GSAS Dorm Offer vs. HUH Lottery Timing Dilemma (Need Advice ASAP!)
Hi everyone,
I'm an incoming international graduate student, and since I am currently outside the US, I have absolutely no access to local housing information or anyone to ask about the reality of these dorms. I'm facing a huge housing dilemma due to the conflicting timelines between the GSAS Residence Hall and the HUH Lottery.
Today (May 18), I received a room offer for a Small room in Child Hall. The deadline to accept/decline is this Thursday, May 21. (By the way, the housing office previously told me via email that I’d have "one week" to decide, but they only gave me 3 days in the official offer letter... is this normal?).
Here is my situation:
- I prefer a more private and spacious option like a studio at 10 Akron Street (HUH), but my HUH Lottery selection date is way out on May 28.
- Given that May 28 is very late, I know the chances of getting a studio at 10 Akron are close to zero.
- However, I’m not sure if I can tolerate living in a Child Hall Small room for a year (sharing communal bathrooms, small space, etc.).
My questions for the Harvard community:
- If I accept the Child Hall offer by May 21 to secure a backup, can I cancel it later if a miracle happens during the HUH Lottery on May 28? What is the financial penalty for canceling a signed GSAS contract before moving in?
- Does anyone know if there is a waitlist or a second-round application for GSAS dorms later in June/July if I decide to decline this offer now and look for off-campus housing with a broker?
- Is a Child Hall Small room really as cramped as people say? (For context, I am a female student assigned to the 4th floor).
Any advice or insight from current/past residents would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!