Residential Life: Off Campus Living

Statement of Philosophy about Campus Living

Kalamazoo College affirms the educational benefits inherent in the residential undergraduate experience. Residential living is supportive of one's academic preparation and plays an integral role in one's experiential education, providing rich opportunities for involvement and development. Therefore, Kalamazoo College requires that all students, except seniors, to reside within the College's residential system and board at the College's dining center. Click here for the Kalamazoo College Assignment Policy in full.

Resources for Students Living Off Campus

Students who live off campus have a number of new responsibilities to live successfully within the Kalamazoo Community. This web site is designed to provide Kalamazoo College students with basic resources to help them be successful members of the Kalamazoo Community. What follows are the most commonly asked questions of students who are moving off campus or who already live off campus:

I have been approved to live off campus. How do I begin to locate a place to live?
Rental properties in the Kalamazoo area are abundant, and students are encouraged to view several properties to provide comparison to find the best fit. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

1. www.campusrentallistings.com is a comprehensive database for student housing in the Kalamazoo area. This is an easy to navigate database to locate a large number of rentals specifically for college students. Always make sure that any property you are considering is “registered” with the City of Kalamazoo, and therefore meets certain standards. This website also provides a link to find out if the property you are considering is a registered property.

2. Hickory Management Services owns numerous properties within close proximity to the Kalamazoo College campus. Go to www.wmustudent.com to access their rental database sort by "area" to locate available rentals in the "K" College area."

3. Trident Reality offers a large number of rentals within a two-block radius of Kalamazoo College. The company also negotiates short term spring leases as available for students coming back from study abroad for spring quarter. Go to www.tridentleasing.com to access available rentals.

4. The College owns a small number of properties around campus that are available for students to rent. Contact Marcie Weathers (mweather@kzoo.edu or 337-7312) to inquire about availability.

5. Opportunities are sometimes available through Kalamazoo Collective Housing. Go to www.kzoocoop.org for more information about the unique opportunity of local co-op housing.

What are some things I should consider before signing a lease?
Before you start checking out places to live, it is recommended that you create a checklist of important criteria. Is it critical that your housing include an internet connection? Does your housing need to be within walking distance from campus? What is your budget for rent? Are utilities included in the rental price? Click here for a sample checklist. Always read your rental agreement completely and ask questions if you have them. A rental agreement is a legally binding document, so it is critical that you understand what you are signing. If the landlord agrees to any changes, make sure you get it in writing!

What safety precautions should I take while living off campus?
Kalamazoo College Security Director Tim Young offers students living off campus valuable safety tips.
Click here to view safety tips.

Since I live off campus I really shouldn't worry about what is happening on campus or get involved anymore, right?
Wrong! Your continued engagement on campus is extremely important. We want you to stay connected! Click here for just a few ways you can make sure you stay connected to campus.

When I live off campus, I can pretty much do whatever I want, right?
That assumption could not be further from the truth. When you live off campus you actually broaden your community responsibilities. Now you are not only a Kalamazoo College student, but also a member of the larger Kalamazoo community. It is your responsibility to be informed of ordinances and laws regarding noise, trash, parking, etc. and to utilize that knowledge to establish your role as a good citizen of the larger Kalamazoo community. One resource for information is the City of Kalamazoo web site, www.kalamazoocity.org. Kalamazoo College students living off campus have a tremendous opportunity to make positive contributions in their neighborhoods.

Do I have any responsibilities to the College when I live off campus?
You sure do. Just because you live off campus does not mean that the minute you leave campus you stop being a Kalamazoo College student. Your conduct off campus is a direct reflection on the College, and it is critical that you conduct yourself in a respectful manner. Click here for a message from the President.

What do I do if I have a problem with my landlord?
It is important that you maintain constant communication with your landlord. If you see a problem, or potential problem, report it to your landlord right away. Keep accurate written records of all communication with your landlord. If you find that your landlord is unresponsive or you are having difficulty resolving a conflict, get help! One local resource is the Kalamazoo Public Library Law Library (553-7920, located downtown 315 S. Rose). At the Law Library you can access specific materials on tenant's rights and resolving conflicts, speak to an attorney, and attend workshops.

Note: Some links available to you through the Kalamazoo College Off Campus Living web site allow you to leave the College's site. Please be aware that the Internet sites available through these links, and the material that you may find there, are not under the control of the College. Therefore, the College can not and does not make any representation to you about these sites or the materials available there. The fact that the College has made these links available to you is not an endorsement or recommendation to you by the College of any of these sites or any material found there. The College is providing these links only as a resource to Kalamazoo College students.