Welcome to Next House!
My name is Mayur Kenia, and I am currently the Housing Chair for Next House. I am sure many of you have questions and concerns about how housing will work and your rooming situation. I would like to begin by letting you know that we are working to make sure the transition for you is seamless.

Next House is participating in residential based advising for the first time and also has a huge freshmen class this year at about 190. As a dorm, we are also dealing with a number of things for the first time.

Why do we give freshmen temporary room assignments?
Next house is a unique community. Each floor and wing has its own personality and character. In addition, we have a housing lottery for students before the school year starts. At this time you will be given the opportunity to choose a room and find a roommate. Even though each of you have filled out a survey with some info about your personality, we feel that giving you time to meet other freshmen and find your own roommate works best. I understand having you move your stuff twice is very tough, but we have debated this issue as a dorm and we believe this works out best for you and the rest of the dorm.

When you arrive at Next House and move into your temporary room, please remember that the room is only temporary. Don't unpack completely, unless your willing to repack your stuff for the move. In addition, spend time visiting all parts of the dorm. Meet the residents and try to find out where you would like to live. Also, try to figure out whom you would like to room with as a roommate if you get a double.

How does the housing lottery work at Next House?
Each freshman will receive a randomly generated lottery number from 1 to what ever the class size is. Once all the lottery numbers are assigned, these lottery numbers are used to determine the order in which rooms are chosen. The resident with the number one pick chooses his or her room, and then the individual with the second number goes and so on. It is important to remember that their are not enough singles for everyone, and so some people will get doubles. When your lottery number comes up, you should have an idea of the room you are interested in picking and also a roommate if you have to choose a double. The lottery continues until everyone has had a chance to choose a room.

Specifics on how the lottery operates will be distributed once everyone arrives on campus. Don't worry too much, the lottery won't be too bad. The dorm itself will only have doubles and singles, so there should be adequate space for everyone. In addition, you should definitely consider living with a roommate, because it is a pretty cool experience.

When is the housing lottery for permanent room assignments?
The housing lottery for permanent rooms will be held on Wednesday, August 28th promptly at 9pm; make sure you are at Next House after 7pm on the 28th. Thursday, August 29th from 8-10am is move out time from your temporary rooms and 12-2pm is move in time into your permanent rooms for the term.

If you have any other specific questions about the housing lottery, feel free to send me email at mayur@mit.edu or come by room 334.

Regards,
Mayur

PS. Please be respectful of the dorm. There are trash chutes near the elevators on each floor for disposal of trash and getting new bags. Also, feel free to talk to other residents about any concerns or questions you have.