<p>This thread is probably more directed at current and recent BC students and grads, although prospective applicants might find the subject interesting.</p>
<p>BC Freshman are housed either on the Upper Campus or on the more remote Newton Campus, requiring a bus ride to and from campus and being socially separated (at least geographically) from the rest of the BC community. From what I’ve observed, the separation between the two is more than simply physical distance.</p>
<p>Students assigned housing in Newton work to make the best of a bad situation. But its a bad situation - at least by comparison. The dorms are just as nice and they have their own cafeteria and work-out facility. But I don’t think any fair-minded person would claim that its ideal or just as good as being with the rest of the freshman on Upper Campus. And I think that just about any Newton resident would rather have been assigned housing on Upper. </p>
<p>So, my question is this: When entering the lottery for Sophomore year housing assignments, should Newton residents be given any sort of preference over their classmates who were assigned to and lived on Upper Campus during their freshman year? </p>
<p>An additional qusestion is: Some of the students on the Upper Campus were assigned to what are called “forced triples.” Should they be given some sort of preference or advantage over their fellow Upper Campus residents who had the more traditional double configuration?</p>
<p>I lived on Newton my freshman year and loved it. I was actually initially assigned a forced triple on upper, but was contacted over the summer with the opportunity to de-triple and move to Newton. I didn’t think twice about choosing a double on Newton over a forced triple on upper. Having enough space was more important to me than location. Honestly, when it comes down to it I think most people end up loving where they live regardless. Newton has a nice community feel that I don’t think upper has. There are definitely benefits and drawbacks to both. Yes, living on upper is more convenient and the bus aspect of living on Newton is not ideal, but it becomes a part of your daily routine and you forget about it. I don’t think kids on Newton have any less of a good experience than upper kids, it’s just a different experience.</p>
<p>To answer your question, No, I don’t think Newton or forced triple kids should be given any advantage for the sophomore lottery process. (Just a side note, those in forced triples are given a reduction in room and board costs to begin with.) Where you end up is a matter of chance, and i don’t think BC shouldn’t have to compensate for those living in what some think is less desirable housing. </p>
<p>The sophomore housing process isn’t much better, and the junior year off campus housing scramble that begins at the beginning of sophomore year is probably the most stressful of them all. Regardless, the housing situation at BC is what it is and students tend to make the best of whatever situation they are in.</p>
<p>IMO no (to forced triple/Newton kids getting preference for sophomore housing). I guarantee some people who are in doubles/natural triples/quads on Upper would opt for a forced triple or Newton if preference was given in the sophomore housing lottery. It is what it is…a lottery. Nobody has any control over what their housing situation is for freshman year. Therefore, I don’t think they should “punish” kids who get lucky freshman year.</p>
<p>Can you recent grads or current students say more about the off campus year. One comment said it’s a real hassle to find housing (for those who aren’t abroad junior year). Thanks!</p>
<p>Off campus housing junior year is still a hassle for those going abroad too. Within the first few weeks of sophomore year there is a sudden, mad rush to secure off campus houses and leases for junior year. People sign leases as early as september and there is a ton of unnecessary pressure to get a house early. It gets crazy trying to coordinate who’s going abroad and for what semester because generally people are unsure or change their minds a lot. You also have to keep in mind things like subletting too. It is kind of a good, practical experience though, having to get a realtor and learning about utility costs and what not. Living off campus is awesome, but it just can be really stressful to figure out a whole year in advance.</p>
<p>Parent here: I’ve spoken to alums who lived in Newton, and current students who lived in Newton, and none of them would concur. Sure, such discussions are only anecdotes, but I would assume them to be “fair minded…”</p>
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<p>A lottery is just that.</p>
<p>btw: as someone whose kid had only one “good” course registration time over four years, I would argue that such students should receive reg priority for fairness…if only bcos to me, fairness in academic course opportunities is more important than housing choices. Heck, some really popular courses are closed out before the first day of registration by the ahem, special registrants. (they know who they are.) :)</p>
<p>BlueBayou - BC parent here too - you and I will simply have to agree to disagree about how students feel about Newton living. The way I would approach it is - “If, knowing what you know now, you had been given the choice at the beginning of the year to live on Newton or Upper which would you choose?” I know the answer would be overwhelmingly Upper. It wouldn’t even be close.</p>
<p>sorry, but there is nothing to disagree upon, stanford. I have not polled the Newton residents and have no real idea about “how students feel about Newton living…” I clearly noted in my post that what little I “knew of” were anecdotes.</p>
<p>btw: Why limit your approach? Instead just ask every BC student if they would rather live on campus. Of course, the resounding answer would be, ‘Yes’. That would be true for incoming Frosh as well as ~half of the Juniors who are banned to the City. (But so what? That on-campus option is just not available to 100% of BC’s students, and as long as BC is upfront/transparent about the lottery going in…)</p>
<p>fwiw: my D requested Newton, in writing, as an incoming Frosh, but was assigned to Upper anyway.</p>