Students will have the opportunity to learn about off-campus apartment communities and housing options at the Fall Off-Campus Living Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, in the Arkansas Union International Connections Lounge. While many students are just settling into their current living situation, it’s not too early to start thinking about options for next fall.

Property management representatives from 14 local living communities will participate in the fair, along with the city of Fayetteville Community Resources, Ozark Transit, Credit Counseling of Arkansas, and several other relevant organizations. Campus entities such as Chartwells, Transit and Parking, and University Housing will be in attendance as well to educate and answer questions about campus resources. Students will have an opportunity to win Visa and Starbucks gift cards, Beats headphones, a television, Razorback-themed gift baskets, and more just for attending.

Off Campus Connections will be on hand to inform students about the university’s official off-campus housing site, offcampushousing.uark.edu, offer tips on a successful transition to off-campus life, and answer questions from commuter or future commuter students.

The University of Arkansas requires first-year students to live on campus, with few exceptions. As students advance in their collegiate career, they tend to move off-campus into apartments and other rental properties in the local community. Now is the time for students to begin their search for affordable, safe housing as they prepare to live on their own for the first time. Students who are interested in continuing to reside on campus, or are looking to move on campus, have the opportunity to talk with University Housing at the fair as well.

“Off Campus Connections is excited to host this event each semester in order to bring many options to students at one time, relieving them of having to drive around town to investigate their choices, said Samantha Fehr, coordinator of traditional commuter programs. “We highly encourage students to physically visit any living arrangement before signing a lease, but this event can help them narrow down their choices.”

For more information about the fair, please contact Samantha Fehr at 479-575-7351 or email sfehr@uark.edu. The Off-Campus Living Fair is a partnership of Off Campus Connections at the University of Arkansas and the city of Fayetteville Community Resources Division. The Spring Off-Campus Living Fair will be held Feb. 25, 2015.