Students and families attended the bi-annual Off-Campus Housing Fair in the Student Union Ballroom on Tuesday, March 3.
The event showcased a variety of off-campus housing options and provided information about transportation and other services available for University of Connecticut students.
“It’s a great opportunity for students to have one on one time with property managers,” UConn Associate Dean of Students John Armstrong said.
Property managers spoke directly with students and interested renters about amenities and prices; some even played interactive games at their tables.
The event has been happening twice a year since 2007, Armstrong said.
About 10 housing complexes were tabling at the fair with representatives and property managers from their companies.
The Standard at Four Corners was one of the housing choices present. Raffle tickets were given to students for a chance to win an iPad and other items at their booth.
Similarly, The Den (Cedar Ridge and Hunting Lodge) also held raffles to “get the students interested — get them excited,” Jessica Brown, who works for The Den, said.
UConn Housing was also present at the event, available to answer questions for students who are unsure of their living plans for the 2026-2027 school year.
“What are my chances of getting on campus housing?” Randy Shannon, UConn’s housing assignment specialist, said is the most common question he is asked by students.
A range of large and small housing complexes were featured. Many also had the option of splitting bedrooms with a roommate for cheaper rent.
Other off-campus choices represented at the event include: Meadowbrook Gardens, Walden and Woodhaven Apartments, Celeron Square Apartments, Storrs Student Living, Ivy Garden, Carriage House Townhomes, Colonial Townhouse Apartments, Willington Oaks and Orchard Acres.
“Living with all students creates a cohesive environment,” Gregory Weber, the property manager of Walden and Woodhaven Apartments, said.
Most of the apartments and homes are located in Mansfield, Willington, Willimantic or surrounding towns.
“We’re two minutes away,” Regina Cardona, who works for human resources at Orchard Acres, said. “You get to sleep in a little bit.”
UConn Transportation and Parking Services was also at the fair. Bus routes connect residential and non-residential housing at UConn.
The Green Line will no longer be running after Spring Break 2026 and will instead be converted into a third Blue Line, said Phillip Johnson, the planner of Windham Region Transit District.
The Blue Line will stop at Commuter Lot C after the updates are put into place, Johnson said.
Groups of students filled the ballroom immediately after the fair began.
Around 400-600 students typically attend the Off-Campus Housing Fair, Armstrong said.
Quynn Meyer, a fourth-semester nursing major, was one student looking for new housing options at the fair with her friend.
“We live off-campus now, but we are trying to find a new apartment,” Meyer said.
She explained that affordable rent is one of her biggest concerns in looking for a new place.
The Off-Campus Housing Website also campaigned at the event, explaining the services they provide for students. On offcampushousing.uconn.edu, students can find map-based housing searches, a roommate finder, sublet options, property listings for regional campus and more.