Freshman Choosing Housing

Chances are, if you’re a freshman, the housing process for next year can feel a bit mystifying. For those who are curious about their options, but not dedicated enough to take a tour around campus, here are brief descriptions of the five halls for rising sophomores.

1. Young Hall: For sophomore men and women in groups of three or four.

This hall is known for its close proximity to the beach and its considerably more lively atmosphere, according to sophomore Courtney Young, a current resident of Young.

She says that the hall is very surfer and skater-oriented, which creates a very loud but fun and carefree environment. While she loves the chaos, Young says that it’s definitely harder to study or find peace and quiet, and advises freshmen to consider that.

“If you find your room is your safe space, Young may not be for you,” she says. The worst thing to Young about the hall, however, is actually the bathrooms, with three stalls and a single drain shared between a 4–5 room pod.

1. Finch Hall: For sophomore women typically in groups of 2.

This hall, in comparison to the others, is very quiet, says junior Megan Paternoster. She says that she chose Finch over Young because Young hall was too far away from the main part of campus, and she needed to focus on her studies.

“Being in Finch helped me focus because there was no one to talk to,” Paternoster says. “It was fine and what I should’ve done, but I learned from it that I like to be in a social environment.”

Paternoster recommends living in Finch if you want a quieter atmosphere but would encourage checking it out yourself before you decide. The bathrooms, if you were wondering, are 2 showers for 8 people, Paternoster says.

1. Wiley Hall: For sophomore men typically in groups of two.

Very similar to Finch and right down the hill, Wiley is essentially the male equivalent. This dorm is the only all-male housing option guys have, whereas women have both New Nease and Finch to choose from. It is structured in the same way as Finch, with a courtyard acting as a communal space.

1. Nease Hall (Nease West): For sophomore women in groups of two.

Frequently nicknamed “New Nease,” this is the one hall freshmen might be the most familiar with. According to Molly Petersen, assistant director of student housing, “[Nease’s] long hallways lend itself to a bigger community, which is the kind of atmosphere freshman are used to right now.”

If that doesn’t interest you, then maybe the bathrooms will win you over. Junior Janessa Koons, who lived in Young and is currently in Goodwin, says that from her visits, New Nease has some of the nicest bathrooms.

1. Goodwin Hall: For sophomore men and women typically in groups of three.

While it is a possibility for rising sophomores to live here, Goodwin is also home to juniors, seniors and transfers. However, if you do wind up here, Koons says, “It’s really communal because there are new transfers, so you get to meet new people.”

She says the courtyard in the middle makes it much easier to meet and make friends. The only thing Koons doesn’t like about Goodwin is that, unlike New Nease, the bathrooms are a one-drain shower, which Koons says isn’t the best. So, if you spend much of your time in the shower, that’s definitely something to consider.

If this is overwhelming to you, Petersen says the main thing to remember is to not overthink it. Sophomores are guaranteed housing, and she makes sure everyone has a bed. “Don’t stress out. Do I remember what my room looked like or how the bathrooms were? No, I remember the relationships I had and the memories I made,” Petersen says.