Resources

• Seven Helpful Steps to Off-Campus Living
• Getting Involved

Step 1
Figure out the type of housing you want to live in.
The Salisbury area has a wide variety of off-campus housing options.  Please take your time exploring different options to find the best selection for you. 

• Apartment/Condo
• Duplex/Multiplex
• Townhouse/House
• Shared/Roommates

A list of local landlords and leasing apartment complexes can be found on the Off-Campus Services website at: www.salisbury.edu/offcampushousing/sbylandlords.html

Step 2
Develop a financial budget
Consider how much you can afford for rent, utilities, food, transportation, entertainment, and emergency expenses. 

• Calculate the monthly rent and utilities that are required. 
• The average cost of living off campus is approximately $7050* per academic year.  Living with a roommate is usually cheaper than living on your own. 
• A good rule of thumb is to not exceed half of your monthly allowance in rent. 

 * www.stateuniversity.com/universities/MDI 

Step 3
Transportation
Consider your transportation needs 

Shuttle Services
Salisbury University offers a shuttle service for students living in University Village, University Park, and Seagull Village.  The shuttle picks up and drops off at Maggs Physical Center every 15 minutes.  A shuttle service is also provided every hour for students travelling between Salisbury University and UMES. 

Personal Vehicle
If you plan on driving your personal vehicle to campus, make sure you obtain a parking permit from Salisbury University Police.  Don’t put yourself at risk for an expensive ticket!  For more information contact University Police at (410) 543-6222 or visit www.salisbury.edu/police/Parking.

Carpooling
Carpooling is a great option to save gas and is good for the environment.  Find students that live near you with similar schedules and ride together to campus. 

Bicycling
Salisbury University offers bike racks in front of every major building on campus.  Students who choose to ride their bike should always use a bike lock to secure their property.  A University Police recommended bike lock can be purchased at the Guerrieri University Center Information Desk at cost.

Shore Transit
Shore Transit bus services provides transportation for Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset counties.  A bus schedule and further information may be obtained at www.shoretransit.org

Taxi Services
Look in the yellow pages to find a list of local taxi companies. 

Saferide
Salisbury University offers a “no questions asked” Saferide services for all students within a three mile radius from campus on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.  If you are drinking, don’t drive, or if you just need a ride home call Saferide at (410)677-5000. 

Step 4
Choose the perfect roommate
The Guerrieri University Center Off-Campus Housing Services offers a “Students Looking for Roommates” service for all Salisbury University Students.  Information or a form can be obtained at the Guerrieri University Center Information Desk.  While deciding on a roommate here are some things to consider.

• Meet the prospective roommate prior to signing the lease to make sure you are compatible. 
• Figure out your likes, dislikes, priorities, and what you are willing to compromise.
• Discuss all expenses and how you will share them equally. 

Step 5
Consider your dining options
Eating out all the time may become too expensive.  Buying pizza every night is not worth missing your rent.  Here are some options you may want to consider:

• Salisbury University offers a variety of meal plans for on-campus dining.  For more information visit www.salisbury.edu/dining/mealplans
• Salisbury University also operates Satellite Dining services in five building on campus.  Here you can grab a quick breakfast or lunch in between classes. 
• The Gull’s Nest and Cool Beans Café located in the Guerrieri University Center are also popular choices for students.
• Going grocery shopping and learning how to cook.  This will not only ensure that you save money for other expenses but it promotes healthier eating habits. 
• Depositing money on your Gull Card at the start of the semester or monthly and using it to purchase food on campus as well as off campus.  For a list of off-campus businesses that accept Gull Card visit www.gullcard.salisbury/edu/OffCampusMerchants.asp

Step 6
Before signing your lease
These are a few things to consider prior to signing the lease. 
Safety

• Make sure all doors and entrances shut and lock properly. 
• Visit the area at night to ensure that it is well-lit and secure.
• For more information on safety tips and neighborhood crime statistics contact the Salisbury Police Department at (410) 548-3163 or on the web at www.salisburypd.com

Term of lease

• Consider the length of the lease and what notice is required to terminate the lease.
• Make sure the lease is legitimate by having someone knowledgeable looking over it with you. 

Renter’s Insurance

• Protect your belongings by looking into companies that provide Renter’s Insurance. 

Step 7
Get connected
Before moving in set up all services and utilities that will be needed.  Make sure you contact local utility companies at least two weeks in advance to get services turned on.
Important Numbers:
Electricity –
Delmarva Power (800) 441-8355
www.delmarva.com/home
Phone/Cable/Internet –
Verizon (410) 954-6260
www.verizon.com
Comcast (800) 266-2278
www.comcast.com
Gas –
Chesapeake Utilities (800) 427-0015
www.chpk.com

Getting Involved

Salisbury University offers a wide range of activities for all students.  It is important for students living off-campus to participate in campus activities.  Be a part of your University and take a look at these helpful websites! 

Guerrieri University Center Events!
Get involved in fun and engaging activities in the University Center.  Visit the website for a schedule of upcoming activities.
www.salisbury.edu/guc/gucevents  

Student Activities, Organizations, and Leadership
Get involved in Student Government, or get information on any of the vast clubs and organizations offered on campus. 
www.salisbury.edu/soal  

Intramurals
Keep in shape or stay active by signing up for one of the many Intramural leagues offered through Campus Recreation. 
www.salisbury.edu/campusrec/Intramurals/Intramural_main  

For more information on Off-Campus Housing Services please visit the website.
www.salisbury.edu/offcampushousing

Disclaimer:
Salisbury University is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and the achievement of equal housing opportunity. All housing listed herein is subject to federal and state fair housing laws, which generally make it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, familial status or national origin or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.