Slow and steady does
not win the race, at least not in regard to campus housing. For all college
students, especially freshman, the race for room selection is nerve-racking,
where you either win or you lose. Many students attempt to get into the most
desired dorms, but they either fill up in a matter of minutes or they have no
chance of getting into the dorms from the beginning.
The race is
non-existent for the majority of freshman because they are typically shafted by
Residence Life and are relocated to the slums of Richardson and Wofford Halls. Arguably,
first semester freshman may have no choice in housing, but when selecting
housing for sophomore year, the race certainly begins. Rising freshman,
sophomores, and juniors are running to the finish lines of Thomson, Lee Wicker,
Roddey, Phelps and Courtyard. Who crosses the finish line first, is another
story.
The newly renovated
Phelps seemed to be at the top of everyone’s list for the 2012-2013 school
term, mainly because the residence hall has so much appeal since it is
re-opening after being closed for renovations during the past year.
“I wanted to live in
Phelps because I wanted something new. When someone says something has been
renovated, we often veer toward that particular thing,” said Curtis Hayes,
Music major at Winthrop University. “I wanted to get into Phelps, but Thomson
was my second choice and I did get in there,” he said.
But Phelps is not the
only residence hall that had people in a major frenzy. Thomson and Courtyard
seemed be to coming in the number two and three spots on everyone’s
“where-to-live” list.
“I wanted to live in
Courtyard because that is where the most of my friends are planning to live and
since I have been a Resident Assistant in Richardson for two years, I have
gotten tired of it,” said Will Latimer, Mass Communication major at Winthrop.
“I wanted to and am
staying in Thomson because I wanted to be closer to food and I want my own
bathroom,” said Brittaney Major, Mass Communication major at Winthrop
University.
But even though
everyone has their top housing picks all figured out, the hardest part of
housing can be a variety of factors.
“Sharing your space
with someone else is the hardest part about on-campus housing,” Brittaney said.
“Remember to sign up
on time. Freshman year, I forgot because during that time my computer broke and
by the time I remembered it was around eleven o’clock at night,” said Will
Latimer.
So with all that being
said, up-and-coming freshman need to consider a few special things in regard to
housing. Housing is a very complex process and all options need to be explored
and examined thoroughly prior to move in day.
“Wherever you live,
make the most of it. Get to know everyone on your floor. If you choose to
interact with people on your floor, it will make your experience a lot better,”
Will said.
“Respect yourself and
the person you’re staying with,” Brittaney said.
“Be clean. Cleanliness
goes along way with those you live with and Residence Life as a whole. Be
respectful as well,” Curtis said.
How do I apply for housing?
New
students will receive an application packet through the mail about 2-3
weeks after being admitted to the university. The packet includes
instructions on how to apply for housing online using Eaglesnest. New
students are also required to return a signed