<p>I'm considering applying for transfer to Rice for fall 2010 but I'd like to learn more about the school before I complete my application. So far, I've really liked everything I've read about Rice so far, however, my main concern is with housing as a transfer student. I read on some of the other threads that housing isn't guaranteed for transfers and that on average only 20% actually get on campus housing. based on what i've read about the school, the residential college system is basically how new students meet people and it seems that being excluded from that, especially as a transfer, i would be really isolated from other students. So i guess my question really is if there have been any changes to this policy or if anyone knows whether, given the building of two new residential colleges, there will be housing for transfers next year? Are students informed of whether or not they'll receive on campus housing prior to the date when they need to decide whether they're attend?<br>
Also, I've read that spring transfers are guaranteed housing and was wondering if this is just this spring or every spring semester?</p>
<p>Really, these are questions to consider <em>after</em> you’re admitted. </p>
<p>You’ll likely not be housed on campus. Whether you will or no is contingent on next year’s yield. Parenthetically–making your deposit early helps.</p>
<p>I’m going as a spring transfer this coming semester and I was guaranteed housing, but I was told over the phone that they don’t usually give housing to fall transfers, since there are usually more people. On all the housing forms we received, it plainly stated, in giant bold letters: TRANSFER STUDENTS ARE NOT TYPICALLY OFFERED HOUSING!!! But this year’s spring transfers got an email basically saying, “Oh, sorry that was unclear. Yup, we’re guaranteeing housing. Our bad.” So they must just send out those forms and prepare you not to get housing, and change their minds accordingly depending on how many people they accept that year and how many vacant beds they’ll have that semester. Not sure if they typically guarantee housing for spring transfers, or if we just had an unusually small pool this semester. Transfers get the last draw in housing assignments from what I’ve heard. They’ve also opened up two new residential colleges, so that should improve your chances…</p>
<p>I believe that more students study abroad in the spring semester, possibly freeing up some space…</p>
<p>Even if you are not assigned housing, you are still assigned a residential college (every incoming student, whether living on or off campus, is part of a specific residential college). Therefore, you can still join intramurals and activities associated with that residential college, and eat at their dining hall for lunch and dinner (although you can eat at any of the college’s serveries).</p>
<p>You will also get to take part in O-Week with the incoming students, so you will meet a lot of people then as well. I feel that Rice is more hospitable to transfer students than most schools.</p>