Off-Campus Student Services hosted a virtual housing fair on Oct. 21 to showcase Columbia housing properties and campus living for returning students.

The fair included live walkthroughs of apartment spaces, Q&A sessions with property owners and prize giveaways all performed virtually. Some of the participating housing properties near campus include U Centre on Turner, Cross Creek Villas, Grayson Cottages, TODD Student Living and The Reserve.

Students interested in living off-campus can watchthe live videos on the Off-Campus Student Services website until Oct. 31. Properties that indicate they are “live” means that someone is standing by to answer student questions.

The Lyfe @ Missouri is one property participating in the event. The apartments provide an off-campus option for students looking to live near campus.

“We have two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and four-bedroom flats and four-bedroom townhomes all available,” said Zach Bondurant, a customer assistant at The Lyfe @ Missouri. “We have a gym, free printing and computer access and shuttles to and from campus. We are also here in the office seven days a week.”

In addition to the provided amenities, events throughout the school year create a fun environment for students and the community, Bondurant said.

“At the end of August we had a welcome bash at all of our residences and played games,” said Bondurant. “We are having a bonfire in our parking lot for all of our tenets next weekend.”

For returning students interested in living at The Lyfe @ Missouri, more information, floor plans, consultations and rates can be found on their website.

Another option for students is to live in a residence hall or in an off-campus apartment owned and operated by MU’s Department of Residential Life. Tyler Page, Director of Residential Life, said MU offers many different housing options to suit the needs of returning students.

“What I think makes residential life unique and special is the proximity that we have to campus,” Page said. “When you live with Residential Life, your backyard or your front yard is campus — so the Rec, all of the dining options, the Student Center etc.”

Living with Residential Life also offers a sense of community for students. MU saw a 58% increase in students returning to dorms or apartments for the 2019-20 school year, according to the Columbia Missourian.

“We have approximately 200 student staff members, a significant amount of professional staff — even live-in staff — that are all well-trained and committed to the student experience,” said Page. “The support atmosphere that they create within the halls is not replicable anywhere else.”

Students interested in returning to a Residential Life apartment or residential hall on campus can find virtual tours, rates, and deadlines can be found on the Residential Life website.

“We encourage students to not rush into any contracts, whether that is with Residential Life or an off-campus property,” said Page. “I think there is ample space in Columbia so that students can do their research, take their time and make an informed decision.”

_Edited by Lucy Caile|lcaile@themaneater.com_