WCU Student Renter and Commuter FAQ in a COVID19 Environment
Off Campus and Commuter Services (OCCS) FAQs
What is Advocates for Student Renters Group?
I signed an off-campus lease for the 2020-2021 academic year. Am I able to get out of my off-campus lease?
A lease is a contract with your property owner.
1. Start with a conversation with your property owner.
2. If your lease/property owner allows, sublet your rental. You can list your subletting opportunity on Places4Students by visiting this link.
3. Schedule an appointment with WCU Free Student Legal Aid. The lawyer may be able
to offer suggestions about the lease terms and how to get out of the lease. Contact Student Legal Aid here for more information.
4. Set up an appointment with Off Campus and Commuter Services by emailing commuters@wcupa.edu and/or Maggie Holroyd at mholroyd@wcupa.edu.
How do I request rent relief?
1. If you filed a FAFSA with 2018 tax information and your parent’s income has been reduced since then, beginning in June (mid-year point of the tax year) you may request a special circumstance review with the Office of Financial Aid. Please email finaid@wcupa.edu or call 610-436-2627 in order to schedule an initial phone interview for consideration.
2. You can check out the rent relief application the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) is offering. Renters and homeowners who were financially impacted by the economic slowdown related to the coronavirus pandemic are able to access applications for rent and mortgage relief. The applications are available by clicking on the red CARES banner on the PHFA website.
3. You can review the terms of your lease with WCU Free Student Legal Aid. The lawyer
may be able to offer suggestions about the lease terms. Contact Student Legal Aid here for more information.
4. You may set up an appointment with Off Campus and Commuter Services by emailing
commuters@wcupa.edu and/or Maggie Holroyd at mholroyd@wcupa.edu.
5. You can check out the Advocates for Student Renters Group group page. This group of student renters is actively meeting to discuss renting in the greater
West Chester area.
Where do I look for off-campus housing?
1. Start by searching Places4Students.com. In addition to viewing available rentals, Places4Students allows students to search/post for sublets and make roommate connections. Note! *If you are renting with other students in the Borough of West Chester or in West Goshen Township, you must rent in a student-zoned rental.* You can find out if the rental you are considering is student-zoned by asking the property owner.
2. Email commuters@wcupa.edu and/or Maggie Holroyd at mholroyd@wcupa.edu with any questions about renting in the local area.
I am a first-year student living off campus or commuting to WCU this fall
What University resources are available to me as an off campus/commuter student?
What buildings will I be able to access on campus in the fall? May I access the Commuter Center in Sykes Student Union?
Does the University offer free student legal aid?
Does the WCU Student Code of Conduct apply to my life off campus/commuting while taking remote classes?
How do I communicate my concerns with others regarding COVID-19?
Good healthy adult communication begins with being honest about sharing space. Consider sharing your concerns about the health risks. If your concern is not respected, please take care of your own health and exercise caution by distancing yourself. Control the controllables!
Stay informed and share resources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s
(CDC) FAQ to help keep yourself and others healthy.
I am living with other students off campus during the Fall 2020 semester. What happens if I get sick or one of my roommates gets sick?
Is it recommended to host or participate in social gatherings?
Does social distancing impact social gatherings?
If I do not return to my rental property, will my rental be safe?
Will I still get the two WCU face masks?
I did not sign a lease for Fall 2020, but I may want to live off campus during the Spring 2021 semester. When should I sign a lease and how do I find housing?
When should I sign a lease for the 2021-2022 academic year?
May I schedule an individual appointment with Off Campus and Commuter Services (OCCS)?
Am I able to meet other students on campus?