Don’t believe in luck? You might just want to start believing because the housing lottery is right around the corner. As if midterms, the internship search, and allotting time for sleep weren’t stressful enough, the housing lottery consumes students from the moment numbers are distributed (March 11th) to Early April when students must decide where and who they’re living with. Here are some tips to alleviate the stress that the entire housing process carries:
1. Remain open-minded
Obviously, some living arrangements are more ideal than others, but it is important to remember that some form of housing is better than no housing at all. Seriously, consider the total of maybe a few hours that you’ll be spending in your room each day between hours in the library, meetings in Usdan, and time gallivanting in Boston. While it is tempting to peruse prospective housing options and to speak to their current residents, remember to make your own decision on the building/room. While one person may not find their room ideal, it might suit you just fine.
2. Have a conversation with friends
While the housing lottery has been rumored to jeopardize friendships, this is totally avoidable. Instead of dancing around the topic of housing, be straightforward with friends or anyone who requests to live with you. By laying out any concerns or conflicts with living, you can avoid unnecessary housing drama.
3. Don’t get ahead of yourself
It can be all too easy to grow attached to a room or building before you even receive your housing number. Imagining how you’ll decorate your room and/or the common room, the prospect of living with your closest friends, the accessibility to your favorite spots on campus from the room can be exciting but potentially disappointing in the long run. In order to avoid disappointment and resentment towards the lottery system, wait until you receive your housing number to begin filling your Bed, Bath, and Beyond shopping cart.
Good luck!