hi! I'm a first year that isn't required to live on campus next year. I'm currently stressing about housing next year lol, as apparently people are scrambling for leases already. I've found roommates for Valencia, which would be around 16k for the entire lease ($1325 rent and $125 utilities for 11 payments).
However, my parents and friends are urging me to choose pcv instead, as (from what's listed here) it would be cheaper overall (around $14.5k if they increase prices 10%) and closer to lots of people I know, which is definitely something I value. I already have potential roommates for pcv (they're required to live there), but I know the lottery system is difficult.
I guess my main question is: do I sign my Valencia lease now and at least guarantee housing, or wait for the lottery and either live in pcv or try looking for housing late February (when pcv decisions come out)? Considering that the Valencia website doesn't mention cancelling leases, I'm guessing it would be incredibly hard to cancel my lease if I sign now and then try living in pcv.
I hope this made sense lol, and any other advice would be appreciated as well!