid overly crowded areas where it is easy to
be pick pocketed.
Don’t walk alone at night if you can avoid it.
Use services such as N.I.T.E. Ride, Shuttle-UM, and
police escorts as alternatives to walking alone.
Avoid isolated locations near high crime areas.
Don’t walk around while heavily intoxicated.
Don’t show off valuables such as cell phones, PDAs, or
cash unnecessarily.
Safety and
SECURITY
Emergency Contact Numbers
Non-Emergency Numbers
Emergency Fire and Rescue and Police
Prince George’s County Police
University of Maryland Police
Maryland State Police
Maryland Park Police
Metro Transit Police
Poison Center
Animal Control & Shelter
University Health Center
Prince George’s Hospital
Washington Adventist Hospital
Doctors Community Hospital
Laurel Regional Hospital
Holy Cross Hospital of Silver Spring
N.I.T.E Ride
Transportation Services
911
301-352-1200
301-405-3555
301-345-3101
301-731-0054
202-962-2121
800-492-2414
301-780-7200
301-314-8180
301-618-3162
301-891-7600
301-552-8118
301-725-4300
301-754-7000
301-314-6483
301-314-7275
Hospitals
Transportaon Numbers
6
7
1111 ANNAPOLIS HALL · 301-314-3645 · [email protected] · www.och.umd.edu
SECURITY CHECKLIST
In the Unit
Outside the Unit Entrance to the Unit
Are the buildings and grounds well maintained?
Are the entryways, sidewalks, and parking
areas well lit?
Are entryways visible from the street?
Are the residents’ names printed on the mailboxes?
Is the mailbox lockable and in good condition?
Are the lots and surrounding streets free of
abandoned cars?
Is parking usually available close to your door?
Is the area well lit at night and on weekends?
Are there designated visitor parking spaces?
Does the apartment complex provide security
services (patrols, escorts)?
Do neighbors feel safe?
Is the building close to high-trafc,
well-traveled areas?
Are shrubs cut below window level?
Are tree limbs cut above window level so that you
can see in and out of your home?
Is the unit number visible from the street?
Is the property near re stations and other
emergency services?
Are the alleys around the residence clean?
Are the exterior doors made of core wood or metal?
Do the doors have knob locks, chains, deadbolts,
and/or peepholes?
Is there a security system in the building?
Is there a sufcient number of working smoke
detectors in the living space and in hallways?
Are they hardwired?
Are there adequate emergency escape routes in the
event of a re?
Are there re extinguishers?
Do curtains, blinds, and draperies fully
cover windows?
Are there safe places to go in case of a tornado?
Is there a high turnover of residents?
Can the main entryway be easily seen from the
street even at night? Is it well lit?
Are there sturdy locks on all the windows?
Are security bars/screens provided if it is a ground
oor or basement unit?
Are doors to the laundry room kept locked?
Does the landlord have a published policy about
issuing and replacing keys?
Does the building have a doorman or buzzer for
guests and deliveries?
Are locks on the doors of the buildings and
apartments adequately secure?
Is there a peephole at the door? Do the front and
rear doors have 180-degree peepholes?
Do doors have deadbolt locks?
If door hinge pins are outside, are they
non-removable?
Does the door securely t the jamb?
Is the strike plate securely fastened to the
door jamb?
Is the door jamb fastened tightly?
Does the bolt extend sufciently into
the strike plate?
Are key control procedures used to ensure
that locks are changed when keys are lost
or not returned?
Are you informed of who has keys to
your living space?
Do sliding glass doors have blocking cleats to
prevent opening from the outside?
Can windows be left open for ventilation
be secured?
Are window air-conditioners secured
from the inside?
Are door locks located so they can’t be
reached through a window?
8
Renter’s insurance provides protection and compensation
for personal property if it is destroyed or stolen. It can
cover personal property that is damaged by re, smoke,
vandalism, water, hail and wind storms. Renter’s insurance
may also protect you from accountability if an accident
occurs in your dwelling. If an emergency requires you
to vacate your home, the renter’s insurance may cover
temporary living expenditures. With most policies, each
tenant must have a renter’s insurance policy. Agencies
are listed because of their location. Off-Campus Housing
Services does not endorse them in any way.
Frequently Asked Quesons:
What is Renters Insurance and Why Do I Need It?
Renters Insurance covers damages to personal belongings
in the event of re, theft, or severe weather. If someone
is injured at your home, renters insurance will also protect
you in the case of a liability lawsuit.
I thought my dwelling was already covered by
insurance?
The landlord of your apartment/house has insurance
for the structure of the building but not the personal
belongings in it which could add up to thousands of dollars.
With renters insurance, the majority of your losses will be
covered in the event of a re, theft, or severe weather.
How much is Renters Insurance?
Renters Insurance varies on company and range from a few
dollars to fteen, it all depends. However, the majority of
companies will give you a free quote after the completion
of a survey indicating the types of coverage you want.
What is covered with Renters Insurance?
With renters insurance, what is covered varies on what
type of policy you sign up for. However, the basics of
what is covered is personal belongings such as electronics,
furniture, jewelry, and liability in the event of a lawsuit
Am I Not Covered Under My Parent’s Insurance?
Depending on your parents policy, you might already be
covered or are able to be covered. Have your parents check
their policy statement. If not, it is strongly advised for you
to get renters insurance in the event of a re, theft, or
severe weather damage.
Major Insurance Companies
ALLSTATE INSURANCE
Personal Property Protection, Additional Living Expenses,
Liability Protection, Guest Medical Protection.
www.allstate.com/renters
888-924-9452
NATIONWIDE INSURANCE
Water Backup, Valuables Plus, Personal Liability, Personal
Umbrella Liability Insurance, Medical Payments, Ordinance
Or Law, Credit Card, Firearms, Personal Injury Liability, Theft
Extension, Building/Additions/Alterations, Loss of Use.
www.nationwide.com/renters-insurance.jsp
1-877-669-6877
STATE FARM INSURANCE
Personal Property, Loss of Use, Ination Coverage, Personal
Liability, Medical Payments to Others, Losses not Insured.
www.statefarm.com/insurance/home-and-property/renters
800-782-8332
GEICO
www.geico.com/renters-insurance/
800-566-1518
1111 ANNAPOLIS HALL · 301-314-3645 · [email protected] · www.och.umd.edu
What Is Renter’s
INSURANCE?
9
Budget Planning for
LIVING OFF-CAMPUS
As a student at the University of Maryland, you have many choices regarding where to live on and around our campus.
The University and many local private landlords and apartment complexes offer a wide range of housing options to
students. As you review your personal nances and estimated living expenses, you will want to consider a range of factors,
including your own priorities and your specic circumstances. We have developed the questions below to assist you
in your planning. You will also nd a cost calculator worksheet attached that you might use as a way to plan your living
expenses budget.
Am I prepared to shop for and prepare my own meals?
After rent, meals are often the largest expense in your overall cost of living. As a rule of thumb, we advise
students living off campus to budget at least $300 per month for food. That gure can vary widely depending on
what you like to eat, how much you like to eat, and how efcient a grocery shopper you are. Students who don’t like
to shop and cook can nd themselves spending signicantly more than $300 per month on dining out, carry out, delivery,
etc. Students who are comfortable shopping and cooking for themselves and who team up with apartment-mates to
share the responsibility of shopping and cooking can sometimes spend less than $300 per month. Be realistic about how
much you expect to spend on food.
Are ulies included in my monthly rent?
Utilities are one of the areas that often surprise rst-time renters. Electricity, natural gas, and water can add a signicant
cost to your monthly expenses. Many local apartment communities include utilities in the monthly rent expense but some
do not. Other apartment communities include a portion of utilities (a capped amount) in your monthly rent then require
you to pay the additional cost if you use more than allowed per month based upon the terms of your lease. In places
where utilities are not included, we recommend budgeting approximately $100 per month, but that amount can vary
widely. Ask your prospective landlord for an estimate of monthly utilities based on the unit and the number of people
living there.
Where will I be living in the summer?
Your summer plans play a large role in determining your overall cost of living for a year at UMD. The on-campus
residence hall housing and dining agreement is for the academic year only. While on-campus housing is available for the
summer terms for those who wish to request this option, summer housing is not required. Most off-campus apartment
communities require tenants to sign a 12-month lease, requiring 12 monthly rental payments. For students taking summer
classes or who will be engaged in other summer activities in this area (e.g. internship, summer employment, or research
project) the added expense of a 12-month lease may be reasonable and necessary. For students who would otherwise
live at home for the summer, the added expense of summer housing can add signicantly to your off-campus housing
costs. Many apartment communities allow tenants to sublease their room over the summer, however, given the decreased
demand for student housing in the summer and the increase in the number of options available, you should plan your
budget without assuming you will be able to transfer your lease to another person for the summer. (Please note, there are
often additional lease transfer fees associated with sub-leasing.)
What are my technology needs - Phone, Internet, Cable?
Another signicant expense that can vary are costs for phone, Internet, and cable/satellite television. Do you need to
have a land line phone in your home? Will you rely exclusively on your mobile phone? Does your landlord provide Internet
service? Is the service hard-wired and/or wireless? Are Internet and/or cable TV included in your monthly rent or do you
have to contract for those services separately?
What are my transportaon needs?
Will you have a car or will you rely on public transportation? When calculating your overall living
BUDGET PLANNING FOR LIVING OFF-CAMPUS expenses at different locations, be sure to consider the transportation
expenses that accompany that particular living option. If you might park a vehicle on campus, you should plan for the
1111 ANNAPOLIS HALL · 301-314-3645 · [email protected] · www.och.umd.edu
COST CALCULATOR WORKSHEET
Rent - Academic Year
Meals - Academic Year
Utilities - Academic Year
Phone/Cable/Internet -
Academic Year
Rent - Summer
Meals - Summer
Utilities - Summer
Phone/Cable/Internet -
Summer
$ per month x months =
$ per month x months =
$ per month x months =
$ per month x months =
$ per month x months =
$ per month x months =
$ per month x months =
$ per month x months =
$ per month x months =
$ per month x months =
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
Transportation -
Academic Year
Transportation -
Summer
included in monthly rent
included in monthly rent
annual parking permit
already purchased
included in monthly rent
Fall/Spring on-campus parking free
SUBTOTAL
(add lines 1 - 5)
SUBTOTAL
(add lines 7 - 11)
TOTAL ESTIMATED
ANNUAL EXPENSES
(add lines 6 & 12)
(5)
(11)
(6)
(12)
(13)
10
additional cost of campus parking fees (https://www.transportation.umd.edu/parking/students) in addition to the parking fees
charged by your landlord or apartment complex. Many apartment communities have an additional fee for parking that can
range from $35 per month to $150 per month.
Anything else?
You’ll also want to consider miscellaneous expenses such as does your apartment include a washer and dryer or will you
need to pay to do your laundry? You’ll also want to plan for entertainment costs such as movies, etc.
When students are provided with current and fact-based information about alcohol and other drug use, they are capable
of navigating situations where substance use is prevalent and making decisions that reduce harmful consequences for
themselves and their peers.
The University of Maryland has several resources to address topics and situations related to alcohol and other drugs. All
students are required to abide by the Code of Student Conduct and receive the Alcohol and Other Drugs Resource Guide. The
Responsible Action Policy is created to encourage all members of the University community to act in a responsible manner
when an individual may require medical assistance by dialing 911 or (301) 405-3333. This policy intends to reduce barriers
to seeking help in cases of alcohol- and/or drug-related emergencies by providing relief from administrative or disciplinary
action on the part of the University if either a University ofcial or other authority is contacted in a timely fashion.
Alcohol and
OTHER DRUGS
140 CAMPUS DRIVE · 301-314-8180 · [email protected] · www.health.umd.edu
RESPONSIBLE SOCIAL HOSTING
Being a socially responsible neighbor is an expectation
of the City of College Park and other communities. If you
belong to Greek Life, Athletics, RecWell Club Sports, or other
student organizations, you may have specic guidelines by
which to abide. In any case, when you host social events,
remember the following:
● DRINKING UNDER AGE 21 AND RECREATIONAL
MARIJUANA USE IS ILLEGAL IN MARYLAND; as a
host, you may be held responsible if anything harmful
occurs.
● FOLLOW THE GOLD CODE:
• PREGAME WITH PROTEIN: Provide snacks high in
protein (i.e. cheeses, meats, black beans, peanuts, etc.)
• PACE, DON’T RACE: Measure the amount of alcohol
you put in the drink; track the number of drinks to avoid
binge drinking
• LEAVE NO TERP BEHIND: Determine how guests
will get home safely. Take advantage of the University
provided safe options; such as UM Shuttle, Nite-Ride
or 24-hour escort service with UMPD. Do not let your
guests drink/smoke marijuana and drive.
• SOBER IS SAFEST: One in Four Terps choose not to
drink. Keep water and other non-alcoholic beverages
such as soda, juice, or mocktails available.
● RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS OF ALCOHOL POISONING,
AND CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY:
C- Cold/ Clammy Skin
U- Unconscious/ Unresponsive
P- Puking While Passed Out
S- Slow/ Shallow Breathing
If your friend or guest is experiencing these symptoms,
place them in the BACCHUS Maneuver or Recovery
Position, while medical personnel arrive.
● RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS OF AN OPIOID OVERDOSE,
AND CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY:
• Loss of consciousness
• Unresponsive to outside stimulus
• Awake, but unable to talk
• Breathing is very slow and shallow, erratic, or
has stopped
• For lighter skinned people, the skin tone turns bluish
purple, for darker skinned people, it turns grayish or
ashen.
• Choking sounds, or a snore-like gurgling noise
(sometimes called the “death rattle”)
• Vomiting
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140 CAMPUS DRIVE · 301-314-8180 · [email protected] · www.health.umd.edu
• Body is very limp
• Face is very pale or clammy
• Fingernails and lips turn blue or purplish black
• Pulse (heartbeat) is slow, erratic, or not there at all
● BE AN ACTIVE BYSTANDER and encourage your
friends to STEP UP. Whether or not alcohol or others
substances are involved, you can prevent sexual assault
and other intentional and unintentional dangerous,
problematic, or violent behavior. Use the 3 D’s
• DIRECT: Address the situation directly
and immediately.
• DISTRACT: Diffuse the situation by removing
the person in the threatening situation.
• DELEGATE: Ask others for help in diffusing
the situation, and/or call the police.
ALCOHOL & OTHER DRUG RESOURCES
The University Health Center’s Health Promotion and Wellness Services provides peer-to-peer education & outreach,
comprehensive programming, and support & access to resources that empower students to make safer decisions that will
enhance their academic and personal success.
The Substance Use Intervention and Treatment services at the University Health Center is available to any registered
student who has any concerns about their own alcohol or drug use, or the use of a friend, roommate or loved one.
Services include short-term, evidence-based psychoeducational interventions, treatment/counseling, consultation, and
advocacy for students. Referrals to local intensive outpatient and residential programs, including The Haven at College
Park, and assistance with continuing care after intensive treatment is also provided.
Online Resources including e-CHECK UP TO GO provide students with accurate and personalized feedback about
individual drinking or marijuana use patterns, risk patterns, interference with academic/career aspirations and goals, along
with helpful resources at University of Maryland and in your community.
Naloxone is currently available through the University of Maryland Police Department (301) 405-3333 and the Prince
George’s County Police Department 911. Ofcers are trained to recognize and respond to opioid overdoses with naloxone.
Recovery Resources are available to students. These include: Terps for Recovery (TFR) a student group that provides a
supportive atmosphere on campus for students who are in recovery, or wish to recover, and persons who are affected by
another person’s addiction; Community support meetings (AA meetings on campus and several nearby 12 step meetings);
“All recovery” meeting at The Haven at College Park; University Health Center Recovery Drop-In Space; and Substance-
Free Campus Housing.
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Be a Good
NEIGHBOR
You can download the City of College Park Resident Information Guide to get to know the local laws and
community expectations.
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0303A MARIE MOUNT HALL · 301-405-1113 · [email protected] · www.oce.umd.edu
As a new neighbor in the City of College Park, there are a few things you should know:
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Introduce yourself to your neighbors. There are local community members who have lived in College
Park for decades. Some may have had bad experiences with student renters in the past, but you can
change that! If your neighbor knows a little more about you, like your major and where you are from,
they will see you as an individual instead of “just another student.”
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Be mindful of how your actions affect others. Loud noises, unkept yards, and unruly parties can be
upsetting to your neighbors.
4
The night time noise limit (8 pm - 7 am) is 55 dBA in College Park, which is about the equivalent of a
normal conversation between two people. Keep this in mind so everyone in your neighborhood can get a
good night’s rest.
5
Keep your neighbors informed. If you are going to have a large social gathering, let them know so they
can contact you if there is a problem. This shows respect and builds trust.
6
Show pride in your home and community by picking up your trash to keep your street litter free. This also
pertains to pet waste—make sure to bring a plastic bag with you on walks.
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Watch out for the safety of your community. Be observant, and if you see something suspicious, contact
the police.
