<p>I know there is a lot of info online, but I feel overwhelmed with all the options for housing. I'm an incoming rising sophomore transfer student and I'm hoping for a relatively social environment in a double that won't get in the way of my work. I'm hoping for some insider insight into what would work best for me based on this criteria. Thanks and I absolutely cannot wait for next year!</p>
<p>Do you have any idea what transfer housing options you have? I can give you advice on specific dorms, but I’m not familiar with the transfer housing process, meaning the normal housing lottery options probably don’t apply to you. Generally sophomores have the weakest housing out of all 4 years, ranging anywhere from a McBain shaft to a Claremont/Ruggles suite. If you were in the lottery I’d say McBain doubles are the most realistic option, but it also depends year to year how people draw the lottery.</p>
<p>I also don’t think transfers are required to live in the dorms so you could look off-campus as well. Maybe other people have insight on what off-campus housing is with regards to cost, distance, availability, etc.</p>
<p>Oh sorry. It says ok the welcome site that “Columbia guarantees housing for all accepted transfer students; you will be housed with your class in a student residence hall, and we accommodate the preference to be housed near other transfer students whenever possible” and “Assignment is based on seniority and building preference, with applications processed on a rolling basis.”</p>
<p>The application lets me apply for any upper division housing, but I suppose id only be offered sophomore housing. I’m wondering which most people would call the best or if I need to pick a specific hall to be strategic? I’ve heard the horror stories.</p>