As students begin to study for midterms, the lingering thought of where they will live next year is also on their minds.

Year after year every student struggles with finding the right place to live-finding the right combination of location, price and ward.

Each year, many students will depart Provo in the spring without signing a contract for the fall. Believing that if they arrive early, they will find what they are looking for. Most of the time, this is not the case.

UVSC students start school one week prior to BYU's fall semester and are eligible to live in the two-mile radius, which comprises BYU housing. This means that if a student were planning to come one week prior to BYU's fall semester, they might not find a spot at the apartment complex they desire.

If a student waits until the last minute to sign a contract they might not get exactly what they want.

It is important to remember that once you have signed a contract, it is legally binding and not easy to get out of. Garry Briggs, manager of BYU's Off-Campus Housing Office reminds students to "read [your] contract and know what you are signing. It is a legally binding document."

Briggs also reminds students to be sure of where they want to live. It isn't easy to "bounce around," Briggs said.

Once a student has decided where they want to live, they need to make sure to check the place out. Briggs suggests that students visit the apartment complex they are considering and if possible, become acquainted with those they might live with. This could eliminate future problems with landlords or roommates.

BYU off-campus housing office encourages students to sign as early as possible. If a student desires an apartment with amenities such as: washer and dryer, covered parking and a private room then signing early would be a good idea. Each year the office sponsors an off-campus housing fair. Landlords and representatives from various apartment complexes join together for two days in one location. The fair takes place each year in the Garden Terrace in the Wilkinson Student Center for various hours throughout the day to accommodate around student schedules. The students who participate are able to ask questions and find out more about their future homes.

The off-campus housing office, with the help of the Daily Universe, puts together a housing guide. This guide is printed every February, listing a variety of locations, prices, amenities and other information that students may find helpful.

Although housing choices will become scarce in August, some students get lucky and are able to get a contract at their first choice. Bryan Gibbs, a sophomore from Summerville, S.C. happened to be at the right place at the right time when a contract opened up.

"I'm lucky to be where I am now and to have been able to get a contract at the place I desired," Gibbs said.

Copyright Brigham Young University 21 May 2008