<p>My son is going to be staying in the traditional dorms. We have narrowed it down to Paty or Burke. Does anyone have an opinion on which they think is better and why?</p>
<p>Paty is near the honors dorms and closer to Shelby Science complex. It’s also closer to Lakeside dining.</p>
<p>Burke is on the southside of campus, so quite a distance from Shelby. Since your son will be majoring in Bio, that may be an issue. But, some people think the food is better at Burke Dining. </p>
<p>I would also think more students who might be pledging might choose Burke, so if your son won’t be pledging, then Paty might be better.</p>
<p>Have you looked at a campus map to get a feel for where each is?</p>
<p>[Interactive</a> Campus Map - The University of Alabama](<a href=“Page Not Found | The University of Alabama”>Page Not Found | The University of Alabama)</p>
<p>yes. we have been on campus and walked around the outside of both dorms. Paty does seem better because it is closer to the honors dorms and science building. But, Burke has the better food and also is co-ed. I was wondering if anyone has seen the inside and has an opinion also if they have known anyone who lived it either</p>
<p>Have you looked at the Burke housing website’s pics and video? Scroll down for all pics.</p>
<p>[Housing</a> & Residential Communities - The University of Alabama](<a href=“http://housing.ua.edu/halls/burke.cfm]Housing”>http://housing.ua.edu/halls/burke.cfm)</p>
<p>I wonder if there are any differences between Burke east and Burke west except that one has the dining hall. Anyone know?</p>
<p>BTW…I think one or both of the Burke halls is used for athletic housing, if that matters.</p>
<p>I also just noticed there is byrd hall that will be for all freshman this year. Anyone know about this one?</p>
<p>I haven’t been in either dorm in 20 years. But back when I attended UA Burke was far nicer than Paty. I’m actually surprised Paty is still in existence. I lived in Friedman which IMHO is the best location of all the dorms on campus, but I see that it’s only for C&BA students now.</p>
<p>My son has the 1st regular room selection time (6pm April 20th) and he’s hoping to get into one of the newer dorms. But if they are all full he’ll go with Burke.</p>
<p>We don’t get on until April 22 and he will probably do Burke. So, if your son doesn’t get into the suites let me know. Maybe they can room with or near each other.</p>
<p>Sure thing. Is your son not interested in the suites or is it a money issue? I know that extra $1000 a semester had me trying to convince my son to go Burke instead. Stubborn kid wouldn’t budge though :-).</p>
<p>I’m hoping he can get in the regular side of Ridgecrest South because that’s what he really wants. I guess we’ll see in a couple of weeks.</p>
<p>I do realize that $1000 a semester is a big chunk of change, but for many people, it is money well spent. For me, it’s always a toss up between Burke and Paty as to which one I should recommend. Keep in mind that Burke is only two stops away from the Biology Building if you take the Crimson Route. The only difference between the two Burkes that I can recall is that one has twin beds while the other has twin XL beds. </p>
<p>Byrd Hall used to be home of the Mallet Assembly until they moved to Palmer Hall. When Palmer Hall gets demolished, they will probably move back. Other than that, I don’t know much about it.</p>
<p>Paty was remodeled a short time ago and the rooms got new furniture.</p>
<p>For a student’s first year, picking one over the other may involve the consideration of the location of his course selections for his two semesters. For the first year, if his courses will be a lot of Core, then it may not make much of a difference.</p>
<p>However, if his goal is to do research with Dr. Caldwell and spend time in the Caldwell Lab, then being closer to that may be important.</p>
<p>Isnt the Biology Dept. now located in the new Science and Engineering Building? And I think the Geography Dept. has moved or will move to the Biology Building.</p>
<p>The way I understand it it would be $1400 more per SEMESTER or $3000 a year…can’t afford it. Also, my son WANTS to live in the traditional dorms. He feels like it is part of the whole college experience…and if he hates it he can move into the super suites the next year. We have two in college so YES money is a huge issue.</p>
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<p>Amen to that!</p>
<p>Paty is closer to Ferguson Center and Lakeside Dining Hall, but Burke is closer to the Quad (and has its own dining hall). Paty is closer to ten Hoor and Morgan halls (where a lot of liberal arts courses are taken). Paty is closer to the Quad.</p>
<p>Honestly, though, the walking distance between the two is at most 10 minutes. I don’t think that’s going to matter except in the matter of where his first class is going to be, and you’re not going to know that until registration.</p>
<p>Also, try Riverside North and Ridgecrest East. They’re non-honors dorm that are suite-style. </p>
<p>Yes the Biology Department is in the SEC.</p>
<p>Another thing to think about is that the food at the Burke Dining Hall is much better than the food at Lakeside. </p>
<p>Don’t worry about the walking distance because you will get accustomed to walking a lot.</p>
<p>What about a bike? Does anyone know anyone who has actually LIVED in either dorm. Seems like most on this site live in Suites. I noticed there is an aquatic center next to burke is that open for students or is it for athletics only?</p>
<p>The aquatic center is open for students.</p>
<p>University Recreation Aquatics Overview</p>
<p>The University of Alabama has four swimming pools located on campus to serve the students, faculty and staff of the University as well as the surrounding community. The Aquatic Center is home to the University of Alabama Swimming and Diving team and is complete with an Olympic pool and diving platforms. The Natatorium houses an 8 lane 25yd pool that is available in the morning and evenings for recreation swim. The Aquatic Center also has a 3,000 sq.ft weight room with free weights, Cybex Selectorized machines and cardio equipment. These facilities allow University Recreation to offer a variety of aquatic programming including: Swim lessons for all ages and abilities, lifeguard training, CPR/AED training, First Aid training, lifeguard instructor training, Masters Swimming, and Water Safety Instructor training.</p>
<p>[The</a> University of Alabama Student Recreation Center](<a href=“http://urec.ua.edu/aquatic_news.cfm]The”>http://urec.ua.edu/aquatic_news.cfm)</p>
<p>That might be the perfect location for my son as he is in weight training right now and he loves it. Also, he likes to do martial arts and swimming. Also, if the food is better that is a big incentive too! He can always ride a bike to classes.</p>
<p>The weight room at the Aquatic Center is a well-guarded secret among those in the know - it’s rarely ever crowded.</p>