Students who are considering moving off campus can explore their living options today at student government's Lease Fair.
"We decided to have a Lease Fair largely in part because we think students are unaware of what's out there in terms of off-campus housing," junior Emily LeStrange, the Off-Campus Concerns Senate chair, said. "We wanted to create an event where students could learn about lease agreements and get some information about what living off campus is like."
LeStrange said the Lease Fair will feature 16 landlords and leasing agencies, including Irish Crossings, Kramer Properties and Stadium Club.
"Students can meet with different landlords and learn about their leasing policies and see what properties they have available for rent for the next academic year," she said. "They'll be able to compare what certain properties offer and what others don't in order to come to a more informed decision about off-campus housing."
LeStrange said it is important to learn what to look for when signing a lease.
"We want to show students that it's important to ask questions about the landlord's renting policies before signing a legal and binding contract with him or her," she said.
Student government decided to host the Lease Fair because many students start making decisions about living off campus with friends during the fall semester, LeStrange said.
"Some houses are coveted by students and can be swept up pretty quickly if you're not thinking about your senior year plans yet," she said. "I also think it's a time when students are considering their abroad options and may be thinking about living plans for junior year too."
LeStrange said student government sees the Lease Fair as a community event, which is central to their beND community outreach campaign.
"The Lease Fair is another way student government encourages students to explore housing options in the community, with the hope that we can strengthen the South Bend community by integrating ourselves deeper in our surroundings," she said. "South Bend has a lot of great places and people to rent from, and this event allows students to get to know them."
The Lease Fair will take place today from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the LaFortune Ballroom and will feature a variety of giveaways.
