Seasonal Information

Information important to our off-campus students about August and January move-in, break periods, and other seasonal details may be found on this page. Additional information may be added throughout the year.

Seasonal Information

As you prepare for winter break, it is important to take steps to protect your off-campus apartment/house. The following information is designed to help you in this process. For additional information, please see the Department of Public Safety’s information Securing Your Residence.

  • Close all windows and curtains.
  • Be sure sliding glass doors are closed, locked, and have a wooden or metal dowel/bar in the track to prevent it from opening.
  • Unplug all of your electrical items, except for your refrigerator.
  • Take with you or throw away any food that will spoil while you are away.
  • Take all valuables with you. If you leave any valuables behind, be sure they are placed out of sight of all windows. Keep a serial number records of any valuable items that have them.
  • Make sure beds, couches, and other furniture are at least two feet away from any heat source.
  • Activate the security alarm, if your residence has one.
  • If you know a trusted friend or neighbor will be around for the break, ask them to check on your place while you are away.
  • Keep your thermostat set at a temperature no lower than 65 degrees F. This will keep your apartment heated, helping to prevent pipes from freezing. Check your lease in case your landlord/property manager has a different thermostat setpoint you are required to use.
  • Complete a “hold mail” request with the U.S. Post Office so that mail does not accumulate outside your residence, giving the appearance that you are away.
  • If you see anything suspicious, contact the Syracuse Police Department at 315.442.5111, or call 911 in the event of an emergency. The Orange Safe app is also available as a safety resource for you and to provide contact with the Department of Public Safety.

During your time away, we hope you have a safe, relaxing break and holiday season!

Winter in Syracuse is beautiful, but can also be challenging if you are not properly prepared. Take some time to review the following information designed to assist you in getting ready for winter. In addition, be sure to check out Syracuse University's Winter Weather Preparedness to learn more about winter terminology and campus advisories.

Snow

It will snow! Syracuse, NY receives around 124 inches of snow annually. It is important to be prepared. Snow can be widespread or focused in a smaller area. Living near Lake Ontario, Syracuse can receive what is called lake effect snow bands. These are highly concentrated narrow bands of snow that can be intense.

  • If you are living in a rental house, you are responsible for clearing the snow from your sidewalk leading to your front porch as well as the sidewalk that runs along the street in front of your property. Check your lease for your specific requirements.
  • You may not deposit shoveled snow into the street, into a street gutter, onto another part of the sidewalk, or onto a neighbor’s sidewalk or driveway. Pile the snow onto the grass in front of your property.
  • If a fire hydrant is located on your property, you are responsible for clearing all the snow from around it. Your safety and those of your neighbors depends on your care and diligence.
  • Student Living on South Campus, located in 206 Goldstein Student Center, will have an allotment of shovels and will provide up to one shovel per residence (until we run out) to help you with this responsibility. After the shovels are received in our office, we will send email notification to our of-campus student listserv.

Trash and Recyclables

Trash and recyclables still need to be taken out on specific days. However, please be cognizant that piles of snow make it more difficult to place containers near the street. For safety, do not place trash and recycling containers in the street.

Parking

On-street parking can become particularly challenging following a snow fall. Please park in designated and approved locations only (e.g., your driveway or the odd/even parking city expectation). If you are parking in the street following the odd/even City of Syracuse requirements, it is imperative that you move your car at the designated time each day to allow the City of Syracuse plows to clear the snow.

Driving

If you have a car, be sure it is prepared for winter weather.

  • Have your fluids, brakes, and wipers checked and replaced as necessary.
  • Ensure you have a good set of tires – you may want to consider snow tires. If you are unsure if your tires can handle the snow or if you are nervous about driving in the snow, contact a reputable local tire dealer / auto shop. Their staff can evaluate your needs and talk with you about your options.
  • Keep a shovel, ice scraper, and blanket in vehicle.
  • Remember that braking and accelerating in the snow take longer. Plan for the additional distance needed.
  • If you are not going to drive your vehicle for the most or all of the winter months, talk with a reputable auto mechanic about how to best prepare and store your vehicle.
  • Review AAA‘s Winter Driving Tips, AAA’s Tips for Safe Winter Driving, and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s Winter Weather Driving Tips for more helpful information.

Below are a few helpful reminders if you will be leaving for spring break:

Contact your RD if you have any questions.

Classes end April 29, 2024, for the spring semester with final examinations lasting through May 7, 2024.  As at all times, but especially during reading and final examination days, please be respectful and considerate of your neighbors whether they are students or community members. Be aware that your actions and noise level impacts those around your property. Remember that others in the community need to be able to sleep and study for school, college exams, and work. Learn more about local ordinances, including Syracuse’s noise ordinance and expectations, here.

It is just as important to be aware of all your responsibilities when moving out of your off-campus residence as it is when you move into it. There are typically specific expectations you need to follow that are detailed in your lease. Below are some helpful tips to ensure a successful move-out experience; however, always consult your lease for your specific requirements.

  1. Start early. You likely have accumulated more belongings while living off-campus.
  2. Pack all your belongings.
  3. Consider donating items you no longer need or cannot take with you. Some locations/agencies to which you can donate can be found here. If you are donating items, make arrangements to take items to the agency or have them pick it up at your home, if the agency is able and offers such service. Always ask to see identification before letting someone you do not know into your home.
  4. If you are storing or shipping your belongings, make arrangements early and be sure to meet your chosen vendor.
  5. Check your lease for requirements on what you are expected to do prior to departing. Typical expectations of a lessee include:
    • Sweep or vacuum all floors;
    • Clean all bathroom sinks, showers/bathtubs, toilets;
    • Clean kitchen sink and counters;
    • Clean inside of refrigerator;
    • Wipe down all surfaces;
    • Remove all trash and recyclables from inside the property and place into proper receptacles;
    • Pick up all trash and recyclables outside on the porch, deck, and yard and place them in the proper receptacles.
  6. Take photos of the condition of your space when you leave, documenting the condition. Keep them with the photos and videos you took when you moved into your space. They can be used to compare the condition of your space when you depart to what it was like when you arrived. Be aware that damage and excessively dirty rooms may be grounds for your landlord to withhold your security deposit.
  7. Turn your key in and contact your landlord as specified in your lease.

If your lease runs longer than you will be staying and you will be subletting your space, review Subleasing within the Lease Signing Process for additional information.

Have a great summer!

  1. Check lease and confirm move-out requirements prior to departing. Requirements often include cleaning, removing trash and more. Charges will often result for damages and/or leaving rental units dirty.
  2. Start early and pack all belongings.
  3. Make arrangements if storing, shipping or donating belongings.
  4. Following moving out and prior to leaving, ensure to document condition of the rental unit by photo or video.
  5. As specified in lease, contact landlord and return key(s).

Item Donation Options

Campus food pantries accept unopened unexpired shelf stable foods as well as small appliances, dishes, pots, pans, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. There are two pantries located on campus. Hendricks Chapel food pantry located at Hendricks Chapel and the South Campus Food Pantry located at the  Carriage House.

  • Supports the efforts of the Rescue Mission to end hunger and homelessness.
  • Located in Marshall Square Mall, 720 University Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13210.
  • 3fifteen accepts small houseware items like lamps, dishes, etc. They also accept clothes and shoes. They do not accept large furniture or bedding.

  • Their mission is to inspire youth to embrace their true identity while unleashing their inner potential.
  • Contact person: Mary Nelson, marynelson337@gmail.com, 315.422.2761.
  • Located at 2849 South Salina Street, Syracuse, NY 13205.
  • In need of school supplies and household items.

  • Their vision is to encourage and empower those in need to reach their full potential.
  • Located at 2433 Erie Blvd East, Syracuse, NY 13224.
  • 1.800.SATRUCK.
  • Tuesday - Saturday from  10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Accepts gently used, clean clothing, furniture, and household items. Learn more about how to donate items.

  • Contact: 315.428.2211.
  • 980 James Street, Syracuse NY 13203.
  • Accepting smaller household items and accessories.