Dorms at MHC

Colleges and Universities A-Z Mount Holyoke College
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<p>I'm a firstie trying to decide which dorms I am going to list as my top three choices on my housing request/roommate information form - and I haven't a clue what most of the dorms look like. We toured one residence hall while I was there and loved it, especially the wood floors, the closets with real doors (which are practically unheard of here in WI), and the beautiful windows, but I haven't a clue which hall it was. </p>

<p>I am looking for a dorm that will be close to the library (perhaps something on Springer Green?), has an "older" or more traditional feel, and is reasonably close to a source of food. Do any current MHC students have any suggestions? (Do I have any chance of getting a room in a hall like the one I've described?) Also, if anyone could direct me to photos of the dorms, I would appreciate it very much. They seem to be very hard to come by via a simple Google search.</p>

<p>Thank you so much!</p>

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<p>Here’s a thread that will answer your questions! I had all of your questions and this discussion answered all of them: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/mount-holyoke-college/513594-choosing-residence-halls.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/mount-holyoke-college/513594-choosing-residence-halls.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Also, here’s a link on the MHC site that describes the individual dorms and gives images (very helpful): [Mount</a> Holyoke College :: Floor Plans](<a href=“http://www.mtholyoke.edu/offices/reslife/13976.shtml]Mount”>Sign In)</p>

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<p>Skinner Green.</p>

<p>Honestly, the dorms you put as the ones you want to live in, has no effect on what dorm you actually end up living in. The good news is that since there are first-years in every dorm, you have a chance of living in any dorm (except Dickinson). </p>

<p>That said, based on what you said, I recommend writing in Safford, Wilder, and Mead.</p>

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<p>The reality is, firsties really don’t have a *great( shot at anything on Skinner Green unless you have accommodations that require you being there. Some definitely do luck out, so you can be hopeful, but it’s really hard because most of those rooms filled back when we were doing room choosing a couple months ago. My recommendation would be to look for a good location off the green.</p>

<p>Here are rundowns of some of the off-green dorms:</p>

<p>Ham/Mac: These are some of the more “modern” dorms, so they lack the wooden floors and other charms like that you’ve described. However, they’re actually pretty coveted among students, including myself. (It’s my preferred spot!) Ham has a very international feel because our language lab assistants live there, at least one on each floor I believe, and also a lot of athletes since it’s near the path to Kendall. Mac, my favorite, has window seats in almost every room, so there’s some of that charm you’re looking for, and also has a dining hall, meaning it’s very convenient. As long as you’re not majoring in music or languages, you’ll be about as close to most of your classes as possible without being on the green.</p>

<p>The Delles: The Delles might provide you with some of that charm you’re looking for. North Mandelle houses a lot of our FPs (non-traditional students) and also a quiet floor, so a lot of students looking for a more “mature” location try to pick that one. That’s a good dorm if you like the privacy of being a little more removed from campus or if you’re a music, art, or languages major.</p>

<p>Abbey/Buck: Technically on the green, but less desirable and therefore not as coveted; I know a <i>lot</i> of firsties who end up there. The food there isn’t as good as elsewhere, but that really doesn’t matter much since we have decentralized dining. It’s a little noisier at times than some of the other dorms because it’s right by Chapin Auditorium, which is where we have concerts and other events, but it’s not too bad. I’ve lived in Abbey and I liked it. :slight_smile: Only catch: Farthest walk to the main academic buildings aside from Dickinson, although I suppose maybe the Delles are a little farther…they don’t seem it, though.</p>

<p>Prospect/18: Definitely not the most coveted dorms on campus, but they’re also nowhere near as bad as some students like to claim. They’re closer to the main academic buildings than the Delles, plus Prospect has dining, so that’s helpful. There isn’t really anything “special” about either dorm, so I’m not sure what to say really…oh, 18 does have a Golden Pear kitchen, meaning you can make your own food there, but </p>

<p>Pearsons: You could try Pearsons. Pearsons is directly across the street from the library, right near the admissions office, and there are quite a few firsties in there as well. After Ham/Mac, it’s one of my favorites on campus. Being on the other side of the street makes it feel a little separate from campus and therefore more low-key, but it’s also one of the most convenient to the academic buildings, meaning you feel closer to the center of campus than some people who live right on the green.</p>

<p>Torrey: Torrey might still have some openings, but I’m not sure…Torrey is a combination of a lot of athletes, since it’s the closest to Kendall, and also a lot of international students. It doesn’t have the same older feeling you’re looking for, and its dining is just grab-and-go. I’m not a Torrey fan at all, but some people swear by it.</p>

<p>I have to disagree with WannabePhD about writing in Safford, Wilder, and Mead - you really have no chance at this point. Same goes for Brigham. If you’re going to aim for the green, try the Rockies, but be warned that it’s Party Central on campus.</p>

<p>Based on your requests…I’d say that Mac will give you the beautiful windows and food (but more 1960s-style architecture), Prospect will give you food and a pretty view, and Pearsons will give you the best location in terms of the library and the academic buildings (plus breakfast). Prospect is probably your best bet for a mix of all of those things.</p>

<p>Final thing: The room you viewed was probably in Mead. :slight_smile: That’s where they take most groups, I think.</p>

<p>Edit: Forgot about this… <a href=“Nickelodeon | Homepage”>Nickelodeon | Homepage;

<p>It’s a silly quiz, but hey, it might be useful. :slight_smile: Don’t take it too seriously!</p>

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<p>I disagree with MHC2011. If you want to write down Safford/Wilder/Mead, I think you should. Those were my 3 choices as an incoming student and I did get one of them. A good number of first-years are on dorms on the greens, they just all have small rooms. Regardless of where you end up living, you will love it. </p>

<p>The Delles are more of a Party dorm than the Rockies – be warned. </p>

<p>FWIW – I’m a rising senior.</p>

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<p>Actually, first-years have an equal shot at rooms on the green as members of any other class. There are designated first-year rooms in every single one of the dorms on the green, so you are not out of luck. EVERY dorm has openings for first years, with the exception of North New Dorm and Dickinson. In my first year, there were 36 first-years in Mead and about 24 in Safford and 24 in Brigham, 34 in Porter, so you DO have a shot. It was slightly different this year, because Safford was closed first semester so there were fewer rooms on the green for first-years to have. If you list all of the dorms on the green, you are going to LIKELY get placed in one of them. Also, I would advise against South Rockefeller. There are a lot of triples there and you might be placed there if you list it, but with two roommates instead of one. </p>

<p>There are designated rooms in each dorm, otherwise it just would not be fair (or you, first-years, would not be housed). The Office of Residential Life sets a quota for each class, so there have to be first-years in every dorm except for the two upperclassmen dorms. Please request dorms on the green if you want them (Safford, Porter, Brigham, Mead, Wilder, North Rockefeller). The convenient thing about Mead is that it is surrounded by three residence halls with dining halls: Wilder, Buckland, and the Rockies, so you always have your choice of food (lest it is a weekend or lunch time, in which case you have Wilder for the weekend/every lunch and Rockies for weekday lunches). Mead, the Rockies, Abbey, and Buckland are all incredibly close to Chapin, so you will hear a lot of noise. Mead is also close enough to Blanchard that you might hear some Blanchard parties at times. Wilder is adjacent to Blanchard, so I’d advise against it, but whatever floats your boat. </p>

<p>Also, Abbey/Buckland is not considered the green. The green ends at North Rockefeller, and some consider South Rockefeller part of “the green” as well. Abbey/Buckland are far, and are technically on “Chapin/Mary Woolley” Green, not on Skinner Green. </p>

<p>Transfer students are put in Dickinson a lot, because there are vacancies there and there’s likelihood that transfers will find other students in their class by living in an upperclassmen dorm. Also, North New Residence Hall is now officially an upperclassmen dorm, so first-years only have the choice of South New for their first year. </p>

<p>Remember: South Hadley can get COLD! If you end up in MacGregor or Abbey/Buckland, you will have to walk very far for class. The most centrally located dorm is Safford, followed by Porter, Brigham and Pearsons (across the street).</p>

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<p>also, in all my years here, the Delles have <em>always</em> been party dorms. There are some FPs and there is a quiet floor, but I’d argue that Abbey is a better choice if you want some quiet and privacy (there is a quiet floor and FPs there as well, but not as many parties).</p>

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<p>Thanks you guys for taking the time to write so much. I’m so excited for Mount Holyoke!! I’m deciding what to list as my preferences now too, and could also use some advice.</p>

<p>I really want a dorm where there are lots of other first/second years and international students, close food options, and where I could have my own closet. I guess since I’ve never shared a room the thought of having a little space that is just mine is nice. Right now I like the looks of Wilder (international students, dinning hall, central, and I think every double has two closets) Stafford (haha, I think everyone likes Stafford. I like location and closets) and MacGregor (Close to Ham where the language fellows and tables are, but with better and amazing rooms)</p>

<p>Mountholyoke2010 – I really like the looks of MacGregor, but you mentioned the distance and it got me thinking because everyone mentions the distance: P. </p>

<p>About how long would it take to walk from MacGregor to the farthest possible class? And the library? What subjects’ buildings are closest to it? I’m interested in International Relations, and Asian Studies. Do you think the distance makes it feel isolated? Do the people who request dorms more on the outskirts of campus tend to be more introverted? For that matter, do the dorms in general have different cultures between them aside from the Delles and Rockies being party dorms? Are there dorms with more science people, athletes, ect? </p>

<p>Thanks so much!</p>

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<p>I’m so happy that you’re excited to go to MHC! Mount Holyoke is happy to have you, too, and has already started planning for the next incoming class. Remember to bring something green (clothes) so that you can use it during convocation in the fall. </p>

<p>Every dorm has a good amount of first and second year students. However, there is no one dorm that is filled with international students. I know that having your own closet may be important to you, but you should probably throw that idea out the window. Most first year rooms in the good dorms have one hugeee closet, or one tiny closet and an armoire. It’s not too bad, and you really should not worry about it. Wilder is no longer the international students dorm, so you might want to rethink that. South New Dorm is actually the new location for international students, but I know that there were only 13 first-years that lived there this past year so your chances of living in a dorm like that are pretty slim, as most of the rooms are suites and singles that go to upperclasswomen. Wilder food is not all it’s made out to be, but it’s a good location because you’ll also be close to the Rockies, Blanchard, and Abbey/Buck, so anything you want would be amazing. Safford is a great dorm! Again, though, you would probably be sharing a closet in Safford (in most dorms). MacGregor is really far, but the room sizes are HUGE and there are window seats. During the winter, though, some people don’t go out of the dorm on weekends because it is just way too cold. You may want to consider that.</p>

<p>It would probably take you 15 minutes to get from MacGregor to your farthest possible class (Pratt). To the library, maybe 6 minutes. Um, nothing is close to MacGregor, really, especially because it is up a hill. I mean, it is close to the equestrian center, so I guess riding classes, but otherwise nothing. The distance definitely makes it feel isolated, but the people who request that dorm aren’t introverted, they just don’t really know much about the dorms or their lottery numbers suck. Well, the New Dorm and Mead are also party dorms. Abbey is pretty much quiet and boring. If anyone would request Ham or something, it would be either a psych major or a science major. Torrey is an athlete’s dorm I’m going to make a safe bet and say that if you are IR and Asian Studies, your classes will be super far from MacGregor and you will regret it. Those classes will be in Hooker Auditorium (World Politics) and then scattered amongst Ciruti and Skinner. Best of luck!</p>

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<p>To be honest with you, most rooms on the green for first-years will only have one closet. Every double in Buckland and Torrey has two closets, so I’d encourage you to consider those dorms (despite their distances). I don’t think there is an overwhelming number of first-years in Buckland, but there is enough that you can make a lot of friends! Also, 1837 is the absolute best dorm to make first-year friends. There are a lot of first-years there, so you might like that. Given its size, you’re also likely to meet a lot of international students. The class of 2013 has a large number of international students, so I think it’s safe to say that you’ll encounter some regardless of what dorm you choose. Also, the rooms in Buckland are pretty huge for first years (hovering around 200 square feet, compared to the small 160 square feet doubles in Mead, Brigham, and Safford). </p>

<p>The doubles they show you on tours are JUNIOR DOUBLES! Do not choose your dorm based on what the tour guides show you when you come. You have no chance of living in rooms like that in your first year. </p>

<p>MacGregor is uphill and really, really far. I’d advise against it, but the doubles are pretty big and the windows are absolutely beautiful. Also, consider 18, Ham and MacG if you want a view of the lake. 18 is preferable to you over Ham and MacG if you are IR/Asian Studies, but the ideal dorms would be Pearsons, Safford, Brigham or Porter. Think about room size! If you want your own closet, I urge you to ask for Buckland or Torrey, otherwise there is very little chance you will get your own closet. They are kind of far, but Buckland has a dining hall and is near the Rockies and not too far from Wilder. It is also actually not that far from Skinner or Blanchard. Also, the walls in Buckland are really thick! Unlike in Brigham/1837/the Delles/Safford/Pearsons/Wilder/Mead/the Rockies, you won’t hear the noise from next door.</p>

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<p>I’ll say it again: write whatever the hell you want. If you want a room on the green, write it down, but don’t spend ages researching the dorms and dwelling on your decision, because it doesn’t matter. As a rising first year, you have NO SAY in where you end up living. Your time would be better spent thinking about your answers to the personality form for roommates they send you. The people who you live with will be far more important than what type of closet you’ll have or how many seconds it takes to walk to Ciruti.</p>

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<p>I lived in MacGregor this past year, and I think it is a bit misleading to say that MacG is “really really far” from everything. In all honestly MHC is not THAT big…nothing is actually far away from anything! Relative to dorms on the green, I guess, it is “far”. But we are only talking about a five minute difference! Also, it is close to so many of the academic buildings and the rumored “hill” takes about 3 minutes to climb. It is a great dorm with spacious rooms and window seats and a view of the lake if you are on the right side! I loved living there! Also, they definitely do take into consideration the preferences you list…I don’t know why some people say they don’t. Most likely because you are not guaranteed the dorms you list which in no way means it won’t help to list your favorites! Good luck and I’m sure you will love MHC!!</p>

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<p>Also Abbey/Buck is very very close to the Rockies so, while it is not considered on the green, it is not “really far” either.</p>

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<p>I’m a firstie this year living in Buckland, and I actually like it. The “crazier” of the parties happen in the Delles, Rocky, etc. Buckland is generally pretty quiet, but there’s always people down in the common rooms, TV rooms, and a good mix of classes. I’ve had a good experience. Basically all my classes the first semester were all the way across campus (Clapp, Shattuck, Reese) but it’s not bad. One morning I was late to my class to Reese and powerwalking made it there in 5 minutes. So honestly, it’s quite doable. As far as its prettiness, it’s not charming like some of the older dorms, but we have a 200sq foot very square room - so it’s quite roomy for us. Plus we BOTH have individual closets, set of 5 drawers, cabinet space, and we share a large vanity. Some people don’t like the linoleum floors, but as far as that goes, we just use a large rug, and it’s quite easy to clean, which is fantastic if you’re like us and occasionally spill something on it! We have a large window of the green between Abbey/Buck and Chapin. Oh! Another great part about Abbey/Buck - most of the big school sponsored parties/concerts are located in Chapin - which is the auditorium in Mary Wooley Hall. For example, on Vegas Night I didn’t have to worry about bringing a coat and having it get lost. I just walked across the green to the auditorium. It’s also right next to the theatre, which is great if you’re going to be taking acting classes, or planning to be involved in a production. It’s close (as holyoke99 said) to Rockies, as well as Mead, Wilder, and New Dorm. Also, I can get to Blanchard in 3 minutes, which is pretty convenient. :)</p>

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<p>i think Wilder is by far the most gorgeous architecturally, and living in it would be almost too surreal for me (pardon my childish wonders, i come from a city full of concrete and glass-y neon malls - brick buildings are one in a million here). </p>

<p>But I have heard of Wilder being the most haunted - and I don’t think I can handle that. I am the most paranoid person when it comes to these supernatural stuff. ‘Paranormal activity’ ? couldn’t sleep well for months.</p>

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<p>I lived on the green all four years and I loved it. Even as a feb freshman I
managed to get into South Rocky. I lived in Wilder my second year and agree with jamapelle.
I graduated a VERY LONG time ago but unless things have changed MHC does a great job of placing freshman (even Febs) in all dorms --even the best ones on the green. I would write down your favorites and keep your fingers crossed.</p>

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<p>Just as a tip…I managed to get into a double in Safford my first year because I already had a roommate picked out–they tend to try to accommodate roommate pairs that have found each other prior to moving in together. I met mine on Facebook, and she was easily one of the coolest people I’ve ever met, and I’d totally live with her again–we’re still GREAT friends! I also made some lifelong friends living in a small dorm like Safford; all of us are still getting together to cook and hang out on the green as rising seniors!</p>

<p>As far as your chances of getting dorms, it’s really all a game of luck. My sophomore year roommate and I had decent numbers, and ended up in a closet-sized room in Brigham (good location, but the room was TINY). My junior year roommate and I had ATROCIOUS numbers, and got a good-sized double in North Rocky. As a rising senior I got into a moving group on disability placement, and will be living in LITERALLY the most coveted room on campus in the fall, the 3-person suite in Mead. I managed to have terrific luck, and I know other people who have had one horrific placement after another. It’s all a crapshoot; go ahead and rank your choices, but be more worried about your roommate. Coming from someone who did it, PLEEEEEEASE try to find your roommate online before you get to Mount Holyoke, it can save you LOADS of stress and heartache from dealing with conflict or switching roommates your first semester!</p>

<p>Good luck! Can’t wait to see you in the fall!</p>