Housing fair has more than 100 choices

Students will have the opportunity to explore more than 100 on- and off-campus housing options at today’s Housing Fair, which is scheduled from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. in Alumni Hall at the Indiana Memorial Union. \nThe fair, which is sponsored by the Indiana Daily Student, will be set up like a job fair, but instead of recruiters, housing vendors will man the tables. While attending the fair, students can schedule appointments to see various properties and some locations will offer virtual tours.\nThe housing fair’s theme this year is “Spring Break,” so students should expect to see vendors and staff members wearing Hawaiian shirts and leis, said Amy Swain, the IDS advertising director. Sophomore Heather Elmore, who serves as the special activities coordinator for the event, expressed excitement as well as anxiety about the fair. \n“Right now, we’re just tying the loose ends,” she said. “It’s been an adventure.”\nThe fair, which has been held for the past 12 years, provides students with an opportunity to find a place to live that is compatible with their lifestyle.\nFreshman Megan Lampert is planning on moving into an off-campus house next year. She chose it because “it’s really close to campus and the house is nice and a good price,” she said. \nFreshman Abigail Seeger has similar plans.\n“You have your own space (off campus),” she said. “You’re not obligated to talk to people you don’t know.”\nRepresentatives from the city of Bloomington Housing and Neighborhood Development will be present to explain tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities that students may not be aware of if they have never lived off campus.\nStudents will also be able to register for door prizes offered by local businesses.\n“It’s for the convenience of students,” Swain said.