The University of Connecticut’s Off-Campus and Commuter Student Resources hosted the Fall 2026 Off-Campus Housing Fair at the Student Union Ballroom on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
Maureen Armstrong, the associate dean of students and director of the Dean of Students Office, said the fair is offered in the fall and spring to help students learn about UConn’s off-campus properties and resources.
“Students like the ability to talk face to face with property managers, hear what different properties are offered and learn more about what’s in the local community,” Armstrong said.
The number of students who come to the fair varies, according to Armstrong.
“I would say a couple hundred to maybe 600 come to the event, but we won’t know until the end of the day,” Armstrong said.
Armstrong said the fair has been hosted for many years, expanding since its inception.
“We have some pretty consistent properties that come in, but as new properties are developed, they usually want to be partners with us,” Armstrong said.
The ballroom was packed with students looking for properties. Two were Ben McMurtrie and Matthew Clery. McMurtrie is a fifth semester geographic information science student, while Clery is a fifth semester student studying psychology.
“Originally, we wanted to get a house with three of our friends, but they kept getting taken,” McMurtrie said. “Like, we would go schedule a tour for one, but it’d get taken an hour before. So now those friends are getting three bedrooms while we’re just weighing other options out.”
Another attendee was Gianna Pistritto, a third semester speech, language and hearing sciences student who wanted to explore cheap apartments with her friend. She said getting one would be “worth it for a million.”
Many properties and real estate agents were at the fair. Most provided candy and merchandise, while others had games and handouts with information about their properties.
One estate at the fair was Ivy Garden Apartments, which provide two- and three-bedroom townhomes. Some of their accommodations include in-unit laundry, hot and cold water, a playground for children, free parking, on-site management and emergency services.
Another estate was Willington Oaks Townhomes;, Its table had touch screens that students could use to virtually explore their properties. Willington Oaks Townhomes has many benefits, such as laundry service, free internet and a walkable distance from UConn.
A third estate at the fair was Colonial Townhouse Apartments, which offer one- and two-bedroom units along with studios. One of their accommodations is a free bus service through the Windham Region Transit District line.
Other estates at the fair were the Oaks, Carriage House Townhomes, Meadowbrook Apartments, The Den and The Standard.
Besides estates, UConn’s Off-Campus and Commuter Student Rescources, Off Campus Partners and Storrs Student Living were there to answer questions and help students find properties based on their interests.
The Windham Region Transit District was also at the fair. Their table had flyers listing their bus routes.
When leaving the fair, students had the opportunity to complete a survey for a chance to win prizes.
Armstrong said many students appreciate the event, giving Off Campus and Commuter Student Resources positive feedback.
McMurtrie and Clery said the fair was very informational. They also said the representatives were welcoming and affable.
Pistritto said the fair was also informational and gave her and her friend much guidance.
“It’s definitely helped us out a lot in terms of what comes in each apartment and the pros and cons of each,” Pistritto said.