Dorm Impressions--Pennsylvania Hall

<p>Last year this time, we went thru "Arrival Survival" at Tower A. It was well organized, but did take hours, and at the end. . . . my daughter was in a Towers Room.</p>

<p>Yesterday, we took D to move into Pennsylvania Hall. She's in a suite. The suite's living area is on a corner, with floor to ceiling windows, and a million dollar view. Two ample bedrooms, and two good-sized bathrooms and common room make up the four person suite. . . . . I'd move in tomorrow!</p>

<p>And, moving in took 30 minutes,with two blue carts and parking at the front door!</p>

<p>I hope the rest of the school year goes so well for her!</p>

<p>Bruce Hall - Old building with thick walls, high ceilings and big windows. Two big bedrooms, 1 bath, decent kitchen and living area. Quiet and convenient, but no air conditioning. Has sofa, love seat and two end tables. Also has small dining table and chairs. Inadequate lighting - bring pole and/or table lamps. Great security.</p>

<p>Bouquet Gardens - Really nice 4 bedroom (small, but adequate), 2 bath apartments with fairly large living and kitchen areas. Air conditioning, full stove/oven, microwave, full refrigerator. Table with 4 chairs. Strangely, no disposal. Large coat closet and second large storage closet (big enough for bikes). Has sofa, love seat and coffee table. Bright, clean and new. Still, you may want table or pole lamps for living room area. Also, perhaps a small fire extinguisher to accompany that stove/oven.</p>

<p>Move in was easy at both locations. We parked at a surface lot right across from the apartment/suite in both cases. Arrival staff was very cheerful and helpful, even offering to carry items for us. Now that's service! :)</p>

<p>Lothrop Hall move in was easy once you got past the parking lot on Forbes Ave. D on 13th floor with no A/C. Extremely hot---even at night. Rooms are larger than Tower C single with bigger window. Beds have 2 drawers underneath so beds can't be lofted, but not really necessary unless you have a lot of stuff. There is also a chest of 3 drawers and a desk with a rocking style chair which seemed kind of weird for a desk chair. There is a big closet area and a sink with a medicine cabinet. You still need to use common bathroom for shower and toilet.This dorm still uses real keys not Panther card to get into room. Everything should be fine once temperature drops.</p>

<p>Pennsylvania Hall is the best dorm I lived in during college without a doubt. In reality, views don't mean much, but it's a nice dorm with good access to upper campus. Personally, I'd rather be near the Pete for food and exercise options than in the middle of campus. Dorm is very spacious and well fitted. Additionally, the walk up hill everyday will keep you in shape.</p>

<p>The only gripe I have about university-owned housing in general is that it is very expensive. As it is, we pay over $700 per month for a tiny (but nice enough) bedroom in Bouquet Gardens apartments. A nice place can be had for much cheaper privately, but might be a little less conveniently located.</p>