For the past three years, I’ve lived on campus. This year, my university decided to admit 650 people, and now those who do not have guaranteed housing are off on their own. My situation was different. I am an EOP student (Educational Opportunity Programs), and because of this, I was guaranteed housing. However, at the end of my sophomore year, I did not fill out my housing application during the priority enrollment.

When I found out about the 650 admitted, I wasn’t afraid. I thought, “I’m guaranteed housing, I’ll be fine.” So, because I am a Kresge affiliate, I went to the Stevenson housing office to inquire about my chances of staying in Stevenson. Not only were my chances of living in Stevenson my senior year grim, but I was told that I was not guaranteed housing due to a new policy that had been implemented. This policy stated that if a student at any time does not sign up during priority housing enrollment, they are no longer guaranteed housing. The university created this new rule in order to cut down the amount of people who could stay on campus. Upon hearing the news, I panicked and was reduced to tears. I kept repeating to the housing coordinator, “I can’t live off campus. I can’t do this.” He looked at me with firm, sympathetic eyes.

My anxiety and depression amplified. Mind you, my stressful quarter is usually reserved for winter; however, this spring quarter outdid all my winter quarter experiences combined. I not only was fearful of my post-grad future, but my short term housing future. I thought about waking up earlier. I thought about how buses were going to be cut down next year. I thought about how I was going to pull through.

I immediately began looking for housing and found it to be extremely stressful. Spring quarter, I took my first film production class and produced three short films in total; though I want to be a filmmaker, this course proved to be quite strenuous. I joined the Facebook housing group, and each time I logged onto Facebook, there would be several posts with good deals, but about 10 to 20 people commenting on it. I tried Craigslist and either found places too far or they required a group which I did not have. After months of looking, I found a place near campus with a good deal.

After looking at my new place, talking to the grad students who live there and landlord, I am confident my next year housing experience will not compare to the grim thoughts I had about it. In fact, I’m fairly certain it won’t. I still have a new fear of seeing more people and having to interact with them; however, I realized that living on campus for three years was only helping my anxiety. Being forced to live off campus might do me some good.

For those still looking for housing, you will find something.

Keep looking.