For many students at VCU, the end of freshman year marks a transition between life in the dorms and life on their own. But for those who wish to remain in the dorms after their freshman year, staying behind can be a big problem.
With very limited space for upperclassmen in the dorms, VCU uses a lottery system to determine who stays, and who has to go.
“We have implemented the lottery system in order to be as fair as possible to all students who desire on campus housing beyond their freshmen year,” said Jane Firer, the assistant director for administrative operations at VCU's residential life and housing.
But many students feel the lottery system is inadequate.
Jussi Sletzinger, a freshman at VCU who currently resides in Johnson Hall, said upperclassmen should be allowed to stay in the dorms.
“I think that if, you know, you go to the school, there really shouldn’t be a lottery, you should be allowed to live in the residence halls,” Sletzinger said.
Sletzinger himself wanted to stay in the dorms for his sophomore year, but now is unable to.
“I was going to sign up for the lottery, but I missed the deadline,” said Sletzinger.
He is not alone in his plight. Sophomore Jenna Chew said she missed the housing lottery due to classes, but she got lucky.
“I had a class I could not miss that morning, and I ended up calling later to see if they had any spots that had vacated over the summer,” Chew said.
The department of residential life and housing puts a waiting list on their Web site for students who either miss the dead line, or aren't picked from the lottery.
“We do have a waiting list on-line,” said Firer. “We will have some spaces open up due to cancellations, and as space becomes available, we will offer students on
the waiting list a room.”
Despite her lucky fortunes, Chew said she is still dissatisfied with her accommodations.
“The dorms were, you know, dorms, but Capital Garage doesn’t suit my needs at all,” said Chew.
Like many other students, Chew has now turned her attention to off campus housing, saying her family has been investigating a condo on Marshall street, just a few blocks off campus.
Students seeking off campus housing can face just as many difficulties as those who choose to try their luck in the housing lottery. VCU offers several services designed to facilitate students’ transitions from dorm life to life off campus.
The department of off campus student services hosts workshops designed to help students find good apartments, as well as learn tips for healthy living on their own.
Fran Mason of the Richmond Apartment Owners Association spoke at a workshop last night, answering students' questions about apartment hunting.
Mason said the most important thing for students searching for apartments was “Know your lease. Not all leases are written the same.”
Extensive knowledge of their own lease can let students know what options they have when it comes to repairs, safety, and how to get out of the lease.
Other tips for students included checking out potential apartments during both day and night times, to get a better feel for the area. Checking all windows and doors for security was also recommended.
VCU graduate Johnathan Brown left the students at the workshop with an important message about understanding their leases and rights.
“Don't let you age be an excuse for ignorance,” Brown said.
1 comment:
yeah my name is Jussi Sletzinger, the only person in the world named this. I never said this bullshit about VCU housing, and was never interviewed for anything of the sort.
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