Take Time Before You Sign

Though only a few weeks into the fall semester, many off-campus students are already thinking about lease renewals. It may seem early, but landlords have already started touring prospective students for 2020. While leases for housing not sponsored by the University are currently available, students should be aware that signing a lease is no small act. It is a legal contract that, as Student Legal Services reminds us, cannot be broken. 

Students wishing to explore fraternity or sorority life will notice that the recruitment process for first-year students has shifted to the winter semester, and some fraternity and sorority organizations have a live-in requirement. With that in mind, first-year students intending to participate in fraternity and sorority life recruitment and intake should carefully consider their housing options early. Take time before you sign, so as not to get stuck with an unwanted lease. 

While students thinking about Fraternity and Sorority Life should review their housing options promptly, they should also keep in mind that off-campus housing options are still available all throughout the year. University programs like Beyond the Diag are available to provide support and housing resources to students, so if you have questions, ask them before you sign. Visit our fall housing fairs for an in-person experience. 

Contributed by Emily Lustbader, –Neighborhood Ambassador