Introduction
Hampshire College is a private liberal arts college in Amherst, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1965 and has a student body of around 1,200. One of the many unique aspects of Hampshire College is their housing system, which is centered around dorms. Students are required to live on campus for their first two years, and the dorms at Hampshire College offer a range of living options that cater to different needs and preferences. In this blog post, we will explore the various dorms at Hampshire College, what makes each one unique, and how they contribute to the overall student experience.
Traditional Dorms
The traditional dorms at Hampshire College are the most common housing option for first-year students. These dorms are located in the center of campus and offer double rooms with shared bathrooms on each floor. The rooms are basic but comfortable, with each student having a twin bed, desk, and closet. The shared bathrooms are cleaned regularly and are always stocked with toilet paper, soap, and other essentials.
Living in a traditional dorm is a great way to meet new people and get involved in campus life. The close proximity of the dorms means that students are always running into each other, and there are always events and activities happening in and around the dorms. The dorms also have resident advisors (RAs) who are there to help students with any issues they may have and to plan social events.
Mod Apartments
Mod apartments are a step up from traditional dorms and are a popular housing option for second-year students. These apartments are located on the outskirts of campus and offer more privacy and space than traditional dorms. Each apartment has two bedrooms, a bathroom, a living room, and a kitchenette. The bedrooms are shared between two students, while the living room and kitchenette are shared by all four roommates.
Living in a mod apartment is great for students who want a bit more independence and space. The apartments are quieter than the traditional dorms and offer a more home-like atmosphere. The kitchenette also allows students to cook their own meals, which can be a nice change from the dining hall food. However, the mod apartments are located further away from the center of campus, which can make it harder to stay involved in campus life.
En Suite Dorms
En suite dorms are a newer housing option at Hampshire College and offer the most privacy and space of any of the dorm options. Each room is a single and comes with a private bathroom. The dorms are located on the outskirts of campus, and each building has a common area where students can gather.
Living in an en suite dorm is ideal for students who value privacy and quiet study time. The private bathroom means that students don’t have to share with others, which can be a big plus for some. The single rooms also provide a space to retreat to when students need to focus on their work. However, the en suite dorms are also located further from the center of campus, which can make it harder to stay involved in campus life.
Cottage Housing
Cottage housing is a unique housing option at Hampshire College that offers a different type of community living. These cottages are small houses located on the outskirts of campus and offer a more independent living situation. Each cottage has four to six residents who share a living room, kitchen, and bathroom.
Living in a cottage is a great way to form a tight-knit community and to build relationships with your housemates. The independent living situation also allows for more freedom and flexibility in terms of how students want to live. However, the cottage housing option is limited, and students must apply and be selected to live in one of the cottages.
Special Interest Housing
Special interest housing is a unique housing option that allows students to live with others who share similar interests or identities. Hampshire College offers several different types of special interest housing options, including gender-neutral housing, quiet housing, international student housing, and substance-free housing.
Living in special interest housing is a great way to find a supportive community that shares your interests and values. It can also provide a safe and comfortable living situation for students who have specific needs or preferences. However, the availability of special interest housing is limited, and students must apply and be selected to live in one of these options.
Conclusion
The dorms at Hampshire College offer a range of living options that cater to different needs and preferences. From traditional dorms to cottage housing, each option provides a unique living situation that contributes to the overall student experience. Whether you value community living or independence, there is a housing option at Hampshire College that will fit your needs.
