West Virginia University students interested in living off-campus are encouraged to attend the annual off-campus housing fair on Jan. 23.

The fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Mountainlair Ballrooms. More than 40 area landlords and property managers will be on hand to talk to students.

“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 Walker, Off-Campus Housing Office 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 students’ questions.

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

Walker suggested that safety be a main focus for students when looking for a place to live. 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 said students should look closely at the door locks and make sure they have deadbolts.

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

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

-WVU-

ta/01/15/13

CONTACT: Brian Walker, Office of Student Life
304-293-5611, Brian.Walker@mail.wvu.edu

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