Off-Campus Life Guide


V. Transportation

The University's Vehicle regulations are specific rules and guidelines for the operation and parking of motor vehicles and bicycles on campus. You will be given a copy of these rules and a map of the various parking areas at registration, or you may obtain them from the Department of Parking and Transit. The information number for this office is 575-3507.

SHUTTLE BUS- The shuttle bus is a convenient means of transportation to and from this campus. Most of the major apartment complexes and housing areas are on or near the bus routes. Facts about the bus system are listed below

1. A map of the bus routes can be obtained at the information desk in the Union, the Parking and Transit on Razorback road, and the Administration Building in the lobby.

2. The buses run from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday - Friday during the Fall, Spring, and Summer sessions.

3. Shuttle bus rides are free

4. The Red Bus Route goes downtown, then to the mall and returns to the Arkansas Union at the University.

5. All routes are run at scheduled times.

There is also a Disabled Transit Bus that physically disabled university students and employees can use for transportation on campus. To apply for transportation, disabled applicants need certification from the University Health Care Center physician to qualify for this service. If you have any questions concerning the Disabled Transit Bus, please contact the Tansit and Parking Dept. located at 155 Razor back Road or call 575-3507. If you are a disabled person you can contact the Disabled Student Association for personal help about campus transportation.

CARS- Since parking spaces are limited you will usually park a distance from the inner campus classroom areas. You will be restricted to "day student" parking lots, so be sure to check the map carefully for appropiate parking areas. If you park in unauthorized areas you will be ticketed; unpaid tickets can result in disciplinary action by the University.

Parking permits may be purchased during your registration process or from the Department of Parking and Transit. Prices for parking permits are:

Description Academic Year Summer only

Reserved Residence $50.00 $25.00
Off Campus $15.00 $7.50
On Campus $22.00 $11.00

BICYCLES- A bicycle is a good means of transportation, especially if you live close to campus. You can usually park your bike near your classroom buildings. Some hints to remember include:

1. Bicycles are regulated by traffic laws, not pedestrian laws.

2. Ride with traffic, keep to the right of the road.

3. Use proper headlights and red tail lights or reflector when riding at night.

4. Walk your bicycle across busy streets at corners or crosswalks.

5. Beware of pedestrians when riding on sidewalks.

6. Practice safety awareness when riding your bike.


MOTORCYCLES-Motorcycle parking permits must be purchased from the Department of Parking and Transit. Prices may vary.

VI. Utilities

All utilities in the city of Fayetteville, except water, are owned and operated by private companies. The city of Fayetteville services water to its residence.

WATER- To get water turned on at your apartment you must go to the water department office during office hours and place a deposit of $30.00. Some form of identification is required. Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. The address is:

City Water Department
113 West Mountain
Fayetteville, AR 72701
(501) 521-1258

If you have water problems contact the water department. After office hours and on weekends call 575-8338.


ELECTRICITY- In Fayetteville there are two electrical companies: Southwestern Electric Power Company(SWEPCO) and Ozark Electric Cooperative Corporation. SWEPCO requires a deposit which is based on the average two-month billing in the past for that location in which you plan to live. The Ozark Electric Corporation requires a $40.00 deposit for residence( $20.00 membership fee and $20.00 connection fee), plus a letter of credit or a security deposit. Call to find out which company will service you. Addresses are listed below:

SWEPCO OZARK ELECTRIC
300 North College 3641 Wedington Drive
Fayetteville, AR 72701 Fayetteville, AR 72701
(501)521-3000 (501)521-2900


GAS- The Arkansas Western Gas Company supplies gas to homes in Fayetteville. You must go by their office to have your gas turned on at your apartment. There is a deposit of $75 for residents. Office hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday thru Friday.

Arkansas Western Gas Company
HWY 471N.
Fayetteville, AR 72701
(501) 521-5400

TELEPHONE- To order phone service, you will have to do it by phone. Call South western Bell Telephone Company at 442-9800 for hook-up and cost. Be aware that during January and August, when students are returning to school, it will take longer for installation. So try to make arrangements as early as possible. Office hours are from 8:30am to 4:30 pm. Monday thru Friday. If you cannot contact them at the number above, keep trying.

VII. Off-Campus Concerns

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES- The Department of Human Services (DHS) established to provide the necessities of life for themselves or their dependents. The DHS is organized into 13 divisions and offices: the divisions of Aging and Adult Services, Services for the Blind, Children and Family Services, Economic and Medical Services, Finance, Management Services, Mental Health Services, Program Operations, Rehabilitation Services, Alcohol and Abuse Prevention, Volunteerism and the office of Chief Counsel.

The central offices for the DHS division and offices are located in Little Rock. Also, DHS has an office in every county in the state where an individual can find out about, and apply for, every service that DHS provides. The following phone numbers indicate the DHS offices in the local counties.

Benton................273-9011 Madison...............738-2161
Crawford............474-7595 Washington..........521-1270


FOOD- Living off campus gives you the choice of cooking your own meals or eating out. If you do not intend on cooking you may be interested in the meal plans offered by the university. There are several plans from which to choose. Weigh your calculations on how often you really think you will eat on campus.

Off campus students may purchase meal plans at the Residence Life and Dining Services' central office in Hotz Hall. A minimum purchase of four weeks is required. Weeks are counted from Wednesday breakfeast through Tuesday dinner. To purchase a meal plan with Residence Life and Dining Services a person must have a valid University of Arkansas I.D. Prices for the 1993-1994 are listed below.

Unlimited.....$842.50/semester $ 55.50/week
15 meals.......$792.50/semester $ 52.00/week
10 meals.......$742.50/semester $ 48.75/week

All payments are non-refundable. Cash or checks only.

Off campus students may also buy by the meal. A discount of $0.50 per meal will be given with any purchase made with Razorbucks. Any questions are to be referred to Hotz Hall room 920.

HOME COOKING- If you choose to do your own cooking, you will need to reach an agreement with your roommates about sharing food and kitchen responsibilities.

Main Points


I. ROOMMATES
1. Find a roommate before you sign a lease.
2. Choose your roommates carefully. Discuss lifestyles, values, study habits, etc.
3. Complete a Roomate Contract or agreement between roommates.

II. DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT AND START EARLY
1. Begin your housing search at least 3 months before you plan to move in.
2. Decide what type of housing you need (cost, special features, etc.)

III. COMPARE SEVERAL DIFFERENT APARTMENTS
1. See the actual apartment you will be renting.
2. Meet and talk with different managers. Note how the grounds are maintained.
3. Talk to residents and check out the OCSA Resident Reaction File. (Apartment complaint/compliment file.)

IV. READ THE LEASE CAREFULLY
1. DO NOT sign for longer than you plan to stay. The lease is a legally and finacially binding contract.
2. Read the lease and understand its clauses. (i.e., repair and rent increase clauses).
3. Get all agreements in writing. Oral agreements are very difficult to enforce.
4. Get a copy of everything for your own records.

V. SECURITY DEPOSIT
1. Note the requirements for return of your security deposit.
2. Complete Move-In Inventory within 48 hours after you move in the apartment.

VI. MOVING OUT
1. Give 30 days written notice of your intent to vacate at the end of the lease term.
2. Abide by the lease terms, including leaving a clean apartment.
3. Leave a written forwarding address with your manager and the Post Office.

BUDGETING

Many people fail to plan for all the expenses involed in off campus living. If you fail to budget wisely you may run out of money before the end of the month. To avoid financial difficulties and pressures sit down and use the form provided to help calculate your expenses. Compare your monthly expenses and your monthly income. If they do not balance you should be prepared to adapt your spending. Do not forget you have to pay tuition and books twice a year!

SAMPLE BUDGET

I. Expenses

1. Deposit
a. Housing Security Deposit _______
b. Phone _______
c. Electricity _______
d. Gas _______
e. Water _______

2. Move-In Costs
a. Cleaning Equipment _______
b. Cooking Utensils _______
c. Furniture _______
d. Linens _______
e. Cable TV Instalation _______
f. Decorating _______

3. Books/Supplies _______

4. Tuition _______

5. Monthly Costs
a. Rent _______
b. Utilities _______
c. Telephone _______
d. Food _______
e. Tranportation _______
f. Recreation _______
g. Clothing _______
h. Laundry _______
i. Cable TV _______
j. Newspaper _______
k. Miscellaneous _______

II. Income

1. Deposits From Savings _______
2. Financial Aid _______
3. Employment _______
4. Contributions From Parents _______

North-West Arkansas Apartment Guide

***All information contained in this guide was supplied by the listed apartment complexes. While all efforts have been made to provide accurate and current information, no garentee is given with regard to the accuracy of the material contained herein.***

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Last updated August 23, 1996

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