Are you a rising sophomore? Don’t know what this means? Well then you definitely need to read this guide! I’ve put together a list of your housing options whether you’re going to be a sophomore next year (yes, that’s the same as a rising sophomore), or are a junior looking to live on campus. You all should’ve applied for on campus housing by now, and many of you may have even applied for special interest housing. Either way, dorm raiders is breaking down this “fun” process for you, avoid being homeless and read on.
Sophomore Options…
Willow
Surprised I ranked this glorious dorm first? Don’t be, not only do I live here, but this dorm also has 4 different buildings with some of the nicest dorms on campus. Residents choose from double-double, double-single, or single-single suites connected by a bathroom. If you were lucky enough to get an early housing time then Willow is definitely an option for you. Last year it was the first dorm to fill up. Don’t worry, if you don’t get into Willow A or B, there’s also Willow C. It’s a bit further of a walk, but you get to be right near Riley. While this dorm is one of the furthest away from the center of campus, the new SoHo quad makes the walk to your Newcomb classes super short and convenient. Plus your motivation to actually go to Riley will definitely increase if you can see it from your window!
Mayer
Mayer is another great option for sophomores looking for a dorm that’s a bit nicer and more spacious than Sharp or Monroe. If you want to live in Mayer, you should have already applied since Tulane is switching things up and turning Mayer into interest housing next year. However, a few rooms will be open to students willing to fill out the application by May 1st. Each hall will have a different theme, whether it be a major or an activity. Students should definitely expect the unexpected during this year’s housing lottery. Since there are more application only dorms, don’t listen to rumors you may have heard about past housing lotteries. Many people may have already chosen their dorm.
Phirby
If you have a tight group of friends you’d like to live with, a group of 8 to be exact, Irby or Phelps is the way to go. These dorms were originally intended to be temporary so they aren’t exactly clean, but what can I say? Tulane loves them! Phirby’s 8 person suites will give you the social experiences of Sharp or Monroe full of balcony heart-to-hearts, bathroom pre-games, and many many closets of clothes to share. Plus, the quad side view is gorgeous!
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Weatherhead aka SoHo
Also an application only dorm, Weatherhead is a quiet dorm perfect for studying. If you found that it was hard to get any work done with random people running down the halls of Sharp at 2 am this is the dorm for you. And don’t worry, no one blames you for not being able to study with all that screaming going on. Oh, and did I mention Weatherhead is brand new? You’ll be the second resident to live in your room. Plus, the SoHo quad is perfect for tanning.
Warren
I know what you’re thinking—this is the dorm people get put into, not the dorm people choose. It’s the JL of sophomores, why would I live there? Well, Warren does have its benefits. It has a pretty central location on campus, across from the SoHo quad, the art building, and the LBC. If you aren’t a fan of suite style living, definitely look into living here. Not convincing enough for you? Check out this past Dorm Raiders on living in Warren. And don’t forget, the roof is accessible!
Patterson
No, this isn’t just a freshman dorm—and no, you didn’t have to live here as a freshman to do so as a sophomore. Patterson offers balcony suites for upperclassmen. These rooms are great, you get a balcony and if you’re on the first floor you can walk right up to your door. The kitchen here is also good for baking, plus it’s the wellness dorm. Most rooms are double-double suites, connected by a bathroom.
More options:
Wall (application only)
Monroe 2 singles (males only)
JL singles (girls only)
Upperclassman Options…
Aron
Aron is the go to housing assignment for upperclassmen. It’s apartment style living and residents get their own kitchen, so it’s a step up from traditional dorms. Located across from Willow, Aron is a bit far from the center of campus, but it’s definitely closer than any off-campus options.
Willow
Leadership Village applications have been due already!
Some rooms in Willow may be open to upperclassmen, so keep an eye out for that!
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How it works…The Process!
1. Figure out who you’re living with next year including roommates and suitemates. Figure out which one of you has the earliest housing time. She will be the one to actually sign you all up for your new dorm because she can pull-in roommates and suitemates once her selection has been made.
2. Each of you should have received a RMS ID and a RMS Pin from the housing office. Make a list with the names of all your future suitemates with their IDs next to them. This list will make your housing selection go quicker since you won’t be searching for all the information needed last minute.
3. On the day of your housing selection slot go to http://rms.giza.tulane.edu/ at your scheduled time. Here you will log in using your RMS ID and Pin (as a password).
4. When you log in choose “Self Assignment,” then “General Room Selection”. you will be able to see a map of available rooms in whatever dorm you select.
5. Follow the instructions to choose the room you want and pull in your roommate and suitemates using their RMS IDs.
6. Congrats, you’re now well on your way to not being homeless next year.
More resources:
Tulane’s housing website
Click this link, then look under “Important Documents” for the 2012-2013 Room Selection Guide for a more detailed guide on the housing lottery…they even have pictures!
Remember Tulane…Defend New Orleans, Defend Your Dorm!