Be a good neighbour
The University of Windsor encourages you to be a good neighbour in whatever area you choose to live. Your actions will help ensure that UWindsor students maintain a good reputation in our community.
As University of Windsor students living off campus, you are now members of the Windsor Community but you are also ambassadors for UWindsor. In this context, your actions and behaviours matter to your neighbours. Poor behaviour can reflect badly on you and your university. The University of Windsor values its relations with its neighbours and we want future students to be welcomed into the neighbourhoods that surround the campus for years to come. Therefore, we want to offer several pieces of advice about living off campus as conscientious members of your community.
- Neighbours: get to know them, especially if you will be living there long term! This can be as simple as saying hello when you see your neighbours as they come and go. You may find it difficult to introduce yourself to this new stranger, but it will only help you avoid animosity in the future. It will be easier to talk with your neighbours about issues or parties in the future if you have a relationship to build off of.
- Noise: Be aware of and be respectful of the noise bylaw. There are few things more frustrating to neighbours than noise late at night.
- Yard Upkeep: keep your yard clean. Take out your garbage regularly. Piles of garbage attract pests and smell. Some landlords will not do a satisfactory job of yard maintenance. If this is the case do what you can to keep your place looking decent. Your neighbours will really appreciate this.
- Snow Removal: It is a part of the city bylaw that snow must be removed from a city sidewalk. Review the bylaw here to determine who is responsible for snow removal at your off-campus residence. Additionally, many senior citizens or persons with physical disability face increased hazards and mobility issues. There is a volunteer Snow Angels Program that you can volunteer with to help provide snow removal services to those in need in your neighbourhood.
- Garbage Collection: As a tenant, it is your responsibility to properly dispose of any and all garbage. To find out your collection day, visit the City of Windsor waste collection website. Also, there are restrictions on the type of containers your garbage can be placed in, find the regulations at the City of Windsor website.
- Recycling: Familiarize yourself with what belongs in the blue and red bins. The City of Windsor has an acceptable list for the Blue Box and a list of what goes in the Red Box. A schedule for garbage, recycling, and yard waste can be found here.
- Parking: Be aware of parking bylaws, where you can park and not park. Whatever you do, DO NOT park on your lawn. This will upset your neighbours and will quickly draw tickets from parking enforcement. Your residential area may require a parking permit, if so, you can find information on the city website here.