Standing physically atop a hill overlooking much of Lower—but emotionally somewhere between the paradise of The Mods and the purgatory of Edmond’s—Ignacio, Rubenstein, Gabelli, Voute and 66 Comm. Ave. halls round out the housing pack.
Known for their unusual layout and attractive exposed-brick interior, Ignacio and Rubenstein halls (referred to as Iggy and Ruby, respectively) are popular apartment-style options for seniors, with a larger variety of amenities. All apartment-style accommodations include private bathrooms, living rooms, dining areas, and, unlike suite-style residences, full kitchens. The two buildings share an extremely similar layout, and both house 364 students, the large majority of whom are seniors.
Along with attractive interiors, perks of life in Iggy and Ruby include extremely close proximity to academic buildings, and a select few photogenic rooms that offer beautiful views of St. Mary’s Hall and Gasson Tower. Though it may lack the reputation of other buildings on campus, residents often note that life in Ruby and Iggy is better than many think.
“The thing about Iggy is that it may not have the backstory of The Mods or the reputation of Walsh, but it is easily the most convenient building,” Iggy resident Katie Carsky, MCAS ’16, said. “I can put my laundry in, go to O’Neill, run back to change to the dryer and go back to O’Neill with ease.”
Moving slightly north in the direction of the Career Center, one will find Gabelli and Voute halls sitting pleasantly side by side overlooking Comm. Ave. These buildings feature similar room layouts to Ruby and Iggy, with high ceilings and extremely large windows and common spaces. Gabelli and Voute residents often cite proximity to the T and main gate bus stop as major location perks.
In addition, the six-person suite living arrangement predominantly found in Iggy, Ruby, Gabelli, and Voute is also a favorite among residents, and, according to Carsky, it may be the perfectly tolerable number of roommates.
“You almost always have someone to hang out with,” Carsky explained, “but it’s never too much.”
Rounding out the pack of Lower-/ Middle-Campus housing options is the often-overlooked 66 Comm. Ave. Though laid out traditionally as opposed to suite- or apartment-style, 66 offers comfortable accommodations in an attractive brick building designated for sophomore honors students. Though the 233-person building is intended largely to house honors students, there remains a significant number of non-honors students, many of whom are overflow from the Walsh/Vandy/90 lottery.
“The Fishbowl Lounge,” a study lounge room enclosed by soundproof glass, is a favorite study spot among residents, who also note its location as ideal for Marathon Monday spectating.
Another point of pride among 66 residents is a recurring program appropriately entitled “Cookie Night,” in which the building’s resident minister provides homemade cookies for all residents on Wednesday nights.
Though many of these options are often viewed as second place to The Mods or Walsh, the perks are not to be underestimated. Location and cleanliness are just a few of the bright sides of living in the “second place” senior and sophomore housing options on Lower. All things considered, if you’re ever feeling down about your housing situation, remember—there’re lonely kids on Upper.
Featured Image by Julia Hopkins / Heights Editor
