How to secure housing q- enroll or no?

Parents Forum
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My son has been accepted to a college that he is likely to attend(accepted early but not single choice or binding), but he has some applications that are still out. He also wants the freedom to compare final aid packages as well. In order to secure housing, however, we have pay an enrollment deposit and commit. I’m nervous about doing that as I don’t want that to affect the applications that he still has out. We used common app and scoir, and I’m afraid that if we commit, the other colleges may see that and pull his application or reject? Is that a thing? it is very dicey waiting, however. The last few years they have had housing shortages, so if you don’t sign up early, as its first come first serve, all bets are off. A couple of years ago they had students in less than ideal housing not close to campus. I wish I could just pay for housing without committing to enrolling but that’s not possible. Advice?

*edited to make it clear that it wasn’t early binding and that to secure housing one must enroll. Sorry for the confusion

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Then it’s not early decision, right? Either early action or rolling admissions.

Congratulations to your son!

You need to check with this college. Some take a housing deposit but that is not the same as an enrollment deposit.

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If housing is competitive and the school requires an enrollment to do so, it’s ok for you to commit. It won’t affect his other apps, schools won’t know he deposited at this school. As long as he only has one enrollment outstanding at a time it’s ok. Of course if he ends up going elsewhere you may lose those enrollment and housing deposits.

Like thumper says make sure the school requires an enrollment deposit to access housing, not all do.

It would be helpful if you named the school, as posters who have experience with that school can comment.

FWIW and IMO it’s wrong for schools to require an enrollment deposit to access housing that’s in short supply/competitive….there’s no reason to put a student in that position.

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Thanks! It was just during the esrly application cycle and not binding. The deposit is for the enrollment fee. In order to get on the housing list, we have to pay the enrollment fee and comitt to attend.

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The school is UTK. Enrollment fee is 250. I don’t mind to lose the money, just don’t want to close doors on other schools.

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If you are putting down a deposit at a school your child might not attend, make sure your student reads the small print of the contract.

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Many schools do this.

it’s a scam - but it’s the game you have to play. Schools put you in this spot.

It’s an investment in ensuring no matter where he ends up, he’s got optimal housing - or at least optimal for the timeframe you were able to get on the list.

Good luck.

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I wouldn’t say many schools require an enrollment deposit prior to May 1 in order to make a housing deposit and/or guarantee housing.

Relatively more schools require housing deposits but don’t require a related enrollment commitment/deposit.

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I have heard of a few schools that require enrollment to register for housing, but in those cases the enrollment deposit was refundable. (The housing deposit was not.) So that is worth checking out, even though cost doesn’t seem your primary concern.

I agree with others that enrolling at UTK to secure housing will not cause any issues with the remaining applications. The other schools will not know. Just remember to follow UTK’s process for unenrolling if your student decides to commit elsewhere before May 1.

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Well our school did it and I’ve heard of others.

Many is certainly more than two.

But let’s say “some” for clarification - non refundable.

Back to OP - it’s certainly not uncommon and since they’re willing, it’d be wise to “enroll.” and de enroll later if needed.

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