Where am I going to live? Do I want to stay on or off campus? Who am I going to live with?

These are some of the most often-asked questions this time of year. Yes, this is the time when housing contracts are due, and realtors are waiting for those signatures on the dotted line.

The decision as (to) where to live is a trying one at best. There are many advantages and disadvantages to both options. All are crucial in deciding where one is going to live.

Most first-time University Park undergraduate students, unless they are transfers, live in the residence halls. All freshmen are required to live on campus for at least their first year.

There are many positive points to living in the residence halls. First off, there is almost an immediate sense of community.

As soon as you walk off the elevator on your first day, you are usually greeted by a resident assistant (RA) or at least 10 people who will be your neighbors for the next year. This helps people become more accustomed to their new surroundings.

Another advantage of resident hall life is the accessibility to many on-campus services. While living in the residence halls, you are always close to a dining hall, thus making it easy to eat whenever you want.

Also, being in the residence halls means that you are close to most classrooms and University services.

Along with these conveniences, residence hall life also has its disadvantages. Many times people feel that some of their freedom is being taken away by living in the residence halls.

The fact that there is an RA who sometimes has to act like a disciplinarian bothers some people. Also, depending on which area you live in, your room may be very small, thus also limiting your activities.

All of these aspects should go into making the decision about whether or not to live in the residence halls.

An alternative to living in the residence halls is to sign a lease for an apartment or house off-campus. This option also comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Living in an apartment gives one a feeling of privacy and independence, a look at how life will be after college. When living in an apartment, you make your own rules, and do not have to answer to anyone, unless you have roommates.

Of course, there is always the landlord who has his own rules and regulations which need to be followed. You and your roommates are generally equally responsible for the rent and utilities. Therefore, you should draw up an agreement with your roommates concerning payment of bills and living arrangements.

This type of lifestyle is fitting for many people but it also comes with disadvantages. When living in an apartment, there is not as immediate a sense of protection.

When living in the residence halls, there is always an RA checking things out, and at night, the buildings are patrolled by student security assistants. Some apartment buildings have security systems and full-time resident managers to fulfill the need for safety, although this type of protection is not always provided.

These factors, once again, should be considered in making the decision about were to live.

Deciding where to live is a very important one to make. Many factors come into play in making this decision. Financial strains, personal preference, which side of the street you want, who you want to live with and other things all get factored in.

At times, people are not sure what to do. Fortunately, there are avenues which make the decision process a little easier.

The Housing Fair, on Jan. 26 and 27 will allow you to meet representatives from both on-campus services and local realtors, utility companies and government agencies who can answer many of your questions.

So, if you do not know where you'll be living next year, come on out to the Housing Fair sponsored by Off-Campus Programs with ARHS, CCSG and OTIS and let us help you decide.