2nd Year Housing Options

<p>My son is currently a freshman at IU and living in the dorms. He does not want to live in the dorms next year. We are not ready to support him living off campus and are looking at the on-campus apartments. It is our understanding that you have to already have a roomate identified for apartment requests for next year. All of his buddies plan on joining fraternities and plan to stay frat houses. He does not plan to pledge, he's not the fraternity type. Does he have any other options? I sure he could find a roomie later in the year, but he's afaid if he doen't apply for an apartment early, he will not get one. Has anyone else dealt with this? Is his only option staying in the dorms as a sophomore?</p>

<p>D is a sophomore in Willkie in an apartment with 3 other sophomores. University housing assignments for 2011-12 will not be determined until well into the spring 2011 term. D and her roommates talked with Residence Life many times before they “bid” on their apartment. I do know that all 4 girls were not eligible (based on credit hours) to put their names in for the apartment at the same time-a couple were added in when they became eligible. D said there are instances when 3 people have obtained a 4 bedroom apartment and then someone else can get the 4th bedroom. Your son needs to talk with those in charge of university housing to get details of how the process works. I do remember that details like dates when specific housing will be available for assignment are vague and undefined until right before the effective date. Students have to monitor the announcements from housing. Meanwhile your son has plenty of time to try to find apartment mates before the process starts.</p>

<p>Also, there are efficiency and one-bedroom options–but I understand he might prefer to have a roommate. And I have no idea how competitive/difficult it is to get the apartment assignment you want!</p>

<p>Separate but related question, can a current freshman sign up for a dorm (I think the sign up for that happens next month?) and then opt out if they find an apartment situation? Or if you sign up for a dorm, is it binding? My student is thinking about an apartment but I don’t want her to lose out on her preferred dorm if the apartment doesn’t work out…
do any parents/upperclass students know how this works? She and I have both been trying to find info online but it’s not really spelled out, seems mainly focused towards entering students.</p>

<p>She is planning on calling/going to residential services, but meanwhile, thought I’d ask here!</p>

<p>I, too, am wondering about this. We were at IU for parent weekend and drove around campus. I would prefer my son to stay on campus another year. On campus apartments(at least the new ones) are very pricey! Does anyone have knowledge on the residence scholar program in Ashton or Teter? Any other thoughts? He is not sure , either, who he would room with at this point and when he has to know. Thanks!</p>

<p>My daughter is in a 5-bedroom house with four other girls just a few blocks off campus. It is working out great so far. They didn’t start looking for a place until January, so you still have time.</p>

<p>IU Mom, RPS would probably charge a breakage fee. I know they do that if you move out after the first semester, and all housing contracts are for the academic year only. You can call 1-800-817-6371 and get the answer over the phone.</p>

<p>Also this link has information about canceling. It also depends on when you cancel.
<a href=“http://www.rps.indiana.edu/doc/2010-2011%20Apartment%20Housing%20Application%20and%20Contract.pdf[/url]”>http://www.rps.indiana.edu/doc/2010-2011%20Apartment%20Housing%20Application%20and%20Contract.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;