Housing

Spring term is here, the weather is warming up and change is in the air. It’is time to move away from that residence hall (hole) you’ve been hibernating in, and migrate to a new home. We here at 807 Union St. thought we would investigate the living options on the Union College campus so those going through the process for the first time can get an in-depth view of all of the upperclass living options.

 

Many sophomores (and some juniors) opt for living in Fox, suite style rooms with two doubles connected by a common room. In Fox, students can live with three other friends, instead of only one. Having a common room might also be seen as a plus. Fox is the “liveliest” of the college dorms for sophomores to choose from, and those not bothered by a bit of noise might opt for the dorm’s friendly atmosphere. The minuses include: small rooms, communal bathrooms, difficult studying atmosphere, and lack of a kitchen.

 

The Minerva houses are the most homey of the upperclass living options and they are a huge upgrade from the freshman dorms. Although you have to take the time to write an essay about how you will contribute to the house, it is well worth it. Living in a Minerva is like living in a mansion. It is over three stories, you have a large kitchen open at all times, multiple flat screen TVs with TiVo, ping pong tables, pool tables, free coffee, leftover food after events, many comfy couches, study rooms, and if you’re lucky enough to live in Beuth you even can get a massage after a stressful day with their massage chairs! You are crazy to opt to live in Fox when you can live in a luxurious Minerva. Did I mention the bathrooms and furniture are way better? Why have a repeat of your freshman living situation when you can live it up in a Minerva!

 

 

Another option for upperclassmen is College Park Hall. College Park offers the privacy of single rooms with private bathrooms (doubles are also available). The building houses a gym, pool table, elevators and food (kiosk with salads and snacks). Negatives to living in CPH include its far distance from campus, as well as its quieter atmosphere (for those looking for a more social scene).

 

Greek-affiliated students are typically required to live in their fraternity or sorority for one year (most commonly during junior year).  While the buildings are similar to the freshman dorms, what goes on inside is far from that. With no RAs or ‘house moms,’ living there is like one big sleepover party all year long!  While you won’t have the best amenities,  you will be living with a ton of your closest friends and will always have someone to order pizza with, borrow a dress from, or walk back from Schaffer during finals with. Don’t expect to get any work done when living in the house, though; it is much better to do your work at the library and come back in time to watch Monday night football or Gossip Girl with all your friends.  Most students love living in their Greek house, but are ready to move off campus by senior year.

 

Interested in Arts? Cooking? Diversity? Maybe a theme house is right for you! Meant to bring together those with similar interests, the theme houses give the feel of being off campus, with the perks of living on campus (a meal plan, and campus safety checks). There are no RAs, and one has the disposal of a kitchen, and other amenities available in a proper house.