Can Anyone Explain Case Western Housing Options?

I'm starting to look at housing options at Case Western and I'm a bit confused. Are there different types of residence halls, and do they vary much in terms of price or amenities? I'd love to know if there's anything about housing that stood out to current students, good or bad. Also, are there any tips for getting into the more popular or nicer dorms? Thanks!

Case Western Reserve University offers a variety of housing options, and what's available to you depends somewhat on your year of study. As a first-year student, you will be required to live on campus in a Residential College. There are around a dozen first-year residential buildings spread across five residential communities.

The Residential Colleges all have different styles of rooms, including singles, doubles, triples, and suites. Each has its own communal areas like study rooms, kitchens, and recreational spaces. These dorms don't tend to vary much in price, as your housing cost is included as part of your room and board fee. One thing to note is that Clarke Tower, which focuses on international cultures and global issues, has mostly apartment-style housing, though it's not limited to upperclassmen.

Once you've completed your first year, options open up a bit. As an upperclassman, you can choose to live in one of the Residential Colleges, in the Village at 115, or in university-owned apartments or houses. The Village at 115 is a bit more modern and updated, with suite-style accommodations. It may be more expensive, but this partially depends on the number of roommates you have. Generally, the university-owned apartments and houses are located near campus, and they provide a somewhat more independent living situation, which some students prefer.

Some students might say that the newer or renovated dorms, like the Village at 115 or the apartments, are "nicer" or more popular, but this really depends on personal preference. Amenities and building age do vary significantly across the different housing options, but I think most students at CWRU would agree that it's the community you're part of that makes your dorm experience.

In terms of tips for securing housing, make sure to submit your housing application as soon as possible, as most housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Some Residences, like Clarke Tower, have additional application components due to the focus of the Residential College.

Lastly, remember that it's a good idea to consider factors like the location on campus, proximity to your classes, the community or focus of the Residential College, and how well the amenities and room configurations match your personal preferences. Your ideal housing situation will depend on these and possibly other factors, so consider them carefully.