How to be a Good Neighbor Living Off Campus in Bowling Green
Living off campus opens up a wide variety of other rules, regulations, and duties that you may not have in the dorm rooms, so it never hurts to learn tips on how to be a good neighbor. Learning how to be a good neighbor is one of the most important things, especially when you are living in an apartment complex. Complications between neighbors do arise but can be prevented with proper tips, respectful actions, and being courteous to others.
Tip #1: Keep the noise under control
Starting with the top issues that may arise with neighbors, noise is a problem that many people forget. Noise issues can come from multiple sources such as car engines/car alarms, noisy or barking animals/pets, creaky floors or pounding on the floors, and one of the biggest is music (most of the time from parties). Apartment complexes seem to always have these issues because multiple people (that you may or may not know) are living in the same building and the walls, floors, and ceilings may not be as sound proof as we all like. Please keep the city’s noise ordinance in the back of your minds when planning a party or living around other people.
Tip #2: Keep things tidy
Other issues are trash and messes, either in the yard, on the side walk, or around stairs/entrances to buildings. Bicycles need to be secured in a place that will not be in the way of neighbors and guests (especially in the case of an emergency such as fire). Kids toys need to be kept out of the yard and off sidewalks so people don’t trip over them or even ruin your property. As we all know, Bowling Green can get very windy on some days and can blow objects all over the yard and roads, but this can be prevented with good housekeeping.
Tip #3: If you have a pet, be responsible
Pets are another issue in neighborhoods. Not everyone has a pet and not everyone takes the proper care of their pets. One of the biggest issues is with pet droppings/waste. ALL pet waste needs to be picked up in a timely manner and thrown away in the proper receptacle. Many realtors and even the city of Bowling Green have rules and regulations on this. Please respect the city’s pet ordinance and your local realtor’s rules when it comes to pet care.
Tip #4: Park vehicles properly
Be sure to park your cars in the proper places and not to block entrances or spots that people need to drive in or out of their driveways or parking lots. Be aware of no parking zones around fire hydrants, intersections and one way streets too.
Tip #5: Get to know your neighbor
Keeping these issues resolved is as easy as getting to know your neighbors and being courteous of your property and their property. If you smile and wave routinely, it will help create a sense of community. If problems do arise for any situation, take care of them maturely and respectfully.
All students reflect the community and the university, so a positive image is always important. If you follow these tips on how to be a good neighbor, you will be setting an example to show your neighbor how to be a good neighbor too!