The housing process for freshman to choose their sophomore year digs is a mystery. The Housing Office is working to improve the lottery system and other parts of housing, but they still are not exactly sure what these improvements will be.
"Every year, we change an aspect of the housing system to make it better for the students," said Regine Laforest-Sharif of the Housing Office.
In an effort to fulfill the students' needs, On-Campus Housing has been holding meetings and taking suggestions from students who have already experienced the whole housing and lottery process. Last year, the housing registration was held online for the first time in order to be more convenient and efficient for everyone involved.
Despite the changes in the lottery system this year, there are some concrete facts about the housing options, particularly which buildings will be open to sophomores. Wolman and McCoy dormitories will be available, in addition to The Bradford and Homewood apartments.
Wolman and McCoy are both composed of suites equipped with kitchenettes and other amenities. Benefits of Wolman include Wolman Station, the dining hall, a game room, small exercise room, the Housing Office and the Office of Residential Life. McCoy includes a music practice room, exercise room and game room.
A major benefit of Wolman and McCoy is their proximity to the main campus, so their residents can get to class fairly quickly. Some disadvantages include having a mandatory meal plan and still being under the supervision of an RA.
The Bradford Apartments are located on 3301 St. Paul Street, a block and a half away from main campus. In exchange for the inconvenience of a slightly longer walk to campus, residents can escape the cramped nature of dormitory-style rooms. The Bradford has one through four bedroom apartments with living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. The apartments are carpeted and furnished with beds, dining room tables, and desks.
The Homewood Apartments are the most coveted of available sophomore housing options. Located on 3003 North Charles Street, the Homewood Apartments are in the same area as Xando's, Record and Tape Traders and Ruby Tuesdays. The Homewood Apartments were recently renovated, so they are still in very good condition.
The apartments have full kitchens, new appliances, controlled heating and air-conditioning and pre-wiring for both cable television and Ethernet. Furniture is available, but students also can choose to furnish the apartments themselves.
Although the exact process for this year's lottery system is currently unclear, Regine Laforest-Sharif assures us that, "We always work to accommodate the students' needs," she said.
Whether you "win big" in the housing lottery and get the best apartment in Homewood, or you have bad luck and end up living in Wolman or McCoy, keep in mind that any of the sophomore housing options are a considerable improvement from the good old AMRs.
