Sigh… the end of February and the beginning of March. It’s almost that time of year again, and no, I don’t mean March Madness. It’s Housing Madness. That’s right, this is the start of those dreaded days spent anxiously awaiting a lottery number, making last minute changes to housing groups and finally choosing a residence for next year. While you consider which dorm or semi-independent living locale is best for you, we’re here to give you some tips.
Gonzaga: This is the perfect place for those Jogues freshman who want to keep the party going next year. With its spacious rooms, Gonzaga is an ideal setting for those who want an exciting social setting. Of course, security is right across the way in Loyola… If you’re more concerned with getting to class on time than partying, Gonzaga is great for any perpetually late humanities students who need to rush to class in Canisius at 9:29 a.m.
Loyola: Called a cult by some and known as luxury living to a select few, Loyola offers plenty of benefits. The lavish lounge even features a free fountain soda machine. Ignatian Residential College overflows with interesting and unique opportunities for its residences-often at no cost. Residents commonly have class in the building and art students will find their entire department located downstairs. Don’t get too rowdy though, because security is even closer here than to those partiers in Gonzaga… they’re right in the basement!
Campion: If sub-free is your thing, this is the place to be! If you’re going to be a sophomore with a car, you also have the benefit of being situated right next to the filet mignon of parking lots for underclassmen-the small lot between Campion and Jogues is convenient if you can grab a space. The walk to classes and to Barone will be a bit longer than in other housing options, but if you’re lucky, maybe you can sneak a free soda from Loyola on the way.
Dolan: Anti-socialites unite! Kidding, kidding. Dolan is actually known to be one of the friendlier dorms on campus and if you are willing to put up with the longest residence-to-class walk on campus, you might even get a single room out of the deal. Those interested in ghosts might find a good home here, as Dolan is said to be occasionally haunted.
Kostka/Claver: Have two pairs of friends who like each other… but not enough that they want to share a single living arrangement? Check out the suites in Kostka and Claver. Two rooms are joined by a shared bathroom, which is definitely a step up from communal bathrooms. Persistent slobs will like Claver, which doesn’t even offer a washer or dryer.
Townhouses: The floors are old and creaky, they’re gaining a reputation for being theft-friendly, but it can’t be denied that the townhouses are where it’s at if you want to party on campus… with the other five people who are allowed in the basement at the same time. Townhouse life features the second-longest trek to class on campus, but the hill that looms behind Walsh livens up the walk a bit.
Apartments: What can beat having a single room but still getting to live with friends? Of course, as of earlier this year, residents were still complaining about not being able to get fresh air because the windows are bolted shut, but who really needs fresh air anyway? For those who want a bit more of an outdoors-y life while residing in the apartments, I heard the lake outside make a great swimming hole.
Beach Houses: The beach houses offer a little of everything for everyone. Like to commute? Live here! One of those animal friendly types? Beach houses are known to attract rats and other critters. Like to chill out? There’s always a party. Just watch out for shady landlords, and it’s probably not wise to advertise your get-togethers through AIM; word spreads fast.
Commuters: Who hasn’t wanted to leave all this housing nonsense behind during their time at Fairfield? Maybe the commuters have it best after all. No roommates, a pretty good lounge in the BCC, no need to eat Barone food on a regular basis, and they save a lot of money, too.
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