On-campus housing sign up under way, continues in spring

While many students living off campus next fall made housing arrangements months ago, the process is beginning for those planning to return to the dorms.

On-campus housing sign up for fall 2008 began Jan. 14, when students who wished to maintain their current room for the upcoming school year were able to renew their contract.

Beginning today, students can switch to another room within their current hall, and from Jan. 31 to Feb. 1, those who want to switch halls can take any open room on a first come, first serve basis.

Angela Brown, director of University Housing, said students should keep in mind their leases will last the entire school year before signing a contract.

“Make sure this is the direction you want to go,” Brown said. “We certainly would like to have you continue to live with us next year, but students need to understand that it is a year commitment.”

Brown said it also is important for students to know exactly where they want to live and who they want to live with, because space fills up quickly with nearly half of all residents returning to the dorms for another year.

“We get about a 45 percent return rate of students,” Brown said. “We’re also looking at approximately 7,000 freshmen to come into the halls for next year.”

Brittany Klaus, a kinesiology freshman, said she and a friend from across the hall plan to move from the fourth floor of North Case Hall to the second floor. Klaus said her main motivation to live on campus for a second year is the easy access to food in the cafeterias.

“My friend and I are cheerleaders, so it’s just a lot easier with our crazy schedules,” Klaus said. “It’s close to everything we need, too.”

Mary Lou Heberlein is the hall manager for Mason-Abbot and Snyder-Phillips halls. Because of a recent face-lift to the building, Snyder-Phillips is one of the most highly requested halls on campus. Heberlein said she expects to see students lining up to secure a room in the halls as soon as lease signing becomes available.

“We don’t let them camp out overnight, so the building opens at 7 a.m. and they can start signing up at 8 a.m.,” she said. “It’ll be very busy because both Mason-Abbot and Snyder-Phillips are very popular.”

For students who want the perks of living on campus, but could do without the cramped spaces of the dorms, University Village Apartments are an alternative to off-campus apartments. Although all units for the coming year are full, students still can place themselves on a waiting list in case a spot opens, Brown said.

Published on Sunday, January 27, 2008