Written by Sam Styles | Photo by Trevor Meyer
After your freshman year of college, you have class figured out. You know how to stay out way too late and still get that essay in on time. More than that, you are learning how to balance a healthy social life with your highly successful academic career. If you are in the dorms and are thinking of moving out, more change is coming. The best way to prepare for it is to get educated. You could do this by peering through page after page of online literature, or you could go to different leasing offices scattered across Eugene. To save yourself a lot of time and energy, you could go to a housing fair.
For the first time ever, the Emerald will be hosting their own housing fair on Wednesday, February 15 from 10am-4pm in the Ford Alumni Center Ballroom. Rental companies will gather there just to talk to you because after all, you are the star of the show. Now, comparing one living space to another will be easy. This will also provide a fantastic opportunity to ask a trained housing representative any of the questions you might have about making the transition from your dorm to independent living. They can give you an idea of what you will need to live on your own. In addition, you will be able to see the different social possibilities each housing option has to offer. Do you want to be in the heart of the party or a sleepy neighborhood? Do you want to live in an apartment or house? Do you want to have a rooftop pool or an indoor, state-of-the-art gym? Do you want to live alone? There will be people there to help you answer all of these questions and more.
Because we know that adding this big decision to your plate can be stressful, we are going to try and lighten your load and make this a relaxing affair. There will be giveaways like concert tickets and housing supplies. These are exactly what you will need now that you have a full kitchen to furnish. When your life is centered around campus, the idea of living on your own can seem complicated, and it might seem frustrating to find the right place to settle down. The truth is, Eugene is a college town full of businesses set up to serve you. This is the first housing fair of the school year, so if you are trying to get the best pick of housing, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Don’t wait for spring term to start making plans, give yourself the time to find a place that fits you right.  
For many people out there, this will be the first opportunity to truly have a space to call your own. Still, the planning doesn’t stop once you’ve found a place to stay. You will still need to find furniture and a bed to sleep on. Do yourself a favor and make things easy. With all of the housing options represented, it will be easy work to pick out the one that matches your heart’s desires and to set up an appointment to sign the leasing paperwork. Then you can get back to taking classes and staying up ‘til sunrise.