The popularity of Horan, Riverdale, and Cambridge apartments prevented Jasper from filling up as quickly as expected

2006 Housing Lottery Miscalculated; Troubled by Unexpected Demand

By: Erika Rohrssen

Posted: 5/3/06

The 2006 housing lottery, held on April 25, ran into some unanticipated complications. The increased popularity of other certain housing options, such as the Riverdale and Cambridge apartments, caused unforeseen shortages in places like Horan Hall.

After much consideration, however, Residence Life has figured out a way to help those to get the housing they want for next year.

In previous years, in order for students to move into Overlook, they needed 60 plus credits. While the requirements changed this year to allow those with 54 or higher credits to live in those apartments, many students who would normally live there still could not. This problem went unnoticed, however, until the housing lottery last week.

As Director of Residence Life, Larry Perez, explained: "due to the popular demand of the Riverdale and Cambridge apartments, not many people homesteaded in Overlook." The lack of students homesteading in OV led to an increase in students vying for Horan. Horan also became the popular choice for rising juniors who wanted to stay with friends that did not have the required 54 credits to live in OV.

Other issues that caused problems within the lottery were that Quigley and De La Salle had their own lotteries, and were in popular demand. Additionally, Jasper did not fill up as quickly as it has in previous years, because Horan was more desirable.

Halfway through the lottery, after seeing that rooms in Overlook were not being selected, the directors of Residence Life decided to stop the lottery and review the rules to come up with a better solution to the problem.

After much consideration, they decided that there would no longer be a credit requirement for Overlook, making it available to all rising sophomores, juniors and seniors. While this option was considered during the lottery, Perez said, "we didn't want to give the opportunity for those left without a room to take those in Overlook, even if they didn't have the credit requirement, because it wouldn't be fair to those who took rooms in other halls, but might have taken ones in Overlook if they had the chance."

To be fair to all students who want to live in Overlook next year, there will be a second lottery held on Wednesday, May 3 at 4:00 in the Jasper Lounge. This lottery is for all students who did not receive a room during the first lottery, or who want to live in Overlook next year instead of Jasper or Horan.

This lottery is also for those who paid their deposit late. According to the email sent out last week: "If you do not have a lottery number and have since paid your deposit you will not be placed until after those with lottery numbers have all been assigned. You should still plan to attend the mini-lottery but be aware that your assignment may or may not occur on May 3rd. Rooming with friends in a specific location will be based on availability only."