2008 Woodie Awards
Smith housing ranked first in nation
Leighanne Noonan
Issue date: 9/14/06 Section: News
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Smith residents are living the luxurious life, according to the Princeton Review. The organization's recent edition of Best Northeastern Colleges ranked Smith number one for on-campus living. With "dorms like palaces," Smith students enjoy some of the best residences for students in the nation.
The size of the rooms, the overall sense of community and the distinct character of each house places Smith as the country's leader. The school recognizes the individuality of its on-campus housing. Even the term "house" has specific meaning for the student body. According to the style guide, released by the Office of College Relations, the word "house" is "a Smith-specific term for a student residence building; not dorm."
The Smith campus has approximately 35 houses ranging, according to the Smith website, "in style from modern gothic to classic revival." These residences are spread across campus towards the center of Northampton and vary in their occupancy. A student could have as little as 10 or as many as 100 housemates. Entering students at Smith are usually placed in a double room. There are few triple rooms on campus and singles are often available to those who want them by sophomore year.
Diversity is an important part of life at Smith. As the website says, "students come from varied backgrounds and the houses provide unique opportunities for students to learn about each other's experiences." New students which include first-year students, transfers and exchange students are welcomed by veterans and do not remain isolated within their own class. Students from all four classes live in most of Smith's houses. According to Sarah Leslie '09 this system is effective. With classes intermingled, "You are integrated into the institution faster and there is always someone to go to for advice," said Leslie.
Each house has a common living room where students can interact and socialize in groups or meet new housemates. Approximately 15 dining rooms are maintained within the houses on campus, providing an even greater feeling of a home.
The size of the rooms, the overall sense of community and the distinct character of each house places Smith as the country's leader. The school recognizes the individuality of its on-campus housing. Even the term "house" has specific meaning for the student body. According to the style guide, released by the Office of College Relations, the word "house" is "a Smith-specific term for a student residence building; not dorm."
The Smith campus has approximately 35 houses ranging, according to the Smith website, "in style from modern gothic to classic revival." These residences are spread across campus towards the center of Northampton and vary in their occupancy. A student could have as little as 10 or as many as 100 housemates. Entering students at Smith are usually placed in a double room. There are few triple rooms on campus and singles are often available to those who want them by sophomore year.
Diversity is an important part of life at Smith. As the website says, "students come from varied backgrounds and the houses provide unique opportunities for students to learn about each other's experiences." New students which include first-year students, transfers and exchange students are welcomed by veterans and do not remain isolated within their own class. Students from all four classes live in most of Smith's houses. According to Sarah Leslie '09 this system is effective. With classes intermingled, "You are integrated into the institution faster and there is always someone to go to for advice," said Leslie.
Each house has a common living room where students can interact and socialize in groups or meet new housemates. Approximately 15 dining rooms are maintained within the houses on campus, providing an even greater feeling of a home.
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