For St. Edward’s University students, the spring housing sign-up, which began on Nov. 2, was an uncharacteristic two weeks earlier this year. And even though Residence Life at St. Edward’s can house more than 1,300 students in nine residence halls and 178 apartments, there is always the potential for students to face difficulties finding on-campus living arrangements.

Residence Life made the decision to move the deadline two weeks earlier this year, in order to allow students who are enrolling at St. Edward’s for the first time or students who are looking to move on campus a chance to solidify their housing plans before the Thanksgiving break.

A new online application for housing is available to students via EdWeb, making the process easier. As a result, Residence Life has observed a significant increase in students seeking on campus housing, said Brian Obert, Residence Life associate director of assignments and facilities.

“This is, in large part, due to the automation of the spring housing application process,” Obert said.

Though it is unclear how much campus housing is available for the spring semester, Obert believes the university has adequate housing to meet the student demand.

“As long as students are reasonably flexible, we expect that we can place them all in housing for the Spring 2010 semester,” he said.

Many upperclassmen chose to experience apartment life, but prefer to stay on campus. The apartments on campus can only house 172 students, which means many students who are hoping to live in the apartments next semester may be forced to look for other options.

Obert said students who are unable to live in the apartments may want to look into rooms in the Casa, Casitas and Johnson Hall, as these options may be more financially affordable because they come furnished and live-in ready.

Students who are denied housing in their preferred residence should wait for Residence Life to find accommodations that will fit their needs, Obert said.

“We would like for students to give us an opportunity to make housing offers before they seek off-campus housing,” he said. “Residence Life will begin making housing offers on Nov. 16. Students who have submitted a housing application and are awaiting housing offers should check their St. Edward’s e-mail account daily for their offer.”

Some students may be inquiring about new on-campus living arrangements because of the higher cost of living in the new residences of Hunt and Le Mans Hall. Obert said every semester students request permission to shift their housing assignment from one hall to another and these recent student requests are not unique to the new residential village.

“There are a variety of reasons for these requests: some are due to financial concerns, but others are in order to be closer to friends, or because they feel more comfortable in a different building,” he said. “We work with students and try to accommodate requests as best we can, however, contracts do encompass a full academic year.”

Garrett Hall, a senior and president of University Democrats, moved back to campus this year because of the convenience of on campus living.

“As a president of an organization, I felt like it would be easier to stay in touch with students and student life,” he said.

Garrett currently lives in Johnson Hall, and pays nearly $800 a month, which he finds much more expensive than living off-campus.

“I would prefer to live in the on-campus apartments, but they are filled,” he said. “I could move somewhere on campus that’s cheaper [other than Johnson] but it would still be more than off campus.”

Garrett finds himself nervous as the Thanksgiving break draws nearer and he still is without any definite plans for a home next semester.

“I don’t have a roommate and single bedroom apartments are a little pricey,” he said.

Further questions about the spring 2010 housing lottery or questions about on campus housing can be directed toward Brian Obert or Dave Rozeboom, director of Residence Life.

 

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