1. How does the housing selection process work?
This year, the Group Selection period runs from March 10–20. On each weekday during that period, there is a lottery for a particular type of room or apartment (see the Group Room Selection Dates). Groups interested in that type of room register online in the morning, and then a lottery process determines whether they will be eligible to select housing that day. If they do not receive a selection time, they can then try again for another housing type on another day.
The chance of receiving housing on any given day depends on how many students register for that room type and how many spaces are available. There are many types of rooms available for sophomores and upper-class students, from two-person doubles to nine-person suites. As with any randomized process, there is always the possibility that your student may not end up in their first-choice situation every year, but we can assure you that every group of students has an equal shot.
Students are always encouraged to have multiple backup plans in case their top choices are not available.
Students who prefer not to register with a group can register as individuals or pairs through the Open Registration process. Students who opt for Open Registration provide information on their housing preferences and are assigned to available housing in early June.
Students can also apply for housing in one of our two upper-class Living Learning Communities—the Healthy Living Community or the Fr. Rutilio Grande, S.J., Intercultural Learning Experience Community—or for the Sophomore Living Experience (SLE). Students accepted into these programs do not take part in the Group Selection process.
2. Do all students participate in the housing lottery each year?
Students are not required to live on campus, but all current first-year students and most rising upper-class students have the option to participate in room selection. We do our best to meet student demand for on-campus housing; this year, approximately 5,200 students will receive housing through the Group Selection process or Open Registration. Resources for finding off-campus housing are available through the Office of Off-Campus Student Living.
3. What challenges can students run into during this process?
In some situations, the process of putting together a group can be stressful, particularly when it is a large group. We encourage students to have open and honest conversations with their friends about what works for them in a living situation and what doesn’t. These are challenging conversations that require maturity, openness, and compassion, but ultimately, they can help students build stronger relationships and learn more about themselves and one another.
Certain room types are more popular than others. Rising sophomores often want to live in eight-person suites, and rising juniors and seniors often aim for an apartment as their first choice. However, space in these most-in-demand types of rooms is limited, so it is helpful for students and groups to have backup plans.
Although it can be initially disappointing to not receive first choice, it doesn’t mean your student’s next year will go poorly. While there are different locations and room types, each area and type of room has its advantages.
4. How does Residential Life help students during this process?
Every January and February, Residential Life offers virtual and in-person room selection information sessions and open drop-in hours in Maloney Hall (Suite 413) for all students. First-year students are highly encouraged to attend to get all of their room selection questions answered. For students having trouble finding roommates, RAs and Resident Directors are great resources to help them better understand the room selection process, find roommates, and understand the housing that is available to them.
5. How are the lottery numbers determined for the group selection process?
In BC’s housing selection process, priority is determined solely by class year, which encourages students from the same class to live together and ensures that the process is as fair as possible. We assign lottery numbers after students decide on their housing groups, so BC students choose their roommates based on roommate compatibility rather than on who receives the best lottery number. Every year, myths and theories about how best to manipulate the lottery system abound, but the only thing that matters in this randomized process is a student’s class year. Here are some of the most common myths:
That having the letter “A” in the group name or applying last minute will improve your chances. We do not consider these factors in our process, which is completely randomized.
That certain groups or populations of students get priority over others in the housing selection process. We do not provide special preference to any group, such as athletes or legacy students in the housing process.
That conduct or grades play a role in the selection process. We do not consider conduct or grade point average.
That there is a way to game the lottery system to guarantee a Mod for senior year. There are only 438 beds in the Mods, and they are assigned on a randomized basis. However, there are many other apartment options on campus.
That if students live on Newton Campus or in a lofted triple their first year, they are guaranteed a better pick in later lottery processes. This is not true. Past housing assignments have no impact on the process.
6. Where can I find information regarding the amenities available in each residence hall?
The Office of Residential Life maintains a very detailed website that offers a great deal of information for the students living on campus—including amenities, our community standards, and the roles of our staff. Please visit the Residence Halls site for more information!
7. What tips do we provide to parents to support their students?
Remind your student that if they have questions about selecting a room, finding a roommate, or anything housing-selection related, have them speak to the staff in our office. Whether that is via email (Placement@bc.edu), stopping by our office in Maloney 413, or giving us a call (617-552-3060), we are happy to meet and talk with anyone!