<p>Reed has many singles. I believe it is lottery by class, however if you choose a theme dorm, you don't need to participate in the lottery.
My daughter opted for substance free housing freshman year and was assigned a single ( in a sub free dorm) even though she did not request one)
They also have lots of divided doubles which are two single rooms connected by a doorway and one door leading to hall. No private bathrooms.</p>
<p>When I was a freshman in college (many moons ago), I had requested a single and was surprised to find that I had been assigned a double as a single. In no time, though, everyone else on my hall who had been assigned a roommate was in my room at all hours of the day and night. I remember it as being more like a social center. My S's freshman roommate was hardly in the room at all and practically "lived" in another room down the hall for almost a month. Needless to say, he enjoyed his privacy during that time. He got to choose his other roommates for subsequent years so those living conditions were an improvement.</p>
<p>heidi -</p>
<p>My son's going to Ohio University (Athens Ohio) and they have singles as an option. See ohio.edu/housing.</p>
<p>This discussion make me thankful for opting to rent a 3BR off campus apartment junior and senior year. Total freedom of choice, a block from campus, minimal intrusions, private bath shared with two great apt mates, less cost, no RA's, nice group of coeds across the hall(which was unheard of in on-campus housing then), easy parking out back, monthly rent vs a term bill, no meal plan(saving more precious dollars), and gaining a sense of independence that prepped me for the "real world". Yesiree, learning to deduct 2/3's our security deposit from the final rent payment ticked off the land-lord but taught us a life lesson. Yes, we did leave the place clean and in reasonably good condition.</p>
<p>I would not discourage our S from choosing to live off campus after soph year.</p>
<p>CharlesIves, my son wants to do this sophomore year and apparently his college will allow it. Is this something you would recommend for sophomore year? He is a freshman now. He is thinking of going back now and consulting real estate agents to look for an apartment for him and 3 other guys. He thinks it will cost less for the reasons you mentioned but cost is not the primary reason; gaining independence is one of the main reasons. He says he can get something within 10 minutes' walking distance of campus.</p>
<p>I've agreed to it but I'd like to get another parent's opinion. My son is quite mature and not given to drinking or wild parties.</p>
<p>Another reason he gives me is that he thinks the sophomore year housing on campus is the worst of all 4 years. He has great housing now. But sophomores are at the tail end of the lottery for housing at least at his college.</p>
<p>To me the biggest consideration would be the personality of the student in question. In particular, if they are introverted and like quiet time or time alone then having a single can be A LOT easier for finding the space that makes them comfortable. I do not think being in a single or a double will substantial change a student's social life at school ... if they are comfortable doing things with stangers they will hook up for dinner with their roommate or the person next door. My best friend from college and I, after living next each other in singles, sharing a double, and sharing an apartment ... realized we would always be great friends but that both of us like being in a single better so we could have "our space" and our quiet alone time. </p>
<p>As a parent, if kid #1 or kid #2 wants a single I will gladly pay the premium (and right now I expect kid #3 will ask for a double)</p>
<p>Achat, I wouldnt' worry if I were you. Lots of kids live in off-campus housing after freshman year. My oldest D did it with no problems whatsoever. It's worked out fine. D2 is guaranteed housing all four years and since she's in Manhattan, taking advantage of NYU housing is a given. :) D3 will be going to a Canadian university where virtually every student lives in off-campus housing after freshman year. Your son's reasoning about sophomores in the housing lottery is very true at most schools. One suggestion I'd make, though, is not to go through a real estate agent. Every student I know who has sought out off-campus housing has done it through the college itself, either through the housing office or through upperclassmen who will be moving out. This is traditionally how student apartments change hands. An ad in the student newspaper or on the college's livejournal site are other options. Good luck!</p>
<p>Alwaysamom, thanks! Actually, my son's off-campus housing inspiration came from watching his NYU friends. They have housing provided by NYU and it is as good as off-campus and he is really envious. I'll tell him about the student newspaper or college livejournal.</p>
<p>You're welcome, achat. That's funny that he was inspired by NYU housing. Was it Water St. that he saw? That's where my D is this year and it's a beautiful building. She has a gorgeous view of South St. Seaport, the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge. I should be so lucky! :)</p>
<p>Hi alwaysamom, I don't know. I'll ask him. But it indeed is gorgeous according to him and I believe him!!</p>
<p>sybbie, sorry my post was confusing. My daughter is not yet in college. I was referring to someone I knew at Dartmouth in a single-- a junior, I believe.</p>