Study Away and Leaves of Absence

We value and support student participation in study abroad and away programs.  However, which semester you study away will affect how much control you have over your housing assignment when you return to campus.

• Students who go abroad for Fall 2009 should plan to live on-campus when you return in Spring 2010.  You will submit a ranked list of your housing preferences in October, and you will be notified of your assignment in December.
• We plan to hold a lottery to release students one semester early from the on-campus requirement (a.k.a. the off-campus lottery).  If demand for Spring 2010 housing exceeds supply, a limited number of students will be released one semester early from the three-year on-campus living requirement.  Students should not sign any leases or agreement to live in an off-campus location until they are officially released via this lottery.  There is no guarantee of release. 
  
• Students who go abroad for the Spring will be able to participate in Room Picks and select their room for Fall 2010.

What you need to do in Fall 2009 to prepare for Spring 2010:

In mid-September, RLHS will email information on applying for housing to students participating in Study Abroad.

• All students who have not completed the three-year on-campus requirement are required to apply for and live-in campus housing for the Spring 2010 semester. 
• As noted above, we anticipate that demand for Spring 2010 housing will exceed supply.  Information about the off-campus early-release lottery will be sent out with Spring Housing information in mid-September 2009.  You should not secure off-campus housing until you receive confirmation about your release status in mid-October.
• We will do our best to accommodate the housing preferences of students returning from abroad. However, given the many variables in this process, there is no way to guarantee that a student will receive his/her preferred location, room type, or roommate.
  

Please note that semester opening dates are firm and no students will be allowed to return to their halls or move-in prior to Spring opening.

If you have any questions regarding any of these issues, please contact Housing Accommodations.