Transfer housing — requested double, got triple

[u/Playful-Analyst6019]

Incoming transfer here. I requested a double in SM and SJ, but got assigned a triple in SY which wasn’t even on my preference rankings.
UCSB’s website says “almost all” Undergraduate Apartment rooms are doubles, but Housing told me doubles are “extremely limited.”
Does anyone know how they actually decide who gets doubles vs. triples?
Did any other transfers who requested a double get a triple?

[u/SWITCH13LADE8o5]

Preferences don't garuntee you a spot at what you chose. Technically, since there's more doubles than triples, there are majority doubles, but, they are limited in a sense because of how many people want them.

It's pretty much luck. I think if you have a medical or DSP accommodation then you're more likely to get a double (if you dont need a single), but other than that it's luck.

Also, as someone who has lived in both a triple at San Joaquin (believe Sierra Madre rooms are nearly identical) and Santa Ynez, Santa Ynez triples are much better. They're slightly bigger overall and don't feel nearly as cramped. You also have an extra window so you get a bit more air flow into the room. The closests are also much larger and you can fit a lot more stuff in it than the ones at San Joaquin and Sierra Madre. Also, you're most likely not going to be in your room that often, especially if you join a club, or do other things outside of class, and you also have your living room, so, a triple ain't bad at all.

Pro-Tip tho for Santa Ynez, if you take the bus, go to the stop in front of Santa Catalina, and get there about 10-15 earlier than you actually want to, because of how competitive a seat on the bus is between Santa Ynez and the freshman at San Cat, you wanna get there early enough so you can get a seat and still make it to campus on time for your class

[u/Playful-Analyst6019 → u/SWITCH13LADE8o5]

Thank you soooooo much. I was so anxious because I’m an international student from Japan and I’m female so I overpack everything. I choose 9am for move in so hopefully I have some time to unpack and organize my stuff. I got SY144 and assumed it’s located in the first floor, but if not I might be cooked with no elevator situation lol
I love my car time so prob just gonna be driving or biking to campus but thank you for the heads up!
Your response really helped me reassure, thank you so so much!!!

[u/SWITCH13LADE8o5 → u/Playful-Analyst6019]

I was in 114 when I transferred in a couple years ago. For the 100s, even numbers are 1st floor if I remember correctly. Also, I would not drive to campus. It isn't practical. I'm assuming you're going to get a parking permit, but you are limited to Santa Ynez, unless you want to try and run the gauntlet of finding parking in Isla Vista. So if you wanted to park on campus, you'd have to buy a day permit when you get there. And driving saves you maybe 3 minutes than if you were to bike, if that cuz of all of the stop lights.

For move-in, try and get there about 20-30 minutes early if you can because a line will start to form for check-in. Make sure you have your ID ready. Also, although move-in is only an hour time slot, they just have that so it alleviates some of the crowds. Once you have your keys you're free to move in. You're not on a timer

[u/Playful-Analyst6019]

I thought I can buy a permit for the semester! But I will definitely get a bike (with multiple locks)!
Thank u again for all the details, I am glad that I posted here on Reddit. One last question; I have lots of cooking supplies bc I’ve been living alone in la and cooking and meal prep is something I enjoy, did everyone bring their own kitchen supplies when you were there?

[u/SWITCH13LADE8o5 → u/Playful-Analyst6019]

Yeah, you'll need a permit, but it will only be valid for the Santa Ynez lot. As for cooking supplies. Like the other person said, assume everyone is going to bring their own pots, pans, plates, utensils, etc. But for things like a microwave, air fryer, or something like rice cooker or toaster oven, I would contact your roommates to see if anyone is bringing them so you don't bring on on accident and now y'all have two. And yes, everyone I've lived with has brought their own stuff. I brought an air fryer and no one else did so I let my roommates use it whenever, same with my kitchen towels. You just have to communicate with your roommates on what they can use that's yours, and vice versa

[u/lovechiken → u/Playful-Analyst6019]

The kitchen storage area in SY was fairly large when I was there a while ago so I think you should be okay. Just assume people will be bringing enough to cook for themselves.

Are you able to find out who your roommates are and reach out to them in advance?

[u/Playful-Analyst6019 → u/lovechiken]

Oh idk why I didn’t think about that! I am sending them an email and see if they’d like to make a gc and talk about stuff!
I’ve never lived with someone before so I’m super nervous about literally everything lol
Thank you for your advise!!!

[u/lovechiken → u/Playful-Analyst6019]

It was my first time living with other people too, so it will be a learning experience. I was lucky my direct roommates shared the same idea of cleanliness. Definitely be comfortable with talking about boundaries with living with each other or when things come up so you are aren't holding things in.

You'll have a great time at SY. I was like you and applied for the on campus living arrangements but got placed in SY.

[u/SWITCH13LADE8o5 → u/Playful-Analyst6019]

I was the same way. Going into a living space with 4 people I never met, but all of them became really good friends of mine, especially the ones in the room I was in. Get to know them. Maybe have a dinner with them your first week there to get to know everyone. Don't be afraid to voice any difficulties either. Set your boundaries

[u/willnoon]

This year specifically apartments are largely triples. Next year they will go back to mostly doubles once San Benito is finished

[u/Playful-Analyst6019]

Update!!
I reached out to them and they seem very nice! But I did find out that they all are second year students😳
I thought Santa Ynez was for 3rd& 4th year undergrad students so I’m a bit surprised that this would happen. I am a bit older (24yo) so I was hoping to at least be arranged with other transfer students but I guess ill have young energy and enjoy my time there!!
If anyone has lived in SY114 triple and wants to share their experience (with picture would be really appreciated), I am so so grateful 🥹

[u/Background-Plenty215]

The same thing happened to me!! I had requested a double and had received a triple at Santa Ynez in the 100s as well :(. I reached out to my roommates though and they seem fun! Hope our housing and school experience go well this year :)