Finding off-campus housing can be overwhelming for students, but one event aims to make the process easier. On Feb. 27, students could join Off Campus Living at the House Hunting Lab in Haggard Hall, room 112, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event will provide hands-on guidance, allowing students to search for housing with immediate support from experts.
McLean Bowers, an Off Campus Living peer navigator, helped organize the event.
“The event is intended to allow students to not only look for housing options but also ask questions about the rental process in real-time,” Bowers said in an email. “The main goals are to give students a better understanding of how the housing search works and provide tips and tricks for finding the best place.”
During the event, students will have access to multiple housing resources and websites commonly used to find rentals in Bellingham.
“The rental market in Bellingham has changed so much over the past few years that students today face significantly different challenges when it comes to finding housing than their parents, or even older siblings, may have had when they rented in college,” Bowers said. “This event is intended to give a more complete and up-to-date picture of renting in Bellingham than students may have heard elsewhere.”
While the event touches on renters’ rights, the primary focus is on finding available rentals and discussing the application process.
Lilia Gebers, a Western second-year student, attended the 2024 House Hunting Lab after hearing about it from a friend. She was looking for better housing options and wanted to gain a stronger understanding of what living off-campus would require.
“The Canvas course they provided was a very helpful resource for me since it led me through the process of looking for an apartment with my friends,” Gebers said.
While the event didn’t change how she approached her housing search, as she had already signed a lease, she did learn valuable skills.
“It did change how I communicate with my property managers. For example, when sending maintenance requests,” Gebers said.
Gebers advised students to do their research in addition to attending the event. While the House Hunting Lab provides great information about student-friendly neighborhoods, staying informed about safety concerns and rental scams requires extra diligence, Gebers said.
Before beginning the housing search, students should be prepared. Gina Ebbeling, a basic needs resource navigator at Western, shared the top three things students should consider.
“It’s important to identify your budget — how much you can afford to spend each month on rent, utilities and food. Then, determine if you want to live with roommates and how large of a place you need,” Ebbeling said. “Finally, consider what type of lease you’re looking for and whether you have a cosigner, as most rental agencies require one.”
While the House Hunting Lab provides valuable resources, some students may still struggle to secure housing before the next school year. For those unable to find off-campus accommodations, Western offers Birnam Wood, the university’s only apartment-style housing for non-first-year students. Priority is given to students who don’t get renewed for on-campus housing.
Birnam Wood consists of 130 units accommodating 520 students, with amenities like wireless internet, digital cable, utilities and access to laundry facilities. Each apartment includes a full kitchen, living room, dining room, storage closet, bathroom and balcony, as well as access to a community building, front desk, computer lab and bike storage.
Ultimately, finding the right place comes down to priorities. Knowing what amenities are essential versus what can be compromised can help students make informed decisions.
Mishele Ross (she/her) is a campus news reporter for The Front this quarter. She is a second-year journalism news/ed major. When she is not hunting down a source or hiding out in the library writing a story, you can find her listening to music, bowling, or playing a round of golf. You can reach her at misheleross.thefront@gmail.com.
