Five Ways to Make the Neighbors Love Having You Next Door

1. Get to know them. Start with a simple wave as you walk by their porch. Stop up some day when they're out on the lawn and introduce yourself. MOST neighbor conflicts happen because neither party knows the other, so assumptions kick in. Talk about your interests and lifestyle, and ask about theirs. Lots of UNL students have found good friends in their neighbors, even though they are from different stages of life.

2. Respect THEIR property. Nothing gets a neighbor madder than when the nice garden they spent hours planting gets trampled because of a student party next door. Let your friends know when they come to party that the neighbor's house is off-limits, and help your neighbor clean or repair their yard or house if something happens.

3. Keep YOUR property looking good. Nobody wants to own a house next to Joe Dirt! Keep the yard clean, keep control of trash, and get rid of the 1976 orange couch on the porch. Your landlord may have certain lease agreements asking you to maintain the property as well, but even if you don't HAVE to keep the place up, you'll find a much better reception from neighbors (and police) if you do.

4. Park nice! Remember hearing your Mom nag you to "play nice"? In neighborhoods, it's all about the parking. Where you put the car makes a BIG difference in both the looks and the safety of the neighborhood, so be sure to park in an appropriate spot. Having a party? Let guests know where they can -- and can NOT -- park. Don't let cars block the street or the alley, and keep cars off of lawns -- especially if the lawn isn't yours!

5. Know when it's too late to be loud. The people next door may not have the same schedule you do, and may need to sleep when you want to crank up the volume. Usually, a simple conversation about your plans will avoid conflict and police calls about noise, but it never hurts to think twice about the time and the neighborhood when things get loud, especially if the party goes outside.