• Keep an eye out for community events in your area to learn more about your area and interact with your neighbors.
• Get to know your neighborhood and find your nearby grocery stores, places to grab dinner, parks, or study spots.
• Get to know your neighborhood to get a feel for the area where you are living and determine if there are any parts you would want to avoid
• Get involved by volunteering (visit the Center for Community Engagement & Service for opportunities)
• Remember to always be courteous and friendly!

Check out our Good Neighbor Guide graphic [pdf] for advice and tips on being a great neighbor.

• Introduce yourself to your neighbors
• If you see something, say something, by reporting all crime and suspicious activity
• Be courteous and polite, especially around neighborhood children
• Be aware of your noise levels
• Keep visible property and community space clean
• Don't let mess from your apartment affect those around you by keeping your trash contained
• Keep your parties under control and let your neighbors know beforehand
• Your pets are your responsibility, so clean up after them and make sure their noise levels don't bother neighbors
• Know your local and community laws

Check out our personal safety graphic [pdf] for advice and tips on staying safe in D.C.

• Walk with another person or a group when possible
• If you must walk alone, stay in well-lit and heavily trafficked areas
• Be aware that if your light is on at night, people can see into your home unless you draw your curtains
• Have your keys ready before you get to your building or house
• Don't be distracted with headphones, and be aware of your surroundings
• Know when the metro closes, since trains run less frequently later in the evening
• It's better to not use an ATM at night, but if you do, use an ATM you are familiar with and that is in a well-lit area
• Be careful when crossing the street and make sure drivers can see you

Check out our going green graphic [pdf] for advice and tips on living green while off campus.

• Bring your own backpack or tote to the store and think about how much you'll carry back to avoid buying items you don't need
• Turn off the lights when you leave the room and save money on electric bills
• Unplug electronics and small appliances when not in use
• Buy fresh and local, and visit the AU Farmers Market on Wednesdays
• Air-dry your clothes instead of putting them in the dryer
• Bring your own mug thermos when going to the coffee shop (you can earn stamps to a free coffee at The Davenport)
• Print double sided to use less paper and reduce waste
• Don't let food go to waste by packing leftovers for lunch
• If your destination is close by, walk to burn calories instead of gasoline
• Use long-lasting, energy-efficient lightbulbs
• Save water by doing larger loads of laundry
• Ditch the plastic and stay hydrated with a reusable water bottle (filtered water stations are all over campus
• Take the metro
• Reduce, reuse, and recycle

Visit the Office of Sustainability for more ideas on living green.