The class of 2029 gets a taste of the college scene, and after living on campus for almost a month, they share their thoughts. Like any new student living on campus, freshmen have been experiencing a bigger sense of independence. 

The freshman dorms offered at Rowan are Holly Pointe Commons, Mimosa, Evergreen, Mullica, Chestnut, Magnolia, and Willow Hall. Freshmen are also given the opportunity to select a roommate before moving into their assigned housing. 

As roommates have a great effect on how students settle into their on-campus experience, so does the overall environment of the building they live in. Holly Pointe is the university’s largest freshmen dorm and can house over 1,000 students. 

“I feel like, almost in the way Holly is designed, it’s easier to meet people as opposed to my dorm, where it may feel sectioned off. But with Holly, it’s kind of built in a line, so it’s way easier to meet people,” said Patrick Darius, a freshman information systems and analytics major. 

Many students pointed out that the freshman dorms have their differences, like how Holly Pointe is the only freshman dorm to have air conditioning, while Mimosa, Evergreen, Mullica, Chestnut, Magnolia, and Willow Hall do not. In a few of the freshmen dorms, some of them will come with a communal shower, while others have a bathroom within their suite. 

“When you’re not used to that, it’s kind of hard to share your space with the people on the same floor. I wish I could be able to have an apartment because of the bathrooms and the communal showers, I really don’t love that part. Other than that, I am very comfortable with where I am at,” said freshman Emilia Tello Sandoval. 

The use of communal showers has received mixed reviews, but some have no problem with the adjustment. 

“I don’t mind the bathrooms. The first night I was a little scared, but after a while you get used to it,” said freshman Danielle Hamilton. 

Part of the college experience includes the adjustment period that freshmen often go through. One of these changes is the elevated time many spend walking. Rowan is a walkable campus, but at times it can feel more convenient to live closer to a place you often go to. 

“I like my housing, but if I was going to change it, it would probably be to Mimosa, but it’s just because it’s closer to my teaching building,” said freshman Kamiya Gibson.

While some parts of the freshmen dorm differ from one another, many came back to the idea that it’s about making the most of your housing and helping to create an environment you want to live in.