Aerial image of Champlain campus and Burlington

Tips When Living Off Campus

What it means to live off campus.

As a Champlain College student living off campus, you have the opportunity to reside in one of America’s best cities. Becoming an off-campus resident comes with the responsibility of contributing to the wellbeing of your community. We hope you will consider these helpful suggestions when navigating living off campus.

Keep Your Address Updated!

Update your address each academic year. This enables us to know where our students are living so we can support you if there are neighborhood issues, or if there is a college or regional emergency.

Email compass@champlain.edu to update your information.

Tip 1: Introduce yourself to your neighbors.

Establishing a relationship with your neighbors is the first step in creating a quality community and for resolving issues that may arise. Consider exchanging contact information to keep the lines of communication open. Remember to think about the neighborhood in terms of how others experience it. Maybe there are young children living near you or people who get up early for work. Maybe the street is very neat and clean and your front porch is cluttered. Remember that how your apartment looks on the outside can impact your neighborhood.

Tip 2: Familiarize yourself with the Burlington Noise and Party ordinances.

Students have a right to make calls when the noise is out of control, and your neighbors may be calling, too. The purpose of the noise control ordinance is to allow all residents of our city to peacefully coexist in a manner that is mutually respectful of the rights and interests of others.

To report noise in your neighborhood, contact the Burlington Police Department at (802) 658-2704. If you have questions about the ordinance itself, call the City of Burlington at (802) 863-0442.

Read more about the Burlington Ordinance

Please note: If you are cited or arrested by the Burlington Police, Champlain College may be notified of this and you may be referred to Champlain’s Conduct Review Process through the Office of Community Standards. Even living off-campus, Champlain students are accountable to the policies and standards outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. Champlain students are responsibile for their behavior, being good neighbors in their communities, and living up to the standards of Champlain College. 

student taking a photo of the lake from the library balcony

Champlain & Vermont Resources

We want commuter and off-campus students to feel at home at Champlain. This list of Champlain and Vermont resources will help you get acclimated to the campus community. Take a look!

More Resources

Community Resources for Off-Campus Living

  • VT Law Help 

    Get general civil (non-criminal) legal information and find free and low-cost civil legal aid, assistance, and services in Vermont.

  • VT Legal Aid 

    Individuals and families facing a civil legal problem that threatens their rights, shelter, job, health or wellbeing can call VT Legal Aid.

  • Vermont Tenants Rights & Resources  

    Explore resources from CVOEO regarding tenant rights and services.

  • SeeClickFix 

    If you see a non-emergency issue that needs addressing around Burlington, make a report through SeeClickFix.

  • Office of Code Enforcement 

    Contact the Office of Code Enforcement to address issues with rental properties.

Office of Student Support Resources

Office Hours

To make an appointment, email studentresources@champlain.edu.

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