Commuter Affairs

Students

• New commuter?
  • Start with the Universal Toolkit. It’s a guide that covers housing, transportation, campus resources, and tips for balancing academics and commuter life. This is the best place for new students (undergraduate, graduate, or international) to get oriented before diving into more detailed questions.
  • Commuters get all the same services as residents (tutoring, career services, counseling) but may need to plan visits around one’s schedule.
  • 💡Use gaps between classes wisely by scheduling study blocks on campus, and planning ahead for major assignments.
• 🏠 Housing help?
  • Start with the Off-Campus Living Toolkit for rental education including budgeting, leases, transportation and other tenant resources.
  • Find rental listings and potential roommates on the Off-Campus Housing Portal once you’re ready to search.
  • Visit URI’s Being a Good Neighbor guide for tips on noise, parking, property care, and understanding your responsibilities under both university and municipal codes.
  • Where can transfer students find housing?
    • Transfer students are often not guaranteed on-campus housing. Many use the Roommate Database to connect with peers in similar situations or seeking sublets, which can ease the transition into the URI community.
  • Are there housing options for visiting professors?
    • While no dedicated service exists for visiting professors or staff, many landlords prefer to rent to faculty or graduate students.
      • Check the Off-Campus Property Listings.
      • Ask your department for local recommendations.
  • What housing options are available for graduate students?
    • One of the most convenient and community-oriented on-campus housing choices is the University Graduate Village Apartments. This quiet, walkable community welcomes graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, visiting scholars, and non-traditional undergraduates, including those with families. Due to high demand for these apartments, the waiting period can be 6 months or more during peak demand times. They may not guarantee that an apartment will become available for you by a specific date.
    • You may view ads on the University of Rhode Island URI Graduate Village Facebook page and the Graduate Student Association webpage for people seeking roommates in the University Graduate Village Apartments.
    • Check the Off-Campus Property Portal for property listings and roommate opportunities.
    • Additional resources are available in the Graduate Guide.
  • I’m an international student planning to live off-campus. What should I know?
    • International students are encouraged to start with the Universal Toolkit.
    • Use the Off-Campus Property Listing and/or Roommate Database.
    • Visit the Match Program as an alternative.
• Several offices on campus have Notary Publics who can assist with official document signing. Bring a valid photo ID and your unsigned document.

Landlords / Property Listers

• Listing a property?
  • Submit via Off-Campus Housing site.
  • Details about the nominal fee provided during posting.
  • Need help? Email offcampus@costar.com or call 1.877.895.1234.
• 🏠 Best practices:
  • Provide accurate photos and descriptions.
  • List all included amenities and utilities.
  • Include pet policies, parking details, and any additional fees.
  • Ensure your property meets local safety and fire codes.
• Lease guidance?
  • Include clear terms, payment details, and maintenance policies to avoid disputes.
• First-time renting to students?
  • See the Good Neighbor Guide for tips and expectations communicated to students.
  • 🚨 Safety & Communication Tips:
    • Respond promptly to student inquiries and maintenance requests.
    • Encourage students to report damages immediately.
    • Document all communications and agreements in writing.
• What do students look for most in a rental?
  • Proximity to bus routes and campus
  • Affordable rent with utilities clearly explained
  • Responsive landlords/maintenance
  • Safe, well-lit properties
• How do I know if my property meets URI’s expectations?
  • URI encourages landlords to maintain safe, clean, and respectful properties.
  • Review the Off-Campus Living Toolkit for tenant rights and responsibilities, which helps set shared expectations with student renters.
• What if a tenant violates their lease or community standards?
  • Start with clear communication about the issue.
  • Reference the lease agreement.
  • For serious behavior affecting neighbors, contact your local police department. You are also welcome to report the behavior to the Office of Community Standards/Student Conduct for student accountability.

Parents & Guardians

• Start with the Universal Toolkit. It covers housing, transportation, campus resources, and tips for balancing academics and commuter life.
  • Tip: Help your student plan study blocks between classes and manage major assignments.

• 🏠 Housing guidance:
  • Review the Off-Campus Living Toolkit for budgeting, lease review, and tenant responsibilities.
  • Use the Off-Campus Housing Portal for property listings and potential roommates . URI Students can use their SSO Login, but parents/guardians would need to register as a guest.
  • Encourage your student to review the Good Neighbor Guide to understand noise, parking, and municipal codes.
• 💡 Tip for parents:
  • Encourage students to create a budget and review their lease carefully.
    • Understanding responsibilities early prevents stress later.
  • How to support students navigating roommates and leases
    • Discuss financial responsibilities, utility management, and shared living expectations.
    • Review lease terms together, including subletting, pet policies, and early termination clauses.
    • Encourage open communication with roommates to avoid conflicts.
  • 🚨 What to Know about Safety and Emergency preparedness
    • Students living off-campus are expected to follow local ordinances and URI’s Student Code of Conduct.
    • Share tips for securing the home (locks, lighting, smoke detectors) and maintaining a safe study/living environment.
    • Ensure your student knows URI Alerts and local emergency contacts.
    • Share contact info and plan for severe weather, fire, or other emergencies.

Faculty & Staff

Supporting off-campus students

Faculty and staff often interact with students who live off-campus. Understanding the expectations and resources available can help you mentor students effectively and foster a safe, respectful community.

• Recognize the added responsibilities off-campus students carry, including budgeting, commuting, and managing personal safety.

Academic Support Considerations

• Understand that off-campus students may have scheduling constraints due to commuting or part-time work.
  • ⏰ Be mindful when setting office hours, seminars, meetings, or exams.
  • 📅 Event timing? Midday (10 AM–3 PM) often works best for most students; consider evenings for increased engagement.
• Encourage students to use campus spaces for focused study, group work, or office hours.
• Advise students on balancing academic responsibilities with household duties and community obligations.
• 📚 Online access? Provide class materials digitally when possible.

💡 Tip: Suggest study blocks between classes or on campus to maximize efficiency.

Safety and Emergency Preparedness

• Remind students to sign up for URI Alerts for timely notifications of campus and local emergencies.
• Encourage students to maintain emergency contacts and to know their local police and fire department numbers.
• Discuss safety measures at home, including functioning locks, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, secure windows, and well-lit entrances.

Community Engagement and Civic Responsibility

• Encourage students to participate in community events to foster community and good relationships.
• Suggest students explore campus clubs, student organizations, and interest groups that have off-campus social or service components.
• Promote participation in volunteer initiatives, service-learning projects, or mentorship programs that build ties to the community.
• Encourage students to engage in local cultural, recreational, or sporting events to develop a sense of belonging.

💡 Tip: Suggest students join local volunteer opportunities or URI programs that connect students with the broader community.

Mental Health and Wellness

• Acknowledge that off-campus life can sometimes feel isolating.
• Encourage students to utilize counseling, peer support groups, and campus wellness resources.
• Support strategies for stress management, time management, and social engagement.

💡 Tip: Remind students that wellness services are available to commuters just as they are to on-campus residents

📬 Didn’t Find What You Were Looking For?

Phone: (401) 874-2828
Email: commuter-group@uri.edu