Living off-campus means joining the community of Raleigh. There are multiple residential neighborhoods around NC State occupied not only by fellow students, but families, professionals, and the elderly. It’s important to recognize your responsibilities as a member of the Raleigh community and to be a strong representation of the Wolfpack community to your neighbors.

Regardless of where you are moving, it is likely you will be in a shared proximity with several other individuals. This could be with other students and/or members of the Raleigh community. In order to be a good neighbor, students should model the NC State slogan of Think and Do.

Below are some important considerations for off-campus students:

Meeting the Neighbors

When moving to your new space, make sure to take the time to introduce yourself to your neighbors. It can be helpful to share some general details about yourself (name, year in school, major, interests and hobbies, etc.), along with exchanging contact information.

On a regular basis, you should engage with your neighbors as you come and go by offering a friendly hello, wave, or smile. Students should address concerns promptly through open communication to prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems.

Parties and Gatherings

If you are planning to have a gathering in your space, it’s always a good idea to let your neighbors know your plans and encourage them to reach out about any concerns. Be mindful of how much noise you are making, especially if your event is at night.

Students should consider the following factors when planning an event and how it may impact the neighborhood:

• The tentative start and end times of the gathering
• Anticipated number of attendees
• Primary location – will people be inside, outside, or both?
• Who is attending the event? Remember that you are responsible for the property and your guests
• Availability of parking spaces and potential traffic flow
• Source of noise and appropriate levels (learn more about noise ordinances)
• Post-event clean up and trash removal

Considering hosting a block party? The City of Raleigh requires a special event permit for these events. Check out the Special Event Planning Guide for more information.  

Parking

Parking can be a challenge within any off-campus neighborhood. Therefore, it is important to only park in designated spaces Make sure to communicate any parking expectations and restrictions with visitors.

If using street parking, be mindful not to block any areas of your neighbor’s property, areas that are marked as no parking zones, and/or grassy or landscaped areas.

Complaints and Concerns

When living in a shared environment, there is always a possibility that issues may arise. Students should address concerns in a proactive manner in order to prevent the matter from escalating. Some recommended tips include:

• Address concerns from the start and in a timely manner
• Approach individuals in a non-confrontational manner
• Express your concerns respectfully and focus on the issue
• Use “I” statements to convey your thoughts and feelings without blaming others
• If you are unable to come to a resolution, try working with campus resources that can provide additional support.

While we encourage ongoing communication to address issues, students may find it necessary to contact neighborhood resources for assistance. Below is a list of numbers for specific concerns and needs:

• Noise Complaints: 919.829.1911 (Raleigh Police)
• Code Enforcement Division: 919.996.2444 or through the online request form
  • Concerns can be related to household furniture, exterior violations, interior violations, junk/litter, limbs/debris, unlicensed vehicles, overgrown grass/weeds, etc.

The University may be notified by community members to discuss new or ongoing concerns with our students or organizations. In these situations, staff may reach out to all identified individuals in order to meet and discuss the situation. Students are expected to participate in those conversations in order to best determine the best steps forward.  

Finding Support

In the event that students are engaged in ongoing issues with their neighbors, students should explore appropriate ways to handle conflict. This can include: