<p>I am going to be a freshman at W&L next year and have started going over the housing information. I am wondering what dorm atmosphere is like at W&L and if students prefer a single or a double? Any help would
Be greatly appreciated! </p>
<p>First-year housing is undergoing a series of long-overdue renovations, but Graham-Lees is usually considered the more “social” dorm (i.e., louder). Gaines is a bit off the beaten path but is close to Lenfest, convenient for arts students. Nearly half the first-years wind up in singles, so it’s not considered weird and IMHO is better than winding up with a roommate you don’t get along with. </p>
<p>Does anyone know what the Graham-Lees renovations include – air conditioning I hope? I know Gaines has always had a/c. </p>
<p>My S loved being steps away from classes and Elrod (dining, etc) in G-L, but Gaines is not far at all and actually closer to the athletic facilities (think early/late practices?). S loved having single his first year, kept door open unless he wanted privacy. Beware though - they are small. When we were moving S in, his youngest brother described his room as a “cell” (before we fixed it up and they renovated). Couldn’t have been so bad though, bc he’s thinking about asking for that same room. </p>
<p>Looks like Graham-Lees will be air-conditioned, eliminating those box fans from first-years’ back-to-school shopping lists. Don’t know if they’ll address the various room sizes. The ED student across the hall from my D had a huge single. D’s was more of the “cell” variety ;)</p>
<p><a href=“http://news.blogs.wlu.edu/2013/04/01/renovations-on-first-year-housing-at-wl-begin-in-may/”>http://news.blogs.wlu.edu/2013/04/01/renovations-on-first-year-housing-at-wl-begin-in-may/</a></p>
<p>The renovations in Gaines has resulted in many more doubles than when Gaines was suite-style. They are a nice size, though. On the top floor this at least one of the two-floored doubles with a downstairs and spiral staircase leading to the beds upstairs. Gaines is definitely a quieter dorm. Some students like the ongoing action of G-L, some like a somewhat more peaceful environment. There is a large rotunda in Gaines as well as a balcony which offer additional places to meet and study. G-L does not have any lounges right now, but will, I’m sure, when the renovation is complete. Students seem to pick both doubles or singles primarily based on cost from what I can see. </p>
<p>I think that Gaines will have the most students now and likely be the more active dorm now that it is more open with larger meeting spaces.</p>