The biannual Iowa State Housing Fair to guide students to their next homes will be held Wednesday.
Megan Moore, a marketing specialist at the Memorial Union, said there will be 24 participating vendors.
“It really gives students a well-rounded experience to really get connected with those businesses and resources on campus that will make their next move successful,” Moore said.
According to Moore, the property managers will have the opportunity to advertise the units they have left and prepare students for next fall.
“It’s never too early to explore your options,” Moore said.
Students can take a look at the participating vendors using this link.
Moore said they will also have the Office of Student Financial Success there to help students prepare for budgeting the cost of renting.
“I know that can be quite a transition when you’re paying your Ubill on a semesterly basis, and then now you have signed a 12-month lease and have some income coming in,” Moore said.
Furthermore, Moore said students can ask property managers about utility bills or amenities like gyms and parking.
”We want students to just be educated in finding all of those and all that information out before they make a big decision,” Moore said.
Moore said Story County Legal Aid will also be in attendance to give advice on breaking leases, renters insurance and landlord responsibility.
“It makes all the difference to connect with somebody in person, versus going back and forth with an email, leaving voicemails or trying to call,” Moore said.
At the fair, students will be able to get informational handouts, brochures and business cards from the vendors.
“I know a lot of our students don’t have a lot of time and they’re very busy, and that’s one thing that we can offer at the housing fair is a convenient, one-stop-shop location for these decisions,” Moore said.
Lastly, Moore said students should bring their student IDs to check in and to be prepared to ask questions.
The Housing Fair will go from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Durham Great Hall of the Memorial Union.