By Jennifer Call

Choosing where to live is a difficult decision for soon-to-be sophomores because it is likely to be the first time a student has been given that responsibility. Freshman begin the housing search as soon as fall and early Spring. Collegetown apartments start to solidify leases fall semester. Sorority and fraternity recruitment begin a week before classes start spring semester, and the housing lottery for West Campus and residence halls opens spring semester.

It could be beneficial to begin the search process by creating a list of all possible options and narrowing it down. Some preferences that should be considered include number of roommates (double/single/triple/quad), quality of living, cost, location, and meal plan/no plan. The following options include the most common of the possible living situations for sophomores:

 

Greek Housing: Chapters include 35 fraternities, 12 (soon to be 13) sororities, and 13 multicultural houses. Most houses have chefs and require a meal plan. Houses are located in a variety of places; some are far enough away from campus that transportation may be an issue. http://dos.cornell.edu/greek/chapters.cfm 

 

West Campus: Five houses are offered on west campus and are close to classes. A meal plan is mandatory in order to live there. There is a lottery for west campus and it is possible to not receive first choice. http://living.sas.cornell.edu/live/wheretolive/westcampus/index.cfm

 

Residence Halls: Five residence houses are available for transfer and upper level students. Several location choices are offered and most are close to campus. There is also a lottery for the residence halls. http://living.sas.cornell.edu/live/wheretolive/residencehalls/index.cfm

 

Program Housing: There are nine program houses, which are communities that are very involved and have regular events, programming, and outreach opportunities. Residents pay an activities fee to support the programs that define each house. Most houses have single, double, triple, and quad rooms to choose from. http://living.sas.cornell.edu/live/wheretolive/programhouses/index.cfm

 

Cooperative Housing: Each of the eight houses is uniquely governed by the co-op’s student residents. This option is usually the cheapest housing option on campus. House ranges from 10 to 35 members. Most are co-ed, some are only women.  Four out of the eight houses have meal plans. http://living.sas.cornell.edu/live/wheretolive/co-ops/index.cfm

 

Collegetown: Numerous options are available in Collegetown. It is a challenge to find an apartment that is in good repair and affordable. Apartment locations that are close to campus and in excellent condition will cost the most. A meal plan is not required and there are many eating options at all price points in Collegetown. It is also important to note that residents are responsible for paying a full year lease, including the summer; however, it is possible to sublet over the summer. http://www.dos.cornell.edu/ocho/undergrad/The-Housing-Search-Process.cfm

 

Lastly, it would be useful to inquire with upperclassmen about their opinions. It can be stressful making this decision so soon after moving to Ithaca, but it is important to remember it is only for a year, and it is even possible to change locations during the year, if necessary.