USU Addresses Off-Campus Housing Issues for Fall Semester

A recent Salt Lake Tribune story about an off-campus housing construction delay has resulted in numerous calls to offices at Utah State University about options for students in Logan this fall. The potential for several hundred students finding themselves without a place to live is compounded by an already tighter-than-normal housing market.

“Reliable housing is essential to a student’s success,” said Katie Jo North, executive director of new student enrollment. “USU wants to make sure students are able to start fall semester with their housing needs met so they can focus on their studies and college life.”

USU officials are responding in several ways. The university sent an email on July 28 to all students enrolled for fall semester in Logan recommending they check their fall housing status and providing university resources for those with concerns.

Though the majority of the 3,100 spots in single-student university residence halls are full, USU Housing is working to open up more beds for students who find themselves without a place to live when they start fall semester. Students should contact USU Housing as soon as possible if they are unable to find housing off campus. USU’s Admissions office is also tracking the availability of rental units at housing complexes off campus to provide suggestions to students.

Because parking is in short supply surrounding the university, USU officials are working with off-campus housing complexes to offer parking to tenants if that is a constraint in keeping them from filling all units and beds.

The university is asking community members who have a rental unit they may only offer for short-term rentals to consider a long-term lease to a student for this academic year. Any housing provider with a vacancy can also reach out to USU Admissions so officials can provide information to students about available housing options.

Students who find it difficult to secure housing may also consider studying from their permanent home for the immediate future with the support of a USU Statewide Campus. This semester, USU is still offering classes through many delivery methods. In many cases, it is possible to continue or begin college remotely with the support of USU Online or a Statewide Campus. Students in this situation should immediately contact their advisor to discuss fall 2021 course options and stay on track to graduate.

Though university officials have reached out to the unfinished development without reply, they still hope to obtain a list of students who have signed those leases and reach out to them proactively.

USU plans to open a new on-campus residence hall in fall 2022 that will house 400 students, which should help with any housing shortage issues next year.