West Virginia University students interested in living off-campus are encouraged to attend the annual off-campus housing fair on Wednesday (Jan. 11) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Mountainlair Ballrooms.

More than 45 area landlords and property managers will be on hand to talk to students about their rental needs.

“Students at WVU have so many options available to them. The fair is a good opportunity to explore those options and get a feel for the different properties available to them within their budget,” said Brian J. Walker, off-campus housing director with the Office of Student Life.

Representatives from WVU Student Legal Services, the Off-Campus Housing Office, the Morgantown Fire Department and City Code Enforcement will also be present at the fair to answer questions.

Students who attend the fair will have the opportunity to win door prizes provided by landlords, such as Kindles and gift cards to various restaurants and stores. Students must be present at the time the door prize winners are announced to receive a gift. An announcement will be made 10 minutes prior to drawing each door prize.

When looking for a place to live, there are a variety of things students should consider, Walker said. First, a student must establish a budget for housing. When considering a budget for housing, students should include the cost of utilities, travel and other personal expenses.

“For many students this is the first legal contract they have ever entered into, and they often don’t understand the ramifications,” Walker said.

Safety should also be a main focus for students when looking for a place to live, Walker said. Students should make sure that all the windows in the property lock, no matter what floor they are on, and they should also make sure the windows open in case of a fire. Walker also suggests that students look closely at the door locks and make sure they have deadbolts.

More information on off-campus housing can be found online at http://studentlife.wvu.edu/off_campus_housing.

-WVU-

bw/01/09/12

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