Despite the fact that it is regarded as a tax on the mentally weak, lottery-like gambling has been around for centuries. The first such games were likely played during the Han Dynasty in China, between 205 and 187 BC. They likely originated as a way to fund construction projects like the Great Wall of China. Lotteries have also been practiced in Europe since the Roman Empire, and were often used as a form of amusement at dinner parties. Everyone would take turns picking a number, and the winner was rewarded with a gift.

Students will receive a lottery number when they begin the spring term. These lottery numbers will be unique within a range of all the current students living in a specific residence hall. Instructions on how to view these numbers will be included with the housing process. These numbers will help determine your selection priority. For example, if your number is a prime number, you may be more likely to be selected as a first-year resident.

When a lottery number repeats, it is acceptable as long as there is a reason for the repeat. For instance, if your lottery number is close to the number “9” in a game of sums, you may want to mix it with the number “9” from the next game. Likewise, if a number is close to the number “8” and “15”, it is not a bad idea to mix the two.