<p>So, I was accepted for the transfer class of Fall 2005. Afterwards, though, I find out that transfers typically aren't offered on-campus housing for their first year, and I'm no exception.
The residential college system was a huge factor in my decision to apply to Rice, and while I know I'll still be assigned a college and everything, I feel like I won't be able to participate fully if I can't live on campus. I also feel that it may be hard for me to meet people, as most Rice students that are "kicked off" have already spent at least a year on campus making connections.
Of course, I certainly can't just throw away the opportunity to go to Rice, especially since it's been a sort of dream for me since high school. But on the other hand, it almost seems like I'm not being offered the full deal that made me like Rice in the first place.
So, does anyone have any thoughts, or maybe know anyone who was or is in this situation? Is it less difficult than I imagine to participate from off-campus, even when I've never lived on-? Any advice would be appreciated.</p>
<p>Let me ask my D about this and I'll get back to you. I know she is glad to be moving off next year (as a junior).</p>
<p>Here you go.<br>
D writes "Even though you may not initially be offered housing, I know of transfer students in the past who have gotten on-campus, if not first semester, then second. As a transfer student, I believe youre relatively high on the waiting list for housing. Also, O-Week (which transfer students as well as incoming freshmen participate in) indoctrinates you into the college, and you make a lot of great friends during that. So its not like you wont even know which building your college is. One of the nice things about the college system is that you can be as active or inactive within it as you wish to be. If its something that you really value, then being off-campus may inhibit that a little but it wont prevent you."</p>
<p>Thanks for your reply; it makes me a bit less uneasy about living off-campus :). O-week does sound as if it will help a lot. Tell your daughter thanks!</p>
<p>It'll work out fine. There are a lot of students who take a semester abroad, thus vacating space in the colleges or houses. There are also people right now looking for housemates for the fall. (Check out the off-campus housing guide online) And there will be people looking for housemates in the fall. You'll feel at home!</p>
<p>You will be able to get a wider variety of meal plan options for your res. college if you live off campus. Do you know yet which college you have been assigned to??</p>
<p>No, I don't know which college yet. I just got my packet monday, and I haven't been able to get home from school (different city) to look over it yet :(...</p>