@off2co11ege Last year, it was Pollock - and only the Pollock dining hall was open. There may not be options but if you see “renovated dorm room”, then I would grab that because that will mean air conditioned.
Anyone have any personal experience with West Hall area dorms? Specifically Irvin Hall? More specifically the Earth and Mineral Science Special Living Option (SLO) in Irvin Hall?
We visited yesterday, but West was not part of the housing tour. So we did a self-guided tour of the area, including the commons. I really liked it and felt the area was very Ivy-esque,but also Ivy-old.
ETA: I found a quick little drone video of West Hall…
@STEM2017 West Halls is a beautiful area. Not a ton of freshmen live there compared to other areas - but lots of engineering and IST majors choose West due to it’s proximity to their classroom buildings. For upperclassmen that makes sense because they are in a lot of “major” classes. For a freshman it won’t matter as much because the gen ed classes will literally be all over campus. West Halls has good dining, and is beautiful.
Only two downsides I can think of for a freshman is that not a lot of freshmen live there and it’s far from Beaver Stadium (if that’s important), but otherwise, it’s a great dorm area with a beautiful setting.
Thanks @jlhpsu Not sure if this is mentioned earlier but here’s some data they gave us yesterday…
Freshmen per area:
East - 4,180
Pollock - 2,000
South - 850
North - 700
West - 500
So as you noted, West has the least freshman. But the EMS SLO in Irvin Hall sounded like something he might like.
how are the interiors of west Halls? dated?
West is not renovated although I think there are a few floors that have individual bathroom pods. Rooms in west are larger than other rooms on campus…some as big as 20x12 compared to average size of rooms in east, which are typically around 15.5x12. Personally, my kid preferred the renovated rooms of east…liking the comfort of newer bathrooms and AC over a few extra feet.
@HelenH 1. West halls are dated they are some of the oldest dorms. I would also state they are nice. The rooms are larger (although all dorm rooms are small).2. My daughter wanted the option of spending her 4 years on campus, so she chose an SLO that would give her that option. By September of Freshman year she knew that she wanted to live off campus (wants a kitchen- she likes to cook). She decided to stay on campus for Sophomore year because her location in West is central for all her classes and the gym is across the street, but will be moving off campus next year. 3. I know the #’s show that West does not have a lot of Freshman, but I think all the Freshman get to know each other.
I think the benefits of West Hall for my S are huge and far outweigh the negatives. He’s interested in the Earth and Mineral Sciences Special Living Option in Irvin Hall. As @skibunny2 mentioned, freshman will find each other, and there are 500 freshman in West area. The complex is very close to campus center, including the HUB, the library, many of the science buildings, and Rec Hall. S is a squash player and Rec Hall has 10 squash courts. When he discovered this, it was almost like a sign from above…squash courts are generally not easy to find. Waring Hall Commons are very nice. The lounge and computer labs were excellent. He has zero issues with the ‘dated’ state of the buildings. I think they are very charming and he knows that luxury will come someday when HE pays for it.
@jlhpsu Yes, S will be taking many GenEd classes first year but he will also be taking several classes specific to EMS and Meteorology which will be either in Walker or Deike - both these buildings are steps away from West.
Is Pollock (specifically Beaver) air conditioned?
@STEM2017 it is an incredibly great location. Her furthest class freshman year was Thomas which is not a far walk. Always goes back to her dorm during the day and only took buses to go to friends apartments that are really far away. The rec center is very convenient.
@LM3232 No beaver is not air-conditioned. D17 stayed there for summer session and it was unbearable to say the least…super hot. Unfortunately, the air-conditioned dorms were not offered to LEAP students. The air-conditioned spaces were for the students who attended non-leap classes.
@LM3232 If a kid has a medical reason (asthma, etc), they can request a room with a/c and the University will provide one (with documentation). Other than that, box window fans, personal fans will do the trick (or are the best option at least). Last summer, there were maybe 3 or 4 nights that were really hot. During those hot stretches, lots of kids spent extra time in the lounges (a/c) or in the library (a/c) or the Hub (a/c).
@lucyvanpelt @SAD1010 Was it bearable w/o during the year (fall/spring semester)? I won’t be going to the summer start. Which dorms in Pollock have air conditioning (if any)?
@LM3232 Definitely bearable during the year except for maybe the first week or two. I don’t think any dorms have air conditioning in Pollock…they are older dorms and arent scheduled for renovations for a few years.
Does anyone know if it’s worth it to live in honors housing. Is there a disadvantage from living in east instead of Atherton?
if you were accepted to Schreyers, you should consider honors housing, although it’s not required. PSU is huge, and many freshmen struggle with finding that smaller community. Living with others in Schreyers can help you feel less overwhelmed by the whole PSU experience. Atherton and Simmons (both dorms house honor kids) are nice but are not considered renovated like all the renovated dorms in east.
Atherton and Simmons are much closer to central campus and to town. Loading/unloading is easier. You are living with other Schreyer students so you are networking from the start, plus there is an assmption of common work ethic. Many of the special Schreyer programs are held in the common soaces at these halls. East is loud, crowded, chaotic, huge and on the edge of campus. No, they are not renovated but it’s not like you are living in a cardboard box there.
Oops! Ditto. Forgot to highlight how awesome location is. Couldn’t be better.
If a student applied to an SLO, there is a chance for 2-3 years on campus? Guaranteed?
Most interested in at least first two without a scramble to find off campus by September 2019 for sophomore year
Anyone know which slo for that?
My d has varied interests so many slo seem appealing
@ziveli513 , depends on SLO. Some are designated first year only. Wish my kid had stayed on campus one more year. Your “science” kid is going to have a full load with labs, so finding time to cook, clean, grocery shop, etc. (all with an apartment) can be a challenge. My kid ignored advice and did it anyway. Got caught up in the craze of apartment hunting.