Off-Campus Living Guide 2014 | Page 7

KNOWING THE NEIGHBORHOODS T he campus and Eugene area is divided into six major neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has its own personality, its own set of positives and negatives. You should find the neighborhood that bests fits you and serves your needs. West University: » Starts at Kincaid street at the western boundary of campus » Student population: greater that 75% » Center of campus life » Home to: student centered shopping district, bookstores, coffee shops, campus bars » Neighborhood crime generally consists of party-related conflicts and theft South University: » Starts just across 18th Ave » Near Hayward Field » Student population: around 60% » Tends to be a little quieter than West University » Home to: Safeway, Starbucks, Prince Puckler’s Ice cream, campus bars » Neighborhood crime generally consists of party-related conflicts and theft East Campus: » Home to Matt Knight Arena » Student population: around 60% » Quieter than West University » Home to: Market of Choice, Hirons, Track Town Pizza » Neighborhood crime generally consists of party-related conflicts and theft [Larger map on pg. 19] BEFORE YOU SIGN THAT LEASE Get it in writing » Make sure that your rental agreement is in writing, and includes any promises from the landlord. If your landlord does not have a written agreement, write down the terms yourself. Ask your landlord to initial next to each term, and to give their signature at the end of the document. Keep this on file for future reference. Read Everything » Do not sign a lease or any other document before you read and understand everything. Take your time » Don’t be rushed. Take the time that is necessary to make sure you understand everything. Ask lots of questions » Be sure that all of your questions are answered before you make a commitment or sign a lease. » Use this list of important questions to ask your landlord before signing a lease. Negotiate » Renters often believe that the landlord’s offer is nonnegotiable, but that may not be the case. When reading the agreement, cross out sections to which you do not agree; before you sign make sure the agreement addresses your needs and concerns. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Harlow: » Surrounding Autzen Stadium and PK Park » Free express bus to campus runs until around 2am most nights » Scenic bike path over Willamette River provides an easy route to campus » Rent is typically less expensive than other campus neighborhoods » Crime is very moderate » Home to: The O Bar, Teng Hua Chinese Food, Duck N Go Convenience Store Hendricks Park Area: » Sits on a ridge on the other side of the East Campus Neighborhood » Best known for its signature natural area: Hendricks Park » Student population: around 24% » Crime is low » Mostly residential Amazon: » About two miles south of campus » Student population: around 28% » Close to the Amazon Adidas/Rexius running trail and mountain bike trails » Crime is low » Home to: Sundance Natural Foods, Burrito Amigos, Humble