A Guide to Living in the Commonwealth Honors College Residential Community (CHCRC)

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Oftentimes, when I tell others on campus that I live in Honors, I receive what some may describe as jealous looks. Granted, I understand the reasons behind the “looks”. We have A/C, the best amenities and the most modern look on campus. Finished in 2013, the Commonwealth Honors College Residential Community is the newest residential community on campus. For those interested in living at CHCRC, this is a guide to what you can expect.

Freshman Dorms (Oak/Sycamore)

The freshman dorms located in CHCRC were jarring to walk into as an incoming freshman. For years, the going knowledge I had of college dormitories was one of crumbling infrastructure, environments that can be described as biohazards, and shared bathrooms. Two of my previously held assumptions were shattered as we toured the dorms. The space was clean and modern, not the dilapidated mess I had expected. However, I did have to deal with the shared bathrooms. I lived in Sycamore Hall my freshman year. Given their similarities, I will discuss both Oak and Sycamore as one. 

Each floor features a lounge —ideal for making friends and playing games!

As you enter both halls, you are greeted by the community lounge, which hosts many activities and games like ping pong and foosball, as well as a communal television set. Depending on the building, laundry rooms are located on specific floors, along with small kitchenettes.  As you work your way up, each floor is lined with mostly double rooms, with a few singles sprinkled throughout. Each floor has its own lounge with a television, the perfect place to create friendships or watch football with your new fantasy football buddies. I have fond memories of the floor four common area. I am reminded of a secret Santa I hosted with a few friends on floor four, where I received a vinyl copy of Wings’ “Band on the Run”. You and your roommate will share a room that comes with a desk, cabinets, a bed, and wastebaskets. This is where you can make your own space. Hang up your favorite posters, put up those LED lights, or do as me and my roommate did - create a shrine for a little alien toy you found in a chocolate egg. This is your space; do with it as you please!

Multi-year Dorms (Elm, Maple, Linden, Birch)

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The ping-pong table at Birch Hall

Given the standard set my freshman year, I was expecting nothing less from the multi-year CHC dorms. Those expectations were met, and I get to write this in the comfort of my air-conditioned room under the covers. Each multi-year hall has a mixture of suites and apartments, with both double and single rooms. Each suite or apartment has its own bathroom, which students are responsible for cleaning - a change from what I had come to take for granted in Sycamore. 

Taking care of myself and my apartment aside, there is an added bonus. Each apartment has a spacious kitchenette, furnished with a stove, microwave, oven, sink and full-size fridge. Recently, I had a turkey avocado melt at a friend’s apartment, courtesy of the stove provided. Like in the first-year dorms, laundry is provided on specific floors, depending on which building you are in. There are also community lounges located at the entrances to each building. My building, Birch, has a foosball and ping-pong table, and a communal television set!

CHCRC Building

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The Honors Hub: a space for students to unwind and focus, all with a view of the CHCRC!

Located at the heart of Honors, the CHCRC building hosts everything needed for your success at CHC. On the ground floor, you can find Roots Cafe, serving their famous breakfast in the morning and quesadillas for lunch. If you find yourself locked out of your room as I did this week, you’ll discover that the CHC Residential Service Desk, located a little past Roots, provides students with the whole litany of services needed while living at Honors, including key replacements. Also located on the ground floor is the CHC Events Hall, which is open to campus groups. This large space hosts many events, such as the CHC Formal and scholarship ceremonies, among others. Work your way upstairs and you will find the CHC staff and administration offices. Here, students can find the support services needed for all things CHC, including advising and much more. Hidden on this floor is the Honors Hub, a room for students to decompress and focus on their tasks, all while enjoying a view of the CHCRC.