News from Off Campus Student Services

Attorney C.L. Lindsay highlights your rights and responsibilities in hosting and attending parties in this informational and entertaining presentation. Topics include: Smart Party Practices, Underage Drinking Laws, Campus Alcohol Policies, Funding, What to Do if the Police Show Up, and more!

BOSTON EVENTS
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Christian Science Center Tours

210 Mass Ave

All Month

Take a free tour of The First Church of Christ Scientist.

Click here for a schedule

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Boston Book Festival

October 16 ct. 16

The expanded Boston Book Festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Boston Public Library, Old South Church, Trinity Church, Church of the Covenant, John Hancock Hall at the Back Bay Events Center and outdoors in Copley Square.

Festival events include presentations and panels featuring internationally-known writers, scholars, critics and commentators. FREE and open to the public.

www.bostonbookfest.org

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Cookie Nights

75 Chestnut Street
Boston

Every Tuesday night 75 Chestnut will be tasting a new cookie recipe and they are in need of your distinguished palate to give them your comments.

If you have a favorite cookie recipe that you would like to share, bring it in and they will prepare your recipe and put it to the test. The best cookie recipe will win an exquisite Dinner for Two.

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Dear Roaming Husky,

"I just moved into a new apartment, and we're having roommate problems.  We don't agree on who is responsible for the shopping, cleaning, or bills. Everyone is frustrated with each other and I feel that we need to do something before the situation escalates.

     Concerned     Roommate

Dear 'Concerned',

You should all sit down together and talk through these issues and decide how you want to handle these day-to-day tasks so that it works for all. Be sure to share expectations,
communicate openly and consider weekly house meetings.

- Roaming Husky

click here for tips for a cooperative living environment.

Have a question? Ask the Roaming Husky

Quick Links

Our Website

Campus Calendar

Boston Events

Rental Housing Resource Center

Inspectional Services

SECURITY DEPOSITS: Did you get yours back?

You probably know landlords require a security deposit before moving into an apartment, but do you fully understand details regarding its repayment? In general, a security deposit is the landlord's way of protecting their property from potential damages while it is occupied by a tenant. This deposit cannot be greater than the amount of one month's rent.

The Security Deposit:
Ensure that the landlord gives you a statement of condition for the unit you are renting and that your money is deposited into a separate, interest bearing account. Your written receipt must indicate the location of the bank and account number.

These provisions must be met within 30 days of the landlord receiving your security deposit.

Take pictures now of your new apartment, or use this helpful inventory checklist. This way you don't have to rely on memory of existing conditions before you moved in.

Repayment of Deposit:
At the end of your tenancy, the landlord is required to send you a notice restating the location of your security deposit and how much interest has accumulated. You may choose to credit this amount to your next lease if using the same landlord; otherwise the full amount, plus interest, must be repaid to you. If you were required to pay last month's rent upfront, you are entitled to the interest that was acquired on this payment within 30 days as well.

What if I do not get my whole Security Deposit back?
A property owner can deduct money from your deposit, but only for:

unpaid rent which has not been withheld validly
unpaid increase in real estate taxes (if you are obligated to pay, per tax escalator clause in your lease)
amount necessary to repair any damage you caused not including reasonable wear and tear.

If an amount is subtracted, the landlord must provide an itemized list and invoices for repairs made. If the landlord does not fulfill these items within 30 days, a tenant may be eligible for up to 3 times what is owed to them! To learn more about security deposits click here

WAKE-UP WEDNESDAY!

Wake Up Wednesday

Join us on Wednesday, October 13th for free coffee + cocoa and a complimentary coffee mug. We will have tables outside of Ruggles, and in the Krentzman Quad. Stop by and get some morning refreshment on your way to classes or co-op!

RESPONSIBLE PARTYING

Renting an apartment comes with a number of new and important responsibilities: paying the rent on time, taking out the trash, and being courteous and aware of your neighbors. Many students see the freedom of renting an apartment as an opportunity to host parties.

If you are considering hosting a party, keep these things in mind before you invite everyone you know:

Whether your neighbors live next door or across the street, they will quickly recognize a loud party.
Keep the noise at a reasonable level. Walk outside from time to time and observe for yourself how loud you are being.
Inform your neighbors in advance and offer your phone number so they might call you to complain about noise, before calling the police.
Limit your guest list and only invite friends you trust. Open invitations will almost always end in a negative way for all involved.
Designate one person to be responsible for ensuring that the party remains safe. If you serve alcohol, this person should not drink for the night and should be on the look-out for guests who have had too much.
Don't serve alcohol if you OR any of your guests are under 21.
Anyone on your lease can be held legally liable if something goes wrong. Do not allow the party to get out of control or you will face the consequences.

Having a safe and responsible party is about being smart. Remember that when you live off-campus your actions affect not just other students, but families that are now your neighbors. Be courteous and be responsible!

DINNER AND DISCUSSION

CELL PHONE AND IPOD SAFETY

In recent weeks, there have been a troubling series of robberies on and around campus. Students have been stopped and robbed of phones, iPods, and other expensive electronics as reported to Boston and Northeastern Police.

While our campus is quite safe you must be aware of our location in the middle of a bustling city. Huntington Ave. and Columbus Ave. are main thoroughfares for the city, and two T lines running through campus add an increased level of foot traffic in the area.

Note these simple rules while out on the street to stack the odds in your favor:

1. Keep Blackberries, iPhones, iPods and other handheld devices in your pockets when on the T or walking down the street. If you're buried in multiple BBM conversations or flipping through your playlists, you're advertising your valuables to everyone around you.

2. Pay attention to your surroundings; don't get preoccupied with electronics.

3. Walking home at night listening to your iPod isn't a bright idea - it's easy to sneak up on you when you can't hear.

You can easily prevent being the next victim of a robbery off-campus. Be alert, don't advertise what you're carrying with you, and you should get home safe with all of your belongings!

NU Sacred Space is recognized by PBS

PBS recently released a "City Guide to Sacred Spaces" and NU's Sacred Space in Ell Hall was listed as one of the best places in Boston for quiet reflection.

Sacred Space 3

The Sacred Space was designed by a local architecture firm and dedicated in 1998. The University decided to make the space an inclusive multi-faith space where many faith traditions would feel comfortable, taking into account the changing demographics of our student population. Multi-faith is a different philosophy from conventional non-denominational chapels that provide neutral space for no specific religion.

"God in America" October 11-13, 2010, 9-11PM ET on PBS

For the first time on television, God in America explores the tumultuous 400-year history of the intersection of religion and public life in America. http://www.pbs.org/godinamerica/

The Sacred Space will partner with PBS to offer open hours for those who are touring sacred sites Columbus Day weekend. On October 9 & 10 the space will be open to the public for self-guided tours from 10am- 3pm.

RENTAL INSPECTIONS

Boston requires a rental inspection of all

apartments within 45 days of a new tenancy. A City Housing Inspector will determine whether your apartment meets state health and safety codes, and is pest free. It is in your best interest to verify that your landlord has had your apartment inspected. Click Here to check inspection requirements and records for your new home!