Return to Main Menu

Off-Campus Housing offers variety of services by Chris West Public Relations Finding a suitable place to live on the crowded Charleston peninsula can be a taxing ordeal for MUSC students who are here to learn, not search for accommodations. The Office of Off-Campus Housing, not only facilitates that search, but also eases the transition with a variety of student services.  “Primarily, we provide students with a compilation of available housing,” said Tanya Becvinovski, director of Off-Campus Housing. “But we can also help with finding a roommate, legal advice and general information about the Charleston area.” Housing units are brought to the attention of the office, which are then compiled in the form of a written listing and are posted on the office web site. Becvinovski said, “We advertised heavily in 1990 and 1991, but we have gained a lot of popularity and we are now called, mailed, faxed and e-mailed about properties all over the Charleston area.” For the year 1999-2000, Becvinovski’s office saw 3,334 rentals submitted as available marking a 40 percent increase from the previous year. The rentals were submitted from James Island, West Ashley, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston and the peninsula area. Between both the printed version distributed and website hits the listings were accessed more than 8,000 times. “The downtown area is of course the most sought after area to live for matters of convenience,” Becvinovski said. “But, housing is so competitive that now right across the bridge to West Ashley and right across the connector to James Island are popular areas as well.” Aside from just finding available housing for students, Off-Campus Housing also aids students in finding roommates.  “We held three roommate finder parties last summer and they were met with high success,” said Becvinovski. “We had a mix of 96 students, both new and returning, in attendance and where we do not personally match potential roommates, we do provide a setting for them to get to know other people that are looking for the same things.” The office also provides a free legal assistance clinic. A local attorney, Harold Oberman, offers his services to students on any legal advice or questions they might have. “Mr. Oberman volunteers in the office in 15 minute sessions, twice a month and is here to answer any questions students may have regarding topics such as renter’s rights, roommate liability or just simple legal questions,” she said. “This service has proven valuable in that we had 81 students who sought consultation last year.” The housing web site currently maintains an on-line listing of available units much like the printed version. It also has general information on the Charleston area and has links to the Post and Courier, the Apartment Finder and a listing of average rental rates to the different areas of housing. Access to the current web site requires a pass code and user name. These may be obtained through Off-Campus Housing after verification of enrollment has been established. “We want to insure that the web site and the information on it are accessed by MUSC students, staff and faculty only,” Becvinovski said. Upcoming web site projects include information on renter’s insurance, CARTA schedules and rates, and a listing of hotels that offer discounted rates for visiting students who are trying to obtain housing. A separate database is under construction that will offer profiles on students who are looking for potential roommates. The web site and printed listings are updated every Tuesday and Thursday to insure correct listings of available units and any new properties that may need to be listed. Where the office may leave most of the housing hunt to the individual, they do offer services to protect students using the housing service. They distribute a “tip sheet” that gives students necessary information about getting utilities hooked up, a section in their pamphlet that offers things to keep in mind while apartment hunting and suggestions on how to begin their initial search. The office also maintains complaint records students may have against landlords or property management companies. “After two complaints have been filed, we will drop the landlord or unit from our listings. We won’t get directly involved in disputes but we have to side with and protect our students because they are why we are here,” Becvinovski said. Another MUSC service to students seeking housing is through the Public Safety Office. Upon request, a public safety officer will visit the unit and conduct a home security survey, free of charge. The safety survey focuses on points of entry and safety features such as door locks and insuring they work properly, window locks and smoke detectors, lighting in the area and an assessment of the general safety of the area. An official report is made with the officer’s recommendations and the report is submitted to the landlord or property management company. A copy is also filed with Public Safety. “We only do a few surveys a year,” said Kellie Neal, sergeant in Public Safety. “Either people feel safe in their homes or they aren’t aware that the service is offered. We do make an announcement at student orientation and it is listed in the student handbook.” Off-Campus Housing is located on the second floor of the Harper Student Center and may be contacted at 792-0394 or on their web site at <http://www.musc.edu/housing/indexh.html> To schedule a safety survey Neal may be contacted at 792-0359 in the Public Safety Office.