<p>I have a difficult housing situation in which I can't go into details, but I'm looking for some tips on possible room changing. </p>
<p>I know only a very small number of students do this every year, but just in general, what were the primary reasons people filed for transfer/swap? what was the "success rate" in students actually getting one?</p>
<p>so a room swap is when two people want to change rooms, but what about a transfer? can you simply tell housing "i want out/i want a new roommate" if you can't find someone willing to trade with you? </p>
<p>Also, is there any way to get a room change before I have to turn in the occupancy agreement? </p>
<p>I've already consulted columbia's policy on how to apply for a transfer/swap, but I really need some student advice / anecdotes(particularly successful examples) in this area . Thanks.</p>
<p>Obsessing about housing is sort of my thing so I’m glad to help (if you want to figure out the numerical lottery logistics; that’s Denzera). I did this last year and applied for housing tansfer this year (summer housing transfer, meaning I already got the new room and signed the contract).</p>
<p>For the room swap, I agreed to do it with an acquaintance who wanted to be in my building (and vice versa) without going through the official demand for a room change. You just both need the signature of your respective RAs. </p>
<p>THE GOOD:
Easy and immediate. You help each other move.</p>
<p>THE BAD:
You can only do it once; they’re adamant about that. You must also both be of the same sex if one of the two of you has a roommate or is on a gender-specific floor. The biggest hassle is that both students must be of the same class standing (sophomore/sophomore, junior/junior, senior/senior).</p>
<p>Yes, you can get on a list for housing transfer. Basically it’s a waiting list and if something becomes available they’ll contact you. It’s a far more iffy procedure in my opinion which can take quite a while. I know someone who filled for one the 2nd week of September and wasn’t offered accommodation until December (smack in midterm and snow season). Then it was a question of bribing friends like myself with Chipotle and booze to help her move across a very wet campus.</p>
<p>I would recommend a housing swap if at all possible. If your trade is realistic (no one will give up a Watt studio for a 90sf Wien cell), I’m sure you can find someone. </p>
<p>Incidently I know two friends looking to trade so if you’re interested in Nussbaum or Wein send me a PM with more details.</p>
<p>i was wondering the same thing. I don’t what your housing problem is, but I was put in a Wallach double, which I think was my last choice. From the looks of it, transfering seems like too much of a hassle, so I guess i’ll just deal. thanks for the info, Lionheaded.</p>
<p>I really don’t mean to be an entitled arse about housing, but carman was my fifth choice, after jj, hartley, wallach, and furnald. I had seriously hoped for a single. </p>
<p>From what I can gather there are definitely people who really wanted carman but ended up in jj or somewhere else. so I’m hoping for a switch?</p>
<p>so even though Carman was my first choice, and you had Wallach ranked higher than Carman, YOU got Carman and I got wallach? wow, Columbia housing is messed up…</p>