So what are co-ops anyway?
Co-ops are student-run on-campus residences that have a distinctly different culture from other housings. There are several large differences between a regular on-campus dorm like Wilbur, and a co-op.
- Co-ops are completely student run. That means no Stanford custodial service and no Stanford dining plans. Students are usually required to spend a few hours every week helping clean the house and cook for others. A common initial reaction from students is "What? I have to clean and cook for other people?". The short answer is yes. But remember, it's not just you. Everybody in the residence has to look out for each other, so coops tend to have a very close dorm culture that many enjoy. It also forces you to learn essential skills like cooking that will come in useful for the rest of your life.
- Because the residences require a certain level of commitment from its residents, you need to meet some requirements before you can apply to live in them. These often include a few hours meeting the current residents, and helping out with chores. Other common requirements including going on a tour of the house, and signing some papers agreeing that you will abide by the house policies, etc.
Since co-op is an abbreviation for cooperation, it makes sense that Co-ops require cooperation of its residents.
How does a co-op compare to a self-op?
Self-ops are completely student run just like co-ops, but have a hired chef who cooks required meals, and Stanford provides custodial service. Because of this, the boarding-rate for self-ops, and Stanford run residences in general are much higher than that of co-ops, since co-ops do not need to hire custodians or chefs.
Co-ops, like self-ops, are often theme-based. These include academic themes, such as Human Biology, as well as ethnics ones like the French House. Although you definitely do not need to be directly associated with the theme of the house, it may lower your chances of being accepted into a co-op. Due to the deemphasis of complete autonomy, self-ops are often better for students taking very heavy courseloads, or athletes who may not have the time to help run the house.
Why would I want to live in a co-op?
There are a couple reasons, but the most common reason is the close knit community. Since it is critical that everybody work together to run the house, members say that they make some of their best friends in coops as opposed to regular dorms, because they have to get to know everybody.
How do I get into a co-op?
There are two ways to get in.
- By preassignment: This requires that you submit an application to the house, and meet any other requirements they may impose. These often include helping doing chores around the house. They may also do this to check out your personality and make sure that you get along well with others
- By the regular draw: This does not require an application, but it requires that you check a box on the draw form that indicates you have met any requirements imposed by the house. These will probably be very similar to the preassignment requirements. If you do not check that box, you will not be assigned to a coop.
Once you identify which houses you are interested in, you should check out the
Stanford Co-op website and look up the house requirements. There are requirements that you have to meet before you put down the coop when you enter the draw, but there may be others, so watch out for those. If you agree with the terms of residence, then you should go ahead and put it down on your preference sheet and enter it into the draw.
What tier do I need to get into a co-op?
If you are applying via pre-assignment, it will use your Tier 2 by default. However, if you've already used up your Tier 2, it will use your Tier 1. If you've used up both Tier 1 and 2, then it will use your Tier 3. In short, it will take up one of your "preferred" tiers.
If you are applying in the regular draw, you probably need Tier 2 or 3. Judging from the 2009-2010 draw statistics, you can get into most coops with a draw number around 2000.