Resources
Everything You Need!
There is so much to learn and consider about off-campus housing, living in Chattanooga, and attending UTC, so here are a variety of resources all in one place to help you along the way. Bookmark this page, download what you wish, and always feel free to reach out to our office any time ([email protected] or 423-425-4252).
- Handouts/Checklists - quick, printable guides to help your off-campus living experience
Apartment Comparison Checklist
Map of Properties
Preparing for Break Checklist
Off-Campus Roommate Agreement Checklist
Tennessee Water Freezing Temps Advisory
- Important Numbers - from urgent needs to utility set-up, find all important local numbers here
You should post these numbers on your fridge to have handy:
Poison Control - 1-800-222-12222
Animal Control - 423-624-5302 x232 or 311
Police Non-Emergency - 311 or CHATT311 (online)
CARTA Care-a-Van - 423-698-9038
UTC Health Services - 423-425-2266
UTC Police - 423-425-HELP (4357)
Chattanooga Police - 911
Erlanger Hospital - 423-778-7000
And for all of your utility and official business, check out the Utility Database.
- Things to Do in Chattanooga
Chattanooga.gov - The official Chattanooga website, you can find everything from services and official city business to fun events and activities as well as an interactive map; a great resource for first timers in Chattanooga.
Visit Chattanooga - Geared more the visitor, this site shares more about each neighborhood, adventures, and other activities to make the most of your time here. A great place to find your bucket list items or simply cool things to do or places to meet people.
ChattLibrary - a great library system with a host of events, activities, and resources
Sea Light Festival - this late Winter tradition is an enchanting experience.
Head of the Hooch - largest rowing regatta in the world first weekend in November
Nightfall - free summer concert series held at Miller Park/Plaza
Riverfront Nights - free summer concert series at Ross' Landing
Three Sisters Bluegrass Festival - free weekend concert series in early October at Ross' Landing
Motorcar Festival - an October event with activities for everyone
Outdoor Festival - everything outdoors, fun for all ages, and drinks, food and music in April
Bacon and Barrel Festival - because everyone needs a bacon festival downtown...strictly 21+ event.
- Getting Around - public transit and biking in Chattanooga
CARTA - Chattanooga Area Regional Transit Authority has everything you need to master the public transit in Chattanooga, from routes and stops to services and future planning. And don't forget that anyone with a UTC ID can travel the public transit for free.
Bike Chattanooga - For about $7.50 a month, you can have access to bicycles as an affordable way to get around and explore the city. Chattanooga is a mostly bike-friendly city, which also has many greenways and mountain bike trails for the more adventurous.
- Articles/Videos - library of useful articles related to off-campus living
Know Your Legal Rights and Duties
TN Dept of Health Renting Guide
- Renter's Insurance - a few options to consider
Renter's Insurance is a very valuable coverage to get. While many properties will require that you have Liability Coverage (if you are found responsible for damage to property or persons, you are covered), you should also get Personal Property Coverage which will protect your things from fire, theft, vandalism, and some weather-related incidents. Here are a few companies that provide Renter's Insurance:
Arthur J Gallagher & Co - 1-888-411-4911 (University of Tennessee System partner)
Resident Shield - 1-800-566-1186
There are also local offices of national companies...check out this Insurance Agency Contacts List for more details.
- Meal Plans - yes, off-campus students can still get a variety of meal plans
The best little secret for off-campus living is that you can still get a meal plan that can meet your needs (and budget). Mocs Dining has brought in Aramark as the dining service provider, an expert in food service and cater the different needs of on-campus and off-campus students. Check out the Aramark Non-Resident Meal Plans to see which one is right for you. Did you know that you can always use one of your "meal swipes" to get a to-go box and fill it with raw or prepared foods as you wish...ask Aramark for more details.
- Legal Services - resources to deal with larger issues
This is always a challenging topic as UTC seeks to support its students, even in off-campus housing. While we may be able to intervene and provide assistance with a property, we do not have any authority over the properties nor responsibility for their actions. It is important to note that UTC and its employees are not legal experts and therefore cannot offer any legal advice. If you feel the situation has elevated to that level, here are some legal experts to consider (N.B.-UTC does not endorse or assume responsibility for any advice or services offered by these legal centers listed below):
Legal Aid of East Tennessee - 423-756-4013
Help4TN - online form
- Cost Comparisons - rates can fluctuate but here is a good guide
Studio/1-bedroom - $950 - $1500
2-bedroom - $1200 - $2000
3-bedroom - $1500 - $2400
4-bedroom - $2000 - $3200
On-Campus Partners
There are a lot of people on-campus to help you...
Reports
There are a lot of reports out there about off-campus housing...