Ahh college dorms. They represent freedom from parents, a new diet of dining hall food, and the reality that you will now be wearing flip flops while showering. Every dorm on IU’s campus has its perks, and while IU freshman can’t pick the specific dorm they want, they can rank which neighborhoods they would like to live in. Whether you’re an incoming freshman who wants to know more about the dorm neighborhoods at IU, or a current student who is looking to transfer; here are some of the details about what to expect at each of the dorms at IU:
Northwest Neighborhood:Briscoe– Newly renovated dorm and air conditioned. No dining hall or food options. Great if you don’t mind paying for the enhanced rate. Rooms are very nice and they offer suites where you can share a bathroom with the room next door. Briscoe has a workout center and they often offer lessons for residents to enjoy. It is a little far from classes, so the A bus will soon become your best friend.
McNutt– Largest dorm on campus. Air conditioned. Home to the McNutt C-store. Pretty solid dorm for the northwest area if you’re looking to pay standard price. Don’t find many people who complain. There is also a Kelley LLC for business majors. Only con I’ve heard is that it can be loud at night since McNutt is known to have lots of party goers.
Foster– Air conditioned. Standard cost. Northwest residents will frequent the Gresham (Gresh) dining hall here and crimson creamery which serves up some delicious HUGE scoops of ice cream which you can buy with meal points. Known for the Global Village LLC for international residents.
Crimson Creamery at Forest
Collins– No air conditioning. You must apply to be a resident of Collins because the dorm itself is a learning community. All residents must take a 3 credit class in Collins where topics range from edible plant identification to Harry Potter spell casting. Speaking of Harry Potter, Collins has the nickname Hogwarts because it is BEAUTIFUL. The building has gorgeous stone architecture that stands out from any other dorm on campus. Collins has the Cheshire Café as well as the Edmondson dining hall where you pay one price for buffet-style eating. Residents of Collins have a reputation of being artsy and hipster-ish. This dorm is also very friendly for LGBTQ students. The location of Woodland and Tenth also makes it pretty close to classes.
Nothwest overall– I would consider Northwest if you’re a Kelley or SPEA major because the dorms are very close to both schools. If partying is your thing, have northwest on your radar. There are also a ton of people in the Northwest neighborhood who rush.
Central Neighborhood:Wright– This was where I lived. No air conditioning. Cheapest dorm on campus. Home to the largest dining hall – the Wright dining hall. Also famous is the Wright C store which is open until midnight and serves addictive cookies. Wright is generally pretty close to classes and right next to the library which is good for late night study sessions. I lived in the “virgin vault” which was an all-girl section of Wright. This means cleaner bathrooms and was good because it eliminated the possibility of awkward hook ups between floor mates. But it also means no guy friends on our floor. Wright is OK in my opinion but it could use a renovation (especially the bathrooms).
Teter– Air conditioned. No dining hall but Wright is next door. Close to classes and generally people who live here love it. Home to the Teter Nest – which is a cool little computer lab area/lounge. Sometimes they even serve pancakes here at night free for residents. Teter (as well as McNutt and Forest) also have tutoring for math and a few other subjects available.
Eigenmann– Air conditioned. 14 stories high. No dining. Far from classes but the 9, 6, and D bus stop at it. Eigenmann has HUGE dorms that are probably twice the size of regular dorms. You can have a double or a triple room if you want two roommates at a lower cost.
Central Neighborhood overview– Central is generally close to classes and there are so many different types of people that live in central so there isn’t a specific stereotype.
Southeast Neighborhood:Read– No air conditioning. Home to the Bistro which sells waffles with ice cream (awesome), Mexican food, and subs. Read is unique with little bathrooms in between each room that have a toilet and sink affectionately referred to as “Johnettes”. Lots of Jacobs students go to Read because it is right across from the music school and they have music practice rooms in the basement. Read is also really close to classes and has a parking lot in front if you’re lucky enough to score a pass.
Forest– Air conditioned. The new Woodland dining hall is SO nice. There is also a little café area where you can buy mocha and Carmel frappuccinos with meal points. How awesome is that? Forest is also close to classes and right across from Mother Bear’s pizza.
Woodland dining hall at Forest
Rose – New dorm. Air conditioned. No dining. Really nice rooms if you don’t mind paying for enhanced living. Even the bike racks are fancy with overhead shading.
Southeast overview– Just as close to classes as central living. Great for music majors or if you’re taking lots of classes near third street. Lots of my closest friends lived in the South neighborhood, and from visiting their rooms, I almost wish I had lived there too because it really felt like a community.
No matter where you’re assigned, it is likely that you’ll find your own advantages to whatever dorm you live in this fall. Whether it’s the new friends you make on your floor, or the secret study spot you claim for your own, be excited to join your new home.
For more dorm advice check these out: