By Mary Nussbaumer and Lucy DeLuca
Beginning in March, students at Colorado College will make housing selections for the upcoming 2020–2021 academic year.
No matter how many options you have, Resident Advisor Chandler Groskopf’22 cautions students to “make sure [they] have lots of back-ups. [It is important to] look at your options early and be prepared [in case] you don’t get your first, second, or even third choice.”
Many current first year students are living in forced triples due to a large number of incoming students. It is important to realize “you are not likely to get a single as a sophomore,” said Groskopf.
Although a shared room in a small house or big three dorm is the most realistic option for rising sophomores, getting a single is not impossible. Make sure not to “go in with [certain] expectations because you don’t know what time slot you will get or what will be available,” said RA Ariel Lauer’21.
To some, it may not seem ideal to live in the same dorms as in their freshman year. However, there are actually many benefits to choosing this option. First, there is no application process. Thus, if you choose to live in one of these dorms, you won’t have to stress about whether there will be room for you. Moreover, each dorm has its own unique features: Mathias has the C store, Loomis has a central location, and South has modern facilities. Those looking for a community within each dorm can apply to several, including the substance-free, 24-hour quiet, and outdoor education dorms.
For those seeking a new living space outside of a big three dorm, “small houses are a really good place to live because they provide a close-knit community. [A double is also] a good balance between community and privacy,” said Gali Hoffman’23, who lived in a forced triple this year.
Another great alternative to the big three available to sophomores (and upperclassmen) is themed living. For those interested in exploring global cultures without leaving the Springs, language houses provide a unique opportunity for full immersion.
The Lennox/Glass house provides an environment for the promotion of multi-cultural awareness, support, and programming. The building can be found on East Campus between the sorority houses and Yampa field. Starrie Schulz’22 and Emily Evans’22, who share a double in the community, raved about their experience.
One highlight, according to them, is the fact that they feel a bond of trust within the house — many students leave their doors unlocked and items out and know their things will stay where they left them. The RA holds blockly events, such as karaoke, ice cream and puppies, and dinners with the Butler Center. The residence dates to 1937, which provides an old homey feel. But while living in the house offers a unique sense of place that the dorms do not, Schulz and Evans did warn of ghosts in the halls. However, we hope this spooky allegation doesn’t scare you away from applying to be a part of this community.
For junior and senior students, apartments are a great housing option. The apartment that is best for you depends on the factors you value most in your living situation. Those wanting to live in a smaller configuration, such as a studio to five-person apartment, can choose from the Western Ridge Apartments.
If you value convenience, John Lord Knight apartments are a good option since they are connected to the McHugh Commons and the Preserve. JLK apartments also offer a reading room and multiple configurations.
Although East Campus apartments only offer larger configurations of eight to nine students, they were built only a few years ago. In contrast, the apartments on West Campus were renovated in the early 2000s. East Campus apartments are also closer in proximity to many buildings housing STEM related classes. Of all the East Campus apartments, Goodacre House and Chiles House are arguably the best options since they include three rather than two bathrooms to be shared among the eight residents.
“I believe East Campus apartments are potentially the best place to live [because] they are new and well furnished. [They also] give students the opportunity to live with friends while still [giving them] their own space,” said Groskopf.
Rising seniors are eligible for more housing options, including the choice to live off-campus. The process for finding off campus housing, however, begins much earlier than on-campus selection.
“A lot of seniors have to look at housing in August [of their junior year] and sign a lease in September,” said Lauer who is planning to live off-campus next year. For Lauer, living off campus “felt like the next step.” Off-campus housing gives students the chance to “lease and take care of [their] own place [while also having] some support from CC.”
Another housing option for seniors seeking independence are Senior Cottages. While Senior Cottages are still owned by CC, they are less expensive than on campus apartments. A single apartment in a Senior Cottage will cost about the same as a single room in a small house or big three dorm.
“[As a senior] I would love to live in a senior cottage with friends [because] you don’t have to deal with a crazy landlord or take twenty minutes to get to class,” said Groskopf.
Although some living situations may seem more favorable than others, the best place to live on or off campus ultimately depends on what each student values. The most important thing to do is to look into your options early and find the situations in which you would be most comfortable in.