<p>i've been accepted into the exchange program for 2 terms starting in the fall... i received an email today containing general information about the exchange, including housing... </p>
<p>it indicated that in order to get a contract I would have to sign for the whole academic year... does anyone know if this is the case? i'm not too keen on virtually wasting about $3,500 US on residence hall housing that I won't even use... anyone have any insight?</p>
<p>cheers</p>
<p>The academic year usually refers to the end of september through the beginning of June. Summer is not counted, in other words.</p>
<p>Two terms means he'll be gone during the spring. I believe UCSB allows you to refund the rest of your contract if you're leaving due to outside university-affiliated programs.</p>
<p>thanks for your responses...</p>
<p>can you elaborate on outside university-affiliated programs...? would me returning home for my exchange qualify under this...?</p>
<h2>Here's one of the emails I received winter quarter:</h2>
<p>DEADLINE TO REQUEST A CANCELLATION OF YOUR HOUSING CONTRACT FOR WINTER QUARTER
November 15, 2005</p>
<p>If you are graduating, transferring, studying abroad with EAP or withdrawing from UCSB, you must complete the Contract Cancellation Form issued by Assignment Services by Wednesday, November 15, 2005. You can sign this form at the front desk of 1501 Housing & Residential Services, adjacent to De La Guerra Dining Commons, next to Santa Cruz Hall. Printed verification to substantiate your request is also required (i.e. Intent to Cancel form from the Office of the Registrar, Petition to Graduate, etc.)</p>
<pre><code> If you are not leaving UCSB you are committed to your housing contract until the end of Spring Quarter. You may request to be released from your contract by completing a petition. Requests will be granted only if we have a replacement for you. Petitions are available from your Resident Director and due back to your Resident Director by November 15, 2005.
</code></pre>
<hr>
<p>So it looks like those who are leaving the university have no problem.</p>
<p>thanks rc, that's certainly a relief... leaves a bit of room in my budget :)</p>