<p>We went to the Seminar at Parents Weekend about Living off campus that was put on by the “Off Campus Housing” office. Several things we learned (they were VERY clear with what they were communicating)</p>
<ol>
<li> There are about 12 apartment complexes that rent to students. Last year the first one to “fill” up did so in mid February. They said that your student will start panicking in November but it is NOT necessary to sign a lease until next semester and many do not do so until after spring break. Personally - we will advise are daughter to look now and sign in Feb/March probably</li>
<li> There are two different types of leases - one is a group lease and one is an individual lease (basically just leasing your room and bathroom). All are for 12 months.</li>
<li> In their office (downstairs at the Russell House) they have brochures for apartment complexes. While the apartment complexes have NO affiliation with the university - the brochures that they stock are of the apartment complexes that “comply” with some “rules” that the university would like put in place. This is their agreement - comply to these rules - and we will advertise to our students.</li>
<li>Their office has an attorney on staff that is there to serve the students. They can make an appointment for him to review the lease before they sign - and also once they move off campus if they have an issue with a landlord.</li>
<li> Houses - They said that in the state of South Carolina it is against the law for more than 3 unrelated people to live together. So, if you have a house or a condo with 4 students - you are breaking the law. (obviously in a privately owned house). They said your kids will tell you “everyone does it” but they said every year they get many kids coming in saying that they need to find a place to live in October (now) because their neighbors reported them to the police and the 4th person needs to move out (and the 5th, 6th etc).</li>
<li> The shuttles that the complexes provide are NOT guaranteed. If they are full or break down - the complexes have no obligation to get your student to campus.<br></li>
</ol>
<p>Let me know if you have any other questions - these are just the key things that come to mind. It was VERY informative. I think our DD’s options will be the complexes that have brochures in the office.</p>