<p>Im an incoming freshman and I just got placed in Hallowell. I can't find any threads on the social life / culture there. I'm pretty social and want a tight-knit group of friends, as well as a community feel. Any input?</p>
<p>My son is also in Hallowell. Try Googling Hallowell Hall Swarthmore, you will at least get some past comments on what the dorm was like when they were doing the reviews. Clearly, a lot depends on the other people in the dorm with you.</p>
<p>Yep. It tends to have that vibe you want. I had a great year in Hallowell.</p>
<p>GvaMom – I’ve google Hallowell but haven’t found the more in-depth reviews I’ve found for other halls, which is why I posted this. Have you found anything?</p>
<p>fhimas – Do you mind if I PM you with more specific questions about your experience?</p>
<p>Go for it.</p>
<p>Truthfullly, I didn’t check for other dorms. The ones I found were from a few years ago as well. Hopefully the bathrooms are better, but other than that, what I saw led me to believe that as long as you aren’t looking for the party dorm, you should be fine…</p>
<p>Not sure starny has enough posts to PM, but maybe they have lowered the required number of posts…</p>
<p>I’m also in Hallowell this year! Having spent a lot of time there last year, I can tell you that it is a GREAT location considering you don’t have to climb the hill to get to your classes, Sharples and the gym are both really close too. The only bad thing IMO is the crooked hallways. It’s also right next to the Crum and Amphitheater, where I often go for runs.</p>
<p>This article is very informative of all the dorms:
[The</a> Phoenix | A Guide to Spring Lottery: Dorm Profiles and Rankings](<a href=“http://www.swarthmorephoenix.com/a-guide-to-spring-lottery-dorm-profiles-and-rankings/]The”>http://www.swarthmorephoenix.com/a-guide-to-spring-lottery-dorm-profiles-and-rankings/)</p>
<p>@blubbermonkey what was the social life like?</p>
<p>Hi Starny, I’m a freshman in Hallowell this year. I’m already on campus. So far, can’t say I’m too impressed - but made up for by the fact that Swat in general is /amazing/. On the bright side, Hallowell’s location is pretty decent, close to gym + tennis courts + reasonably close to Parrish, also close to Wharton where a few of my friends are. It’s also pleasingly near the forest, so you get a nice tree-lined walk to class every morning (although that’s basically true no matter where you are on campus).</p>
<p>Minuses, my floor smells. Hopefully this is just from the summer and will dissipate soon. The facilities are, well, nonexistent; on each end of each floor there’s just enough space for two sofas, which serve as recreation areas? On level 0 there’s a bit more space, but still nothing to do. Between Dana and Hallowell there’s the Danawell rec space, which is a bungalow about 20 by 8 metres, ± 50% (I can’t really do estimates sorry). Contents include about three chairs, a sofa, a TV and a piano where no more than half the keys actually work. (apparently its emptiness is a plus for parties though?) Our rooms are spacious enough, not too well lit though. Bathrooms are adequate but only just. On some floor’s they’re gender-neutral, interestingly.</p>
<p>This year, floors 1 and 3 in particular have a lot of freshmen. Floor 2, my floor, has quite a few juniors, I think. One thing I do like about Swat is how much different year groups mingle and get along. Also everyone is really cool. And everything so far has been really great. I feel like to a large extent the whole campus is a community anyway. Just had a run-down of Swat social scene which is a lot livelier than I could have expected.</p>
<p>Anyway, you’ll find out about all of this soon enough. Add me on fb, I’m the only Richard in the Hallowell fb group. Hope you have a safe trip here, I’ll probably see you soon :)</p>