<p>Sure! I honestly don’t have much else to be doing the rest of the summer, just anxiously waiting to get back on campus. And that is no lie, I promise. W&M Honor Code at work, perhaps? ;)</p>
<p>There are two freshman dorms that are most desirable at William and Mary and Barrett is one of them (DuPont the other). Barrett used to be an all girls dorm but has been co-ed for years. This past year, male residents were on the second floor while both wings of the first and third floors were female. Barrett is not air conditioned but residents can get window units if the get a doctor to sign off on it (because of allergies, asthma, or another medical condition). Rooms tend to be a bit on the narrow side, compared to others on campus, but the ceilings are quite high. Because of such, many residents end up bunking their beds—and comfortably! The student on the top bunk has enough room to sit up tall and still have at least 12 inches of space between their head and the ceiling. Some girls can nearly stand!</p>
<p>I’ve heard nothing but good things from those friends whom lived in Barrett. Of all the freshman dorms, I’d say that Barrett is the most centrally located. With two entrances/exits, one facing the back of Washington Hall and the other Landrum Drive, residents can take one to get to Old Campus and the other to get to New. To those in Barrett, Old Campus is but a 5 minute walk, if that, and New Campus a 10 (closer to 12 for to get to Morton Hall). </p>
<p>Downfall of Barrett’s location lies in its proximity to dining halls. The Caf is clear on the other side of campus near Botetourt and Yates. Sadler is across and down past the Sunken Gardens, maybe 7 minutes away. Barrett is at the corner of Landrum Dr and Jamestown road. Five minutes away from the dorm is the Marketplace dining center, which is not all you can eat like Sadler and the Caf but is still accepting of mealplans. The Marketplace is not open on weekends, to my knowledge.</p>
<p>Just as with Jefferson Basement, students are very close to the Sunken Gardens and all the events that occur there. Going down Landrum students can get to Swem Library to cram for an exam in a matter of minutes or travel instead down Jamestown Road to get to Colonial Williamsburg for a mind-clearing walk. Also like Jefferson Hall, residents of Barrett are far from the gym. I forgot to mention in my last post that a fair number of students like to run through CW, so there are still ways to get in your exercise without having to walk 15 minutes to the Rec. And with a bike getting to the Rec, or anywhere, can be accomplished in a very timely manner.</p>
<p>All freshmen at the College are offered great opportunities to interact with their hallmates and socialize. Barrett even held their own cotillion this past year! Because Barrett is medium-sized residents are able to make lasting relationships and new friendships at the same time. Just enough people to please those who enjoy small and large populations. </p>
<p>Barrett is also just a darn attractive looking place. Tour groups that take potential students through a dorm usually stop by Barrett (though DuPont is thrown into the mix, as well). </p>
<p>Good luck with your year, enjoy your experiences, and welcome! Go Tribe!</p>