<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I'm a mother whose daughter is joining this year as an international freshman. We're confused about dorm options and I'd like some advice from a senior.</p>
<p>I'm not a senior (most of them are off enjoying their last few days at UVa), but I think I can help. There are two options: traditional housing and special interest housing.</p>
<p>At UVa, traditional housing is called "the first-year program". The room styles are mostly doubles or suites. Special interest houses are called "residential colleges". The room styles vary in the residential colleges.</p>
<p>The major difference is that traditional halls are almost all first-year students while the residential colleges have all different class levels in them.</p>
<p>Once the student picks the style of hall and submits their paperwork, the assignment will be made by a computer system.</p>
<p>The official explanation from the Housing Division's website:
[QUOTE]
First Year students may apply to live in one of the three residential college programs, or they may select to live in the First Year Program. The First Year Program includes the McCormick Road and Alderman Road Areas and Malone and Weedon Houses. Assignments to any of the facilities in this program are made on a random basis.
[/QUOTE]
</p>
<p>When will I get the housing information? I have yet to receive anything in the mail since sending in my deposit. I have, however, set up my uva email address.</p>
<p>You should receive the My UVA book in the mail after sending in your deposit. You can sign up for housing and a meal plan on-line. I don't think you will get forms in the mail to submit for these things.</p>