Before the mad dash of students trying to rent apartments for next year, the University’s Office of Student Life wants to inform students of their rights, responsibilities and resources with an off-campus housing fair tonight in the EMU Ballroom.
Organizers of the fair said there was a need for it because of problems that students encountered as they moved out of campus residence halls and into rental properties.
“There were students coming (to us) who had issues living off of campus, like with their landlord, their roommates and their neighbors,” Off-Campus Programming Coordinator Heather Marek said. “Also, neighbors and landlords were contacting us because they were having issues with students. The fair is trying to give students resources so they can address the issues that come up.”
The idea for the fair was created last fall; however, tonight was the chosen date for the event because early spring term is traditionally when the rush for student housing begins.
“There are two groups of students we’re hoping to help,” Marek said. “One is students moving from the resident halls. They’ll be living off of campus for the first time. The second group is students who already live off campus.”
The first annual fair will feature short workshops, roommate “speed dating” and prizes for the hundreds of student participants expected to attend.
“We have workshops to help students learn about their rights and responsibilities as a renter,” Marek said. “Also, how to make their homes sustainable and how to be a good neighbor. That’s really important because many students have neighbors that aren’t students, like families and the elderly. This way, everyone can have a positive experience living in the community.”
Student Life and the CommUniversity Resource Assistant Program are hosting the fair in collaboration with the City of Eugene Neighborhood Associations, ASUO and rental property managers.
Student organizers from the CRA Program have been involved with the fair since its planning stages.
“It’s the first time rental agencies, the University and neighborhood associations have worked together to teach students about the responsibilities of living off-campus,” CRA and University junior Jackson Hite said. Hite is also the chair of the West University Neighbors.
Fellow CommUniversity Resource Assistant Tim Taylor, University senior and board member of the South University Neighborhood Association, thinks that the fair will help students adjust to off-campus living.
“It’s going to be a good venue to not only learn about potential roommates, but will also provide students the information they need to know how to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle off campus,” Taylor said.
Both mentioned that common problems within their neighborhoods include noise, poor conduct, lack of parking and construction. Taylor and Hite also advised students to get to know their neighborhoods and figure out the kinds of businesses and services nearby and how to use them properly.
Marek added that it’s important that students know what to do when renting for the first time, and learn how to handle leasing.
“I think it’s important to check out the place first and do a move-in checklist,” she said. “Pictures and documentation are good. Get everything in writing. The lease is a legal document, which means you’re committed to it, so read the lease!”
Not only does the fair seek to inform students of their rights and responsibilities as renters, but also to give students a sense of belonging.
“Above all, students need to understand they have important contributions that they can make to the community,” Marek said. “I think moving off-campus is an experience, and it’s a time of learning and empowerment.”
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