We have not been to Emerson since we found out about the large construction projects that are set to start as it really turned my daughter off. As we approach May 1st, she is talking about Emerson again so I wanted to see if anyone knows how it will impact the students and if the little building will be closed during its renovation?
We may go in for the accepted students event on the 17th, but I am trying to see if I can get any info before we head in.
Thanks
I would be interested to know more as well. I was disappointed to read about it on their website recently. At the time, I read (I’m sure you know this) that in May until Summer 2017 there will be construction of a new dorm at 1-3 Boylston Place. I don’t know where that is so I wonder if it will be disruptive and/or noisy. I visited a campus with my daughter years ago and they were building a new dorm that was far away from the main campus so it wouldn’t have been that bad since you’d be in class/on campus during the day when they were making all the noise (presumably); but it was still a little disruptive. Anyway, the second part of the project is the Little Building (May 2017-19 closed); half the students from the Little Building could move into the new dorm. But what about the other half? And what about food services? If you find out anything, I hope you will post!
This is all I know about it and it is a bit dated and most like what you already read.
I was concerned about the lack of a true campus to begin with let alone with no idea where she would be housed if she was not part of the 350 moving into the new dorm.
That is exactly where I got my info from and I am especially questioning:“The College would seek to identify suitable housing for displaced students who ordinarily would be living in on-campus housing. The College would also need to identify temporary or permanent dining hall space during the period in which the Little Building would be unavailable for occupancy (2017–2019).” I guess they would “identify” these solutions in the next couple of years but I’d be uneasy making a decision not knowing where my d. would live or eat! Let me know if you decide to go to the Admitted Students weekend and if you get any more info! What other schools is your d. considering and what does she want to study? My d. is a junior and Emerson is high on her list.
When we attended accepted students day, we asked about the construction but there was not a lot of information given. Basically, they did not expect much disruption. That really was not too clear. Anyhow, what we did find out is that they do not guarantee housing beyond 2nd year. Most students move to off campus housing last two years. I was a bit concerned about this but some of D’s other college choices had similar non guarantee situations beyond 2nd year. It seems some admitted students are already looking for off campus housing.
clarinet13mom
We opted against the visit and my daughter will not attend Emerson, the disruption was just too much since so much was unknown.
Thank you, both, for the information. Good luck to your daughters!
My daughter is finishing her freshman year at Emerson and loves it! In terms of the potential disruption by construction, I think it is important to note that Emerson is in the middle of a very busy city block that already has a great deal going on, including traffic, honking horns, lots of people, lots of noise. In short, a typical hustling, bustling city block. For some, that sounds horrible. Others thrive in that environment. My point is that I would be surprised if the planned construction will add significantly to the busy city environment that is already part of the Emerson vibe.
I was going to say the same thing. Cities have construction projects all the time so the work itself won’t be really noticed. As Emerson is in the heart of the city the sidewalks etc are usually required to be remain passable and you’d probably need to look up to see the work. That said, I can’t speak to the disruption due to the little building being out of commission, but I can say that Boston is an extremely livable, walkable city filled with colleges and universities and while housing is expensive, there definitely is plenty of It throughout the city. Plus there is a subway stop right there so you can get all over the city easily.
In addition, while it is on a busy corner and definitely an urban campus, the campus is facing the very large Boston commons- a large park with tennis courts and lots of activities summer and winter so you see green or at least plants all year long. Plus it abuts the theater district, Chinatown and lots of shopping so there is a lot to do in the area.
Yes, agreed it is a beautiful location right across the street from the Boston Commons. I also agree that the noise factor in a city may be less “disruptive” than the disruption posed by making alternate arrangements for food services and housing…but I get it that a lot move off campus after freshman year…and students go abroad…so one is unlikely to be sleeping on a bench in the Commons I guess :). Glad to hear from people with positive experiences-thanks!
D2 will be a senior in the fall and is considering Emerson EA. Having not visited yet, we are probably the least qualified to weigh in on this issue. D2 is spending her summer at Northwestern Cherubs (film & video) and when we visited NU last fall there was a LOT of new construction going on! Limited parking, detours, the whole works. It was quite an effort to find the auditorium. Basically they were rebuilding and expanding their entire fine arts facilities. The wise admissions director reminded everyone that seeing new construction on campus is actually quite a good sign, rather than otherwise. I guess I’d say that train of thought applies to Emerson as well. New construction is a sign of health and vibrancy and optimism for the school’s programs. It’s never undertaken without a good deal of thought and planning to address a need that the directors believe will pay off financially and otherwise for the institution. Sure it’s probably a bit disruptive but based on what I’ve seen the past 18 months it seems that quite a few selective schools are adding - or have just added - new and improved facilities to their campuses. An investor looking to invest in a business usually takes a good hard look at its capital expenditures and improvements; a parent looking to fork over a chunk of change for his/her kid’s education should probably do the same 
Any idea how R&B costs will be impacted by the construction, given how tight the availability might get during 2017-2019? The R&B costs are already fairly high compared to many schools.
Just to correct one of the earlier posters, no one moves off campus until junior year. Emerson students are required to live on campus for the first 2 years.
Thanks for the correction. Good to know. I always think it would be hard for an incoming freshman to feel they needed to start scouting out a place for sophomore year. I wonder if you know anything about the accommodations they will be making for students during the construction in terms of dorming and dining? I recently read an article that said there was a controversy of sorts regarding the proposal that the theatre be turned into a dining hall! I also wonder with ohiovalley16 about increased costs there. I called yesterday and the person I spoke to said they had not determined costs yet for next year.