October 5, 2023 | OPINION | By Zara Zafar
Welcome to the wild world of Colorado College’s residential halls, where the struggle is real, the air is musty, the quirks are endless, and the trade-offs are as plentiful as that bottomless cup of coffee you need to survive late-night study sessions.
Let’s dive headfirst into the heart of Loomis Hall, Mathias Hall and South Hall, the big three residential dormitories on campus. Buckle up, because it is time to determine which hall reigns supreme.
Loomis: The Community Haven
Picture this: a vibrant lounge on the first floor that’s bursting with energy, a tight-knit community where everyone knows your name, and the tantalizing aroma of stale lobby popcorn wafting through the air every Friday. Loomis is the place to be if you crave camaraderie and proximity to all things delicious.
Sure, the lounge couches may not be winning any cleanliness awards and the hallway decor might leave you questioning if you’ve wandered into a psych ward. But hear me out. Whether you are looking to do homework, get a workout or eat an actual meal, Loomis is strategically placed to reduce your procrastination levels. It is like a gravitational force field against Netflix binges. The Adam F. Press Fitness Center, Tutt Library and the Rastall Dining Hall are all just a stone’s throw away.
If you are like me and appreciate the convenience of not having to sprint across campus to your office or class last minute, Loomis is your secret weapon. Just don’t expect spacious rooms or breathtaking views – it’s an old hall with old furniture, after all.
Mathias: The Quirky Contender
Mathias may be an acquired taste, but it has its charm. If you’re on the fourth floor, you’re in luck. High ceilings, decent-sized rooms and good views await. Plus, there’s a movie room to fulfil your cinematic dreams, and the C-Store might single-handedly drain your Gold Card funds.
But beware of bugs in the lights (it’s a surprise feature, I promise) and the auto-locking doors – are they a pro or con? It’s up to you to decide. Mathias, with its sprawling layout, might not foster the tightest-knit community, and you’ll often hear folks bemoaning the musty vibes.
Let’s not forget the eternal struggle for vacant washing machines in the laundry rooms. In Mathias, it comes down to a battle of patience and well-timed laundry cycles.
South: The Lap of Luxury
South is the flashy newcomer in town, boasting rooms that could rival a five-star hotel. New furniture, sleek facilities, hardwood floors and proximity to Worner Center and 7-Eleven make it an attractive choice. However, it’s no secret that the community vibe is somewhat lacking – you’re more likely to find residents staying late in the Loomis lounge for those fun conversations.
But here’s the kicker: amongst our three competitors, South is the land of dogs, or so I hear. Yes, you read that right. If you’re a dog enthusiast, it might just be the dealmaker.
Now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for, the crowning of our champion. Now look, I’m not a big fan of the abandoned hospital-style ambiance either, so it’s not personal bias, but rather a deep appreciation for community that leads me to declare Loomis the winner of the residential hall showdown.
You see, life is all about those trade-offs, and while South may offer luxury and Mathias some solid exceptional perks, Loomis wraps you in a warm, tight-knit embrace that is hard to resist. Remember, it’s not just about where you live; it’s about the memories you create along the way.