Students can learn the “in’s and out’s” of renting an apartment at “Rent Ready: Your Guide to Off-Campus Living,” a free lunch workshop taking place Thursday, Nov. 20, beginning at 12:15 PM. The event, which is part of the ongoing lunch workshop series, will be held in the Billingsly Student Center, Room 309.

The workshop will be headlined by Marriah Baker and Rebecca Manley, the property managers at the Joplin Commons Apartments in downtown Joplin.. Baker and Manley will discuss the essentials of renting an apartment, helping students understand leases, and other skills necessary for managing the responsibilities of living off-campus.

The workshop addresses a critical issue for students navigating the high cost of college. According to recent national reports, the average cost of attendance at a public university, including housing, can be $38,270 or more. Because housing is such a big expense, any decision about it, like moving off-campus, is a major financial one.

With housing costs influencing student decisions, a recent poll found 42% of U.S. students now live at home to save money. Therefore this workshop provides essential advice for those interested in finding new living spaces. This event is designed for students who are ready to make that transition but are unsure of where to start. It will offer a clear roadmap for navigating the rental process even the steps from the initial search to signing a lease.

With their office located at 212 S Joplin Ave, just south of West 2nd Street, Joplin Commons offers refurbished and renovated apartment spaces for rent in historic former commercial buildings throughout downtown, including the Hurlbut building, the Pennington Drug Co. building, and the Christman building.

The event is free for all students to attend. A free lunch will be included.