In the wake of the housing lottery, many students, especially first-years, are undecided on where they would like to live next year. It is difficult to choose, and is a very important decision.
The location of a dorm room can dictate how study habits are changed and how much sleep is achieved every night. It’s imperative, then, that a student chooses the room that is best for him or her. It has been said that each building comes with its own personality.
“Take halls which would fit your character,” advised junior Rajendra Thakurathi. “I don’t want to generalize, but each resident hall has a specific set of characters. Find yours.”
So, that being said, it is time to make a decision. Below, Resident Advisers from each housing option explain why their house might be the perfect fit for you.
Housing that requires NO credit hours
Rohlman Hall
Location: Overlooks the Rock Bowl
Description: Rohlman Hall is co-ed, with singles and doubles for rooms. It is within minutes of everything on campus, especially the AWC and ARC. Suites are available.
Pros: Controlled heat within each room. Very quiet atmosphere.
Cons: Students sometimes feel somewhat isolated from the rest of the campus.
What the RA says: “The suites are pretty sweet.” – Priyanka Parajuli
Binz Hall
Location: Near Beckman and LMAC
Description: All doubles with a shared bathroom between two rooms (four people). Mainly houses sophomores and some juniors. Binz Hall is laid back and good for study, but still is a good place to have fun.
Pros: Atmosphere and the fun people who live there. There are very nice study lounges.
Cons: Lack of parking.
What the RA says: “It’s super tight, and you only have to share a bathroom with three other people instead of 30-plus people.” -Amanda Pawlak
Beckman Hall
Location: Between Hoffman and Binz.
Description: Traditionally a first-year dorm, with doubles and suites.
Pros: Has a good social atmosphere.
Cons: Can be loud and difficult to study at times.
What the RA says: “Here, building a community starts from scratch and the community shapes itself with time.” -Sujan Devbhandari
Visitation Complex
Location: Off campus, along Alta Vista Street, south of campus.
Description: “The Vis” is made up of two buildings, North and South. Singles and some doubles available, as well as one seven-person apartment in the basement of the south building. Also holds art and music classes.
Pros: Quiet atmosphere. Great for studying. Most available singles of any dorm setting. Laundry facilities on every floor. There are first-years as well as seniors who live here.
Cons: Far away from campus. It’s good if you don’t mind walking a little ways!
What the RA says: “I live in the Viz. I think that students who would want to live in a single, as well as a more quiet, place would enjoy living here.”
-Colleen Ondracek
Housing that requires 30 credits
Smyth Hall
Location: In the center of campus surrounded by the ACC, Rock Bowl and the AWC.
Description: Small-knit dorm, with singles for everyone.
Pros: Includes a nice kitchen that’s always open. Quiet place for studying.
Cons: There is less socializing due to the small number of students.
What the RA says: “Smyth is the most central building on campus and is also very peaceful.” – Levi Boyd
Byrne Oaks Apartments
Location: Behind Rohlman and Graber Sports Complex.
Description: Six residents per apartment. Some utilities must be paid for, so it might be described as more “real world.” Yet, there is the benefit of still being in community housing. Near science hall and Graber Sports Complex.
Pros: Sand volleyball court in “B.O’s” backyard. It is the only place where you can live with five of your friends and share a kitchen and living room.
Cons: A little distant from some things on campus, including the library and Keane Hall.
What the RA says: “Keep your needs in mind. Don’t get too caught up in getting out of traditional housing, or moving up to your housing ‘status’… B.O is the shizzle fo’ rizzle.” Natalie Tuttle
Housing that requires 50 credits
Lynch McCarthy Apartment Complex (LMAC)
Location: At the end of Henion Street, right by Binz.
Description: Four-person apartments that come furnished.
Pros: Students are not responsible for paying utilities.
Cons: A little distant from some things on campus, including the library and Keane Hall.
What the RA says: “One of the best aspects of the LMAC is that it’s independent-living. You get that off-campus feel, even though you’re still close to everything.” -Nick Pullara
Campus Houses
Location: Loras Boulevard, May Place, West 17th Street, Angella Street, Alta Vista Street, Kirkwood Street
Description: Three-person, four-person and six-person houses are available.
Pros: No fire alarms, less noise, better parking.
Cons: Students have to pay for all utilities.
*There is no RA for the campus houses
