<p>I wasn’t even aware that they had 3 or 4 year offers for housing. I only learned about it while I was taking a campus tour and the tour guide mentioned it briefly. I assumed I had gotten 4 years so I didn’t bother asking for more information. But I checked my acceptance letter and it turns out they only gave me 3 years. I recall the tour guide saying that people who got 3 and wanted 4 could usually petition to the housing department or something like that and they would usually grant them the extra year if there was room. Could anyone explain the process any better?</p>
<p>Also, I do want to study abroad for at least a year so I might not even need that extra year but I would like to have it as a safety net in case things don’t turn out the way they should or if my plans change.</p>
<p>Living off campus can actually be a good thing. I know some poeple who will be renting out a house. Think of the possiblities. And its only for half a semester (assuming you go abroad)</p>
<p>Our D was given 4 years of housing, but has done her whole junior year abroad. If enough students do that during junior year, it opens up some spaces for students who have been granted 3 years of housing. It is junior year that students with 3 years of housing live off-campus. Most of them arrange their junior year housing during the first semester of their sophmore year to get the "best" rentals. And many arrange to swap semesters in a rental if they are going abroad for half the year. The housing office can help with off-campus housing to some extent. And the Study Abroad office is outstanding in encouraging and arranging the different programs for anyone interested in doing that junior year. Our D's program is great, and she has loved traveling around during her breaks (she was home for 6 weeks around Christmas). She has really missed all of the BC sports, though--and has said that she is now ready to come back! :)</p>