<p>I am pretty sure this is where I am going to be living this fall....there is a slim chance, though, that I am mistaken. I would just like to hear any and all stories.....(i.e. Pros & Cons) about this dorm. I don't need a huge dorm, which I know the ones in Battell aren't, but how much space is there? Is there room for a a futon? Or is there only ample space for two beds, two desks, and like dressers? Do most people bunk their beds? Is there room for a TV (I know...no cable), but for gaming purposes? </p>
<p>I would also like any general information about things to bring (like unusual things you would highly recommend) and what to absolutely leave at home. I am ready to hear it all. I am sure more people than just me are quite interested in getting feedback from current Midd students. Thanks.</p>
<p>I know they're really small. Obviously large enough to house 2 beds, 2 desks, but tiny nonetheless. </p>
<p>There's room for a TV, so I'd bring one. </p>
<p>Don't bring stuff you don't need. You'll be surprised how much you don't need things you think you do.</p>
<p>i've never seen a futon in a battell room. the general structure is, you bunk your bed and put your desk/dresser or bookcase under it. the rooms are really small--the smallest rooms on campus. you might actually be one of the last residents of battell, as they'll demolish it and build a new dorm in a couple of years.
you can always put your tv on your dresser, so i'd say bring it for gaming purposes.
although battell is small, i'm sure you'll get to fit all your essential stuff in your room, so don't limit yourself that much.
oh, and battell definitely is the most active freshman dorm on campus, especially during the first few weeks. since it's the biggest one (hosts around 1/3 of freshmen) a serious amount of partying takes place in it every weekend-and some weekdays too-. i'm sure you'll have an amazing experience there if you're into partying. it's also in a central location-very close to two dining halls and many important academic buildings.</p>
<p>When I was there Battell's halls were notorious for lax and hockey games. Those long, straight halls and cinderblock walls were perfect for it. My best friend was an RA in Battell and quashing those games was a constant headache. When you walked out of your room you learned to look both ways so as not to get whacked by a ball or puck. Also those long barren halls echoed lots of noise so I recommend noise cancelling headphones or earplugs!</p>
<p>I have no information that confirms echoes600's suggestion that Battell is coming down anytime soon. I'd be interested in the source if you have one, echoes600, as I'm curious what they might have in mind for a replacement.</p>
<p>laxtaxi, i remember reading it on the newspaper, it's part of the comprehensive master plan that the college prepared this year. you might check out the website-it should be somewhere.</p>
<p>You'll see in the link below (taken from the college's newly released 50-year master plan) that Battell is no longer on the map. According to the master plan, it is to be replaced with two or more buildings. New buildings are orange, and exisiting buildings are red.</p>
<p>See pages 1-6 of this section of the report for renderings:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.middlebury.edu/NR/rdonlyres/B648F86B-345E-490D-A1BC-629FECC9CE74/0/midd_mp_final_04_thecampusplan.pdf%5B/url%5D">http://www.middlebury.edu/NR/rdonlyres/B648F86B-345E-490D-A1BC-629FECC9CE74/0/midd_mp_final_04_thecampusplan.pdf</a></p>
<p>Thanks echoes600 and arcadia, very interesting plan! I love the candid way they describe the current status:</p>
<p>Le Chateau Quad
When Le Chateau was built it stood alone in the open landscape—like a French chateau. Over the years its siting has been compromised by other, poorly sited buildings. The resulting space to the south is not a quadrangle, but an illegible no-man’s land. Pedestrian paths are random and chaotic. Battell Hall is the biggest problem because of its siting. In the long run, Battell Hall should be replaced to facilitate a real quadrangle with orthogonal and diagonal paths, and tree-lined walks. The topography and the roadways also mar the current area. The current service road to Le Chateau should be replaced by a tree-lined, pedestrian-oriented walk, similar to the proposed Old Chapel Walk. The diagonal path that connects to McCardell Bicentennial Hall should accommodate bicycles and service vehicles.</p>