A Smart Move

Students encouraged to be good neighbors, take care of belongings when they move out

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VCU and the neighborhoods surrounding both campuses will be a hub of activity in the coming weeks as students begin moving out at the end of the semester. University officials are calling on students to be good neighbors when they move and to take steps to reduce the chance that they’ll become victims of crime.

“We emphasize to students that it’s important to be considerate of their neighbors while they are at VCU,” said Cathy Howard, Ph.D., vice provost of the Division of Community Engagement. “The end of the semester is an exciting time for students but it’s important to be respectful of those who live around you.”

That advice was echoed earlier this week in an email to students from Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Enrollment Services Henry G. Rhone.

“Please continue your efforts as good neighbors, treating your neighbors as if they were part of your extended family,” Rhone wrote.  “Attention to noise, responsible alcohol use, picking up trash and considering your neighbor’s needs engenders good will of neighbors towards all VCU students.”  

There are several options available for students to dispose of furniture, clothes and other belongings that they don’t want to take with them.

Goodwill will provide a truck on May 18, 19 and 20 behind 500 Academic Center on North Ryland Street, allowing students to drop off items that can be used by someone else.

Through the City of Richmond’s “Project Clean Move,” the Department of Public Works will place four large roll-off dumpsters across the Fan neighborhood where students will be able to deposit their unwanted items. The dumpsters went out in late April and will go out again in late July at the northwest corner of the intersection of Grace and Mulberry streets, the southwest corner of Ryland and Grace streets, the northwest corner of Morris Street and Grove Avenue and the northwest corner of Morris and Cary streets.  

With prior planning, students may also have unwanted items that don’t fit in trash cans removed free of charge.  Call 311, select the Department of Public Works and ask for a bulk trash pick-up. The pick-up may take three-to-five days, so it is important to secure the trash as much as possible and leave a large note on it, indicating that 311 has been called for a bulk pick-up.    

Failing to deal with unwanted items in a responsible way not only creates friction with neighbors, it can be costly.

“Tenants need to be mindful that landlords can charge you for trash removal if you have not made your own arrangements, and city officials will be issuing tickets to property owners where trash is piling up during these prime moving days,” said Martha Harper, off campus student services coordinator. “I think it’s safe to say property owners aren’t going to absorb the cost for your trash.”

Additional information from the Department of Public Works is available at http://www.richmondgov.com/PublicWorks/ProjectCleanMove.aspx.

Or visit Off-Campus Student Services for additional tips and a list of recycling and thrift store resources. 

Those moving out need to take care not to become the victims of crime.

VCU Police say moving chaos can create tempting targets for thieves.

“It’s important not to leave your property unattended, especially when loading your vehicle,” said VCU Police Chief John Venuti. “Also, always lock the door any time you leave your room or apartment and keep your purse, wallet and other valuable items with you at all times.”

Additional crime prevention information is available at http://www.police.vcu.edu/.