The first of five opportunities to attend a Renting 101 info session will be Tuesday, Oct. 5, for students interested in living off-campus next year. Students can attend any one of five October sessions leading up to the Fall Housing Fair. Sessions offer tips for the searching process as well as a space for students to ask any unanswered questions they may have.
The Fall Housing Fair will be Tuesday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the CSU MavAve. The Renting 101 presentation will be repeated at Noon in Ostrander Auditorium.
While living on campus is a step towards adulthood, living off campus is a step further.
“There is more independence and personal accountability that comes with this. The stakes are higher” says John Bulcock, Student Activities assistant director for Off-Campus Housing. “This makes it a good opportunity for students who feel as though they are ready for more adult independence. However, some students may not know where to start or have questions. This would make attending an info session valuable.”
Bulcock, who will lead the sessions, said students who attend one of the sessions will receive tips for the searching process, an overview of the renting timeline as well as help in understanding leases, and picking roommates.
“I’ll talk about some things that students may have already thought about, but I also try to cover some of those unspoken concerns that they may not have thought about, yet, or that they may not be willing to admit they’re thinking about,” Bulcock said.
For many students, this is their first experience signing a lease. It is important to understand leasing laws because there is little one can do to get out of them.
“Sometimes, people panic and think they have to sign a lease quickly, but that’s rarely the case. People need to take their time and not sign until they know they’re ready” Bulcock said.
There are also certain laws that can impact students wanting to rent, such as the social host ordinance. The sessions help students understand these laws, the legality of leases, and what they are signing. Being prepared will help prevent future surprises.
The sessions are based on feedback and real experiences from students. Using past, real experiences helps students get more relevant information. Students who are ready to start looking for housing for next year, and students who have never had experience renting before can find benefits in attending.
“If we can help students proactively address future issues, things turn out better for everyone involved!” Bulcock said.
The sessions are as follows:
Session Date/Time/Location
Wednesday, October 5, 1:00 p.m. in Ostrander Auditorium
Thursday, October 13, 3:30 p.m. in CSU 201
Thursday, October 20, 2:00 p.m. in CSU 201
Friday, October 28, 1:00 a.m. in CSU 204
Tuesday, November 1, Noon in Ostrander Auditorium (Housing Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in CSU Mav Ave)
Learn more https://www.mnsu.edu/och
