5 Reasons Why I Love My On-Campus Housing

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Now halfway through my second year at Rochester, I’m pleased to report that it has thus far been even better than my first. I’ve learned how to better balance my workload, I get off campus one or two times a week (rather than once or twice a month), and I have a solid friend group I know I can count on. One of the biggest changes that this year has brought has been in the housing department. While I was content last year with my triple on the Quad, I have to admit that my living situation this year is quite the improvement.

Here’s five reasons why I love where I live:

1. The location

This year I’m lucky enough to call a suite in Anderson Tower home. Anderson is one of the three residence halls that make up Jackson Court along with Wilder Tower and O’Brien Hall. Known simply as “Towers,” Jackson Court is situated at the bottom of the hill behind Susan B. Anthony Hall, next to Sage Art Center and Towers Baseball Field, and right across the street from the Genesee River. When the weather is nice, Towers residents can be found lounging beneath trees in the grass, playing volleyball in the sand court, and roasting marshmallows in the outdoor fireplace. When the snow hits, we have our own personal sledding hill as well as quick access to the Hillside mini grocery store when we need to stock up on snacks.

Other pluses include close proximity to Spurrier Gym and Danforth Dining Center in addition to a beautiful view of the city for those (like me) who live on the upper floors of their buildings. While Towers is just a few minutes’ walk from the rest of campus, its somewhat secluded location and many special benefits make Jackson Court feel like it’s own community—one that I couldn’t be happier to be a part of.

2. The elevators (and other conveniences)

While elevators might not be a huge deal for those who spent their freshman year in Sue B., for a past resident of the fourth floor of Gilbert Hall on the Quad, being able to take an elevator up to my eighth-floor suite couldn’t be more exciting. No more do I have to trek up and down flights upon flights of stairs to do my laundry or worry about how I’ll be able to move my belongings downstairs all by myself at the end of the year.

In addition to convenient transportation within the building, Anderson provides easy access to the other Jackson Court dorms through a tunnel system. When it’s cold outside, students need only head to the basement and take the tunnels to visit their friends. On top of all this, Anderson is even equipped with two study rooms and a lounge for the enjoyment and use of all residents. Downstairs, students can play the dorm piano, watch movies on the flat screen, and even organize late-night study groups without disturbing their suitemates.

3. The space

One of the best things about suite- and apartment-style housing is the wonderful luxury of ample living space. My six-person suite is made up of a large lounge that leads into a hallway. At the end of the hall is a double room (that I share with my roommate), on the left are four single-person rooms, and on the right is a roomy bathroom and several generous closets.

While our individual rooms may not be huge, they’re comfortable thanks to our outside storage. Our hall closet space is currently used to store away warm-weather clothing and hold winter coats and boots for easy access. University staff cleans our bathroom once a week and our schedules are typically different enough to prevent traffic jams. Our lounge functions as a study/dining/living room and is regularly the location of movie nights, Sunday brunch parties, and all-night paper writing. All in all, our suite is a wonderful place to come home to at the end of the day.

4. The kitchen

While our suite may not be equipped with its own kitchen, we do have one right next door. Every floor of Anderson has a kitchen that’s shared among that floor’s residents. Each kitchen includes a full-size refrigerator, stove, oven, and sink as well as shelving to store cooking supplies. This year, I had the option of choosing an all-declining meal plan, which has resulted in fewer trips to the dining halls and more grocery shopping and home cooking.

While some students use the kitchen to heat up frozen pizza or boxes of mac & cheese, others use it to prepare gourmet dishes or bake cookies for their friends. Personally, I tend to make some kind of stir-fry at least once a week, preparing enough to last me several meals. I also participate in the occasional spaghetti dinner when my friends feel like doing something special. Being able to cook for myself makes healthy eating easier, not to mention a fun (and delicious) way to spend the evening with my friends.

5. The friends

Last year, I was fortunate enough to end up with two great random roommates. But this year, I knew I didn’t want to leave things up to chance. Instead, I opted for an arrangement with five of my closest friends and haven’t regretted the decision for a second. The six of us get along extremely well and have easily been able to agree on a list of suite rules to make us all happy and comfortable.

With different majors and activities, most of us don’t spend too much time together outside the suite. We do, however, make a point to get together every once in a while for a special “family” dinner or event. Ultimately, no matter where we are or in what combination, we end up having fun—living with people I know I can always talk to and laugh with at the end of a long day couldn’t be better.