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Vol. 5, Issue 5
January 2012
January Husky Tracks
New Year's Resolution #1: 
Get a Head Start 
on Apartment Hunting
Finding a new apartment can be stressful, daunting and time-consuming. Do your research for the easiest possible apartment search season!

Ask Us Questions

We're in 226 Curry Student Center, and we are here to advise you. Get advice on good realtors, finding an apartment or roommates, tenant rights, or how to read the fine print of a lease.

 

Attend a Workshop

Throughout January and February we're offering 'Know Before You Go' and 'Apartment Boot Camp' workshops. Click here to see the time and location of our workshops!

 

Use a Reputable Realtor

Our Annual Apartment Fair is February 8 from 4-7pm in the Indoor Quad in CSC. There will be approved realtors to talk to, food to eat, and prizes to win! Go to our events page for more details!

 

Consider Costs Besides Rent

How far are you willing to commute to get to class? You may save money by living further from campus, but don't forget the commute! When looking at a new apartment, make sure to ask what utilities are included.

Dinner & Discussion
Jan. 17 @ 6:30. Come discuss social entrepreneurship and political empowerment over a free dinner! Click here to reserve your spot!healthier
New Year's Resolution #2: Get Healthier

Exercise
The weather makes it more difficult to be outside, but it's important to stay active, especially after all those holiday dinners! Exercise is good for your health and helps fight off the winter blues. Make trips to the gym less of a hassle with these tips:

Sign up for classes with a friend! Having someone to go with at a set time helps you stay on track. Click here for a list of Spring classes! 

Go to the gym right before/after class or work to minimize trips back and forth to campus.

Go to Squashbusters! Located on Columbus Ave., it may be closer to your apartment than Marino.

 
Eat Well
It may be tempting to order take-out, but eating out frequently can hurt your wallet and your health. Consider getting groceries delivered; if you coordinate with roommates the fee is minimal. Pick up food in large quantities, and don't forget fruits and veggies! Not so good around the kitchen? AllRecipes.com is a great resource for the would-be chef.
 
Sleep
The beginning of the semester is a great time to start better sleeping habits. Getting enough sleep means more energy, a better immune system, better memory in class or at work, and that nice 'well-rested' feeling throughout the day.
 
Plan
Before you leave in the morning, check the weather for the whole day and dress accordingly. Getting caught in the cold without proper gear could be a one-way ticket to sickness.conGUSTO
Cocinar Con Gusto

Jan. 25 @ 12pm - Levine Marketplace. Join us for a free lunch while learning how to make ceveche, a seafood dish popular in Central & South America! Chef/owner Jose Duarte of Taranta in the North End will be teaching. All students attending will be entered to win a gift card from his restaurant!involved
New Year's Resolution #3: Get Involved

Returning to campus from co-op, abroad, or just feeling a little disconnected? Make a resolution to reconnect with Northeastern. Here are three ways to get involved:

 

Join a Club

The Campus Activities website has a breakdown of student organizations by category. Whether you're interested in club sports or community service, there's something for everyone! Browse the list and see what peaks your interest!

 

Join a Team

Want to get in better shape? Intramural teams run year round, so get a group of friends together! Why not get in shape the fun way? Click here to see the Spring calendar!

 

Volunteer

The Center for Community Service is always looking for volunteers. Click here to learn more about the opportunities available.

 

Save the date! The Winter Activities Fair is January 19 from 2:30-4:30pm in CSC and is a great way to find out about opportunities to get involved!

safenet
SAFEnet Advisory
SAFEnet
 
What do Miley Cyrus, Bill O'Reilly and President Obama have in common? They have all been victims of 'phishing' schemes and internet hijacking. Here are some tips to avoid internet crime:
  • Use an unpredictable password. Don't use something like a birthday, phone number, address etc. Change your password frequently and never send it to anyone (even someone claiming to be your email provider). 
  • If you follow links on the internet, be sure you know where you are going. Be sure that you have logged out of sites when leaving and log off when using a public computer. Shred bills that you no longer need. Shred free credit card offers that show up in the mail, including the return envelopes with "Customer Tracking" barcodes. To opt-out of these solicitations, follow the directions included in the material.
  • To report an incident involving the theft of money or fraud, contact NUPD at 617-373-2121.
In this Issue
Rent Increases Anticipated
If you're weighing the options between finding a new apartment or renewing your lease, you should know that there is a good chance next year's rent will be higher. We anticipate this based on what we've heard from realtors and Boston's low vacancy rate. So when your landlord asks if you will be renewing your lease, know if the rent will increase, and by how much. Consider this as you decide to renew or look for a new apartment.
Looking for a Roommate?
It's never been easier with our brand new roommate feature! You can now make a post about yourself, add pictures of your apartment or search for potential roommates by preferences such as smoking and neatness. Click here to get started!
Chinese New Year Parade
Jan. 29 @ 10am-4pm in Chinatown. Come participate in this exciting annual event! A great place to watch the parade is at the corner of Harrison Ave. & Beach St. Fireworks, music & more!
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Join Our Mailing ListT_pass
Recycle Your Christmas Tree!
old christmas trees
Boston residents must dispose their Christmas trees on their recycling day between January 2nd and 13th. The Public Works Department will collect and compost the trees. For more info, click here!
Off Campus Corner
CAphoto4
Look for your Community Ambassadors at tables in the Curry Student Center throughout the semester! They'll be around to answer questions about living off-campus, realtors, tenant rights and more! Stop by for some snacks and to chat!
NU Farm Share
fresh produce
Bring home fresh, local produce weekly! Come to 344 CSC January 11 at 1:30 or 3:30 pm to sign up.
 Click here for the details. farms
Dear Roaming Husky
Dear Roaming Husky
Dear Roaming Husky,

 

My landlord is demanding that I renew my lease by the January 15th or she will lease my apartment to someone else. The rent listed is $100 more per month on the new lease! Don't I have a right to the apartment as the current resident? Is there a limit to how much the rent can increase if I stay?

 

Sincerely,
Current Tenant

  

Dear Current,

 

Although your lease is good for another eight months, landlords commonly ask tenants if they want to re-sign a lease in January or February. You do not have a right to the apartment beyond your current lease until you create a new lease agreement with the landlord. The notice is simply a courtesy from the landlord, and if you do not re-sign by the specified date, the apartment can be rented to another party. There is also no limit on rental increases when a new lease is created. If you are hesitant about resigning the lease, attend our Apartment Fair on February 8 in CSC to talk to realtors with available properties.
 
Sincerely, 
Your Roaming Husky
 
Relay for Life
March 24 @ 5pm-5am - Matthews Arena. Looking for the best 
co-ed sleepover on campus? Join hundreds of NU students at Northeastern's Relay for Life! Click here to sign up! During the event you will have the opportunity to win prizes, see performing groups, celebrate, remember and fight back for those afflicted with cancer. Reduced registration fee from now until January 13th, so sign up with friends or a group soon!