Residence Life: Which is For You?
When I first came to Arcadia, I had no idea how much where I lived would shape my college experience. Over the years, I’ve lived in almost every type of housing the university offers: a traditional double residence hall, a single in Kistler, a single and a double in Knight (suite style), and now an apartment in Oak Summit. Each of these living arrangements came with its own set of pros and cons, and after moving so many times, I’ve developed a pretty good sense of what each one has to offer. Whether you’re someone who thrives on constant social energy or prefers quiet, personal space, there’s a housing option that can fit your vibe.
Traditional Double: The Classic First-Year Experience
My first year was spent in a traditional double. For many students, this is their introduction to college life: two people sharing one room, communal bathrooms down the hall, and a lot of late-night conversations with your roommate. The biggest pro of living in a traditional double is the built-in social scene. You’re never far from friends, and you end up meeting people just by hanging out in the hallway or brushing your teeth. The downside, of course, is the lack of privacy. If your roommate has a different sleep schedule or study habits than you, it can get tricky fast. But for many first-years, that tradeoff is worth the connections you make.
Triples: A Surprisingly Smooth Adjustment
Although I never lived in a triple myself, I talked with Izabella Gray, a first-year student majoring in International Relations, Diplomacy, and Law, who lives in a triple in Kistler Hall. “When I found out I was living in a triple, I was a little worried,” she told me. “Especially because I went random, so I was scared our personalities would clash.” But things turned out better than expected. Because Izabella and her roommates moved in on different days, the process went smoothly. “A usual day with my roommates is never boring, but it never feels cramped or overwhelming,” she said. Their scattered schedules help keep the space from feeling too crowded, and they’ve learned to share everything. “We all share each other’s space, and it works really well. We don’t really feel a need to have designated areas.” I was curious to know how she feels now about living in a triple. “Honestly, the best advice I can give is to not go in with a bad mindset,” she added. “It’s a big adjustment, but be open to it because it’s not as bad as you fear.”
Singles: Privacy and Independence
Later in my college career, I moved into a single in Kistler, and then a single in Knight Hall the next semester. Singles are great if you value your personal space. You can decorate however you like, work on your own schedule, and never worry about waking someone up. It’s also easier to decompress after a long day of classes when you can close the door and have the space entirely to yourself. The tradeoff? It can definitely get lonely. If you’re someone who needs a bit of background chatter or a roommate to pull you out of your shell, this might not be the best fit.
Suites: A Middle Ground
When I moved into Knight in a suite-style double, I found it to be an amazing middle ground between the bustle of communal living and the quiet of a single. You get more space and a semi-private bathroom, but still have suitemates to talk to. It’s less chaotic than traditional dorms, and having a living space separate from your bedroom can make a big difference. It gave me a sense of independence with my own living area and bathroom, without all the responsibilities of a full apartment. It does, however, require more coordination with suitemates around cleaning and responsibilities in those shared spaces.
Apartments: A Taste of Independence
Now, as a senior, I live in Oak Summit Apartments in a double room. This has been the most “adult” living situation I’ve had at Arcadia so far. Apartments offer the most privacy, your own kitchen and laundry, and a lot more freedom. It’s nice to have the independence to cook your own meals and set your own rules. At the same time, it’s definitely way more responsibility: cleaning, cooking, and even just getting to class can be a bit more difficult (even though it’s a very short walk). I do find sometimes that living in an apartment can feel more isolated than the dorms because I have to be more intentional about going to campus for events and staying connected to student life.
Finding the Right Fit
The biggest thing I’ve learned from living in so many different places is that there’s no one “best” housing option. It really depends on your personality and what kind of environment helps you thrive. Traditional dorms are perfect if you want to meet new people, triples can work surprisingly well if you keep an open mind, singles offer peace and quiet, suites give a nice balance, and apartments provide independence. If you’re an incoming first-year, try not to stress too much about where you’ll live. Each space has something valuable to offer, and your experience is what you make of it.
