Emily Dean/ Winonan

Although it is only the end of September, students are already on the hunt for housing for next year. Not only are students signing leases off campus, but they are also reviewing their options through Winona State University.

Housing and Residence-Life hosted the second annual Upperclassmen Housing Fair on Saturday, Sept. 27, welcoming both parents and students to learn about housing options.

Associate director of housing and residence life, Candice Guenther said it is important to help students through this process.

“We know there is pressure around this time. WSU wants to inform students that there are options, and they have to figure out what fits them best,” Guenther said.

Guenther said she understands how hard it is to make a decision about where to live next year.

“It all depends on what the student is looking for,” Guenther said, “If you don’t want roommates you may want to look into the sustainability house or Lourdes. Some people are attracted to East Lake because of the full kitchens. It’s all about finding what fits you best as a student.”

The Upperclassmen Housing Fair took place during family weekend, so parents could see what options their children will have for the upcoming years.

“Housing costs are always a concern for parents, and they want to know about safety,” Guenther said.

The fair featured three main housing options for next year including Kirkland Hall, East Lake apartments and The Sustainability House.

Residences of the buildings and resident assistances gave students an idea of what each building had to offer.

Junior Dana Scott, a resident assistant in Sheehan Hall, was helping students and families learn about their options.

Scott has lived in many places around campus including Lourdes, East Lake, and she currently lives in Sheehan Hall.

“Lourdes was my favorite because it was my first home away from home. You feel a sense of community, and that place will always be special to me,” Scott said.

She also talked about the advantages of living in East Lake located on Franklin street, located a couple blocks away from campus.

“East Lake is a great option for upperclassmen because it’s a step up from the dorms but you still feel a part of a community. You get your own kitchen, two full bathrooms and your own laundry room.” Scott said.

Scott thinks living somewhere Winona State offers is a great opportunity for all students.

“I definitely think I want to stay on campus as long as possible. You only spend a little time in college, and you should appreciate that as long as you can,” Scott said.

Another option presented at the housing fair was the Sustainability House, located one block away from Maxwell Hall. Junior, and current community assistant in the Sustainability House, Katrina Wojahn explained what the sustainability house is and why students should live there.

The purpose of the Sustainabilitiy House is to raise awareness about sustainability thorugh green living. Residence life has had this themed hour for the past three years, Wojahn said.

Wojahn said the house “is a life long learning experience and the goal is to help raise awareness.”

The house includes solar panels, a garden on the roof and a one-credit class required to live in the house,which teaches its cohabiters how to live a greener lifestyle, Wojahn said.

“One thing I’ve learned by living here is that everyone has a choice to impact the world. It’s a conscious choice to help the environment,” Wojahn said.

Each place offers different perks, but for freshmen Kevin Larson who attended the housing fair with his parents, he said he is just looking for more space and an upgrade from the dorms.

“With a bunch of guys living on the same floor it can smell. The dorms are compact, and there are always people everywhere,” Larson said.

For Larson, East Lake seems to have all the amenities he is looking for.

“I’m looking to move in with some of my friends and looking forward to having a space to cook,” Larson said.

As for his parents, they said they are open to anything and just want him to be happy.