WHERE SHOULD i LIVE NEXT YEAR?
The time for 2007-08 housing decisions is here!
It's time for students to determine their housing plans for next year. What on campus options would they like to pursue? Is off-campus appealing? Help them work through important questions as part of this decision-making process:

• WHO? Who should I live with? Is it healthy for my current roommate and I to keep rooming together? Do I want to try living with a group? What if I can't find anyone who wants to share a space with me? Will my friends and I remain friends if we live together?
• WHERE? If I live on campus next year, what environment would be best? Should I live in a campus apartment, a suite, a theme house or somewhere else? If I live off campus, should I live with my family? Or should I get a place with some friends? How far away from campus do I want to be? What does that mean transportation-wise? Will I still be able to be involved with activities that are important to me?
• HOW? How will I pay for my housing next year? Do I have enough for the deposit that's required now? Where will I store my belongings during the summer? Do I need to find separate housing for the summer? What will I do about a meal plan? Will I need to get a job?

These questions help students look at the big picture. It's not just about holing up with three of their best buddies in an off-campus apartment or an on-campus suite. It's about how this decision will impact other areas of their life, from involvement to finances to wellness ... and beyond.

It's Your Student's Responsibility
Many on-campus lotteries occur between January and March. Encourage your student to attend informational meetings and ask questions now to learn about this process. They'll feel much more prepared if they do. It's up to your student to follow campus housing procedures in order to secure housing for next year. If he/she doesn't understand the process, there are people who can help such as RAs and residence hall directors. Students need to be proactive and informed in order to make the housing system work in their favor!