I'm sure every sophomore looking to find on-campus housing went through this hellish process. I ended up getting lucky at the end, but trust me, that week was easily one of the most stressful times of this semester. I talked to over 20 people before that day who was close to tears because they either got screwed over by their potential roommates or got a housing number that would make it impossible for them to not end up on South Campus.
With my situation, I ended up lucking out. Similar to everyone else at the University, my first choice was a 3-person suite in Watson. But with my lottery number the second day, I knew this was ultimately impossible. With 5 people in my friend group, we had to split up into a triple and we knew if we didn't get one, someone would end up alone.
When my time came to choose, Watson was completely filled up and it was only the second day. Therefore, the only option was to split up into a double and a single in Ernie. Don't get me wrong, Ernie is amazing, but splitting up was tough. However, we figured it out and we somehow still ended up on the same floor so it worked out. Follow these steps to avoid this next year Freshman!
1. Have back up plans
My friends and I avoided talking about this subject for such a long time because we were nervous about what we were going to do. We also knew that someone was going to get screwed over, so if we talked about this earlier, we wouldn't have this issue in the first place. Make sure you have other options, especially if you have a bad lottery number...AKA anything later than the very first day.
2. Be optimistic
Honestly, it is more than likely you won't end up getting your first choice for housing. To avoid disappointment, find the positives of the other dorms that aren't Watson or Ernie. Each dorm has some positive aspects, so remember that and don't be upset!
3. If you get put on South, try your best to get out
Although some people really do like an apartment style of living, the location for me could never work. I don't know about other people, but having to wake up to catch a bus and not be in walking distance would be the worst situation for me. I've heard multiple stories of people contacting ODS and getting themselves out of there.
Wherever you end up it will be ok! Be optimistic, and if I had any advice my biggest piece would be to have a backup plan and match with someone that has a better lottery number. Good luck!
man running in forestPhoto by 
