Notre Dame's second annual off-campus fair, Monday, drew off-campus students searching for football tickets, free food and advice on living outside the University bubble.
Former student body president Dave Barron and current student body president Lizzi Shappell jump-started the program last year in response to concerns voiced by the Board of Trustees report of an off-campus Security.
"We were looking at a way to get information out from NDSP (Notre Dame Security/Police) and the South Bend Police," off-campus senior Josh Paquesi said.
Pasquesi has organized the fair for two years running and estimates this year's turn out to be near 100 percent of eligible students.
"We had more vendors this year and therefore more free stuff which is always good," he also noted.
"It was great," off-campus senior Kristin Schwarz said. "The information on meal plans was extremely helpful."
In addition to a presentation on meal plans, tables by NDSP, the South Bend Police, Sex Offence Services and the Office of Drug and Alcohol Education were set up to raise student awareness of security in the community. Among other things, students were informed on how to be responsible neighbors.
Students were drawn to the popular booths run by Jimmy Johns and Papa Johns, but everyone flocked to the tables handing out football ticket applications.
"Everyone loves a mini-Jimmy John, but I think people were most zoned in on the football," Schwartz said.
While the students waited, businesses promoted their wares to new potential customers.
"We wanted to inform students about convenient locations for nearby necessities," Pasquesi said.
Meijer, Target, Fun Tan, Salon Rouge and Dominoes were among those present.
