By: Ashley Rose
Photographer/staff writer
As the final leaves fall and the snow begins to take over, Titans prepare to leave campus for winter break to get some quality rest and recovery. While not all housing students will be moving out for winter break, most students will. Knowing the proper ways to care for your apartment before leaving will make returning in January much easier.
Preparing to leave your place for a few weeks might not sound like it requires much preparation; however, the few tasks it does require can be crucial. Students should be sure to complete the following prior to leaving their apartment:
- Empty all trash cans and recycle bins from the bathrooms, bedrooms and the kitchen
- All food that has the potential to mold or go bad needs to be removed to prevent lingering smells
- After locking all windows and your sliding glass door, be sure to pull down all blinds or curtains
- Unplug all small or large appliances, including TVs, air fryers, computers, lamps and more
- Remove all personal belongings you do not want left in your apartment over break
- Be sure to lock your bedroom door before leaving for extra safety
Beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday Dec. 16, students will find their Crimson cards no longer have access to the buildings on campus. Card access for students will be re-granted on Jan. 6 at 5 p.m. At this time, students may move back into their apartment on campus. Anytime between the move out date and Jan. 6, students will have no card access.
It is important to remember IU South Bend is located in a busy town. While it is not common, there has been a history of individuals attempting to break into apartments knowing students are gone over break. It is highly encouraged that all windows and bedrooms are locked, personal items are removed and blinds are closed.
For those planning to stay on campus over break, a winter break housing form must be submitted by Dec. 12. Along with this contract, students can expect a $200 charge to be made to their bursar bill once the break begins. Contracts are available at the front desk in the community building.
Students choosing to stay over winter break must be prepared for a few different circumstances than the fall semester. The community building will have adjusted hours on certain days to allow for winter and holiday celebrations to take place for students and staff. Furthermore, no overnight guests will be permitted on campus; all guests must leave by midnight.
Lastly, students living on campus with empty pods can expect to have a new roommate move in and fill the space come the spring semester. Students should prepare for this by removing items from common areas like the kitchen or powder room that may conflict with space available for the empty pod.
Those with questions can email living@iusb.edu.
