8
Tuesday. January 21, 1975
University Dally Kansan
Only slight increases seen in local housing
By SHANNON GREENE Kansas Staff Reporter
Most housing authorities in the Lawrence area report only a slight increase in the rate of homelessness.
J. J. Wilson, director of housing, said recently that occupancy for all on-campus housing was 94 per cent in the Fall. It rose to 96 to 97 per cent this semester, he said.
"We've had more people in the spring
in the fall for the last four or five
years."
"Maybe a few more foreign students are coming into the system," he said. "We try to take care of foreign students who are still in school, housing until they find what they want."
"We also opened 100 spaces on the seventh floor of McColm Hall," he said. "This had been used for guest housing. We opened it in anticipation of higher demand."
Phil Frickey, president of the Association of University Residence Halls, said it was normal for residence hall occupancy to go up in the spring because some people who had shared a room in the fall switch over to a single room.
"We still have more new people moving in than out," he said. "At this time, there are only one or two rooms available in Lewis Hall."
Frickley said he thought many students were still drawn to residence hall living because it was more economical and more convenient.
“It’s a sure bet you can get by on a contract fee in a residence hall where apartments owners pay. You’ve got to trust your and the bottom might fall out from under you,” Frickey said.
Connie Martin, manager of Rental Mart, said there was a slight decline in her rentals. She handles rents for Meadowbrook, Frontier Ridge, Malls Olde English Village, South Plaza Plaza and Coachamp apart ment complexes.
Martin said there was 97 to 98 occupancy for the 200 units she handles. There is nothing available outside of a complex unit at this time, she said.
"The unavailability of houses is drawing students to apartments," Martin said. "Students seem to prefer a house or a duplex because they say they have more privacy. In a complex, they feel they are too close to the outside, like a little more, but they are willing to pay."
Mrs. Thelma Brooks, manager of Jayhawk Mobile Home Court, said she had students recently move into six new mobile homes.
"Students feel they have more privacy than in an apartment house, the prices are cheaper and they are supplied with all the convenience services they need."
Parm Horne panellibre adviser, said she sought there was a general increase in the demand for such products.
"We pledged 302 girls during the January rush and that's more than in the last several years," Horne said. "I think this is partly due to economics. In this day and age, it is difficult to budget. Living in a sorority offers a fixed rate each month that is compounded over time by prices we have to worry about your landlord raising your rent on you."
Al Berman, vice president for membership of the Interfraternity Council, said nine men pledged during rush weekend from Jan. 17 to 19. He said that there were 48 students in each year in the fraternity system at KU, but that the houses were almost full this year.
"There are also personal considerations when deciding to live in a sorority," she said. "It's nice to have a group to live with and share college experiences with."
"All our sources say there has been a rise in interest towards fraternity living." Berman said. "Men are realizing that the old traditions and stigmas about fraternities aren't true anymore. High school students don't need to devote themselves. The fraternity system is at its most liberal point but it's originally a conservative idea."
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"More men want to see what benefits are offered," he said. "There are scholarship opportunities, a more elaborate social schedule, academic assistance within members of a house and an opportunity to form lasting friendships."
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