Off-campus Student Services Newsletter: November 2023

A scenic look at the Uptown Campus in fall, with the Liberty Terrace buildings nestled among fall foliage and the Helderberg Mountains in the background, all beneath a blue sky.

Learn more about Off-campus Student Services.

 

Monthly Calendar of Events

On-campus Events:

Off-campus Events:

 

Purple and yellow UAlbany, SUNY, banner against a backdrop of snowy trees.

 

Getting Ready for Winter

Winter is approaching and it's time to start preparing, so you can stay safe.

  • Layer up: Wear a coat to provide more insulation and warmth. You should also consider wearing a hat, hood or scarf because more heat is lost through the head than other parts of the body. Before stepping outside, check the weather forecast to better prepare yourself for the cold temperatures.

  • Shoveling: Ask your landlord who is responsible for snow removal. Making sure your steps and walkway are shoveled and salted are critical for your safety, especially when there is ice accumulation.

  • Seek shelter: When the wind chill is high, get out of the wind and restrict your time outside. Wind chill can put people in danger. For example, if the temperature is zero degrees Fahrenheit and the wind is blowing at 15 miles per hour (MPH), the wind chill is negative 19 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Keep dry: Wet clothing rapidly chills the body. If you are sweating, remove your outer layers of clothing or open your coat.

  • Drive Safely: If you plan to drive in the snow, make sure your car is ready with winter tires, windshield wiper fluid and other safety features. Drive carefully, leaving a safe gap between your car and those around you. Clear your car's roof complete of snow before you drive.

 

Two students hold a black trash bag open as they participate in a Pine Hills neighborhood clean-up.

 

Trash Regulations: How to Avoid Fines

The city of Albany has strict rules on trash and failure to abide by these policies often results in significant fines, which landlords pass onto tenants. Trash-related fines can range from $250 to $1,000 per violation.

Make sure you understand your responsibility with trash collection per your lease and who collects your garbage.

  • If your trash is collected by the city, trash pick-up day in Pine Hills is on Wednesday mornings each week.

  • Trash must be placed curbside between 4:30 p.m. and midnight on Tuesday evenings.

  • Trash must be contained in heavy duty plastic bags and/or trash cans.

  • Trash placed curbside before Tuesday evening is subject to fines.

  • Bring trash cans in from the curb no later than Wednesday evening.

  • If disposing of bulk items, such as furniture or mattresses, contact the Department of General services (DGS) at 518-434-2489 at least 24 hours before the collection day.

  •  Hazardous waste such as paint cans, TVs, computers, etc. cannot be placed curbside at any time.

  • Any trash found outside your residence building — including, but not limited to, litter on your lawn or in your alleyway — is also subject to fines. 

  • If your landlord collects your trash or hires another company to collect your trash, make sure to follow their guidelines

  • Help keep your neighborhood beautiful and do your part by making sure your home is free of litter and trash.

 

Three sliced pumpkin pies in aluminum tins. One pie is nearly eaten and another is partially eaten.

 

Secure Your Home: Pre-travel Checklist

Before starting on your journey, it's crucial to ensure your home is safe and secure. Follow this pre-travel checklist to lock up your off-campus housing effectively.

Exterior:

  • Lock all entry points, including front and back doors, sliding glass doors, garage doors, etc.

  • Lock all windows, including basement and upper-level windows

  • Ensure outdoor lights are working to deter intruders

  • Trim bushes and trees near windows to eliminate potential hiding spots

  • Request the U.S. Postal Service hold your mail and ask a neighbor to collect packages delivered by other services

Interior:

  • Unplug non-essential appliances to prevent electrical fires

  • Set the thermostat to 65 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent pipes from freezing and use the energy-efficient level to save on utilities

  • Secure valuable items in a safe or lockbox or, if possible, take them with you

  • Use doorstops or locks on interior doors to limit access within the house

  • Activate your home security system, if you have one

You may also wish to sign up for the Albany Police Department's Vacation Checks service.