I started every morning by opening the same room websites, replying to everything new, and trying to sound both responsible and interesting in three sentences. Most messages went nowhere. A few were obvious scams. My family kept asking for updates, which made me feel as if the lack of a room was proof that I was doing something wrong. I eventually found somewhere through luck more than strategy. I am relieved, but I still think the process asks far too much money and emotional energy from students before they have even arrived.