<p>So as far as I know, students are randomly assigned to one of the six residential colleges. But ss the process really completely random? What if someone who wants to join a four year residential college ends up in a two year residential college? Are their any criterias or something like an application ?</p>
<p>There's a form you fill out where you can request a four year or two year. You can also request a single, but that doesn't guarantee you one. I've heard rumors that if you really want one of the Whitman singles, put down for a 4-year college and a single, and then say you like to listen to loud rock music at 4 in the morning.</p>
<p>Well, the colleges are paired, so each four year college has a two year college associated with it. Rocky/Mathey, Butler/Wilson, and Forbes/Whitman. </p>
<p>If you want to live in a four year college but are assigned a two year one, you just join your paired college. I know last year you couldn't request 2 or 4 year, but it is completely random. </p>
<p>In fact, the two year colleges are great b/c rising sophomores get first choice in room draw, while in a four year college, seniors and juniors choose before rising sophomores.</p>
<p>Residential College assignments are completely random. Housing preferences aren't taken into consideration until after this assignment takes place.</p>
<p>Oh that's strange... I don't know why the freshmen told me that then.</p>
<p>Weasel8488, you said that housing preferences aren't taken into consideration until after this assignment takes place, so to what extent do you still have a choice over housing? I mean, is the choice basically between living in a single room or a suite or sth?</p>
<p>Most freshmen will not be able to get a single room. You still have some choices: substance free and single sex hallways being among them. Also, you will receive a housing survey and can express a preference for a number of things, such as the number of persons with whom you prefer to live, whether you prefer to go to bed early or stay up late, play loud music, be neat and tidy, etc.</p>