Housing is often the second-largest line on the bill and the least examined. Ask for the actual room types available to first-years and the price of each.
Questions worth asking
- Is housing guaranteed for all four years, or only the first?
- What is the occupancy rate; will you be tripled in a double?
- Are dining plans required, and can unused meals roll over?
- What is the winter break policy; do halls close?
Off-campus later
In high-walk-score towns, off-campus rent is often lower than on-campus rates by the third year. In rural campuses the opposite is common. Check the location section of the profile.