Cornell Housing - Double vs. Quad & other questions?

<p>Hello,</p>

<p>So I was looking at housing at Cornell and I basically ruled out single and triple for me. However, I was still unsure on whether I should choose a double or quad.</p>

<p>Basically I have a lot of (close) friends who are going to Cornell and we get along pretty well so I am seeking to exploit the request a roommate policy.</p>

<p>I did some rather hasty research and would appreciate if someone with more knowledgeable could clarify my understanding: (A lot of questions haha, so answer whatever you can, thanks).</p>

<p>(1) You can request 1 to 3 roommates - for double or quad respectively, correct? Does this basically have a high level of guarantee (assuming the other person (people) request the same individuals).</p>

<p>(2) A friend of my said the Quad is basically two doubles with a bathroom, but if you were to pick a regular double there is no bathroom(?) - meaning do you have to use a floor bathroom or something. [I am pretty sure my friend is wrong, but would appreciate clarification nonetheless].</p>

<p>(3) Reading here I heard if you request a quad. the "Donolon (prob. spelled wrong)" is the only place with quads. and if you do not get in then you are directed to the townhouses? Is this true? And what is so bad in being in the 'townhouses'?</p>

<p>(4) Are you able to swap rooms / roommates once the decisions are given out. Meaning let's say Person A and B are in a double and Person C and D are in another double. If person B wants to swap with person C (this is a mutual decision) is it relatively easy to swap - or at an added cost?</p>

<p>(5) We have to rank our preference - I am leaning towards double -> single -> quad -> triple OR quad -> double -> single -> triple => but let's say I get single and it's not my first choice - am I required to pay the extra cost or is the cost differential covered by Cornell?</p>

<p>(6) From your experience - is it better to dorm with a person you're already close in high school or just leave it to a random process. I mean I intend to switch roommates (but this is just for the first year - my thought is that it would reduce anxiety).</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

<p>Why would you EVER, EVER want a quad.</p>

<p>I can answer some of your questions!</p>

<p>(2) Quads in Donlon don’t have their own separate bathroom, they only had a small living room connecting the two bedrooms, which were doubles.</p>

<p>(3) The townhouses are kind of far on North Campus, but I don’t think they are that bad.</p>

<p>(4) Yes, I actually swapped after roommate placement and it was no cost extra.</p>

<p>(6) It’s hard to say, some people would say dorm with the friend and some would say go random. It’s up to you.</p>

<p>Thanks for your reply. I was wondering if you think a quad is too much as Colene expresses - too much not in the cost but in the amount of people and the lack of privacy.</p>

<p>I would say that a quad isn’t much different than a double, in that you are sharing a bedroom with one other person. I don’t think a quad is a big deal…</p>

<p>Gridvvk, instead of asking what we think of a quad, think about it yourself(trying to say it in a nice way :D). Would you mind sharing a living space with three other individuals? Is privacy a big or small issue for you? If you have three best friends, then they could be your roomies, otherwise you’re stuck with random choices (could be good or bad). Of those random choices, one could be an obnoxious, loud kid who doesn’t let you sleep at night. Once you think about all of these things, you should know whether or not you want a quad. It’s not for everyone, especially if you’re like me and hate people being “in your bubble” constantly.</p>

<p>I would be fine if the three people were my friends (which I have more than enough choices / combinations) to ensure. However, a concern was if let’s say I person A request Person B, C, D. Person B requests A, C, D, and so forth => is it basically guaranteed we will get the quad (with all 4 of us). Or is there some uncertainty in the process? Otherwise I’d probably get a double with a friend (risk the chance of that and get a random person - rather than 3 random people).</p>

<p>As modelgeek stated above, he swapped roomies after they were all placed at no extra cost. Sounds like good news to me :)</p>

<p>I think if you have 3 roommates and request a quad it’s a pretty sure bet. I only know of quads in donlon and they basically consist of 3 rooms in a line; two are bedrooms with two beds and two dressers and the room in the middle usually has the desks. I’d agree that triple should be your last pick since most are “forced” triples (aka they were supposed to be doubles when constructed) and can get a bit cramped. I found my roommate on facebook and we lived together in a double (and still live together senior year!).<br>
I’d be cautious about rooming with your high school buddies. There are a whole lot of new people to meet at Cornell and if you do room with your old friends, be sure you’re open to meeting new ones!</p>

<p>Yes, do not request a triple…put it last. The Class of 2015 is overenrolled and last year’s doubles are this year’s triples. It’s tight and I can’t imagine how 3 girls could possibly live in such small spaces. The only really good thing is that the cost is significantly cheaper for a triple.</p>