Everyone knows that living off campus has its perks, but many students are unaware of the problems that could be lurking in their new homes. Before you ditch the dorms, here are some potential dilemmas to consider along with ways to stop them in their tracks.

Bugs and mice

These critters are especially attracted to carbohydrates and sugar-rich foods, so make sure you keep those items well covered in Ziploc bags, Tupperware or with chip-clips. Put your dishes and flatware in the dishwasher, if you’re lucky enough to have one, or wash them by hand immediately after you eat. Garbage should be taken out as soon as the bag is filled because even rotting scraps will lure unwanted pests into your home.

Should you find a mouse nibbling in your pantry, set up traps lathered in something that will attract them around the kitchen, such as peanut butter. If you prefer a more humane method, try some peppermint oil ‘ it masks the smell of food and is too strong for rodents to handle. For bugs, keep a can of Raid or some other insect killer under the sink.

If the situation is beyond your control, have your landlord call an exterminator as soon as possible.

Clogged sinks and toilets

Cooking grease can settle along the sides of pipes and act as a trap for food bits, so be sure to keep leftovers in old cans. Once a month, boil a teakettle of water and pour it down every sink in your house to keep the pipes clear. Before you flush any product down the toilet, make sure it’s marked ‘flushable,’ or else the whole sewer system may back up. Nobody wants to see what that mess will look like.

If a toilet clog strikes, first try using a plunger to get the job done. If the situation requires, shall we say, maximum strength, pour some liquid clog remover down the drain and let it settle for the recommended amount of time. If the toilet or sink starts to flood, you really screwed up and should probably have your landlord call a plumber to get the job done.

Fire

Whether you’re trying to set the mood by lighting some candles or impress your friends by cooking a fabulous meal, fires can start in many different ways. Since open flames are restricted in the dorms, many students might not know how to deal with them responsibly when they move off campus. Always keep candles and incense away from flammable objects while they’re lit and put them out before you leave your house or go to bed. Turn stoves and burners off immediately after use and keep flammable objects such as oven mitts out of direct contact. Avoid overloading outlets with too many appliances.

It’s always a good idea to keep an extinguisher rated for Class A, B and C fires in your kitchen. Small grease and electrical fires can be put out with baking soda. Small objects on fire should be placed in the sink to douse the flames. However, if the flames keep spreading, exit your house as quickly as possible and call the fire department.

Burglary

Unfortunately, once you move off campus, you’re generally responsible for your own safety.

Always lock the front door before you go to bed and every time you leave the house. Leave at least one light on in a main area of the house at night. It’s a good idea to keep a small safe in your room for valuables such as jewelry and money. If you don’t have lights outside your house, ask your landlord to install some. If you suspect someone is trying to break into your home, call 911 immediately. Don’t attempt to approach the burglar yourself in case they are carrying a weapon with them.