Where will I be living next year?
Shelly Humbach • March 13, 2020
One of the big questions for you as a student (and for your parents as well) is ‘Where will I be living next year?” Be sure to explore the housing choices on campus and learn which choices are available to you.
Housing Styles
• Traditional residence halls typically have double occupancy rooms off of a hallway, with shared bathrooms for several rooms. This is usually the most common option for incoming freshman.
• Suite-style residence halls have more of an apartment feel. Several students share a common living and kitchen area, with bedrooms sharing bathrooms. Although often available to upperclassmen, some colleges offer these for freshmen.
• Apartment-style residence halls are as they say - student apartments. These are most often for upperclassmen, graduate students, or married/family housing.
Themed Communities
• Living/learning communities - Many colleges offer themed living communities. Those themes may be honors, specific academic programs, language or culture based, or communities based on lifestyle commitments like green living or substance free.
• First Year Experience - Often in addition to housing together, classes are offered for first year students to take together. Living in first year experience housing gives students opportunity to learn and grow together.
Other considerations
1. Meal Plans: How is the meal plan handled - all you can eat meals, or a la carte? Are there options for extra dollars to use in the coffeeshop or student market? What happens on the weekend for meals? Think about your lifestyle (do you eat on the run or sit down for each meal) and choose a meal plan that fits.
2. Gender housing: Are there single sex dorms? Single sex floors? Transgender friendly housing? Single sex rooms (with both genders in rooms next to each other?) How are the bathrooms set up? What will make you comfortable?
3. Alcohol and Drug policies: Be sure to ask about party rules, for you and guests. Is it a dry campus? Are some dorms designated drug and alcohol free? Obviously, all campuses follow the law when it comes to drinking and drug use, however some schools may have more strict policies for the campus or for certain residence halls.
4. Security: How secure is the housing? Do you have to have ID to get inside the building? What other security measure are in place? Can you have guests? What are the restrictions for guests?
Take Action
Check online for each college’s housing options. Make a list of criteria that are most important to you and ask about housing during your admitted student visits.
In June, I hosted my annual Senior Essay Writing Workshop. This was the first in-person workshop since 2019. I bet you can guess why. I was elated to meet my students face-to-face after months, even years, of connecting through the screen. Imagine my surprise at their height, super-smiles, and warm laughter. Dang, it was wonderful. So, essentially, all my in-state seniors gather at my house for a three-hour intensive workshop on crafting a killer college essay. As I was preparing for the event, it occurred to me that I might be in competition with their PHONE. Classic directness (this is probably a character flaw) led me to inform my students and their parents, in advance, that this would be a no-phone gathering. My messaging went something like this, Important: Phones are placed in a basket at the door and retrieved at noon. No exceptions. Parents: If you need to reach your student during the workshop, text me directly at **********. Now, I am fully on board with the phone-free movement. I support it, advocate for it, and live it (I brilliantly quit all personal media last November). And I thought: my event, my rules. I was a little concerned about how this announcement would land. Turns out my concern was mainly about the parents. The kids? Not so much. In fact, research indicates that students crave phone-free learning environments. Suffice to say, the workshop was a smashing success. Not a single student pushed back against the policy. One poor soul forgot to retrieve her phone and left it sitting all alone in the basket. Not to worry, though. She didn’t get far before turning back to grab it. Here’s the truth: We don’t have to bow down to every technological whim or societal pressure. As adults, we know the phone is a problem, and it’s our job to foster healthy, happy individuals. So let's keep this momentum going. As Maya Angelou wisely said, “When you know better, do better.”
I work with incredible colleagues; collaborative, smart and supportive. They make me better and I am deeply grateful. Every year, Jennie Kent and Jeff Levy of Big J Educational Consulting share invaluable information regarding college admissions. Their research is impeccable and accurate and provides crucial data to help students and families make informed college decisions. Read on, share broadly and give a shout out to these generous professionals! Early Decision and Regular Decision Acceptance Rates Class of 2028 Domestic Undergraduate Need-Based and Merit Aid Class of 2028 In-State and Out-of-State Acceptance Rates Class of 2028 Financial Aid for International Noncitizens Class of 2028 International Noncitizens Acceptance Rate and Yield Class of 2028 Percentage of Students Submitting SAT and ACT Scores Class of 2028 Athletic Divisions and Conferences (partial list) Class of 2028 - NEW! These charts are visual, interactive, and easy to use. They make it possible to instantly sort using any column's metrics and to easily compare subsets of colleges. They are free and can be accessed at www.bigjeducationalconsulting.com/resources . From Jennie and Jeff: We hope you find these resources helpful in your work guiding students. Please feel free to share them broadly as long as they remain in their original unedited form. Permission is not granted to those charging a fee for their distribution. If you find an error after cross-referencing with an institution's Common Data Set, please contact us at info@bigjconsult.com . Thank you!
The Power of Paying Attention
Parents: Before Your Student Launches, Get These Legal Docs in Place
Is Your Student Ready For College?
Wait for it……they should be having fun.
"The Common Application, often referred to as The Common App is an online platform that facilitates the college application process for students."
"The AXS Companion provides step-by-step guidance, tips, and expert advice to help you tackle every section of the Common App with confidence."
Navigating Financial Aid can be a confusing process. Make sure you understand the financial terminology before entering the lengthy process of applying for scholarships and financial aid. Learn more in this comprehensive guide.
In the Spirit of - More College Admissions Fun - Let’s talk about Deferrals