Caught up in the quest for a place to hang one’s hat, a student may face a frantic search and a race against time. Yesterday, at the Campus Life Housing Fair, Cornellians found several housing choices under one roof.
Taking place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Willard Straight Hall Memorial Room, the fair put on display local landlords, property managers, representatives from Cooperative Housing, Residential Program Houses and the Campus Life Housing Office.
“I think it is a good idea to have it all in one place so you have an idea what is out there when you have no clue,” said Jessica Brandt ’04.
The Cornell Police, Environmental Health & Safety and the Ithaca Fire Department were also on hand to disseminate information for novice house-hunters. The Housing Fair was sponsored by Campus Life.
The fair put information — such as the locations, rent prices, floor plans and available furnishings — in the hands of interested students. Meanwhile, fair visitors could also view displays with photographs of buildings and receive contact information while the housing spokespersons fielded questions from passersby.
The Campus Life Housing Office provided students with fact sheets and brochures about leases, security deposits and settling landlord-tenant disputes.
“Our goal is to provide the students [with] as much information as possible so that they can make an informed decision about housing for the upcoming year,” said Pam Zinder MILR ’93, manager of housing alternatives at Campus Life.
For some students, the fair provided a chance to learn about some options they might not have otherwise explored.
“I learned about the co-ops, which are a cool alternative,” said Erin Cragan ’02.
“I would not find out about them if it wasn’t for the fair,” she said.
The housing representatives viewed the fair as an opportunity to meet prospective tenants.
“I think this is a good way for students to find out about the co-op since they don’t know much about us,” said Tim Roth ’02, from the 660 Stewart Ave. Cooperative.
Orson Ledger from Ledger Apartments agreed, saying, “[The fair] gives you lots of exposure.”
Many of the housing representatives were happy with the turn out, but some speculated about students’ awareness of the event.
Della Rupert, a representative from Gun Hill Residences, said, “There are so many people that don’t know about this.
“Campus Life does a great job of advertising,” she added, “but students are missing out on such a great opportunity.”
Students who wish to find out more about on-campus or off-campus housing may contact the Housing Office in 201 Robert Purcell Community Center by calling 255-5368 or visit their website at www.campuslife.cornell.edu/housing.taf.
Archived article by Luke Hejnar