Off-Campus living representative Tania Jackson

**Q: When should people start looking for off-campus housing?**

A: It is important to start your research early. Most apartments have a lot of spots, but if you are looking to live downtown or within a mile walking distance from campus, those spots fill up really quickly. The sooner you start looking, the better.

**Q: Is it too late to start looking now?**

A: We have a lot of people come in right now who are looking to rent an apartment in the fall, so we have a housing fair coming up on Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the lower level of the Student Center.

**Q: What is the apartment fair like? Should you do anything to prepare for it?**

A: It is really (representatives from) the apartments asking you questions, but there are some questions that you should ask them, like whether or not utilities are included or if the place is furnished or unfurnished. Many people, when they have a budget, do not include the cost of cable, Internet and that type of stuff.

**Q: What other kinds of things are important to consider in terms of day-to-day living?**

A: Know whether you want to eat on campus and get the off-campus meal plan, or if you want to grocery shop. Also, know what the apartment’s transportation options are and whether you want to get a city bus pass, use a shuttle or buy a parking pass.

**Q: What kinds of resources are available to people who want some extra help finding a place to live off-campus?**

A: Most people who come in for a consultation tell us that they are overwhelmed and do not know how to start looking. I tell them to go [to our website](http://offcampus.missouri.edu/) because we have this really cool tool called “Housing Search.” You can enter in what your budget is, if you want utilities included and just everything that you can think of that you want. It pops up every apartment available that has the criteria that you are looking for. For most people, when they see that, that’s all they need.

We also have consultations and “Lunch and Learns.” “Lunch and Learns” are information sessions that we host on Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m. We usually advertise three or four days in advance, so you cannot miss it. At these sessions, we help people know how to shop better, manage their money and save on utilities.

**Q: What is the most important to thing to look for in a lease?**

A: There are joint leases and individual leases. I would suggest getting a single lease. Say your friend has to move all of a sudden. In a joint lease, you are responsible for paying her part. If you have a single lease, you are only responsible for your own rent and utilities.

**Q: Do you have any advice for signing a lease?**

A: I would just suggest that if you do find a place and you go to the apartment, do not feel pressured to sign. I would say just continue to do your research. Find your top five apartments, and then go there, compare them with your other options and then make a decision. If you sign a lease, you cannot get out of it.