A Collegiette’s Guide to BU Housing

Whether you’re trying to decide between dorms, figure out if moving off campus is worth it, or struggling with roommate issues, here are a few quick tips on how to handle all the stresses of housing without losing your head.
On Campus vs. Off Campus

• Check your financial aid. Some scholarships require you stay on campus to keep your money, and the last thing anyone needs is a financial crisis. 
• Make sure you’ve weighed all the options. Some on-campus housing might have all the amenities you were looking for in an apartment! I find the best way to do this is ask around, or stalk the housing website. 
• Make a pros and cons list. Yes, it’s cliche, but I guarantee it works every time. 
• If you’re really leaning towards off campus, make sure you’re ready! Be prepared to cook for yourself and keep track of your bills. Plus, make sure whoever you plan on living with is reliable and will have their rent money ready on time

On Campus Housing
Looking for a good upgrade from West or Warren? Here are my picks for the best dorm-style living on campus.

• Stuvi (1 or 2): This goes without saying. Both Stuvi’s are gorgeous, and probably the best apartment(ish) style living you’ll be able to find in Boston for the price. Yes, they’re in West but it’s easy access to the FitRec and the “commute” across campus is worth it for the beautiful rooms. 
• Hojo: Hojo is my tried and true favorite dorm. It’s been my home away from home freshman and sophomore year, and although it may get a bum rap be
  cause of it’s ugly exterior, or painfully slow elevators, I say it’s perfect for when you want something a step up from big dorms like Warren, but still want a dorm atmosphere. You get your own bathroom, and air conditioning. The rooms are decent sized, not awful for triples, but try and avoid any of the rooms at the end of the halls – they’re in the corners and significantly smaller than the other ones.
• Shelton: This dorm gets a lot of mixed reviews, but considering the dorm-style options on campus, we don’t have much to choose from. Tucked away on Bay State Road, I think Shelton is a pretty sweet deal. You get your own bathroom, which is a big plus in my book, but be sure to scope out some rooms before settling on anything. Some of the rooms are spacious and nice, but others can have a strange layout and get cramped. Another bonus: unlike Hojo, Shelton has a dining hall, which is rarely very crowded so you never have to fight for a table. 

 
General Tips

• Plan Ahead – Don’t wait until the last minute to discuss with your roommates where you want to live. You’ll end up adding more stress to the process and no one wants that!
• Have Back Ups – Lots of them. While it’s nice to have a number one choice where you want to live, make sure you have a couple back up options ready. The housing process moves fast, and a lot of times can make you feel rushed. You don’t want to have to decide under those conditions what your second choice will be
• Communicate! – Had issues with a roommate this year? If you’ve decided you don’t feel comfortable living with them again, make sure you tell them in advance so that they can plan their own housing out. Although you may want to avoid the confrontation as long as possible, waiting until the last minute just causes more drama
• Stay Positive! – You might not get your first choice housing, but don’t rule out what you did end up with! Visit the dorm and check out the room if you can, sometimes seeing it in person makes it better. 
• Remember Nothing is Set in Stone – If you’re really unsatisfied with your housing assignment, you’ve got options! You can apply for summer swap or even direct swap. If you ended up in a typically freshman dorm (like Warren or West), don’t worry! Keep tabs on the Class of 2016 Facebook page over the summer. Chances are there are tons of incoming freshman who were placed in another dorm that would love to have your spot.