The Off-Campus Housing Office and Campus Security offered free cookies and advice on finding off-campus housing at the Love Thy Neighbor cookie-decorating party in the Charles Commons Multi-Purpose Room on Wednesday.
“The goal was to familiarize students with the rules, regulations, policies and procedures of living off campus — in a good way,” Hana Hasan, an administrative coordinator for Housing and Dining Services, said.
Many students said they found the event helpful in their housing searches and learned about services that Campus Security offers.
“It was very informative and it really gave me a sense of direction of what to look for while I continue my search for off-campus housing,” sophomore Andrea Joseph said.
However, other students did not feel that the event was very effective in helping their housing search.
“I was walking by and I took [a cookie]. I had no idea that the event was an Off-Campus Housing or security event,” sophomore Olivia Weese said.
Both Weese and Joseph are searching for apartments. With the exception of Residential Advisors (RAs), junior and senior students cannot live in University housing.
Campus Security hopes to help more student find safe housing for their upperclassman years.
Upon request, security officers will inspect prospective houses and apartments with students before they sign leases.
“Our motive is always crime-prevention and looking out for everybody’s safety,” Campus Police Lieutenant Steve Moffett said. “We’re here to help get the word out about safety. Of course, always we want to emphasize the fact of street smart.”
