Florida A&M University’s housing department announced that the application for the new school year will open next week, leaving many students skeptical about where they will be staying for the upcoming school year.
The housing application for returning students will open on March 3 at 9 a.m.: to apply students must pay a $200 non-refundable deposit.
To receive a housing assignment, students must have a student account balance under $500 and be registered for classes in the fall. Students can choose from the following housing options: Village East and West, Towers North and South, Palmetto Apartments, Palmetto Phase III Apartments, and Rattler Pointe.
“On-campus housing feels very limited; I feel a little skeptical about applying for housing because last year, I applied as soon as it opened, and I didn’t receive any of the housing choices I wanted,” said Danica Daus, a second-year pre-cardiopulmonary science student. “If I don’t end up getting the housing assignment of my choice, I’ll most likely have to move off campus, which could cause more problems.”
Receiving housing has been an ongoing issue for students for many years. Last year, many students did not receive any housing or any of their preferred housing options, which resulted in many students having to move off campus.
Many students and their families had to make last-minute accommodations so that students would be able to attend their classes. Some students could not afford the rent prices for off-campus housing, resulting in them having to return home.
“I didn’t have a choice but to live off campus because I found out so late that I wouldn’t be able to receive on-campus housing even though I had already paid the $200 deposit,” said Sorenity Hayes, a fourth-year criminal justice student. I was forced to sign a lease at the Boulevard, which has been very inconvenient for me since I don’t have a car.
Last week, the housing department hosted a town hall meeting over Zoom to answer students’ questions and discuss the housing options and benefits of living on campus.
“Placement priority for the general population is based upon the order of [submission] of housing application,” said a housing staff member. “Housing placements begin in early May, and applications are only considered complete once students are registered for fall class.
Although there have been some issues with housing arrangements in the past, some students are hopeful that they will receive the housing placement of their choice and that more spaces will be available to accommodate students.