General Room Selection

Tips

  • Don't register for housing you do not want.
  • Your social life will be what you make it, no matter where you live.
  • Pick one direct roommate and don't leave each other during the process.
  • Before housing selection begins, have conversations about Plan A, B, C, and D with your entire group.
  • Make plans where no one gets "cut out." Blocking can help with this.

Room Selection Process Overview

Group Room Selection Dates

Group Registration and Selection Times

  • Room selection will start on Monday, March 11, and continue through Monday, March 25.
  • Groups register from 10am-1pm EST on each room type day.
  • Room selection begins at 4pm EST the day after groups register.
  • Group registration and pick times are different than previous academic years. If you have questions, please contact placement@bc.edu.
Room TypeGroup Formation
Room Selection Times

Early Open Registration

Opens: Mon 2/26, 9amCloses: Fri 3/1, 11:59pm

6-Person Apartments

Mon 3/11, 10am-1pmStarts at 4pm, Tues 3/12

4-Person Apartments

Tues 3/12, 10am-1pmStarts at 4pm, Wed 3/13
2- or 3-Person ApartmentsWed 3/13, 10am-1pmStarts at 4pm, Thurs 3/14
6-Person Suites (Stayer)Thurs 3/14, 10am-1pmStarts at 4pm, Fri 3/15
8-Person SuitesFri 3/15, 10am-1pmStarts at 4pm, Mon 3/18
4-Person Suites (Walsh)Mon 3/18, 10am-1pmStarts at 4pm, Tues 3/19
6- and 9-Person Suites (Triple bedrooms)Tues 3/19, 10am-1pmStarts at 4pm, Wed 3/20
Traditional RoomsWed 3/20, 10am-1pmStarts at 4pm, Thurs 3/21
Open Registration Sign-UpOpens: Friday 3/22, 9amCloses: Mon March 25th, 5:00pm

Registration times for each day will begin at 10:00 am EST and end at 1:00 pm EST. Room selection pick times will begin at 4 PM EST the day after you register your group. We understand that with many students in different time zones, there may be challenges or complications with registration and selection times. If you foresee having issues with any dates or times, please let us know and we will do our best to work with you and your group.

Group Leader Responsibilities

  • The Group Leader is responsible for creating the group during group registration from 10am-1pm EST.
  • The Group Leader then verifies the group. Verified groups cannot be changed.
  • Groups will randomly be selected to participate in the group selection process.
  • If your group is selected to pick a room, your Group Leader will receive an email with your group pick time.
  • If your group receives a pick time, your group must select housing on that day.
  • If your group is not selected you will be able to form a new group for another selection day.
  • You do not have to register for a room type on every consecutive day.

Blocking

Blocking allows several groups to select housing at the same time.The number of blocked groups allowed is based on room type:

  • Two-person apartments: Four blocked groups
  • Three-person apartments: Three blocked groups
  • Four-person apartments: Three blocked groups
  • Six-person apartments: Two blocked groups
  • Eight-person suites: Two blocked groups
  • Nine-person suites: Two blocked groups
  • Six-person suites (Stayer): Two blocked groups
  • Six-person suites (Triple): Two blocked groups
  • Four-person Suites: Three blocked groups
  • Traditional style rooms: Eight blocked people

Groups must be the same size and apply for the same type of housing. Blocked groups have one leader who registers for everyone. Blocking does not improve or hurt your chances of housing.

Special Considerations

Living Learning Communities

If you are interested in applying to one of our Living Learning Communities be sure to complete the appropriate pages within the same Housing Application.

Housing Accommodations

Any student requesting a housing assignment based on a medical condition, psychological or physical disability must register or re-register with the Disability Services Office by the priority deadlines established for each semester.

To be considered for needs-based housing accommodations, students should:

Complete the Disability ServicesRegistration Formonline.


Submit documentation. Either attach it with your online registration, or email/fax it to the Disability Services email:disabsrv@bc.edu. Please review Documentation requirements on their website.


Make an initial registration meeting with Disability Services staff. Your meeting will take place via phone/Google Hangout. To schedule a meeting please use their online scheduling calendar. If you encounter issues, please call (617) 552-3434. (Please note that both the registration and documentation steps must be complete prior to your meeting.)


Documentation will be reviewed by the Office of Disability Services on a rolling basis. Students will be notified via their BC email account once their request(s) have been reviewed and a decision has been made.

Eligibility Codes & Categories

Each eligible student is given a number code based on their class year. Note that a student with one semester left to complete their degree is coded as a junior, even though their current class year is senior.

  • Juniors & Seniors = 1
  • Sophomores = 2
  • First-Year = 3

Categories & Blocking

Students can form groups and combine their individual eligibility codes to make a group total. The totals then fall into the categories below. Groups of students can then block together with other groups so as to share the same pick time to choose their separate rooms. Groups can only block within their own category, meaning a group that falls into category 1 can only block with another group from category 1, category 2 can only block with category 2, and so on.

Room TypeCategories & Codes

2-Person Apartments

Category 1 = 2 or 3
Category 2 = 4 or 5
Category 3 = 6

3-Person Apartments

Category 1 = 3 or 4
Category 2 = 5, 6, or 7
Category 3 = 8 or 9

4-Person Suites & Apartments

Category 1 = 4 or 5
Category 2 = 6 or 7
Category 3 = 8 or 9
Category 4 = 10
Category 5 = 11 or 12
6-Person Suites & ApartmentsCategory 1 = 6 or 7
Category 2 = 8, 9, 10, or 11
Category 3 = 12 or 13
Category 4 = 14 or 15
Category 5 = 16, 17, or 18
6-Person Suites
(2 triple bedrooms in 90 STM)
Category 1 = 6 or 7
Category 2 = 8, 9, 10, or 11
Category 3 = 12 or 13
Category 4 = 14 or 15
Category 5 = 16, 17, or 18
8-Person SuitesCategory 1 = 8 or 9
Category 2 = 10, 11, 12, or 13
Category 3 = 14, 15, 16, or 17
Category 4 = 18, 19, 20, 21, or 22
Category 5 = 23 or 24
9 Person Suites
(3 triple bedrooms in Vanderslice)
Category 1 = 9, through 19
Category 2 = 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 or 25
Category 3 = 26 or 27
2, 3, & 4-Person Traditional Style RoomsCategory 1 = code average 1.0
Category 2 = code average between 1.01 – 1.5
Category 3 = code average between 1.51 – 2.0
Category 4 = code average between 2.01 – 2.5
Category 5 = code average between 2.51 – 3.0

Historical Data

This information is a snapshot of previous housing selection results. Outcomes of room selection may change year to year based on class sizes, student choices and preferences, and other variables. The room selection process is a random process, with collective class year of groups as the only factor that influences priority. These numbers reflect the end results of room selection and do not necessarily predict individual outcomes or chances of receiving specific housing.

Sophomore Housing

  • Approximately 20% of the class live in College Road.
  • Approximately 35% of the class live in Walsh.
  • Approximately 30% of the class live in traditional style housing (College Road, 66 Comm Ave, Greycliff).
  • Approximately 45% of the class live in 8-person suites.

Junior Housing

  • Approximately 40% of juniors live on campus.
  • Of those on-campus, approximately 55% live in apartment style housing, 40% in suite style housing, and 5% in traditional style.
  • Of those on-campus, juniors typically live in Reservoir, Stayer, Vanderslice, and other on-campus apartment options.

Senior Housing

  • Most seniors live in apartment style housing.
  • About 20% of seniors live in the Mods, 20% in Thomas More Apartments, 35% in Ignacio and Rubenstein, and 15% in Gabelli and Voute.
  • Approximately 75% of seniors live in 6-person apartments.
  • Approximately 20% of seniors live in 4-person apartments.

Messina College Room Selection

Room Selection Process Overview

Group Room Selection Dates

Group Registration and Selection Times

  • Group formation will occur on Wednesday, February 19, from 3pm to 5:30pm.
  • Room selection will occur on Thursday, February 20, from 4pm to 5:30pm.
  • If you have questions, please contact placement@bc.edu.

If you foresee having issues with any dates or times, please let us know and we will do our best to work with you and your group.

Group Leader Responsibilities

  • The Group Leader is responsible for creating the group during group registration from 3pm to 5:30pm.
  • The Group Leader then verifies the group. Verified groups cannot be changed.
  • Groups will be randomly assigned a pick time between 4pm to 5:30pm.

Special Considerations

Housing Accommodations

Any student requesting a housing assignment based on a medical condition, psychological or physical disability must register or re-register with the Disability Services Office by the priority deadlines established for each semester.

To be considered for needs-based housing accommodations, students should:

Complete the Disability ServicesRegistration Formonline.


Submit documentation. Either attach it with your online registration, or email/fax it to the Disability Services email:disabsrv@bc.edu. Please review Documentation requirements on their website.


Make an initial registration meeting with Disability Services staff. Your meeting will take place via phone/Google Hangout. To schedule a meeting please use their online scheduling calendar. If you encounter issues, please call (617) 552-3434. (Please note that both the registration and documentation steps must be complete prior to your meeting.)


Documentation will be reviewed by the Office of Disability Services on a rolling basis. Students will be notified via their BC email account once their request(s) have been reviewed and a decision has been made.

Study Abroad

Fall Study Abroad Information

  • If you have completed the housing application by the appropriate deadlines, you are still able to participate in the group or open registration room selection process, regardless of whether your intent in your housing application is “On Campus” or “Study Abroad”.

  • Once Residential Life receives the finalized Fall study abroad list, our office will go ahead and cancel your housing application and room assignment for the entire upcoming academic year. You will no longer have any claim to that room, which means that another student will be assigned to any vacant spaces by Residential Life.

  • If you are confirmed to study abroad for the Fall semester prior to Residential Life receiving a finalized list from the Office of Global Education, you will need to submit a housing cancellation form to formally notify Residential Life of your plans (Agora > Other Services > MyResLife > Forms).

  • If you are eligible to live on campus for the upcoming academic year, you will still be eligible to live on campus for the Spring semester when you return from abroad, if you choose to do so. Residential Life will contact students in the middle of October that are abroad in the Fall Semester via email and provide a Spring Only Housing Application.

  • If you are not eligible to live on campus for the upcoming academic year, you will need to appeal for spring housing (Agora > Other Services > MyResLife > Forms). If approved, you will receive an application.

Spring Study Abroad Information

  • If you have completed the housing application by the appropriate deadlines, you are still able to participate in the group or open registration room selection process in March, regardless of whether your intent in your housing application is “On Campus” or “Study Abroad”.

  • If you plan to study abroad in the Spring semester, you are not required to live on-campus for the Fall semester.

  • Residential Life will receive a finalized Spring study abroad list by November 1st from the Office of Global Education, then our office will go ahead and cancel any on-campus housing assignments for the spring semester.

  • If you are confirmed to study abroad for the Spring semester prior to our office receiving a finalized list from the Office of Global Education, you will need to submit a housing cancellation form to formally notify Residential Life of your plans (Agora > Other Services > MyResLife > Forms).

  • You will be required to fully move out of your room either 24 hours after your last exam, or by 5 PM on the last day of residence halls being open in December, whichever comes first.

Important Dates

January–Early February

Students who are eligible for on-campus housing for the upcoming academic year must complete their housing application by the required deadlines.

ܲ–M

Students who are eligible for on-campus housing and have completed the required application steps may participate in the Group Selection or Open Registration room selection processes.

May 31

Any student that has confirmed their plans to study abroad in the fall semester or full academic year should submit an housing cancellation form to Residential Life (Agora > Other Services > MyResLife > Forms) to notify Res Life they are going abroad.

June 1

Residential Life will receive a confirmed roster of students from the Office of Global Education for those that are studying abroad in the Fall Semester or full academic year. Residential Life will then cancel a student's on-campus housing for the entire academic year.

Mid-October

Students that are abroad in the fall semester and eligible for on-campus housing will receive an email in regards to completing a Spring Only Housing Application.

October 31

Any student that has confirmed their plans to study abroad in the Spring semester should submit an housing cancellation form to Residential Life (Agora > Other Services > MyResLife > Forms) to notify Res Life they are going abroad.

November 1

Residential Life will receive a confirmed roster of students from the Office of Global Education for those that are studying abroad in the Spring Semester. Residential Life will then cancel a student’s on-campus housing assignment for the spring semester.

ٱ𳦱𳾲–JԳܲ

Students who completed their Spring Only Housing Application will receive their assigned room space for the spring semester.

The Sophomore Living Experience

This year we have students who have taken advantage of our Sophomore Living Experience in Walsh, and for the 2024-2025 academic year, the Office of Residential Life will continue offering this specialized community for sophomore students. If you are someone who is interested in selecting one direct roommate, developing new relationships with your peers, and confirming your housing assignment prior to room selection, this is for you! Sign up is easy—once the room selection application is open next semester, you will be able to apply. Students will then be notified once it is available!

ProgramHighlights

  • If selected to join the Sophomore Living Experience, you will be placed into a 4- or 8-person suite in Walsh with your one selected roommate.
  • Once you have agreed to the Sophomore Living Experience, you won’t have to participate in the other parts of the room selection process, and you will have your building confirmed before room selection in March.
  • You will get access to specific residential education programming designed to enhance the community on the floor.
  • You will have the opportunity to create new relationships with other sophomore students and will not have to worry about forming a large roommate group during room selection.

Returning Student FAQ

question match your criteria

Can I request to live in a specific place or with a specific person when I return to campus?
<p>Yes and yes. Within the spring only housing application, you will be able to list your preferences for room types (i.e. traditional, suite, apartment), as well as listing any specific roommate requests. However, our office may not be able to meet your request depending what rooms are available.<br> </p>
<p>Can I request to live in a specific place or with a specific person when I return to campus?<br> </p>
bc:offices/res-life/housing-faq/search-tags/can-i-request-to-live-in-a-specific-place-or-with-a-specific-person-when-i-return-to-campus
Do I still need to submit an appeal if I have guaranteed housing?
<p>Yes. Residential Life will do their best to communicate with students who are already eligible for on-campus housing about the housing application process, but if you do not already have an open housing application, the appeal form will notify Residential Life that you are interested in living on-campus.&nbsp;<br> </p>
<p>Do I still need to submit an appeal if I have guaranteed housing?<br> </p>
bc:offices/res-life/housing-faq/search-tags/do-i-still-need-to-submit-an-appeal-if-i-have-guaranteed-housing
Do all students participate in the housing lottery each year?
<p>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.</p>
<p>Do all students participate in the housing lottery each year?<br> </p>
bc:offices/res-life/housing-faq/search-tags/do-all-students-participate-in-the-housing-lottery-each-year
Does the lottery depend on anything besides class year?
<p>No. 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 popular myths:<br> &nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>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, whether that is athletes or legacy students in the housing process.<br> <br> </li> <li>That conduct or grades play a role in the selection process. We do not consider conduct or grade point average.<br> <br> </li> <li>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.<br> <br> </li> <li>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.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br> </li> </ul>
<p>Does the lottery depend on anything besides class year?<br /> </p>
bc:offices/res-life/housing-faq/search-tags/does-the-lottery-depend-on-anything-besides-class-year
How can parents support their students during the room selection process?
<p>It’s a reality that the housing process can sometimes be a source of stress for students. This is normal. You can encourage your student to have conversations about housing early and often with their friends, and to check in with their RA or come talk to us at the Office of Residential Life. We’re here to help and problem-solve!<br> </p>
<p>How can parents support their students during the room selection process?<br> </p>
bc:offices/res-life/housing-faq/search-tags/how-can-parents-support-their-students
How do I apply for a Living & Learning Community?
<p>Applications for Living &amp; Learning Communities (LLC) are made available within the Housing Application. Students should answer all required questions regarding Living &amp; Learning Communities within the Housing Application. The upperclassmen LLC options are: Sustainability, Honors, and Healthy Living Community. To learn more, please visit the Living &amp; Learning Programs page.</p>
bc:offices/res-life/housing-faq/search-tags/how-do-i-apply-for-a-living-&-learning-community
How does Residential Life help students during the room selection process?
<p>Every January, Residential Life offers room selection information sessions to 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.</p> <p>If students have questions or concerns about the process, they are invited to drop by the Office of Residential Life to speak with a staff person one-on-one at any time.<br> </p>
<p>How does Residential Life help students during the room selection process?<br> </p>
bc:offices/res-life/housing-faq/search-tags/how-does-residential-life-help-students
How does the room selection process work?
<p>Students can choose to participate in room selection as a group (Group Selection), or as an individual (Open Registration).</p> <p>There are four main parts to the Group Selection process:</p> <ul><li>Housing Application:In order to begin the room selection process, eligible students must indicate their housing intent within the returning student housing application via the MyResLife link on the Agora</li><li>Portal.Group Registration:The Group Leader registers the group for a particular room type via MyResLife. Group registrations take place between 9am and 1pm.</li><li>Room Draw:Following the close of registration, a computer-driven random drawing will select the participants for each day. All members of the groups that participate in each drawing will receive an email regarding their drawing results.</li><li>Room Pick:If a group is selected to pick a room, the Group Leader will receive an email with the scheduled time at which he/she will select next year&#39;s room assignment online. The selection will take place later that same day. If your group receives a pick time, your group must select housing on that day.</li></ul> <p>After a group has picked a room, the process is over. If a group was not drawn for a particular accommodation type, that group will have to continue through the process for the next available day.If a student decides to participate in Open Registration instead of Group Selection, he/she must complete the Open Registration portion of the housing application, located on Agora under MyResLife.<br /> </p>
<p>How does the room selection process work?</p>
bc:offices/res-life/housing-faq/search-tags/how-does-the-room-selection-process-work
How is housing determined at BC?
<p>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.</p> <p>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.<br> </p>
<p>How is housing determined at BC?</p>
bc:offices/res-life/housing-faq/search-tags/how-is-housing-determined-at-bc
I have three years of housing. Can I live off campus my sophomore year and live on campus my junior year?
<p>If a student was granted three years of housing, the mandatory year off campus is junior year. Students are not permitted to change this. If a rising sophomore student with three years of housing chooses to move off-campus, he/she will have to remain off campus for both sophomore and junior years; but will be eligible to move back on campus senior year.</p>
bc:offices/res-life/housing-faq/search-tags/can-i-live-off-campus-my-sophomore-year-and-live-on-campus-my-junior-year-if-i-have-three-years-of-housing-
I missed the Housing Application deadline. What do I do?
<p>Room selection is a deadline-driven process and students that miss a deadline may no longer be eligible for University housing. If you do not submit your housing applicationby the deadline and would still like to live in University housing, you must file a housing appeal via the MyResLife link on the<a href="https://services.bc.edu/commoncore/myservices.do">Agora Portal.</a></p>
bc:offices/res-life/housing-faq/search-tags/what-do-i-do-if-i-missed-the-housing-application-deadline
I only want on-campus housing for the spring semester. Is that an option?
<p>Yes, students that are going abroad in the fall semester are able to request on-campus housing for just the spring semester. We would ask that students submit a housing appeal for the applicable spring semester, and then Residential Life would be able to provide a Spring Only Housing Application for a student to complete. We cannot guarantee that all students returning from abroad will be able to live on-campus in the spring, but typically there is space available for anyone that is interested in housing for just the spring semester.&nbsp;<br> </p>
<p>I only want on-campus housing for the spring semester. Is that an option?<br> </p>
bc:offices/res-life/housing-faq/search-tags/i-only-want-on-campus-housing-for-the-spring-semester-is-that-an-option
If I select a room during room selection and study abroad in the fall semester, can my room be held for me until I return to campus?
<p>No. Once you have confirmed to be studying abroad in the fall semester, you will be removed from your housing assignment for the entire academic year. Once you have been removed from your housing assignment, you will no longer have claim to this room for the spring semester, which means that another student will be assigned to any vacant spaces by Residential Life. Please note that rooms that end up being vacated cannot be held or blocked by you or your roommates within the space. If it is found that students are deterring students from moving into the vacancy, then they could be referred to the Student Conduct process.<br /> </p>
<p>If I select a room during room selection and study abroad in the fall semester, can my room be held for me until I return to campus?<br> </p>
bc:offices/res-life/housing-faq/search-tags/if-i-select-a-room-during-room-selection-and-study-abroad-in-the-fall-semester
If I’m studying abroad for the fall semester, can I still go through room selection?
<p>Yes. If a student is eligible for on-campus housing they are able to select a space during the March Group Selection process, or complete the Open Registration process. Students who are going abroad in the fall, are not required to participate in the housing selection process; it typically is a back-up option in case a student’s study abroad plans change.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If I’m studying abroad for the fall semester, can I still go through room selection?</p>
bc:offices/res-life/housing-faq/search-tags/if-im-studying-abroad-for-the-fall-semester,can-i-still-go-through-room-selection
What challenges can students run into during the room selection process?
<p>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.</p> <p>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 a backup plan.</p> <p>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.</p>
<p>What challenges can students run into during the room selection process?<br> </p>
bc:offices/res-life/housing-faq/search-tags/what-challenges-can-students-run-into-during-room-selection-process
What happens if I’m removed from my housing assignment and then my study abroad program is canceled?
<p>In the event that your study abroad program may be canceled, you would need to submit a housing appeal, even if you do have guaranteed housing for that year. If your appeal is approved, our office would work with you to try to assign you to a space on-campus. However, you may not be able to be assigned to the room you selected during room selection.&nbsp;<br> </p>
<p>What happens if I’m removed from my housing assignment and then my study abroad program is canceled?<br> </p>
bc:offices/res-life/housing-faq/search-tags/what-happens-if-im-removed-from-my-housing-assignment
Where is the room selection process held?
<p>The entire room selection process is held online, in the MyResLife area on the Agora portal.</p>
<p>Where is the room selection process held?</p>
bc:offices/res-life/housing-faq/search-tags/where-is-the-room-selection-process-held

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