Dallas College students can face multiple challenges when trying to lease apartments for the first time. The lack of on-campus housing means students must seek off-campus accommodations.

This can be challenging due to high rental costs, unfamiliarity with local neighborhoods and concerns about safety.

These problems can be magnified for international students who may be new to the country and, for some, speak a new language.

“All Dallas College students are responsible for securing their housing by their own means,” Kerrie Kenner, student care coordinator with North Lake Campus, said in an email.

“Help is available to navigate this process.”

Students may struggle with housing insecurities if they encounter difficulties in securing long-term housing.

Navigating the local housing market comes with the fear of potential fraud when reviewing online listings and attempting to secure credible information from landlords or leasing companies, some of which require advance deposits and application fees.

The Student Care Network can help students navigate the process.

“All student care coordinators and case managers have lists of affordable apartments in Dallas-Fort Worth and the surrounding areas,” Kenner said.

“The Basic Needs Department has helped thousands of students with housing insecurity since its inception. I personally have helped hundreds of students.”

To access the Student Care Network, students must fill out a student care form, which requires a Dallas College ID and personal information so that a student care coordinator can better understand the student’s situation.

It takes one to two business days for a student care coordinator to contact the student. In the follow up email, the student can schedule a meeting time with the coordinator either virtually or in person.