Graphic by Yujin Kim/The Choate News
We’ve all heard the saying: it’s not what’s on the outside that counts, but what’s on the inside. Never has this statement been more true than with Spencer House, the best dorm on campus.
Is it too obvious to say that Spencer does not have a reputation as one of the nicer dormitories on campus? Originally built as a temporary living space in 1962, it lacks certain modern amenities that make for gracious campus living. When selecting dormitories for the yearly housing lottery, students will put down all kinds of dorms to avoid getting placed in Spencer (Logan Munroe? Atwater? Really?). Up until this year, Gold Key tours have even been told to avoid Spencer at all costs — Oh, they’ll miss seeing half the campus? As long as they don’t discover that students actually live in Spencer.
Although Spencer is looked down upon by the majority of students on campus, the dorm has a distinct aura — one that is appreciated by its inhabitants. Over the course of its 60 years on campus, Spencer has transformed from a once overlooked dorm into a bastion of friendship and auspicious living. What we — I and my 21 dorm mates — lack in accessories, we make up for with heart and camaraderie. Allow me to share with you some of the great things about Spencer.
The first amazing thing about Spencer is its design, perfect for fostering community building and conversation. The building layout is symmetrical, with the common rooms placed directly in the middle of the dormitory, so you can’t go to your room without being sucked into whatever mayhem is going on in those spaces. The lack of soundproofing also contributes to the community feel — even if you’ve locked yourself in your room and are simply trying to have a relaxing night, you still get to (or are forced to) participate in the conversation going on in the common room. Just ask resident advisers Mr. Charlie Fuentes or Mr. Pat Guelakis, and you will be sure to hear about the frequent deep and thought-provoking conversations that continue until 2:30 a.m.
The second reason Spencer is such a wonderful dorm is the unique design of the windows. While in many other dorms, you can expect a prison cell window — only getting a small amount of natural light — Spencer’s windows take up half the wall, ensuring that you have less space for decoration (saving money!) and more space for sunlight. It also ensures that you never miss out on the piercing glare of anyone walking by your dorm. Who doesn’t love people attentively watching them as they do their homework?
Spencer’s location is another major benefit of the dorm. While other dorms are situated close to important buildings, Spencer is conveniently located far from everything. Want to go to the WJAC? Not a problem — if you’re willing to walk 30 minutes. The Humanities building? Might as well call an Uber. So, why would you live in Hill House, where the only things you can easily access are the dining hall, the Tuck Shop, study rooms, game rooms, and academic buildings, when you can live in Spencer and have quick and easy access to the empty, and mysterious, former Student Activities Center?
So, enough with the slander of Spencer. Start to embrace the unique gifts that the dorm has to offer. Put it at the top of your dorm lottery ticket. Come and visit every once in a while. Next time someone tells you they live in Spencer, don’t offer your condolences — congratulate them on their living space fit for a king. And start proudly telling prospective families when they approach the dingy, box-shaped dorm: “This is Spencer, the best dorm on campus.”
