Hi! I’m curious about the IRC. I’ve done most of the research on my own about the housing itself and what community I may be immersing myself in.
I have listed it as my second preference on my housing application. I’m considering moving it the the first. Does anyone know what my odds of getting in are?
Also, what day are we notified in general what room we are placed into? I’m a bit confused because we cannot request roommates until the 12th. Will I know by then if I’m even in a double? If I don’t, will my roommate request increase my chances of a double?
My final question: if I am accepted into the IRC, can I opt out of actually being housed there and choose to be in a first year dorm instead? I have commitment issues I think… lol. Forreal though, this is something I am very unsure of, as I can see either the first year living or the IRC as great experiences. So much so I’ve even just considered not doing the IRC until my second year so I can do it all! (My problem with that is missing out on the opportunities of the IRC during my first year…) (Apologies to everyone on here who knows my history of struggling to make decisions, lol…)
This is just my last minute check on if everything in my housing app is the way I want it. If anyone can answer those questions, I’d appreciate it! I’ve been trying to get as much cleared up over the phone with housing as I could.
Ooh one more question. Are most rooms singles or doubles? I really want a double.
If you want a double, I don’t think it would be hard to get one. My son applied to IRC as a second year, and turned it down because he couldn’t get a single at the time.
@Charliesch interesting! I say that because I really would like a roommate my first year and because I’m almost 100% sure if I get into the IRC I can’t turn it down since that would be my placement… Kinda wondering if having a say so is a second year thing or if maybe they do allow you to opt out if there’s someone willing to trade or something??? Idk.
An update to any incoming UVA student who may read this thread in the future:
Housing told me they notify people accepted into the residential colleges within like a week or two (don’t remember exactly, but I’m almost 100% sure its a few days before the roommate app) over email. If you get into one, you can only request a roommate from the group of others that will be in the residential college. I think they wait to tell everyone their specific housing placements in early July.
In general, almost all first years across UVa are placed in double rooms. National studies find they do better with a roommate. UVa has even been converting some small singles into doubles. Also, there is more demand for singles, so they are more likely to go to older students. I believe the UVa housing form gives you a choice of asking for a double as your first preference.
@charliesch That is good to know, I think it is all working out quite well right now but I am still waiting to know for sure what room & house I will be in!
Just a little update if anyone reads this thread in the future: I did put the IRC as my second preference and was not placed into it, which is okay, I am still considering applying in the future! Be specific about what you want, the app does say your preferences affect your placement (although you are note guaranteed any of your preferences). I won’t know my room placement until July, and I am hoping my requested roommate and I are put together! 