College Student Housing Rules to Follow

There are countless quotes about following, and breaking, the rules. The classic, “the rules were meant to be broken,” has become an iconic phrase that can be relied on in a multitude of situations. However, when it comes to college student housing, certain rules are meant to always be followed.

Roommate Rules, How To Play Nice, and a Guide to Fun-Filled College Student Housing Life

As a college student you are given rules for each class, sport team, and club affiliation that you might choose to join. You’re probably thinking that when you choose a college student housing solution you can throw caution to the wind because you are going to be an adult living off campus. Well, not to rain on the parade, but if you want to have a more relaxing lifestyle, then certain rules should be followed.

Roommate Rules to Live By:

1. Noise — Create guidelines regarding noise levels during the day and night. Start by looking at your class schedules to determine when you will both be awake and lively, vs. the days when one of you might want to sleep in.
2. Wall decor. — Don’t start your living arrangement with a fight. Shared spaces means shared voting rights on the decor. Your personal space is where you can be as creative as you want to be.
3. The kitchen. — Decide now if you are going to be a household that “immediately washes and puts away dishes,” or a household where “dirty dishes piled in the sink are a-okay.”
4. Single parking spot or double? — Roommates should establish rules regarding parking. Perhaps the spot will need to be shared between two vehicles, or maybe you will each have your own. Either way, don’t let parking become a roommate deal breaker.
5. The TV — Make sharing a TV easy by posting your favorite TV shows. Hopefully you and your roommate share similar tastes so that you can bond over some iconic American television.
6. Guests — Establish ground rules for guests, such as: how much notice needs to be given, is there a limit to the number of guests per week, are extended visits allowed, etc.

College Student Housing Rules to Live By:

1. Always be respectful of your off campus apartment’s common area rules.
2. Be courteous to your neighborhoods.
3. Remain respectful and professional when interacting with apartment staff members.
4. Treat the apartment, and apartment amenities, as if you had purchased them.
5. Understand all aspects of your lease, so that you can uphold your “end of the bargain.” Remember, a lease is a legally binding contract that should not be entered into lightly, nor should it be purposefully violated.

With these “rules to live by,” you can be better prepared to make the most of your chosen college student housing solution. Remember, college is a time for learning both inside and outside of the classroom, which means that every opportunity is a chance for a positive learning experience. The Standard at Knoxville is designed to provide University of Tennessee, Knoxville, students with access to an off campus college student housing solution. To learn more about available units, apartment guidelines, or to take a tour, contact a leasing specialist today.