My Weekend at UA Family Weekend and the Housing Expo

This past weekend, I got to represent ApartmentsForLegends at UA Family Weekend and the Housing Expo, and it was such a fun and meaningful experience. The Student Center was packed with students and parents, all wanting to learn more about off-campus housing options in Tuscaloosa. It reminded me of how overwhelming that process felt when I was looking for my first apartment, so getting to be on the other side and help calm a few nerves felt really rewarding.

Real Conversations with Real Families

I got to talk with so many students and parents who had the same questions I once did, like how far certain apartments are from campus, which areas feel safest, and what the difference is between student-style and traditional apartments. Parents especially wanted to hear what life off campus is actually like, and since I’ve lived it, I could give them honest answers instead of just pointing to a flyer or brochure.

Being a student definitely made those conversations easier. I could tell them which properties are closest to certain buildings, which ones have the best parking setups, and what it’s like living with roommates for the first time. I also shared how ApartmentsForLegends helped me when I was searching by having all the listings and info in one place made comparing locations and amenities so much simpler. I loved getting to show families that same resource and explain how it can take a lot of the stress out of the process. 

Perfect Timing for Housing Season

These events couldn’t have come at a better time. Housing applications for next year are opening, so many families are trying to get ahead of the game. You could really tell parents wanted to help their students make smart, confident decisions about where to live. Being there to walk them through that made the weekend feel worthwhile.

Making It Personal

Some of my favorite moments came from the smaller interactions by handing out stickers, joking about the Alabama heat, or chatting about the best food spots near certain apartments. Those little conversations helped break the ice and made people feel more comfortable asking questions. I wasn’t there to give a sales pitch; instead, I shared my own experience to make their housing search a little easier.

Overall, Family Weekend and the Housing Expo were great reminders of why I love being part of ApartmentsForLegends. Off-campus housing can be confusing, but when students and families have access to firsthand advice and a platform that actually makes the process simpler, it doesn’t have to be stressful. I’m really proud to be part of a team that helps make finding a home in Tuscaloosa a little easier — one conversation at a time.