As the summer sun sets and freshmen prepare to embark on their college journey, Syracuse University's on-campus housing options become a topic of much discussion. The Daily Orange has compiled a comprehensive guide to the various dorms, offering insights from past residents who have experienced these living spaces firsthand. From cozy suites to spacious halls, each dorm has its unique charm and challenges, making the decision to pack one's bags a bit more manageable.
A Dorm for Every Taste
Boland Hall: A peaceful haven for freshmen, Boland Hall offers spacious split doubles and singles, a decent dining hall, and a bistro that's occasionally open. However, laundry duties can be a three-hour affair, and the communal bathrooms might require some adjustment. The hallway's Living Learning Community adds a touch of community spirit.
Booth Hall: Booth Hall's two-person suites are cozy and comfortable, but the nearby hill can be a challenge in winter. The building's proximity to the dining hall and kitchen facilities on every floor make it a convenient choice. The communal bathrooms might seem daunting, but they're not as bad as rumored.
Brewster Hall: Brewster Hall, part of the BBB complex, is a social hub with a strong sense of community. The icy winter walks back to campus can be a challenge, but the spacious rooms and convenient location make up for it. The communal bathrooms and shared laundry room are minor drawbacks, but the people you meet will make the place memorable.
Brockway Hall: Brockway Hall, also part of the BBB complex, is a 30-person dorm with a convenient dining center. However, its location is a 15-minute hike to campus, and the air conditioning is a rare perk. The communal bathrooms and shared laundry room are areas for improvement.
Day Hall: Day Hall, with its underground passage to Graham Dining Center, offers great food options and a sense of community. The 15-minute walk to class might be a drawback, but the study rooms and renovated pod-style bathrooms make it a desirable choice. The Mount Olympus Lot view is a bonus for some.
DellPlain Hall: DellPlain Hall's prime location is ideal for freshmen, offering easy access to campus amenities. The spacious lounges and pod-style bathrooms are a plus, but the distance to other dorms can be a challenge for socializing. The rooms are average-sized, with standard closet and storage space.
Ernie Davis Hall: Ernie Davis Hall, named after a Syracuse football legend, is the epitome of SU's best dorm. With laundry rooms on each floor, its own dining center, and a gym, it offers unparalleled versatility. The only downside is the bathrooms, but the multiple options on each floor make it a minor issue. The stellar view of campus and the people you meet are the highlights.
Flint Hall: Flint Hall, located on Mount Olympus, offers a love-hate relationship with its residents. The 10-minute walk to campus is convenient, but the extreme weather conditions can be a challenge. The covered patio space and pod bathrooms make it generally likable, and the views of central New York are a bonus.
Haven Hall: Haven Hall, with an odd mix of freshmen and sophomores, can be challenging to find a community. The far distance to dining centers and the construction on Comstock Avenue are drawbacks. The location near academic buildings and the study lounge make it a viable choice, but the long walk to the Mount can be a pain in the snow.
Lawrinson Hall: Lawrinson Hall, with its penthouse and laundry on every floor, offers a luxurious experience. The pod bathrooms and split doubles provide privacy, and the common area with a pool and ping-pong table is a unique feature. The isolated location means a 10-minute walk to most classes, and the wind tunnel between Lawrinson and Sadler creates a colder winter experience.
Milton Hall: Milton Hall's fully furnished apartments are ideal for pregaming and studying, but the unreliable dryers and noisy late-night crowds can be a nuisance. The on-site gym is a plus, but the outrageous hours of operation make it less accessible. The beautiful views of campus and the private bathrooms are a luxury.
Oren Lyons Hall: Oren Lyons Hall, originally a sorority house, is a remote option with only three floors. The lack of a dining hall means a cold walk to Shaw or Ernie for meals. The dorm's proximity to Shaw Hall and its historical significance as a sorority house add a unique charm.
Riley Hall: Riley Hall, a repurposed Sheraton Hotel, offers a unique living experience with its own dining center and proximity to academic buildings. The rooms can be opened with an SUID card, and the split doubles are a plus. The Whitman School of Management and Newhouse School of Public Communications are nearby, making it a convenient choice for students.
Sadler Hall: Sadler Hall, with its honors program LLC and dining hall, offers a well-rounded experience. The food options might be the worst on campus, but the honors program and decent laundry room experience make up for it. The location is subpar, but the building's magic lies in the community of honors nerds.
Shaw Hall: Shaw Hall, with its polarizing location and serviceable dining hall, offers a balanced experience. The long trek to Newhouse or Falk for classes might be a challenge, but the proximity to fraternity row and the convenience of walking to Ernie in frigid temperatures make it a viable choice.
Skyhall I, II, and III: Skyhalls offer a quiet and private setting with spacious single rooms and built-in laundry. The commute to campus can be a pain due to the bus schedule, but the Goldstein Student Center and dining options make it a cozy home. The commute is a matter of commuting to campus if you don't have a car.
South Campus Apartment: South Campus apartments offer a taste of adult living with a bedroom and kitchen. The distance from Main Campus is a major drawback, but the apartments act as their own community. The tight bus schedule requires a well-planned schedule to make it to class and campus events.
Walnut Hall: Walnut Hall, the most underrated sophomore dorm, is cozy and reliable with a prime campus location. The four floors and approximately 60 residents make it less stressful to obtain, and the short walk to anywhere on campus is a bonus. The laundry machines are always available, and the location is convenient.
Washington Arms: Washington Arms, with its popcorn-style walls, might not be ideal for those who love wall art. However, the spacious rooms and private bathrooms make it a unique choice. The nearest dining center is a two-block walk, but the distance can seem much longer when hunger strikes.
Watson Hall: Watson Hall, with its near-perfect location, offers easy access to Bird, Schine, and the Ernie Davis Dining Center. The pod-style bathrooms and outdoor space are a plus, but the interior might be a B+. The location is a significant advantage, especially in the winter with snow on the ground every day.
