Hill House: If you live here, you are in the center of it all. Want to get a quick snack at the Tuck Shop? Just walk down a flight of stairs. Want some quiet time to study? Turn in the other direction, and the library is right in front of you. Newly renovated this year, Hill House features fingerprint locks, solitary bathrooms, double shower curtains, and a clean white-walled aesthetic. As the first co-ed dorm on campus, Hill hosts two separate wings, each complete with its own miniature common room, plus two main common rooms and many private bathrooms.
Clinton Knight: Although this small, gray-roofed house may not seem so appealing at first glance, Clinton Knight certainly has its perks. Situated in one of the most convenient locations on campus, it neighbors Lanphier Center, the Carl C. Icahn Science Center (CISC), the Paul Mellon Arts Center (PMAC), Colony Hall, as well as the Worthington Johnson Athletics Center (WJAC). It also has its own washing machines and a ping-pong table, a necessary accessory in every home.
Tenney: Don’t come to Tenney unless you really, really enjoy long walks or grinding it out at the gym. This two-story, double common room boys’ dorm is surrounded by athletic fields and, well, other dorms. Twin to Bernhard, Tenney can house forty or so residents within its wide walkways, high-ceilinged common rooms, and sizable rooms. On the not-so-plus side, don’t expect to be able to sneak back for a quick nap during your free blocks — you will likely spend half that time on the run.
Memorial House: As the grandest of ‘em all, Memorial is a four-story building that can house up to 70 students — the perfect home for party animals. However, this can also pose a problem to those who might want to grind out some school work in the middle of the night. With that being said, the best part of all has to be that this dorm has its very own mini terrace and private garden. Perhaps with the peeking buds of spring, residents may be able to enjoy a game or two in the green outdoors.
Archbold: If you are a Lanphier Cafe regular and hate waking up early, you’ve found your home. Situated in the heart of campus, Archbold grants its residents the privilege of sleeping in and waking up every day to some well-made coffee. If you live here, you’ll never have to worry about sprinting to class in the morning — unless you, unfortunately, have a humanities or language class first. Living on top of the Admission Office, Archbolders also have the privilege of enjoying the best view on campus — two ponds of glittering blue water occasionally greeted by the family of ducks.
Woodhouse: Though not the most impressive in design, this dorm will grant you access to the most important places on campus: the Student Activities Center (SAC), the dining hall, and the health center. Despite its relatively small size, Woodhouse’s coziness and homeliness are unmatched. Housing just over a dozen students, this is the place to be for those who enjoy some quality bonding time.
Squire Stanley: If you’re a history buff or a sucker for a 1700s aesthetic, Squire is the place for you. George Washington took tea in Squire (or The Red House as it was known at the time) when he was passing through Wallingford during the Revolutionary War. So, basically, every time you boil water to make ramen, you’ll be following in the footsteps of one of our nation’s founding fathers!
Bernhard: This large, stately dorm is situated perfectly between the Hill House complex and the WJAC, making it the choice for avid athletes. Be prepared, however, for some grueling 8 a.m. walks up the hill if you’re a humanities buff. Soho, as it is colloquially referred to, boasts sizable rooms and wide, comfortable hallways that serve as the perfect space for mingling with dormmates or prefects.
Library: Library, or Lib, is positioned right in the main hub of campus — only three floors above the ground. Look on the bright side: every day is leg day for Lib residents! This mid-sized dorm strikes the perfect balance for those who enjoy a vibrant social scene but also occasionally need moments to themselves. Its maze-like layout is confusing to visitors but has a haunted mansion-esque charm. Unfortunately, all 30 residents have to share one bathroom; but, this is more than made up for by the two fridges they can enjoy!
Combination: From the outside, Combination appears to be a typical Connecticut single-family home, perfect for homebodies who are thrown off by the overbearing feeling of typical dorms. Although Combination has no singles, its ten or so residents enjoy uber-large rooms, complete with real closets. Gone are the days of stuffing clothes into drab wooden wardrobes and suitcases under your twin XL bed! The common room, though small, contains a brick fireplace complete with a wooden mantlepiece — does it get any more idyllic than that?
McCook: For STEM-oriented folks, McCook arguably has the best location of any dorm: the CISC and Lanphier are both within earshot. The PMAC, Colony Hall, and the WJAC are also within close proximity. The astoundingly tall trees around this building give it the feeling of a fairy tale cottage, complete with a door that opens to a pond with a waterfall. In McCook, rooms wrap around the central common rooms, which are often bustling with activity.
West Wing: West Wing is a foodie’s dream: it could not be any closer to the dining hall. You’ll be transported back to when you were in elementary school, walking down the stairs to your kitchen after your alarm clock goes off, with a bowl of cereal waiting for you on the counter. Be sure to get lots of cuddles with Simon, the mini Australian Shepherd puppy who calls this wonderful dorm home.
