Advice for Off-Campus Moving Day
Every year on August 14 and 15, thousands of students move in and out of their campus-area apartments and houses. Here are some ideas for how to be supportive of your student during this transition.
- Students appreciate the help of friends and family during this hectic time period. Offer to provide a vehicle or storage, lend a helping hand, or both.
- Be patient and work cooperatively with the property owner, management-company staff, and future neighbors to help the process go as smoothly as possible. Anticipate that some unexpected circumstances may arise.
- Stay positive about your student’s housing decision. Expect that your student’s new home may not be perfect; downtown Madison properties range from one to 150 years old. In addition, someone has likely just moved out of the residence your student is moving into and may not have left the residence in the condition you were expecting.
- Encourage your student to work cooperatively with his or her property owner/management company, notifying them promptly of any issues. It is most helpful when students directly contact their landlords if issues arise, allowing students to build a relationship with their property owners or management company.
- Allow enough time for loading and unloading. Ongoing road and building construction projects in the downtown area may affect your timing. For the latest information, visit the Parent Program Web site.
- Keep property safe and secure by not propping open doors or leaving valuables unattended.
- Finding a place to park and unload can be difficult. Consider putting your cell phone number on your windshield so others can call if you have blocked access. If long-term parking is needed, check posted signs.
- Encourage your student to complete a check-in form upon move-in and keep a copy for his or her records. Renters should take photos of areas of concern, such as carpet stains or holes in walls. If the property owner or management company does not provide a form, download one at the Tenant Resource Center Web site.
- Students should promptly notify property owners of security issues, including problems with outdoor lighting, smoke detectors, and locks on doors and/or windows.
For more information about the overall move-in process and the resources listed above, contact the Parent Program.