OC Guide: Getting Settled

Once you secure a place to live, you need to plan a few more things to make your move-in go smoothly.

If your house or apartment is unfurnished, you'll need to locate in advance where you can obtain furniture and decorations at inexpensive prices. Consult the yellow pages for "furniture-used." Used furniture and other household items can also be purchased from local residents, other students, or from former tenants who may want to sell their excess before moving. Check the local newspapers and bulletin boards for notices of garage, yard, and moving sales.
You will need to arrange for utilities and other services not included in the rent. Water is usually included, but other utilities may have to be requested and paid for separately. Natural gas and electricity are usually provided by the NYSEG and can be requested by using their Turn On form at nyseg.com or call (800) 572-1111, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Don't wait to make your request as it can be scheduled weeks in advance! At least 24 hours' notice is required. If the meter is inside, you'll need to be present or make access arrangements in advance. Service can also be ended by using their Turn Off form at nyseg.com or call.¹
If you choose to connect phone service to your new residence, consult the information pages on the Verizon website. You may be able to save money on installation charges by arranging with Verizon and the former tenants to take over the existing service.
Some landlords take care of trash removal, but if it is your responsibility and you live in the City of Ithaca, you need to buy garbage tags. These are available at City Hall, local grocery and some convenience stores. Properly tagged garbage bags and garbage cans will be picked up weekly at curbside.² All trash must be out at the curb by 4:00 a.m. on collection day. Cans and bins must be taken back in by the end of the day of collection. If you live in the Town of Ithaca, you will need to contact a private hauler. Several companies ar listed in the local yellow pages.
In both the Town and City of Ithaca, recyclables are picked up by Tompkins County biweekly at the curbside along with your regular garbage.³ Recyclables must be placed in reycling bins or containers of similar size which are clearly marked with an "R" (e.g., laundry basket, milk crate). You can purchase recycling bins from the Tompkins County Solid Waste Division for $5.00 per bin. For information regarding pickup dates or specific recyclables, contact the Tompkins County Solid Waste Division at (607) 273-6632.
Internet service is available through a variety of providers including Verizon, RoadRunner, EarthLink and others. There is an installation fee and monthly service charge. If you are ordering high-speed service, it takes a week or so for the line set up and for hardware to be delivered.
Television service is available through Time Warner, DirectTV, Dish Network and others. There is an installation or hookup fee, and a monthly service charge based on the service package. Installation may be delayed two weeks or more if you order service in August or September.