FAQs and Resources for Off-Campus Students

I LIVE OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING, ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS I NEED TO FOLLOW?

Quarantining:
If you are traveling within and outside of Vermont: The Vermont Health Department strongly advises against non-essential travel, even within Vermont. All travel to and from Vermont requires quarantine. The only exception is essential travel.

 

You can access UVM's Quarantine Form here. that will help you figure out your quarantine status for your move-in and arrival process.

The City of Burlington has a Supportive Quarantine Program for you too! The program includes a move-in care package of fresh local goods, gift card, a mask and hygiene supplies.

Gatherings:

2021 Executive Orders from the State of Vermont:

Indoor Social Gatherings Suspended
You may not gather with anyone you don't live with at this time. Attendance at all public and private social entertainment gatherings, indoor and outdoor, including large social gatherings incidental to ceremonies, holiday gatherings, parties and celebrations, are prohibited. An individual who lives alone may gather with members of their immediate family residing in a different household.  See Stay Smart Stay Safe Orders here.

Face Masks:
The State of Vermont Mask Requirements

As of January 4, 2021, you are required to wear a face mask or covering in public spaces in Vermont. This includes both indoor and outdoor spaces (for example, businesses, public buildings, parks, hiking trails) and group living settings (for example, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, apartment and condo complexes), and other places where it’s not possible to stay at least 6 feet away from people you don’t live with.

People with COVID-19 can spread the virus through respiratory droplets produced when they cough, sneeze, sing, talk, or breathe. They can spread the virus even if they don’t have any symptoms. Masks protect others around you as well as offer some protection to you. Wearing masks is one way we can help slow the spread of COVID-19 – in addition to staying at least 6 feet away from people you don’t live with and other prevention steps.

(Updated: 02/05/21)

STUDENT HEALTH AND SAFETY EXPECTATIONS

The Green and Gold Promise: All students are required to read, understand, and comply with the “Green and Gold Promise,” an agreement to responsibly protect their health and the health of others and to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other risks to our community’s health.
Please note that the Promise requires students to follow all of the State and City of Burlington COVID-19 regulations!
Students also must acknowledge that this Promise is a condition of their ability to participate in the academic year 20- 21 and utilize university facilities.

The Code of Student Conduct contains charges for failure to take health and safety seriously, including preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

(Updated: 02/05/21)

CAN MY PARENTS OR FRIENDS TRAVEL FROM OUTSIDE OF VERMONT TO HELP ME MOVE IN OR OUT OF MY OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING?

In ordinary times, Vermonters are pleased and proud to welcome visitors. However, as we do our best to reduce the impact of COVID-19, anyone traveling to Vermont must quarantine. The State of Vermont has suspended its leisure travel map and implemented a mandatory quarantine for anyone returning or traveling to Vermont.

To help stop the spread of COVID-19 in Vermont, you may not gather with anyone you don’t live with. If you have gathered with people you don’t live with, you should quarantine. The Health Department strongly encourages getting tested as soon as possible and then again on day 7.

(Updated: 02/05/21)

I'M A STUDENT WHO LIVES OFF CAMPUS AND HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT MY HOUSING, RENT, LEASE, ETC. DURING THIS TIME.

If you are having difficulty paying for your rent:

The following are UVM and local resources for landlord-tenant concerns:

If you need to and are allowed to sublet, here are some tips.

Share your subletting needs:

Get good information about the subletting requirements and process:

(Updated: 02/05/21)

I’M LOSING INCOME AS A RESULT OF COVID-19. WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE TO HELP MAKE ENDS MEET?

If you have lost income as a result of COVID-19, the following are Vermont resources that may be helpful:

For University resources:

For City of Burlington updates: Visit the city's Burlington Resource and Recovery Center.  There you will find updates on rental and utility hardship initiatives.

For State of Vermont updates: go here and look under Relief for Individuals, Families, and Businesses.

(Updated: 02/05/21)

I’M CONCERNED ABOUT GETTING ENOUGH NUTRITIOUS FOOD RIGHT NOW. WHERE CAN I TURN FOR HELP?

If you are feeling food insecure or have trouble getting enough nutritious food right now, you may be eligible to receive a 3SquaresVT benefit. You can apply online — special details are considered for college students. To find out more and get help applying, dial 2-1-1, text ‘VFBSNAP’ to 85511 or email 3SVT@vtfoodbank.org. Refer also to Vermont Foodhelp, a resource guide for 3SquaresVT from Hunger Free Vermont.
The City of Burlington’s COVID-19 Food Access Resources has information and links to programs and food shelves in the area.

Rally Cat’s Cupboard: UVM’s on-campus pantry is open.  Follow @rallycatscupboard on Facebook for current hours and supplies.
The pantry is located in the Hills Agricultural Science Building, behind Marsh Life Sciences; use the Carrigan Drive entrance. If you need assistance, are unable to make it during these times or have an emergency in between openings, don’t hesitate to contact them at cupboard@uvm.edu or (802) 299-1976.

Also find other food shelves in the Burlington area on the City of Burlington's COVID-19 Food Access Resources page.

(Updated: 02/05/21)

I’M CONCERNED ABOUT ROOMMATES AND GUESTS NOT FOLLOWING COVID-19 REGULATIONS

Talking to your roommates about COVID-19 safety within your household can be difficult. Below are some tips we hope will help.
 
Get ready...

  • Choose a good time and place to talk and don’t wait to have the conversation.
  • Think about what has happened from your perspective and theirs. One of your roommates may be an essential worker, have a compromised immune system, or know someone who has been infected by the virus.
  • Understand the impact the conflict is having on you, your roommates, and your community. Not following Vermont COVID-19 precautions may cause future outbreaks, deaths, and further restrictions. Click here to see the most up to date CDC COVID precautions.
  • Open by identifying issues & finding common ground. You are in this together.

Talk it out…

  • Avoid blaming, fault-finding and making assumptions.
  • Listen to everyone’s perspective before moving to solutions.

Problem solving…

  • Move to problem solving when the issue is clear and agreed upon.
  • Brainstorm solutions and express what you are committed to doing to keep everyone safe (for example: wiping down common areas, washing hands frequently, and limiting number of guests so that you fulfill the COVID regulation of keeping 6 feet apart.)
  • Check-In with each other to see if your household is fulfilling their commitments and have another conversation if not.

Having these conversations can feel awkward at the start but many people who have had these conversations report feeling much more comfortable in their household after they are done. Below are some tips and action steps for managing your household through COVID-19.

Managing Your Household Through COVID-19.

  • Put up signage about COVID-19 regulations at your house that you can point to for guests and refer to when issues arise with roommates.
  • Don't become a magnet for activity: if people know your place has a party every weekend, you can almost guarantee strangers will feel free to enter your home.
  • For those of you who have moved your socializing outdoors for social distancing, just be mindful of the impact on neighbors and of Burlington's Noise Ordinance. Click here for Burlington’s Noise Ordinance information
  • If neighbors let you know your activities have negatively impacted them, discuss with your roommates what you might do differently and how you might make amends with the neighbor.

(Updated: 02/05/21)

List of Resources By Sector

FOOD

RENT AND HOUSING

UTILITIES

TRANSPORTATION

IDENTITY-SPECIFIC RESOURCES

  • Mosaic Center for Students of Color
  • CAPS counselor drop-in hours are still available remotely. To schedule an appointment call (802) 656-3340
    • UVM Caps for resources for veterans, emergency hotlines, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, eating disorders, and many others
  • Office of International Education. Main phone contact 1-802-664-0053
  • Prism Center is still offering one-on-one meetings. Email prism@uvm.edu for more information.
  • ACCESS office can work with students on accommodations and you can contact them directly at access@uvm.edu
  • Spectrum Vermont – Serving youth 12 to 26, drop-in is still open through their to-go food program. M-F 12 to 1 and 5 to 6 at their temporary location 191 Bank St. Burlington, VT. Visit their website for more information on Spectrum supportive housing and counseling services.
  • Outright Vermont - has transitioned to online groups, for more info check out their website or email them at info@outrightvt.org

HEALTH AND CONNECTION

(SOMEWHAT) LOCAL THINGS TO DO

MISCELLANEOUS

(Updated: 02/05/21)