Off-campus Student Services Newsletter: September 2024

Students with candles during Welcome Week
The Class of 2028 are welcomed during the annual Welcome Week Candle Lighting Ceremony on the Uptown Campus

EVENTS

On Campus

Class of 2028 students move in to Indigenous Quad
Class of 2028 students move in to Indigenous Quad

Off Campus

Incoming students from the Class of 2028, new international students, and transfer students are welcomed during the annual Welcome Week Convocation
Incoming students from the Class of 2028, new international students and transfer students are welcomed during the annual Convocation

Emergency Contact Campus Residence Registry

UAlbany will be emailing an Emergency Contact & Residence Registry form to all off-Campus students. The University uses this information to better support its off-Campus students, helping staff respond effectively and provide timely information in the case of an emergency. 

Please provide the physical address of where you reside while attending UAlbany, not your permanent address (unless you reside at your permanent address when class is in session). 

All off-Campus students must complete this form and will receive reminders until they do.
 

Making Your Apartment Your Home

 One of the best parts of moving off Campus is turning your apartment into your home! To many this can be a daunting task as it can becoming quite expensive, difficult to do logistically and overwhelmingly when done all at once. There are plenty of ways to help alleviate these feelings and make creating your home an enjoyable experience. Read our tips below to help you on this journey.

  • There are plenty of good second-hand stores in the surrounding area to find used but home goods and furniture. Such as the Habitat Humanity Restore, Goodwill, Salvation Army stores and many others.
  • Check online for local garage sales in your area or online marketplaces. If you buy an item from a local online marketplace, the Albany Police Department strongly recommends meeting the seller at one of their stations to ensure your safety.
  • If you do not have a vehicle, hardware stores in the area rent pickup trucks for a daily rate if you need to transport heavy items to your apartment.
  • Read your lease thoroughly and make sure you do not attach items to your walls or move in items that could cause d a.m. age that could be deducted from your security deposit when you leave.
  • Hold off on buying non-essential items until they are in off season or until the holiday season when they may be on sale.
  • Try to buy items that can be reused year to year that you do not have to keep rebuying. If possible, locate storage opportunities early in the year for you to store your items over the summer to ease moving in and out of your apartment if you leave Albany during the summer.
The Class of 2028 are welcomed during the annual Welcome Week Candle Lighting Ceremony at the University at Albany on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.
The Class of 2028 are welcomed during the annual Welcome Week Candle Lighting Ceremony on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.


FINANCIAL WELLNESS FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDENTS - QUICK TIPS 

Budgeting: Create a monthly budget and track your spending.
Income Sources: Identify all income streams, including jobs and scholarships.
Expense Management: Categorize essentials vs. non-essentials; cut back on non-essentials.
Housing: Negotiate rent, consider roommates, know your tenant rights.
Groceries: Plan meals, make shopping lists, look for student discounts.
Utilities: Set up auto-pay for bills, conserve energy and water.
Transportation: Use public transit, carpool, or bike to save on costs.
Textbooks: Rent, buy used, or use digital textbooks; utilize library resources.
Emergency Fund: Save for unexpected expenses (3-6 months' expenses).
Credit Management: Use credit responsibly; avoid unnecessary debt.
Financial Aid: Stay informed about aid options and scholarships.
Part-Time Jobs: Find on-campus work that fits your class schedule.
Insurance: Understand health and renters' insurance coverage.
Financial Literacy: Attend university workshops on financial topics.
Long-Term Goals: Start saving for retirement and other future goals (how much ever you can).
Seek Advice: Consult financial advisors and join student financial wellness groups.
Regular Review: Periodically assess and adjust your financial plan.

Campus Resources: Take a look at some important Campus resources

  • The Purple Pantry: Need some help with food? Check it out.
  • Purple Threads: Interview clothing is expensive.  How does FREE sound? Will reopen August 26, 2024
  • Student Emergency Fund: Had an emergency that cut into your savings for school and living expenses? You might be able to get an award. Reopens for applications on September 3, 2024
  • Homelessness Liaison: Struggling to find a safe place to live and sleep? Click the link to get connected
  • SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program):  Some students may be eligible for monthly food assistance that can be used like a credit card at the grocery store. Check your eligibility here