Housing Question

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Chicago ✅
1

Hi,

I was admitted EA and have yet to commit, but I have some questions about the housing situation.

  1. So I very much would like a bathroom that I don’t share with too many other people just because of personal preference, and from what I’ve gathered Max Pavlevsky is good for that. I’ve also heard that Max P can be very jocky/fratty, and I’m down to party (probably will join a frat) but I’m not necessarily a jocky guy. Do you think that most of Max P is like that, or its sort of a do-it-if-you-want-to type situation?

  2. In terms of accessibility to freshman classes, North Campus (e.g. Max P/New North) closer to freshman classes, or is South Campus closer? I know that you’d have to cross the Midway to get to main campus from South.

  3. I’ve heard the food at Bartlett is worse than Cathey. Is it worse enough to make a difference?

  4. Does anybody know anymore details about the new Campus North residence hall? I’ve heard that it’s common bathrooms, but the website also says “at least one private bathroom per house.” What does that mean?

  5. Do people generally get used to common bathrooms/how does it really work logistically? Do you just shower there and then go to your room in like a towel/robe and change or do you change in the bathroom?

Thanks in advance for any answers!!

2

Hi! I’m a current first year living in Kenwood House in South.

  1. Max P definitely does have the jocky reputation, though I do know people that live there that definitely do not fit the stereotype. South is more of a mixed bag, but I love it! As far as bathrooms go, you do only share your bathroom with 3 other people in Max P but you have to clean it. Also, I've never seen a bathroom crowded in South, and there are many single users. Stony Island also has a suite style situation.
  2. Max P/Snitchcock are the closest to campus, North is a little farther as it's on 55th street. South is perfectly manageable, it's less than a 10 minute walk to class. The midway isn't that bad, it can just be kind of windy at times.
  3. I don't eat at Bartlett so I don't really know, but people certainly make it seem that way.
  4. I'm assuming the "one private bathroom" thing is like South where there are single user bathrooms pretty much on every floor in a house. Also, you can definitely use other house's bathrooms. The people that are moving to North next year are all from satellite dorms, so I would read up on those to find out about the house culture. Also it will have it's own dining hall which is awesome!
  5. I was nervous about the communal bathrooms, but you get used to it super quickly. I have a shower caddy and a caddy for just brushing teeth/washing face stuff in the morning and at night, and you just bring it. I change into a robe and wear that to the bathroom, though I'm pretty sure other people do change in the shower stall. It's not really a big deal.

Hope this helps! Feel free to ask anything else!

3

@ComputerAge Hey again! Just wanted to drop by and say hi. :slight_smile: As for the housing, you and I are completely opposite people in terms of partying, so I can’t be the one to advocate for which dorms are the best for partying (personally, I’ve already committed to UChicago (and I want to stay in Burton-Judson preferably or Snell-Hitchcock as my second choice); you should too! It’s great and it offers such a different environment than Penn). Regardless, to answer your question. I’ve asked around about housing from current students, and here is what I’ve heard:

  1. South and Max P both have the party reputation, but Max P has the jocks since it is right next to the gym. My assumption is that North, though the satellite dorms will be coming in, will also attract party-goers and jocks due to its proximity to the gym. I would choose South if you want social over athletic, and personally I like the location better anyways.
  2. I've walked it before. The distance is negligible. The cold should not be that big of a deal in terms of a few minutes' difference. If I remember correctly, you're from NYC, so it shouldn't be that big of an adjustment in terms of weather. I wouldn't make your decision in terms of the distance until you start getting into places like I-House.
  3. It's a rumor that South is better than Bartlett, but people eat at Bartlett and don't die, so I imagine you won't either. (But it is another advantage of South campus that I am attracted to.)

4 and 5. The communal bathrooms were a big concern of mine as well going into it. From the information I’ve gathered about every single person I’ve ever talked to who has had experience with communal bathrooms suggest that it is not a big deal.

Make your decision based on things that really matter, like whether you want a single, double, or suite, where you want to be located on campus, and whether your priorities are to be near the classrooms, gym, libraries, other things, etc.

Of course, I am not a current student, but this is what I’ve heard from current students, so take that as you wish.

I hope to see you there in September! Trust me, it’s a phenomenal choice (way better than Penn in my opinion! :slight_smile: )