By Matthew Purucker · Editor-in-Chief
I lived in Hicks Hall as a freshman and Ketler Hall as a sophomore, but my current residence in Alumni Hall has been the most distinctive and enjoyable of the three.
Every room in Alumni seems different. Some rooms have a private quarter bath, while others, like my double, require a 65-plus-step journey to reach a public restroom (110 steps if I want to shower). The dorm has singles, doubles and triples, and every room seems unique.
Just 44 other students live in Alumni, and it’s close to academic buildings, athletic facilities, parking lots and Chick-fil-A. Plus, given Alumni’s room size and quality, it’s no secret Alumni is often the most desired dorm for independent men.
With all these benefits, naturally, the 34 rooms Alumni had in 2009 were reduced to 26 to make room for more athletic offices. But in all fairness, the athletic department needed the extra space, and with the incredible success nearly every team has had, this sacrifice has been well worth it — and those who know me well know I’m a huge fan of the athletic department.
As a side note, I hope these recent athletic facility investments address this space concern by providing more office space for coaches and freeing up rooms in Alumni. Independent men would appreciate it.
Anyway, aside from the hall location being close to other buildings, living in Alumni, and therefore the Physical Learning Center, has other advantages.
As for me, I’ve gone to the gym more than in past years (there are three now, with non-athletes gaining partial access to the athletic weight room), I’ve watched more volleyball games (some of which were as a commentator, so those games probably don’t count) and I’ve slept better (my third-floor Ketler dorm last year was like a sauna until late October). Maybe I’ll try the pool soon. I already know the bowling alley, racquetball court and intramural rooms are exciting.
I’ve been able to do all these activities without setting foot outside, which will prove especially beneficial come wintertime.
I’ve even become more acquainted with the wildlife since a cricket flew in through my window. (Who knew crickets could fly?) It was fun trying to figure out where the chirping was coming from and, once I found it, trying to remove it harmlessly.
So, I guess one downside, aside from bathroom proximity, is that Alumni doesn’t have screens.
Regardless of whether you live in Alumni Hall, enjoy this week’s edition of The Collegian.
